Tag Archives: 2013

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable sets of the modern era. Released in early 2013, this flagship set from Topps features current players, prospects, and rookies from the 2012 MLB season. While the base cards in the set hold little monetary value a decade later, there are several chase cards and parallels that have increased significantly in worth. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 2013 Topps cards that are worth money for collectors today.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2013 Topps set is that of Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper was selected first overall in the 2010 draft and made his MLB debut in 2012 at just 19 years old. He immediately made an impact by winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. Harper’s base rookie card from the 2013 Topps set in a PSA 10 gem mint condition is currently selling for around $400-500. Autograph and memorabilia cards of Harper’s rookie season have increased even more in value, with some parallels and serially numbered patches reaching up to $2,000-$3,000 in top grades.

Another popular rookie card is that of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who had established himself as one of the game’s elite starters by 2013. Kershaw’s base rookie in a PSA 10 can be acquired for $150-200. His autographs and memorabilia from 2013 Topps have appreciably higher valuations, breaking the $1,000 mark for scarce serially numbered versions. Fellow Dodger pitcher Zack Greinke also has an intriguing rookie from this set worth seeking out, with PSA 10s selling in the $70-100 range after Greinke won the AL Cy Young award in 2009.

Veteran superstars with sustained excellence, like Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, also hold valued cards from 2013 Topps. Ortiz was in the midst of his late career renaissance, and his base card in a PSA 10 gem condition can sell for $50-75 based on his iconic status. Autographs and memorabilia have multiplied in price proportionally. Fellow respected vets such as Ichiro Suzuki, Adrian Beltre, and Albert Pujols have cards from this set retaining interest and value near the $25-40 range for top grades.

Some of the most valuable parallels showcase rare manufacturing variants that are specially serial numbered. The ultra-short printed 2013 Topps Tek gold parallel cards number to only 10 copies each and command premiums. A Mike Trout Tek gold freshly pulled would sell for around $800-1,000 raw at auction. Graded PSA 10 examples escalate past $2,000 each. Other scarce parallel subsets like Red Hot parallels (/#50) and Green Shimmer parallels (/#99) also carry heightened values versus standard issue cards. Even base parallels like Black (/#333) and Gold (/#787) can realize over $50 a piece in pristine condition.

Approximately a decade after its original release, the 2013 Topps baseball card set remains a lucrative collecting and investing opportunity due to its intriguing mixture of star rookies, proven veterans, and limited insertion chase cards. While common base cards hold little secondary market worth on their own in 2023, the premium parallels and especially the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Harper and Kershaw ensure this set stays an enlivened component of the modern collecting sphere moving forward. For savvy vintage sports card speculators, cherry-picking valuable 2013 Topps rookie parallels and autographs represent an intriguing avenue to unearth mounting returns.

2013 TOPPS CHASING HISTORY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Topps Chasing History baseball card set celebrated significant milestones and accomplishments in Major League Baseball history. The base set included 330 cards focusing on iconic players, teams, records and moments. Some of the biggest legends of the game were featured prominently in this nostalgic and retrospective collection.

Topps’ designing concept for Chasing History was to pay tribute to baseball’s storied past. Each card depicted important statistical or historical achievements along with classicTopps design elements from the 1950s and 60s. Vintage coloring, font styles and imagery transported collectors back to the earliest days of the baseball card hobby. Some consider these retro design touches to be Topps’ most successful attempt to accurately capture the authentic nostalgia and aura of cards from the early ages of Topps sets.

Several subset categories were included to highlight baseball’s greatest players and their march up the all-time leaderboards. “Chasing 3000 Hits” featured cards for players nearing or having surpassed the elusive 3,000 hit milestone. Legends like Derek Jeter, Ichiro Suzuki and Adrian Beltre were depicted. “Chasing Home Run History” showed sluggers chasing the all-time home run records of Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. Cards for Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and David Ortiz were included here.

“Chasing Pitching Perfection” honored hurlers who flirted with or achieved no-hitters and perfect games. Cards for Philip Humber, Matt Cain, R.A. Dickey and Justin Verlander made up this subset. “Chasing Hitting Feats” paid tribute to offensive achievements like Carl Yastrzemski’s 1967 Triple Crown season and Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. Icons Ken Griffey Jr., Tony Gwynn and Robin Yount were featured as well.

The set also included “Franchise Greats” subset cards honoring the all-time best players in the history of individual MLB franchises. Legends like Cal Ripken Jr. for the Orioles, Ernie Banks for the Cubs and Mickey Mantle for the Yankees led this category. A “Curses and Comebacks” subset recalled famous championship droughts snapped by the Red Sox in 2004 and Cubs in 2016.

Chasing History incorporated several innovative inserts at the high-end of the product as well. “Then and Now” paralleled photos of players from earlier in their careers side-by-side with more recent images. A “Hitting Milestones” insert spotlighted singular career accomplishments by all-time batting leaders like Pete Rose, Ty Cobb and Hank Aaron.

An “Icons” parallel insert set featured parallels focused on stars like Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver. Autograph and memorabilia cards of modern stars and vintage players added tremendous value and collector appeal to Chasing History hobby boxes as well. Box toppers in the form of 5×7 photo variations provided random splash hits as a bonus.

The 2013 Topps Chasing History baseball card set succeeded wildly in its goal of honoring baseball lore and heritage. Featuring a who’s who of MLB immortals both past and present, the retro design aesthetic struck a major nostalgic chord with collectors. Even if they missed the actual baseball card era of the 1950s-60s that Topps emulated, fans could appreciate and connect with history through Chasing History. Its curated spotlighting of milestones, talent and folklore made the collection a fun educational romp down memory lane as well. For these reasons, Chasing History endures today as one of the most beloved modern issues from the venerable Topps brand.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2013

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The 2013 baseball card season featured some of the top rookies and stars in the game gracing the cardboard. While every year sees new and exciting players join the ranks, 2013 stood out as a memorable year for the hobby. From rookies who would go on to immediate stardom to veteran greats chasing milestones, here are some of the best and most valuable baseball cards released in 2013 sets.

Mike Trout 2012 Topps Update Series RC (Bowman Chrome RC in 2011)

Even a year after his true rookie card debut, Mike Trout was still one of the hottest names in baseball cards. Coming off a record-setting rookie campaign in 2012 that saw him win the AL Rookie of the Year and finish second in MVP voting, Trout was poised to become the new face of the league. His 2012 Topps Update Series rookie card remained highly sought after, with the base card selling in the $50-100 range at the time and parallels and autographs commanding far more. Trout would go on to win the AL MVP in 2013 and cement his status as a true superstar, making his rookie cards some of the best long-term holdings from the year.

Bryce Harper 2012 Topps Update Series RC

Like Trout the year before, Bryce Harper’s rookie season in 2012 was so impressive that his true rookie card was still a big hit over a year later in packs. Fresh off finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting and helping lead the Nationals to the postseason, Harper was already establishing himself as a budding star. His base 2012 Topps Update Series RC sold for around $30-50, with parallels and autographs reaching the triple-digit price range. Harper went on to have another excellent season in 2013, making his rookie card from the year a strong early investment.

Manny Machado Bowman Chrome RC

The Orioles’ Manny Machado had a breakout season in 2012 after being called up midway through, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His rookie cards from 2012 sets were hot, but collectors were eager to get their hands on his true first-year card from 2013 Bowman and Bowman Chrome. The base Bowman Chrome RC sold in the $50-100 range, with colored parallels and autographs reaching much higher prices. Machado established himself as a budding superstar third baseman in 2013, making his rookie cards some of the strongest long-term holdings from packs that year.

Yu Darvish 2012 Topps Finest Refractor RC

One of the most visually striking rookie cards released in 2013 sets was Yu Darvish’s refractor from 2012 Topps Finest. As one of the most hyped international signings in baseball history, Darvish’s rookie cards were in high demand in his first true MLB season of 2012. While his base rookies sold for $10-20, the Finest refractors reached the $100-200 range due to their rarity, colorful design, and Darvish’s early success establishing himself as an ace. He continued pitching like an elite starter in 2013, making his 2012 rookie cards some of the smartest specs from packs that year.

Matt Harvey Bowman Chrome RC

After making his debut in 2012 and showcasing dominant stuff right away, Mets flamethrower Matt Harvey was one of the most hyped young pitchers entering 2013. Collectors were eager to grab his true rookie card from 2013 Bowman and Bowman Chrome, with the base Chrome selling in the $50-100 range initially. Harvey seemed poised for stardom and didn’t disappoint in 2013, making his rookie cards some of the strongest long-term holds. While injuries would later derail his career, for a time Harvey looked like he could develop into an ace for years.

Wil Myers 2012 Bowman Chrome RC

Though he didn’t make his MLB debut until 2013, Wil Myers’ prospect pedigree and stats in the minors made his 2012 Bowman Chrome rookie one of the most coveted rookie cards entering 2013. As he was traded from the Royals to the Rays and prepared for his first full season, the hype around Myers was sky high. His base Bowman Chrome RC sold for $50-100 initially, with colored parallels reaching much higher prices. Myers went on to win 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, making his rookie card an excellent early investment and one of the top cards to grab from packs that year.

Mike Trout 2013 Topps Update RC Variation

While Trout collectors had chased his true rookie cards for years at this point, 2013 saw Topps release a popular variation of his standard rookie card. The “baseball bat” variation pictured Trout swinging instead of standing at the plate as on the base card. Available as an insert in 2013 Topps Update Series hobby boxes, the card captured collectors’ attention. Priced around $50-100 initially for the base version, it became a popular parallel and insert to chase that year. Any new Trout card was a hit with collectors.

Miguel Cabrera 2012 Topps Finest Refractor

As Miguel Cabrera closed in on a potentially historic Triple Crown season in 2012, collectors were after any shiny parallels or inserts featuring the Tigers’ superstar slugger. One of the most visually striking from 2013 releases was Cabrera’s refractor from 2012 Topps Finest, with its colorful design. With Cabrera fresh off winning back-to-back MVPs and in pursuit of a third, these were hot cards at the time, priced around $50-100 for the base refractor. He would go on to complete the Triple Crown, making any 2012 Cabrera cards great long-term investments.

Andrew McCutchen 2012 Topps Finest Refractor

Along with Cabrera, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was another MVP contender generating lots of hobby attention in 2013. Known for his flashy plays and big offensive numbers, “Cutch” was a highlight on 2012 Topps Finest refractors. With his breakout season fresh in collectors’ minds, these colorful parallel RCs sold for $50-100 initially. McCutchen would finish third in 2012 NL MVP voting and was one of baseball’s brightest young stars on the rise. His rookie cards remained hot investments throughout 2013 pack releases and beyond.

This covers some of the most noteworthy and valuable rookie cards, parallels, and stars from 2013 baseball card releases. With rookies like Trout, Harper, and Machado already emerging as superstars while young talents like Harvey, Myers and Darvish broke out, 2013 had no shortage of future hobby legends on the cardboard. For savvy collectors, grabbing these players’ rookie cards and top parallels during their release year proved to be wise long-term investments. The 2013 season truly had some of the best cards for building baseball collections.

2013 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2013 Topps Chrome Baseball card set was released in August 2013 and features high-gloss chrome variations of each player in the standard 2013 Topps Baseball card set. As with all Chrome variations, the focus is on enhancing the already sharp photography with striking refractory colors that pop off the card. The design is relatively simple but highly effective at showcasing each player. Given the iconic nature of Topps Chrome within the industry and hobby, the 2013 edition remains a popular and valuable modern release among today’s collectors.

One of the keys to any set’s long-term value is the quality and significance of the rookie cards and prospects featured. The 2013 Topps Chrome set is especially noteworthy in this regard, headlined by one of the true superstar talents of his generation in Mike Trout. Trout’s impressive career was already underway by 2013 after claiming ROY honors in 2012, and his Chrome rookie remains a highly sought after and valuable card today. In high grade PSA 10 condition, Trout’s 2013 Topps Chrome rookie has sold for over $1000 individually on the secondary market. Similarly, other top prospects like Jurickson Profar, Xander Bogaerts, and Shelby Miller enjoyed strong early MLB success and their rookie cards maintain substantial value as a result.

Beyond rookies, the chase for star veterans remains an integral part of the Chrome experience. Iconic players consistently move product, and stars of the day like Miguel Cabrera, Andrew McCutchen, Clayton Kershaw, and Evan Longoria anchor the checklist. Their base rookies can be acquired for under $10 each, but high-end parallels and autographs command prices upwards of $100 due to locked-in demand. The design also highlights breakout candidates on the cusp like Freddie Freeman, Gerrit Cole, and Jake Arrieta, who have since blossomed into established names. Keys to any set, these factors ensure the 2013 edition remains a mainstay.

When examining value, one must also account for the integral role parallels and inserts play in heightening collector interest. Topps Chrome possesses an extremely collector-friendly parallel structure with numerous color and parallel category options. This creates a fun layer of complexity that increases card availability across different collector budgets and interests. Key parallels for 2013 include the traded versions, Blue Refractors (#/150), Gold Refractors (#/50), and 1-of-1 White Refractors. These scarcer parallel categories often yield 4-figure prices for star players.

The 2013 Topps Chrome baseball card set included various highly sought after insert sets. Arguably the most valuable was the 9-card Mike Trout Rainbow Foil Refractor Parallel set, with each numbered to /5 copies. Individual cards from this ultra-rare mini-set routinely sell for $500-1000+, whether raw or graded. Other valuable inserts include Top Prospects, All-Star Cards, Printing Plates, and Mini Mask Sets. These specialty cards provide collector angles beyond the base checklist and drive substantial interest in the product overall.

When accounting for all these factors – the star rookies, veterans, parallels, and inserts – it’s easy to see why the 2013 Topps Chrome baseball set has aged so well and remains a cornerstone of the modern collecting landscape nearly a decade later. While basic base cards can be obtained relatively affordably, the true high-end materials continue to excite the market. Even now, a PSA 10 Mike Trout Rainbow Refractor sells for over $10,000. For collectors, it underscores why Chrome has become a mainstream flagship that maintains relevancy and desirability across formats and generations. The combination of iconic licensed product, stunning photography, and collecting angles for all budgets creates a release collectors will continue breaking and collecting for years to come.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2013

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Topps baseball cards are among the most recognizable and collected trading cards in the world. Each year since 1952 Topps has produced a new set of cards for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. The 2013 Topps baseball card set had its usual vast array of cards focused on players, teams, and stats from the previous season. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable aspects and cards from the 2013 Topps flagship baseball release.

The 2013 Topps set continued Topps’ long tradition of cards in the standard design format – a front photo with stats/info on the back. The main set contained 108 total cards in Series 1, 66 in Series 2, and 61 in the All-Star subset for a total of 235 cards in the base set. Topps also produced additional inserts, parallels, variations, and short prints beyond the standard issue cards. Some of the insert subsets included Topps Greats remembering past stars, Topps Legends focusing on retired players, and Topps HeroicMoments depicting iconic playoff performances. Topps also offered “Hit Parade” and “Turn Back The Clock” inserts showcasing career hit milestones and retro uniform designs respectively.

In terms of parallels and variations, Topps produced several versions of cards with different coloring/designs including Gold, Silver, Refractors, Rainbow Foil, and Allen & Ginter style parchment versions. Short prints were also a big part of the set, with several highly sought after stars and rookies only appearing in very limited numbers. Some of the most notable short prints included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado who all had true rookie cards only available in the short printed versions. Topps also paid tribute to retired stars like Barry Larkin who returned for one final card appearance in the 2013 set.

Individual cards that stood out included any cards featuring the star rookies who made an impact in 2012 like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado. Trout’s main base card showed him mid-swing with stats from his incredible rookie season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting. Bryce Harper’s powerful swing was depicted on his base card while batting right handed alongside stats from his NL Rookie of the Year campaign. Manny Machado seemed poised to break out after playing superb defense at third base as a call up late in 2012, highlighted on his base issue card.

Veteran superstars were also represented, including the typically smiling face of Albert Pujols on his Angels card after signing a massive free agent deal. Mariano Rivera, arguably the greatest closer of all time, received a classy send off on his final Topps card appearance in pinstripes. Other stars like Miguel Cabrera after winning the first Triple Crown in 45 years, Buster Posey following his second straight World Series title, and Mike Trout topping the 2013 All-Star fan voting all had defining cards. International stars like Yoenis Cespedes also made their Topps debut after defecting from Cuba.

In terms of team cards, Topps paid tribute to recent champions like the 2012 World Series winning San Francisco Giants as well as long suffering franchises on the rise like the Baltimore Orioles after snapping their lengthy playoff drought. Topps also produced subsets highlighting each MLB team with cards of franchise greats, current stars, and classic uniforms through their history. Update sets later in the year caught roster changes and mid-season trades like the blockbuster deal sending Justin Upton to Atlanta.

As with any highly collectible set, there was no shortage of 2013 Topps base cards as well as scarce parallels and inserts on the secondary market. Cards of new stars, legends, and teams still retained high values for collectors and investors. The 2013 Topps set demonstrated the enduring appeal of the classic Topps design while spotlighting many of the MLB’s most memorable performances and personalities from the previous season. With over 70 years of history, Topps baseball cards continued their tradition as the most prized trading cards in the hobby through another highly successful release.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Topps baseball card collection was one of the most highly anticipated card releases of the year. Topps is considered the leading brand in the baseball card industry, holding exclusive Major League Baseball licensing rights, so each new year’s Topps set is highly coveted by collectors both young and old.

Some of the key features of the 2013 Topps base card collection included 514 total base cards spanning all 30 Major League teams. The design featured a primary photo centered on each card with the team logo pictured prominently above along with the player’s name and position. Statistics from the 2012 season were included on the reverse of each card. Topps also produced parallel rare card inserts featuring parallels of the base cards printed on different colored cardboard including gold, silver, red, blue and camo variations.

One of the most popular inserts in the 2013 Topps set were the Star Cards, which highlighted major stars on flashy green parallel cards. Players featured in the Star Card subset included Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and others. These parallel cards stood out more in collector’s hands and served to identify the true superstars in baseball at the time. Other insert sets in the base collection included Topps Legend cards honoring retired all-time greats and Topps Flashback cards recreating vintage designs from previous decade’s Topps sets.

In addition to the standard base cards and inserts, Topps produced higher end insert sets only available within the most coveted hobby boxes of 2013 Topps baseball cards. Within these more scarce release configurations, collectors had a chance at pulling rare Premier Level cards featuring dazzling blue parallel designs. The Premier Level subset highlighted the biggest names in the league, including sports icons like Derek Jeter, Justin Vermaelen and David Ortiz among others. Other chase inserts from high-end hobby boxes included Topps Chrome reflective foil parallels and Topps Finest refractors featuring embellished player photos with diamond-like textures.

While the base card design saw relatively minor tweaks compared to previous years, Topps did switch things up with several innovative insert sets exclusive to the 2013 release. One of the coolest new parallel sets was the Topps Turkey Red Rip Cards, featuring vintage-styled cards with die-cuts and “ripped” edges for a truly one-of-a-kind appearance and feel in collectors’ hands. Topps also introduced hit probability parallels called Topps Triple Threads, which featured swatches of game-used memorabilia or autographs embedded directly into shiny parallel cards. Getting a Triple Threads “hit” card out of a pack added immense excitement for enthusiasts.

Arguably the crown jewel chase cards in 2013 Topps were the prized Topps Finest Autographs and Topps Chrome Autographs. Featuring true on-card autographs of today’s MLB stars printed on the aforementioned Finest and Chrome stock, these autograph parallels commanded enormous price tags in the trading card secondary market. Rare 1/1 printing plates from the Finest and Chrome Autograph insert sets could fetch thousands of dollars when pulled by extremely fortunate collectors. Other chase autographed inserts in 2013 Topps included Topps Tribute booklet cards and Topps Lineage dual relic and auto parallels connecting legendary players from the past to modern greats.

Overall the 2013 Topps baseball card release gained widespread fanfare and acclaim as another excellent annual offering from the sports card titan. With sharp photography, nostalgic throwback elements and exciting new autograph and hit varieties, it captured the excitement of America’s favorite pastime during an era when prospects like Trout, Harper and others were just emerging. Even a decade later, the 2013 Topps set still holds value for investors and remains a popular chase among collectors seeking to add classic rookies and stars to their collections from that memorable year in baseball history.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 2013 Topps Baseball card set was the 70th year of production for Topps and featured cards for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The design featured players photographed against a colorful artistic background with their team logo prominently displayed. As with most modern sets, parallels and insert cards added variety and several short print cards boosted the excitement for collectors to find chase cards. Several years have passed since the release of the 2013 Topps cards, so here is an in-depth look at the current values for different levels of some of the top rookie and star players from that year’s set.

Mike Trout had a breakout season in 2012 that earned him American League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. His formidable career was already well underway and collectors knew his rookie cards would hold great value. His base card from the 2013 Topps set isn’t particularly scarce, but still commands $10-15 in near mint condition. Low-numbered parallels like Gold (#/50) sell for $80-100 due to their limited print run. The short printed Fire parallel (#/5) is a true Trout gem that auction higher, bringing $300-350. His autograph cards signed early in his career have appreciated greatly and can reach $1000-1500 depending on the parallel. Any Trout rookie card remains a sound long term investment.

Bryce Harper was another elite young talent who was already developing into a superstar in 2013. His base card remains under $10, but refractors and high-numbered parallels hold nice value due to his fame. The Gold parallel (#/50) is around $75 in top condition. His autographs signed in 2013 can go for $350-450 depending on parallel. A popular Harper insert was the “Stars of MLB” card, showing action shots of big leaguers. His topped out around $30-40 in 2013 but now trades for $75-100 due to increased popularity. Harper continues producing at an MVP level so his 2013 rookie cards remain a strong long term spec.

In 2013, the baseball card industry buzzed with anticipation of another talented group of rookie prospects. Some who made an instant impact included José Fernández, Wil Myers, and Jurickson Profar. Unfortunately, Fernández tragically passed away in 2016. His base rookie holds steady around $15-20 and parallels like Refractors and Golds reach $65-85 due to his fame alongside his early death. Myers was an important part of the big Royals/Rays trade and made his MLB debut in 2013. His cards settled around $8-12 as his career hasn’t quite panned out as hoped. Profar was a top prospect but injuries stalled his potential. His cards linger around $5-7 as collectors wait to see his career turn.

Yasiel Puig produced one of the most exciting MLB debuts ever seen in 2013, launching himself as an overnight sensation with the Dodgers. His base rookie is around $15 due to plentiful supply but short prints hold value. Refractors reach $65-85 depending on parallel. Autographs signed in 2013 during his hype usually sell between $350-450 raw or $700-1000 slabbed and graded. Puig has some behavior issues that stalled his career growth, but his early rookie cards remain popular due to his breakout season.

The hobby also saw strength in veteran stars like Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and Clayton Kershaw. Cabrera won the Triple Crown and repeated as AL MVP in 2012-13, pushing his base card up to $12-15 range. Cano was still in his prime with the Yankees and his 2013 Update rookie parallel /499 reached $55-75. Kershaw was ascending as the game’s best pitcher and graded versions of his Topps Update printing plate cards from 2013 cross $1000. Even older stars sustained strong values from collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards from years past.

The 2013 Topps Baseball set provided an array of stars, prospects and short prints to excite collectors. Prices have fluctuated over the years as anticipated young careers developed differently than expected. But elite talents like Trout, Harper and Kershaw have only increased in fame and value since their cards were issued. Veterans continue interesting collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards and top parallels remain hot commodities. Overall, 2013 Topps provided a fun and diverse product that still holds appreciation potential today depending on the players involved.

BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 2013

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The 2013 Topps baseball card series marked the 60th anniversary of Topps’ iconic baseball card sets. In 1953, Topps released its first complete set of baseball cards and helped launch the modern baseball card collecting hobby. For the anniversary set in 2013, Topps paid homage to its rich history while still providing collectors with the latest players and stats from the 2012 MLB season.

The 2013 Topps base set included cards numbered 1-687 featuring major and minor league players from all 30 MLB teams. The design featured a classic vertical layout with the team logo and player photo on a solid color background. At the bottom was the standard stats table showing batting and pitching averages from the previous season. Topps also brought back its classic banner design across the top with the team name and “TOPPS” branding.

For the 60th anniversary, Topps included various insert sets honoring the history of its baseball cards. The “Topps Heritage” subset featured 60 cards recreating the look of Topps sets from the 1950s through 1980s using the same color schemes and design elements. Each card in the Heritage set paid tribute to a different year in Topps history. Another popular insert was the “Topps 60” parallel set limited to only 60 copies of each card to represent the anniversary. These parallel versions were highly sought after by collectors.

In terms of rookie cards, the 2013 Topps release featured debut cards for up-and-coming young stars like Wil Myers, Shelby Miller, Travis d’Arnaud, and Tony Cingrani. The most valuable rookie in the set was that of Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Yasiel Puig. After coming up from the minors in early June 2012, Puig took the MLB by storm and finished 4th in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. His explosive debut made the 2013 Topps Puig rookie one of the most coveted cards in recent memory selling for hundreds of dollars.

Aside from the base set and inserts, Topps also produced various specialty subsets highlighting different aspects of baseball. The “Topps Archives” subset showcased 50 historical photos from the Topps archives in a large horizontal card format. Other subsets included “Topps Tribute” honoring MLB greats who had passed, “Topps Towns” focusing on MLB players’ hometowns, and “Topps Traditions” highlighting on-field traditions. Topps also continued its “Topps Now” instant card program introduced in 2012 with cards produced on demand to commemorate that day’s MLB events and milestones.

In terms of parallels and serial-numbered short prints, Topps provided plenty of chase cards for avid collectors. The “Topps Finest” parallel featured foil refractors of the base cards limited to only 99 copies. Other short prints included “Topps Chrome” with a refractor treatment, “Topps Sterling” with a silver parallel, and “Topps Gold” limited to only 50 copies per card. Topps also produced “1/1” printing plates featuring the blank card surface signed by the player, which are the ultimate rare parallels coveted by collectors.

The 2013 Topps release saw tremendous popularity and sales due to the anniversary factor as well as strong rookie class. While base cards could be found for under $1 each, popular parallels, short prints, and star rookies commanded high prices. The Yasiel Puig rookie alone regularly sold for over $100. The 2013 Topps set showcased Topps’ storied history in the hobby while providing a fun, affordable base set for collectors of all ages to enjoy. Its various inserts, parallels, and rookie cards also created a deep level of collecting that kept even the most advanced collectors engaged in chasing down elusive cards. The 2013 release truly encapsulated everything that has made Topps baseball cards a cornerstone of the sport for 60 years and beyond.

BASEBALL CARDS 2013

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Baseball cards are a staple of the sport and have been collected by fans for over a century. The 2013 baseball card season saw some new designs, special inserts, and rookie cards emerge that captured the attention of collectors both young and old. Several of the major card companies such as Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini released new sets that highlighted the biggest names in the game from that year.

Topps had been the dominant baseball card manufacturer for decades and in 2013 they continued their tradition with the flagship Topps Series 1, Series 2, and Topps Update baseball card releases. The designs had an old-school vibe that paid homage to cards of the past with team logos and colors prominently displayed on a white background. Topps also included various insert sets within the base issues that featured parallel and short printed cards of star players.

One of the most coveted rookie cards in 2013 Topps was that of Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Yasiel Puig. After a meteoric rise to stardom in his first few months in the majors, Puig mania was in full force. His basic rookie card became a hot commodity and fetched high prices. Other notable rookies included Wil Myers (Tampa Bay Rays), Jurickson Profar (Texas Rangers), and Gerrit Cole (Pittsburgh Pirates). Each of these young players would go on to have impressive MLB careers.

While Topps had the traditional market locked down, competitors like Upper Deck and Panini tried to capture collectors’ attention with innovative designs and exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards. Upper Deck’s 2013 baseball release had a clean cut look with oversized player photos and team wordmarks above the image. Their “UD Black” parallel inserts featured a black border and were limited in quantity. Panini also focused on parallels and short prints but incorporated more photography into their base design compared to Topps’ simple renditions.

One of the inserts sets that was hugely popular in 2013 was Topps Five Star. This premium product contained cards that featured five swatches of jersey material embedded into the front of the card. Superstar players like Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, and Clayton Kershaw highlighted the set. Their Five Star cards regularly sold for hundreds of dollars online due to the coveted memorabilia component. Upper Deck also dabbled in memorabilia cards but saved their best hits for high-end releases like Ultimate Collection which retailed for thousands of dollars per box.

While the biggest card companies vied for collectors’ attention, smaller independent companies found niches within the industry as well. Companies like Leaf produced low-budget releases that still contained rookie cards and parallels at affordable price points. Their vintage-style designs paid homage to the early years of the hobby. Other boutique brands released themed sets that focused on a single player, team, or award winner. For example, Donruss put out a Mike Trout-centric collection after his breakout 2012 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP season.

As baseball cards transitioned to the digital age, online factors began influencing the hobby as well. Websites like eBay allowed collectors of all budgets to easily buy, sell, and trade cards. Prices for rare vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s would sometimes reach into the thousands due to demand. YouTube also grew the community as breakers uploaded box-opening videos, analyzing new releases for hits. Social media saw collectors sharing their latest pickups on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. This online presence kept the hobby socially engaging beyond just the local card shop.

In summary, 2013 was another strong year for the baseball card industry despite economic challenges. Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck delivered quality flagship releases while independent companies filled niche roles. Rookies like Puig and Trout kept the next generation collecting. Memorabilia cards and short prints added greater levels of rarity. And the transition to digital avenues engaged more collectors worldwide. The state of baseball cards remained healthy as one of America’s favorite pastimes. The young stars of 2013 would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards from that year even more historically significant.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2013

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The year 2013 saw some truly remarkable rookie cards introduced to the baseball card collecting world. Several young stars broke out in a big way and their rookie cards became highly sought after by collectors. While it will take years to truly see which 2013 rookies go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers, their cards were already trading hands for top dollar. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards issued in 2013 based on the performances and hype around the players their rookie cards featured.

Mike Trout 2012 Topps Update Series Base RC (Card #US-MT): Widely considered the most valuable modern baseball card in existence, Trout has lived up to all expectations since debuting in 2011. His golden rookie season of 2012 truly put him on the map as a superstar. As a result, his 2012 Topps Update Series base rookie card skyrocketed in value, routinely commanding over $1000 per copy in mint condition. The card captured Trout at the absolute peak of his hype and became the holy grail for Angels collectors. Even after substantial print runs, this iconic RC remains among the highest valued from the 2010s.

Bryce Harper 2012 Topps Base RC (Card #97): Harper was arguably the most hyped baseball prospect ever when he debuted in 2012. While inconsistencies have prevented him from reaching the lofty expectations through 2021, his rookie card status is undeniable. This simple yet effective base card became enormously popular and valuable, typically trading hands for $600-800 each in top-grade. Harper’s combination of five-tool talent, youth, and big market fame launched this RC value stratospherically high from the get go. As one of the most visible players in the game, interest in this card shows no sign of slowing.

Manny Machado 2012 Topps Base RC (Card #219): Machado made a strong impression in his brief 2012 debut before injuries slowed him in 2013. Collectors recognized his special gifts right away. Possessing perhaps the sweetest swing in the game along with excellent defense at multiple positions, Machado established himself as a cornerstone player for the Orioles. As Baltimore remained competitive, his base rookie maintained strong demand. In top condition, prices regularly reached $500-600 throughout 2013-2015 before leveling off in the $300-400 range once initial hype cooled.

Christian Yelich 2012 Bowman Sterling Auto RC (#B-CY): The smooth swinging Yelich broke out with the Marlins in 2013, batting .288 with promising power. But the real draw for collectors was landing an autographed version of his rookie card from the premium Bowman Sterling set. Extremely scarce with limited print runs, Yelich’s auto RC rocketed to over $1000 each by years end. The combination of a hot rookie season and rare autographed status shot this card to the forefront of value lists practically overnight. As Yelich developed into an All-Star, interest in his high-end rookie cards remained steady.

Jose Fernandez 2012 Topps Gold Mint RC (#178): Prior to the tragic circumstances of 2016, Fernandez looked every bit the ace Miami hoped he would become. But in 2012, the baseball card world fell in love with an eccentric young fireballer who brought excitement and energy to Marlins games. As such, collectors pounced on any scarce parallels of his iconic smiling rookie card. The ultra-premium Topps Gold Mint parallel offered just one per case of primary issue. Exceeding rarity led values north of $1000 each during Fernandez’s ascendancy before leveling off around $500 following his untimely passing.

Miguel Cabrera 2003 Topps Traded RC Auto Patch (/99): Not exactly a 2013 card, but Cabrera’s elite career made any rare parallels to his RC enormously sought after. When a unique 3-colored auto patch version numbered to just 99 emerged, all bets were off. At 10 years strong in the majors and still crushing, the attraction was undeniable for this piece of Miggy’s early days. Condition sensitive due to the fragile nature of patches, values reached a stratospheric $2000-4000 range simply due to the prestige and rarity involved. A true Holy Grail for Tigers collectors.

Yu Darvish 2011 Bowman Platinum Autographs RC (#311): While arm injuries slowed Darvish at times Stateside, collectors immediately recognized his ace potential upon arrival in 2012. Few rookie cards look and feel as premium as those found in Bowman Platinum’s plush autographs set. Striking design paired with Darvish’s flashy signature made the 2011 version enormously popular. Scarce to begin with, signed versions held steady around $800-1000 throughout 2013-2014 before climbing higher as Darvish’s star continued rising in Texas. His cards remain quite desirable abroad as well.

Mike Olt 2012 Bowman Chrome Reds Refractor Auto RC (#209): Olt flashed prodigious raw power in a brief Rangers debut leading to huge cards values. None more so than the prized Reds Refractor autograph parallel found in Bowman Chrome. Numbered sparsely at /150 copies, each garnished in the crimson refractor hue. Values exploded to $2000-3000 in the card’s early months before injuries slowed Olt’s progress. Remains a true condition-sensitive treasure for dedicated Rangers collectors willing to invest big. Showcased the lightning potential in a player at the time.

Christian Bethancourt 2012 Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor Auto RC (#290): While Bethancourt didn’t stick as an every day catcher long term, his tools made an early impression in Atlanta leading collectors to scoop any scarce parallels available. The regal purple refractor parallel looked magnificent paired with hissignature found in Bowman Chrome. Extremely Limited at /99 copies moved values near $1000-1500 for much of 2013 before demand stabilized closer to $500 long term as Bethancourt’s bat failed to carry over.

It’s always difficult to truly project which rookies from any given year will go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. The cards highlighted here captured special talents who were either already producing at an All-Star clip or flashed rare upside that generated huge collector demand. Strong early performances and scarce parallel print runs resulted in seven-figure values for several 2013 rookie cards. With years still to play out, it will be interesting to see which continue appreciating as legends and which settle at more modest levels. Regardless, these represented among the most intriguing and investment worthy cards on the market at the time.