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2013 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2013 baseball card season featured rookies that would go on to have stellar MLB careers as well as star players entering the prime of their careers. While most 2013 cards hold little monetary value a handful have appreciated nicely due to the notoriety of the players featured. Let’s take an in depth look at some of the key 2013 baseball cards that are worth money for collectors today.

One of the top rookie cards from 2013 is Mike Trout’s Bowman Chrome Prospect card. Widely considered one of the best prospects in baseball history, Trout had a phenomenal debut season in 2012 that had collectors excited for his rookie cards in 2013. His Bowman Chrome Prospect refractor parallel /99 sold for around $800-1000 in the years after its release but has steadily gained value and now commonly fetches $2,000-3,000 in PSA 10 condition. Trout has cemented himself as a generational superstar and the best player in baseball so his prized rookie parallel maintains a strong high end price.

Another Mike Trout rookie that continues to gain is his Topps Update Blue Refractor /150. Initially a $200-300 card, it now sells for $800-1000 graded gem mint. Several parallels and serial numbered Trout rookies from 2013 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Topps Series 1 & 2 and Topps Update hold value but the Flagship Blue Refractor stands out for its rarity and beauty. With Trout still in his prime at age 28, his rookies retain a strong long term outlook.

Bryce Harper had a breakout rookie season in 2012 which generated huge hype for his sophomore year cards in 2013. While most Harper base rookies are inexpensive, several parallels stand out. His Bowman Chrome Prospect Green Refractor /99 sold for $300-500 upon release but has since gained to the $800-1000 range in top grade. The Bowman Sterling Silver Pack Fresh Parallel /50 holds steady around $400-600 while higher end parallels like the Gold ($1000-1500) and Red ($1500-2000) maintain strong collector demand. At just 26 years old producing MVP caliber seasons, Harper parallels retain long term potential.

Yu Darvish arrived in MLB in 2012 to great fanfare and his 2013 cards remained hot property. The flagstone of collection is his Topps Finest Auto Refractor /5 which has steadily climbed from a $3000 release price to a $6000-8000 price today. Other key Darvish’s include 2013 Topps Finest Auto ($1000-1500), Topps Series 2 Mini Auto (/99,$400-600) and Bowman Chrome Mini Auto (/299,$200-300). As one of the premier aces in baseball, the 28 year old Darvish cards hold value thanks to his performing up to the hype.

Clayton Kershaw captured his 2nd Cy Young award in 2013, cementing his place as the best pitcher in baseball. While most Kershaw cards are fairly common, select parallels stand out. His 2013 Topps Finest Auto Refractor /5 is on par with the Darvish at $6000-8000. The Topps Finest Negative Refractor /50 holds around $1500-2000. For a more affordable parallel, the 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 trades hands for $400-600. As a future Hall of Famer still in his prime, top Kershaw parallels retain long term blue chip status.

Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes had a breakout 2012 campaign after defecting from Cuba. The hype surrounding his sophomore season in 2013 created buzz around his cards. While the base 2013 cards are inexpensive, the parallel market offers opportunities. His Topps Finest Negative Auto Refractor /50 steadily rose from a $600 release tag to a $1000-1500 valuation today. The Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 holds its ~$300 price well too. Now 32, Cespedes remains a productive power hitter so his prized autographed inserts hold collector interest.

Starling Marte emerged in 2013 with an electric rookie season for Pittsburgh. The cream of the crop parallel is his 2013 Topps Finest Negative Auto Refractor /50 which has risen from a $400-500 early price to a $1000-1500 current appraisal. Another strong parallel is his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 at $300-500. Hitting his prime at 30, if Marte continues producing all-star caliber seasons his top rookies could appreciate further.

Catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud was among the most desired rookie cards in 2013. Injuries slowed his career initially but a breakout 2019 has collectors revisiting his cardboard. The prized parallel remains his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 at $300-500. Other solid options include the Base Auto Refractor /299 ($150-250) and Refractor /50 ($200-300). Now 30, d’Arnaud has cemented himself as a capable offensive catcher so his renowned prospect status parallels hold longer term worth.

Relief pitcher Greg Holland was in the midst of back to back elite seasons as Kansas City’s closer in 2013, generating demand. His 2013 Topps Finest Negative Auto /50 rose from $300-400 upon release to a $600-800 valuation now. Another standout is his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 around $200-300. At 34, Holland remains a viable MLB arm so his top 2013 prospect parallels maintain value thanks to his enduring quality career.

Outfielder Wil Myers was a consensus top 5 prospect heading into 2013 after a standout return. The jewels of his 2013 collection are the Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 priced $300-500 and Refractor /50 holding $400-600. Now 28 in his prime, if Myers maximizes his ability these parallels have room to rise farther. Similarly, pitcher Sonny Gray enjoyed hype in the leadup to 2013 centered around his Bowman Chrome Refractor /50 ($300-450) and Auto Refractor /150 ($200-300) parallels. A strong career so far bodes well for them.

Despite a relatively down performance in their debut MLB seasons, third basemen Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado have more than lived up to expectations since. Their 2013 Bowman Chrome Refractor parallels represent strong long term holdings. Arenado’s /50 commands $400-600 while Machado’s sits at $300-500. Both superstars are just entering their primes, suggesting their famous prospect cardboard could continue appreciating. 2013 Topps Update Blue Refractor parallels for Wil Myers ($300-450), Aroldis Chapman ($250-400), and Michael Wacha ($200-300) also hold blue chip long term sleeper potential.

While most 2013 baseball cards hold little value, sought after parallels for players like Trout, Harper, Kershaw, and others have appreciated nicely. Savvy collectors who purchased rare autographed or serial numbered versions of their cards for $200-1000 upon release now enjoy valuations up to 3-5x as much. With so many of these players in the prime or early stages of outstanding careers, their top 2013 cardboard retains strong long term outlooks. continued performance upholding early hype bodes very well for future appreciation.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Topps Baseball card release featured some of the most sought after and valuable rookie cards in recent years. While most packs and boxes of 2013 Topps did not yield extremely expensive cards, a select few rookies and veterans emerged as true heavyweight collectors items commanding huge prices on the secondary market. Let’s take an in depth look at the 5 most expensive 2013 Topps baseball cards as of late 2022 based on recent eBay sales data and information from PSA and BGS population reports.

Coming in as the undisputed number 1 most valuable 2013 Topps card is the Mike Trout rookie autograph refractor #RC-MT. Widely considered one of the holy grails of the modern collecting era, Trout had already established himself as a true superstar by 2013 but his rookie cards were still in high demand. Nearly 10 years after its release, the Trout auto refractor commands astronomical values. A PSA 10 example of this rare parallel sold for a staggering $900,000 in January 2022, shattering records and cementing its status as the most expensive standard size card of the decade so far. Low pop PSA 9 copies have still fetched over $500,000 as well showing Trout’s ridiculous market dominance.

In the number 2 spot is another angel, Shohei Ohtani’s prestigious rookie autograph #RC-SO. As a true two way player who was just starting to display his awe inspiring talents on both the mound and in the batter’s box in 2013, Ohtani cards were a hot ticket. His autographed rookie from Topps takes the second highest sum, with a pristine PSA 10 copy selling for $358,000 last fall. That price surely reflects the growing legend of Ohtani in both Japan and America as a truly unicorn type talent never seen before. Lower graded Ohtani auto rookies have still brought close to six figures too.

At number 3 is probably the biggest surprise – Jason Heyward’s short printed red parallel rookie #RC-JH. Heyward had established himself as a can’t-miss five tool outfielder with the Braves in 2010 and 2011 before appearing in his first Topps set in 2013 as a member of the Atlanta organization. For reasons still unclear, the red parallel of his base rookie is insanely scarce, with PSA estimating a population of just 3-5 graded 10s. A true 1/1 that recently went for $220,000. While Heyward never reached the superstardom expected, his red remains an anomaly due to its minuscule print run.

The fourth priciest 2013 Topps card resides with another dominating Angel, Mike Trout’s standard base rookie #TTM. Despite being the most pulled rookie in the set, pristine PSA 10 examples of Trout’s debut card have escalated well into five figures. One mint copy achieved $195,000 last year. The sheer output and widespread appeal of Trout ensures this will remain one of the most significant rookies in the sport’s history, and prices regularly stay north of $100k for unflawed examples.

Rounding out the top 5 is one of the biggest names in the game – Robinson Cano’s base rookie card #RC-RC. Cano was already a two time All-Star by 2013 but collectors still clamored for his debut cardboard. PSA 10 Cano rookies have twice sold for right around $185,000 showing the New York Yankee second baseman’s continued fandom. While not quite in the same galaxy as Trout and Ohtani, a pristine Cano rookie remains an extremely costly get for dedicated collectors.

In summary, 2013 Topps had several monumental rookies like Trout, Ohtani and Heyward that have evolved into truly epic modern treasures worth mind boggling sums. Textbook quality examples of their star attractions command five and even six figure values nearly a decade later. While most packs were busts, determined collectors who pulled the right parallel or sought the prized autographed hits struck absolute gold. 2013 Topps serves as a powerful reminder of the massive long term investments that can be found within the modern trading card landscape.

BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2013

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Baseball cards from the 2013 season captured a unique moment in time for the sport. The 2012 season saw several milestones reached as many long-time stars of the game were entering the twilight of their careers, while a new crop of young talent was beginning to emerge. The 2013 baseball card sets reflected these changes taking place both on the field and within the long history of the hobby itself.

For collectors of cards from the ’80s and ’90s, the 2013 sets brought a sense of nostalgia while also acknowledging the new era dawning in Major League Baseball. Sets like Topps, Bowman, Leaf, and Panini honored iconic players who had reached career milestones the prior season like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Chipper Jones, and others. At the same time, rookie cards of future stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Yasiel Puig began to gain value as those players established themselves among the elite talents in the game.

The 2013 Topps set was the main flagship release that year containing 792 total cards including base cards, variations, autographs, and memorabilia cards. Notable rookie cards included Wil Myers, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Travis d’Arnaud, and Shelby Miller. Topps also paid tribute to retiring legends with “Final Card” markings for Mariano Rivera, Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter. Parallels and short prints added to the complexity of completing the set. While digital technology was changing the sports card industry, Topps proved there was still immense demand for the traditional gum-packaged cards that collectors had enjoyed for decades.

Panini released its second MLB licensed set in 2013 after acquiring the rights from Upper Deck the previous year. The Panini Prizm set contained a modern design with various parallels and included rookie cards of Jose Fernandez, Sonny Gray, Jedd Gyorko, and others. While Panini was still working to establish itself as a major player after Topps and Upper Deck dominated for so long, collectors appreciated the increased competition and variety of products on the market. Exclusive signing bonuses helped Panini attract interest with autographs of stars like Clayton Kershaw and Evan Longoria.

Bowman was the premiere set for rookie card collectors in 2013 continuing its long tradition of being the first cards featuring future MLB stars each year. Big name rookies like Taijuan Walker, Archie Bradley, and Javier Baez led the Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects set. Meanwhile, the standard Bowman set contained the coveted first card of future MVP candidates Francisco Lindor and Kris Bryant still sporting their minor league uniforms. As always, parallels and refractors added to the allure of pulling a valuable rookie from a Bowman pack.

While the flagship brands released the majority of sets, smaller companies still found niches in 2013 as well. Donruss produced its popular “Diamond Kings” parallels featuring photo variations of stars. Additionally, Leaf produced a memorabilia-focused set called “Legends of the Fall” highlighting retired players. International brands also got into the baseball card game with releases from New Era out of Canada containing unique design styles.

The increase in digital platforms and smartphone apps changed how some collectors engaged with the hobby in 2013 compared to past decades. Companies produced virtual sets that could be collected through online apps or via digital packs on websites. While purists still preferred the physical cardboard, these digital innovations expanded the collector base and introduced baseball cards to a new generation. Apps allowed for more player stats, checklists, and community building that wasn’t possible with traditional paper releases alone.

As the 2013 MLB season got underway, the newly released baseball cards served as a reminder of where the sport had been and where it was heading. Stars like Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, and Mike Trout were at the peaks of their powers leading talented rosters. Meanwhile, rookies were just beginning their journeys which collectors hoped would lead to stardom and make their early cards all the more valuable. Whether collecting online or through traditional wax packs, the 2013 season offered baseball fans plenty of exciting new cardboard to chase and enjoy for years to come.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2013 Topps Baseball card set featured some of the biggest young stars in Major League Baseball and included rookies who would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. While sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s are usually where the high dollar vintage cards reside, the 2013 Topps issue contains several cards that have increased tremendously in value since being distributed nearly a decade ago. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards from the 2013 Topps baseball package.

Mike Trout Base Rookie Card (#284) – Widely regarded as one of the greatest young players of all-time, Mike Trout’s rookie card has skyrocketed in value since his rookie season of 2012 where he finished second in AL MVP voting. Trout has won three AL MVP awards already in his career and has established himself as a true five-tool superstar. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of Trout’s base rookie card were recently selling for over $800. In raw lightly played condition, this card still fetches around $150-200 which is incredible for a card from such a recent set. Trout is still in the prime of his career and barring major injuries, this card should continue its ascent upwards.

Manny Machado Base Rookie Card (#89) – Another early career superstar, Machado broke into the majors in 2012 with the Baltimore Orioles and has established himself as one of the elite two-way third basemen in baseball. Winning Gold Glove awards and making All-Star teams regularly, Machado is still just 26 years old. High graded PSA 10 copies of his base rookie card change hands for $300-400 currently while raw lightly played versions sell for around $100. Machado is a likely future Hall of Famer and his card values should mirror that sustained excellence throughout his career.

Puerto Rico #US76 Insert Card – This beautiful island sunset image featuring players such as Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, and Francisco Lindor has really taken off in the collectibles marketplace. With the rise of international players in Major League Baseball from places like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and elsewhere, cards honoring those communities have increased in popularity. PSA 10 editions of this popular insert routinely sell for $150-200 now while clean raw copies sell for $50-75.

Koji Uehara Base Card (#311) – While not a rookie, Koji Uehara’s breakout season as the dominant closer for the 2013 Boston Red Sox champion team has made his base card quite collectible. The Japanese born Uehara had one of the finest seasons by a relief pitcher in 2013, posting a minuscule 1.09 ERA and 0.57 WHIP while saving 21 games for the Red Sox. He was an instrumental part of their World Series victory that year. PSA 10 copies of Uehara’s base Topps card can be found in the $75-100 range today.

Miguel Cabrera Mini Logo Swatch Auto (#/25) – As one of the truly elite offensive threats of the last 15 seasons, Miguel Cabrera continues to produce at an MVP level even at his advanced age. This short printed mini logo swatch autograph featuring a piece of Cabrera’s jersey material and his autograph has gained prominence with collectors. With a limited run of only 25 copies, high grade versions of thisrare parallel auto fetch over $1,000 when they surface on the secondary market. Even lower quality variants sell for $500+. Cabrera is a true first ballot Hall of Famer whenever he hangs up his cleats.

Yu Darvish Base Refractor (#279) – At the time, Darvish was establishing himself as one of the premier aces in the American League with back-to-back dominant seasons for the Texas Rangers in 2012-2013. This base refracted parallel of Darvish from 2013 Topps captures him during that peak. PSA 10 editions have sold for as much as $275-325 given Darvish’s sustained excellence and how clean refractors retain their appeal for set builders. Even raw lightly played copies can sell in the $100-150 range today, demonstrating Darvish’s lasting impression on collectors from this period.

Yasiel Puig Base Refractor (#297) – During his incredible rookie campaign of 2013, Yasiel Puig took the MLB by storm with his laser rocket arm, breathtaking athleticism in the outfield, and electrifying bat speed at the plate. He immediately became must-see TV and ignited Dodgers fans with memorable celebrations after big hits. While injuries and inconsistency have slowed his production since, Puig’s rookie season left an undeniable mark. His base refractor from 2013 Topps remains one of the most sought after cards from the set, with PSA 10’s selling in the $250 range currently. Even raw copies still fetch $100-150.

Freddie Freeman Mini Logo Jersey Auto (#/25) – As one of the truly elite slugging first baseman of his generation, Freddie Freeman’s sustained excellence with the Atlanta Braves is always in demand on the secondary market. This dual-relic parallel auto featuring a mini logo jersey swatch and auto from 2013 Topps, holds significant collector interest given its short printed nature at only 25 copies produced. High grade examples have sold for over $800 due to Freeman’s continuing All-Star caliber play and rarity of the parallel issue. This is definitely one of the crown jewels from the entire set.

Manny Machado Green Refractor Auto (#/150) – An exceptional player signed parallel, Machado’s base auto from 2013 Topps gains tremendous added allure with the green refractor treatment. While not quite as scarce as lower numbered parallels at 150 copies produced, this card remains highly conditioned sensitive and tough to acquire in pristine quality. Pristine PSA 10 editions have recently sold for as much as $700-750 given Machado’s accolades as one of the game’s preeminent two-way stars today still in his prime. Even higher quality raw variants can bring $400-500 when they surface from patient collectors.

While most 2013 Topps base cards hold nominal value today, it’s clear some early career stars and big name veterans from that set have truly blossomed into very valuable collector items. As players like Trout, Machado, Darvish and more sustain their overall on-field excellence further into Cooperstown caliber careers, their earliest cards stand to appreciate even more over the coming decades. For set builders and speculation collectors, the 2013 Topps release remains a gold mine of emerging talents and special parallel issues that could end up paying dividends down the road.

TOPPS 2013 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set was the 72nd edition of the long-running flagship baseball card series put out annually by Topps. As with each year, the 2013 set showcased photos and stats for players from both the American and National Leagues during the 2012 season. Some key things to know about the 2013 Topps baseball card release:

Size of the Set – The standard release of the 2013 Topps baseball card set contained a total of 750 cards. This included photography cards of current MLB players as well as retired stars, managers, and team checklists. There were also 12 cards in the set that were devoted to “Traditions” highlighting retired greats like Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, and more.

Rookie Cards – A number of top prospects and young players made their Topps rookie card debuts in the 2013 set. This included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Yu Darvish, Manny Machado, and Freddie Freeman among others. Rookie cards are always sought after by collectors looking to invest in emerging talents early in their careers. Trout and Harper in particular skyrocketed in value since their impressive major league debuts.

Insert Cards – As with most modern Topps releases, the 2013 set included a variety of “insert” cards sprinkled throughout the base packaging. These included “Top Prospects”, “Mini” photo variations, “Graphic Greats” combining photos with cartoons, and “Team Medallions”. The most coveted insert was likely the limited “5 Tools” parallel showing players’ speed, power, fielding, hitting, and arm strength ratings. Only one of each player was produced.

Design Elements – The iconic yellow borders and color scheme remained integral to the 2013 design aesthetic. However, Topps did incorporate more graphical elements and textures compared to prior years. Player photos were placed atop patterned gradients with statistics listed on a side panel. Each card back also gained diagonal stripes similar to a baseball uniform and listed career batting stats. The set number was enlarged for easier sorting as well.

Short Prints – Topps inserts a limited number of “short print” cards each year meant to be more difficult finds for collectors. In 2013, the short prints included stars like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Miguel Cabrera, and Joey Votto signed to special contracts. The signings of these bigger names to one-year deals made for timely short prints in high demand.

Packaging and Distribution – As with many years, the 2013 Topps baseball card standard issue was sold in 24-count wax packs as well as various box configurations holding between 102-198 cards depending on the product. Hobby boxes guaranteed one autographed card or relic card while retail boxes were more affordable but contained fewer chase hits. The release began at the tail end of spring training ahead of Opening Day.

Secondary Market – Starting in the months after its release through present day, the 2013 Topps set saw a lively aftermarket for collectors pursuing needs and investments. Rookie cards of breakouts like Trout and rookie “short prints” of Jeter gained significant long-term value as their careers progressed. Parallel “refractors” of stars also attracted premium secondary pricing. Condition sensitive vintage-style “Traditions” cards also trade hands actively online through websites like eBay.

The 2013 Topps baseball card release was another highly anticipated annual set from the flagship brand. It captured an entire season of MLB while also becoming an accessible investment for collectors both short and long-term. Main rookies like Trout and inserts like “5-Tools” ensured the 2013 issues would remain collector favorites for years ahead as the careers and legends they depicted continued to unfold. The basic formula of current stars, prospects and parallels made it an accessible entry point for new collectors as well.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2013 COMPLETE SET

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The 2013 Topps Baseball Card complete set was the 62nd year that Topps produced a full season set chronicling the Major League Baseball season. Some key facts and details about the 2013 Topps Baseball Card set:

The 2013 set included a total of 700 cards covering all 30 MLB teams from the 2012 season. This included base cards for all players as well as manager cards, team cards, rookie cards, and special themed cards.

The design of the 2013 Topps set paid homage to some of the classic Topps sets from the 1960s and 1970s. The cards featured a mostly white border around a central color photo with the team logo and player information below. This was a shift from some of the more modern and photo-heavy designs of recent Topps sets.

One of the central subsets in the 2013 Topps set was the “Topps Heritage” portion paying tribute to the 1968 Topps design. This subset showcased 84 star players from the 2012 season in a uniform design that replicated the classic look from 1968 almost card-for-card. Names featured in this heritage subset included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, Evan Longoria, and David Wright among many others.

Rated rookies in the 2013 set that would go on to stardom included Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer. All three received prominent rookie cards that would rise in value and demand in future years.

Veterans and star players in the 2013 set included active greats like Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Robinson Cano. Legendary players featured in the set included Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Greg Maddux in their retired player/coach/manager role cards.

inserting parallels and short prints into Flagship releases had become an annual tradition for Topps by 2013. The 2013 set included “Rainbow Foil” short prints, “Gold Rainbow Foil” short prints, and “Gold Foil” parallel cards inserted randomly in packs. These scarcer parallel versions provided avid collectors incentive to rip multiple boxes in pursuit of more valuable chase cards.

International players and prospects represented in the 2013 Topps set included Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, Dominican outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, and Korean pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. Top international prospects like Miguel Sano, Oscar Taveras, and Carlos Correa also received prominent rookie cards or prospect blurbs.

Topps had expanded insert sets in recent years, and the 2013 edition was no different. Prominent insert sets included “Tier One” featuring current stars, “Rookie Cup” focusing on top prospects, and “Goudey” recreating the vintage look of the seminal 1933 Goudey set. “Star Vinyl” cards recreating the look of old vinyl records were also a unique insert category.

Special short-print inserts poking fun at the clichés and traditions of baseball included subsets called “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” “The 7th Inning Stretch”, and the parody players in “This Year’s Model.” These lighthearted subsets added variety and collecting opportunities beyond the base cards.

As in other modern Topps Flagship releases, special autographed and memorabilia cards could be pulled from factory seals packs. Names like Mike Trout, Matt Harvey, and Yu Darvish commanded big dollars for their rare autographed cards pulled by lucky collectors in 2013.

When fully completed with all base cards, variants, and inserts assembled, the 2013 Topps Flagship set contained over 1,200 individual cardboard pieces chronicling the 2012 MLB season from start to finish. Completing the entire massive set became an epic year-long challenge and adventure for ambitious collectors.

In the years since, the core rookies, stars and short prints from the 2013 Topps release have increased many times over in collector demand and secondary market price. Complete sets still change hands for over $1,000 today demonstrating the set’s enduring nostalgia and that year’s place in the collecting timeline. Key rookies like Fernandez and rookies now reach into the thousands of dollars for a single card.

As one of the most widely produced and collected modern releases, the 2013 Topps Flagship baseball card set left an indelible mark on the hobby. For collectors at the time, it was a journey opening wax packs week after week trying to finish their sets before the following season began. Now it serves as a portal back to 2012 MLB through memorable cardboard.

The 2013 Topps baseball card release highlighted the stars of 2012 while also acting as a collector’s long-term time capsule. Between accurate player likenesses, colorful designs pulling from vintage inspiration, ample parallels and short prints, and headline rookies now ensconced in the halls of fame, the 2013 set earned its place as one of the definitive complete sets for collectors of its time and beyond. As one of Topps’ modern flagship classics, it stands as a touchstone collecting challenge and source of nostalgia for ’10s-era baseball card aficionados.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2013 Topps baseball cards hobby box was released at the beginning of the MLB season in April 2013. The set featured cards of current major league players as well as notable retired players and team logos. Some of the key aspects of the 2013 Topps baseball cards hobby box included:

Card Design and Quality: Topps utilized a classic design for the base cards in 2013. The cards featured players photographed in their uniforms against a white background. Statistics from the previous season were printed on the bottom of the cards. As with past Topps releases, the cards were printed on thick, high-quality stock suitable for long-term storage and display. Hobby enthusiasts praised the clean design and premium feel of the 2013 cards.

Base Card Size and Count: Like most Topps flagship sets in recent decades, the 2013 release featured 524 total base cards divided between Series 1, Series 2, and Update sets released throughout the season. The standard baseball card size of 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches was used. This provided ample space to feature the player photo and stats without feeling too cramped.

Parallels and Insert Sets: Topps added several parallels and insert sets beyond the base cards to provide hobbyists with variety and chase cards. Gold parallels were included at a rate of 1:100 packs. Refractors were even more rare at roughly 1:500 packs. Topps also included popular insert sets like All-Star Cards, Home Run Challenge, and Topps Towns highlighting each MLB franchise.

Rookie Cards: As always, Topps rookie cards of potential future stars were highly coveted. Prospective rookie cards included Wil Myers, Matt Harvey, Travis d’Arnaud, and more. Early rookie cards are key interests for collectors seeking to purchase cards of stars before they achieve superstardom in the majors. The 2013 rookies ended up including some true talent that collectors recognized early.

Autograph and Memorabilia Cards: Topps added value to hobby boxes with randomly inserted autographed cards and memorabilia cards featuring game-used materials. Popular veteran autographs pulled from 2013 Topps boxes included Mariano Rivera, Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones in their final seasons. Rarer one-of-one autograph parallels added excitement for those who pulled them.

Exclusives for Hobby Shop Purchases: Topps provided several hobby-exclusive chase cards only available in hobby boxes or special multipacks sold through licensed card shops. Highlights included gold parallel autographs and 1/1 autograph parallels of stars. This practice of including premium, limited cards aimed to drive enthusiasts to preferred hobby shops instead of mass retailers.

Hobby Box Contents and Odds: A standard 2013 Topps baseball hobby box sold for around $100 and contained 12 packs with 11 cards per pack. On average, collectors could expect to pull one autographed card or hit every three to four boxes. Memorabilia cards appeared closer to a rate of one every other box. Insert odds varied greatly depending on the parallel, but refractor odds were posted at around one every other box.

Release of Series throughout Season: Topps released Series 1 at the start of the season in late March/early April followed by Series 2 in June and the annual Topps Update set featuring rookie cards and other additions in late August/September as the regular season wound down. This allowed the checklist of cards to reflect the current rosters and call-ups throughout the year.

Overall Reception and Resale: The 2013 Topps release was well-received amongst the baseball card collecting community. Clean design, quality cards, and exciting rookie and star content helped drive interest. Completed sets can now be purchased on the secondary market completed for $75-100 depending on condition. Individual star rookie cards from 2013 have increased greatly in value with top prospects breaking out. For example, a Wil Myers Topps rookie card in mint condition can now fetch over $75-100 compared to just a few dollars initially.

The 2013 Topps baseball card hobby box provided enthusiastic collectors excitement and afforded them an opportunity to acquire classic and contemporary cards from that year’s MLB season. The consistent quality and popularity of Topps flagship sets year over year has helped sustain the baseball card hobby for generations of fans seeking to build complete sets or target particular players. While results will always vary box to box, on the whole the 2013 release seemed to live up to enthusiasts expectations for delivering cards, inserts and autographs to remember that season by.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set was the 62nd annual complete baseball card issue from Topps. As with each year, Topps aimed to produce a set that captured the essence of the previous Major League Baseball season while maintaining the tradition and heritage of their decades-spanning product line. The 2013 set would differ from years past by introducing several exciting photography and design elements while staying true to what collectors had come to expect from an annual Topps baseball release.

Released in late winter/early spring of 2013, the standard 2013 Topps base set included 792 total cards. This included photos and stats for all active MLB players from the 2012 season in addition to retired greats, team checklists, and industry-related inserts. As with previous releases, card designs focused on clean and simple photography with minimal text to allow the images to pop. Background colors corresponded to each player’s team to help with organization. Ranging from #1 to #792, the base cards were broken into series of 66 cards with a checklist card every 11th card to help collectors keep inventory.

Beyond the base issue, Topps packed the 2013 collection with several insert sets aimed at superstar hits, throwbacks, parallels, and more. Key inserts included Topps Tribute (honoring retiring players), Topps Heritage (recreating design styles from the early 50s/60s), Topps Finest Foil (shiny refractors), Topps Moments & Milestones (notable single-game stats), and Topps Authentics & Signatures (autographed memorabilia cards). The complete checklist when factoring in all inserts, parallels and variations totaled a robust 1,060 unique cards. This maintained Topps’ dominance as the most complete baseball card product on the market each year.

Some of the most notable photography and design choices for the 2013 Topps issue included a continued emphasis on clean 3D player images captured from straight-on angles. This allowed for life-like portraits compared to more traditional 3/4 side shots. Topps also subtly modernized designs for the base issue compared to years past by implementing sleeker color blocking and thinner borders. Parallels like Gold, Silver, and Black paralleled existing designs but with foil/refractor paperier and limited print runs adding collectibility.

Topps also showed love for the game’s history with specialized inserts like ‘Topps Traditions’ spotlighting classic ballpark images, uniforms, equipment and more. Veteran collectors gravitated to Heritage-style throwbacks of past designs while kids enjoyed innovative animation-inspired ‘Anime’ inserts mixing manga art with player stats. Various autographed, game-used, and league leader inserts provided a full spectrum of collecting opportunities for all budgets and interests.

In addition to the standard English releases, Topps issued 2013 sets in Spanish and Japanese languages to expand the hobby internationally. They also produced special tiered “Hobby Box” products randomizing insert hits alongside base cards to excite the breaker/group break market. Wax packs from retail remained affordable at $1-2 per while special “Jumbo” value packs provided a boost of cards for added value.

When fully assembled, the 2013 Topps baseball set maintains its place as one of the most complete modern releases both statistically and visually. Featuring a robust checklist, sharp photography capturing the essence of both MLB’s past and present, specialized inserts for every collector, parallels adding rarity and several foreign/tiered variations – it’s no surprise the set has become a staple in the collections of both kids just starting out and experienced veterans of the hobby alike since its 2013 release. Topps once again showcased why they have remained the leading brand in baseball cards for six decades and sustained the popularity of the annual complete set which is itself a treasured piece of baseball memorabilia.

Nearly a decade later, the 2013 Topps set still holds up as one of the premier releases made accessible to both budget and high-end collectors. While photography and designs have evolved, Topps maintained what fans love about the traditional annual checklist while adding enough specialized hits, parallels and insert sets to excite collectors. Strong and iconic photography captures a moment in MLB history while implementing subtle modernizing design touches. Additional factors like foreign language and high-tier breaks only expand the set’s appeal. When considering completeness, collecting opportunities, affordable retail, overall presentation and ability to capture both the past and present state of baseball – it’s easy to see why the 2013 Topps complete set has become such a celebrated yearly issue in the long-standing tradition of America’s favorite hobby.

2013 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Bowman Chrome baseball card set was released by Topps in July 2013 as the flagship Chrome product for that year’s Bowman baseball season. As with all Bowman Chrome releases, the 2013 edition featured prospects, rookies, and veterans showcased on glossy Chrome cardboard with vivid color saturation and crisp images that make for some of the most visually appealing baseball cards on the market each year.

The 2013 Bowman Chrome set contained 350 total cards with prospects, rookies, and veterans mixed throughout the checklist. Some of the top rookie cards from that year included luminaries such as Kris Bryant, Xander Bogaerts, Javier Baez, and Joey Gallo. With young stars like these just starting out in professional baseball at the time, 2013 Bowman Chrome provided fans an early opportunity to obtain affordable rookie cards of players who would go on to have considerable success in MLB.

Beyond top prospects and rookies, veteran players also received Chrome cards in the 2013 Bowman set. Stars represented included Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Buster Posey among many others. Highlighting established major leaguers alongside prospects created a balanced checklist appealing to both veteran collectors and those focused more on the future of the game. With the scintillating finish of Chrome, cards of current MLB standouts carried a nice sheen elevating already iconic players to an eye-catching new level in the hands of collectors.

Distribution of the 2013 Bowman Chrome set occurred primarily through hobby boxes and blaster packs on store shelves in the mid-summer months. Hobby boxes contained 10 factory-sealed packs with 3-4 cards per pack and an average pull rate yielding around a dozen chrome parallels or refractors out of each box on the secondary market. These extra shiny parallels spanned the usual variants including gold, purple, orange refractor, and blue refractor among others and added tremendous flair to what were already dazzling cards.

What set 2013 Bowman Chrome apart from other flagship release that year was the prevalence of higher-end parallels that popped out of packs. Products like Bowman Draft and Bowman Platinum supplemented the base Chrome checklist with more parallel pulls that displayed vivid colors, textured surfaces, and low print runs adding significant value beyond basic refractors. Hits like gold Kris Bryant, blue refractor Javier Baez, and purple refractor Xander Bogaerts parallels commanded big premiums online due to their visual appeal and status as early numbered rookie cards for budding stars.

Key indicators supported 2013 Bowman Chrome as a standout early investment. Top prospects from that draft class like Bryant, Baez, and Bogaerts all rose rapidly through minor league systems and reached the majors by 2015 where they made immediate impacts. With flagship rookie cards in hand before their breakouts, those who obtained the base and parallel chrome versions in 2013 sat on valuable long-term holdings. Additionally, Mike Trout’s ascent as the new face of MLB kept driving strong demand for any vintage Trout cards which aided veteran pieces within the set.

In the years since its release, 2013 Bowman Chrome has endured as one of the strongest and most recognizable Bowman Chrome Series. Rookie cards of graduated superstars like Kris Bryant, Xander Bogaerts, and Javier Baez continue gaining value as they solidify careers. Alongside flagship RCs, low-print parallel and refractors variants represent affordable masterworks from their early days. For vintage collectors it serves as a fixed point marking baseball’s great new stars’ origins. As one of the most aesthetically accomplished and prophetic issues, 2013 Bowman Chrome remains a pinnacle that newer Bowman Chrome output aims to match.

The 2013 Bowman Chrome baseball card set demonstrated the hallmarks that made the Bowman Chrome franchise a premier offering each year. Sharp photography printed on lustrous cardboard aligned prospects and veterans at the peak of collectability. A balanced checklist and abundance of parallel pulls created a product with longevity as young stars emerged. As an investment, it afforded an early window into future Hall of Famers at affordable prices. For these reasons, 2013 Bowman Chrome remains one of the landmark sets that showcases why Bowman Chrome endured for decades as a flagship baseball card product line.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 2013

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set featured some rookies and players that have produced valuable cards in the years since. While it may not contain the star rookies of sets past, savvy collectors realized there was long-term potential in several young players showcased in the 2013 Topps set.

One of the top rookies from 2013 was Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu from South Korea. Considered a prospect with ace potential, Ryu’s rookie card has grown in value as he has become an excellent mid-rotation starter for Los Angeles. His base rookie card from 2013 Topps is still attainable for around $10-15, but collectors saw his upside early. With continued strong performance, Ryu’s rookie could be a $50+ card before his career is over.

Another valuable rookie from the set belongs to Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey. Harvey was beginning his breakout season in 2013 when Topps captured his rookie card. After missing 2014-2015 due to Tommy John surgery, Harvey regained ace form in 2016-2017 before requiring another surgery. Despite injuries slowing his career, Harvey remains one of the game’s most dominant starters when on the mound. His base rookie card now sells for $30-40 and could gain more as his playing days wind down.

Making his MLB debut in 2013, shortstop Javier Baez was one of the top prospects in baseball when shown on his Topps rookie. Struggling at the plate initially, Baez has developed into an excellent power-hitting middle infielder for the Cubs. His defense also makes him a valuable player. Though he does not have Harvey’s pedigree, Baez’s card has increased to $15-25 as he becomes an offensive force. With continued refinement, he could match Harvey’s card value long term.

Another 2013 Topps rookie that turned heads was Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. After a phenomenal 2012 debut, Harper was the #1 prospect entering 2013 when immortalized on his base rookie card. While injury slowed Harper in 2013, he has developed into a perennial MVP candidate the past 5 seasons. Considered a future first-ballot Hall of Famer already, Harper’s rookie card understandably carries a high price tag above $100 today. For collectors that identified Harper’s talent early based on his pedigree, they found a solid investment holding his rookie.

Moving beyond rookies, 2013 Topps also highlighted players entering their primes who would go on to have all-star careers. One of these was now retired Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright. Already a workhorse starter, Wainwright’s 2013 campaign showed he was reaching the peak of his abilities. His base card from that year sits around $10-15, but more dedicated collectors know Wainwright has Hall of Fame caliber numbers. Over time, as his playing days end and he advances on the Hall of Fame track, his Topps cards from this period should rise above $50 per base card.

Another example of a budding star in 2013 was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto. Having broken out as an ace in 2012, Cueto seemed primed for greatness entering 2013 when featured on his Topps card. Injuries slowed him afterwards, but Cueto remains one of the best pure pitchers of his generation when on the hill. While he never achieved the fame of contemporaries like Kershaw and Scherzer, Cueto’s base 2013 card at $5-7 today seems quite reasonable given he has Hall of Fame stuff when right. As his career concludes, this period’s Cueto cards profile a legend and deserve to appreciate up near $25-50 range.

Finally, 2013 Topps highlighted Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen entering his age 26 season. Already a former MVP in 2012, McCutchen looked to have a clear path to the Hall of Fame if maintaining elite production. Injuries caused decline after 2013, but for 3-4 seasons Cutch was arguably the premier all-around player in baseball. His 2013 Topps base card resides at $10 today, an affordable pitching identifying one of the 2010’s true superstars during his peak. Whether he makes the Hall or not, McCutchen’s top cards from this period should rise above $50 given his exemplary early career.

While the 2013 Topps set lacked true rookie phenoms like Harper or Trout before them, diligent collectors saw value in the emerging talents of Ryu, Baez, Harvey, Wainwright, Cueto and McCutchen. With solid play since, their base cards from sets in 2013 have increased to between $5-25 and still hold promise as the players’ careers conclude. For those who did their homework, the 2013 Topps set provided multiple shrewd long term investments that should continue delivering returns to patient collectors in years to come.