Tag Archives: 2013

RARE 2013 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 baseball season produced some of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards in recent history. While every year sees new rookie stars and popular veterans that drive collector interest, the 2013 set had several factors that make some of its chase cards particularly noteworthy.

Perhaps the single rarest and most coveted 2013 card is the Mike Trout autograph rookie card from Topps Update. Trout had already emerged as one of the game’s rising stars the prior two seasons, and in 2013 he cemented his status as one of the elite players in baseball by winning the American League MVP award. Any autographed Trout rookie card is highly sought after, but the scarcity and timing of the Topps Update release made that parallel rare. Only 99 of the autograph parallels were produced, and demand exploded after Trout’s MVP win. Mint condition copies now routinely sell for over $10,000, with the highest sale to date reaching almost $23,000.

Another incredibly rare Trout card from 2013 is the Topps Allen & Ginter mini autographed card. Produced on a much smaller scale than typical baseball cards, the mini format always makes for lower print runs. Trout’s status meant strong demand for any autographed cards, and the limited quantity of the Allen & Ginter minis has helped drive prices upwards of $4,000 for gem mint 10 versions. While not technically a rookie card, 2013 was still early enough in Trout’s career to capture the excitement of his breakout star potential.

Staying with Topps Update, another hugely coveted 2013 parallel is the five-star Mookie Betts autograph parallel. As with Trout in 2012, Betts’ star exploded onto the scene with a fantastic debut season in 2013. His autograph parallel in Topps Update was limited to an astounding run of only 5 cards. High-grade PSA 10 copies have changed hands for $20,000 when available. Even low-population PSA 9 examples with flaws demand over $10,000.

Another rookie who had collectors buzzing in 2013 was cardboard fixture and budding superstar Bryce Harper. His Topps Series 1 base card remained widely available, but several parallel and autographed versions proved short-printed and skyrocketed in value. The Topps Complete Set parallel autographed to 25 copies is the true blockbuster, with examples crossing the $10,000 mark. The Topps 52 card autograph parallel is also extremely rare at only 52 produced, with PSA/BGS 10 gems now valued north of $5,000.

While rookies and stars captured most attention, some veterans from 2013 also produced historic rarities. Miguel Cabrera’s quest for an elusive Triple Crown in 2012 had collectors frenzied for any of his parallels the following year. The Topps Chrome Triple Crown Credentials parallel commemorating his feat was limited to an astounding 3 card run. With Cabinet status as the sole example known to exist with perfect gem grades, it’s doubtfully any single card from 2013 will surpass its rarity and six-figure auction prices.

Another veteran standout is Clayton Kershaw, who further cemented himself as the game’s best pitcher in 2013. An incredibly lucky collector pulled his Topps Finest Red refractor 1/1 parallel, making it the sole copy in existence. While Kershaw remains active, status as his lone 1/1 from such a modern and desirable set hands it well into the five-figure range alone on rarity.

Beyond rookies and stars, collectors seek some key vintage player parallels too. A Mariano Rivera autograph on-card parallel from Topps Tribute stands out, limited to an honored 59 copy print run as a nod to the great closer’s Jersey number. Near-mint PSA 9 versions trade privately over $1,000 now. Meanwhile, for collectors focusing on a single franchise, ultra-short prints like the 5 card Ichiro Suzuki Captain’s Collection parallel bring five figures due to unique Mariners theme.

In short, 2013 provided an abundance of short-printed parallels, valuable autographs, and rookieyear gems that have developed almost mythic status among today’s collectors just five years later. With so many formative careers and achievements captured, the market remains very active for these influential cards, especially in pristine grades. Investment savvy collectors started early recognizing potential legends, while lucky packs kept some fans richly rewarded. 2013 continues to represent a true high water mark in the modern collectibles boom.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set was the 62nd year of production for Topps and featured cards of players, managers, coaches, and executives from Major League Baseball. Some key things to know about the 2013 set:

Set Details: The flagship Topps base set contained 396 cards plus additional insert sets and parallels. The back of each card featured statistics and career highlights for that player. Top rookies included Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar, and Gerrit Cole who all received special rookie cards. The set was sold in packs, boxes, and rack packs at retail from late January through the summer. Hobby boxes contained 24 packs with 8 cards per pack while retail boxes contained 12 packs.

Design: The card design featured a clean and straightforward look featuring a headshot of the player on the front with their team logo in the foreground. The team logo and piping along the borders were designed in the primary colors of each franchise. On the back, key career data was shown along with a table listing the player’s stats from the previous season. Additional inserts and parallels featured variations on the basic design template. The set marked a shift back toward a simpler aesthetic compared to some of the more elaborate photoshopped designs of recent years.

Short Prints: As with past Topps Flagship releases, the 2013 set included several short printed cards that were more difficult to acquire. Some of the key short prints included #SP Mike Trout, #SP Clayton Kershaw, #SP Justin Verlander, and #SP David Wright. These cards were printed in vastly smaller quantities and quickly became highly sought after by collectors.

Parallel Variations: In addition to the base cardboard cards, Topps issued several parallel insert sets at different print runs to add to the hobby. The most common were Gold Parallels (#/2013), Silver Parallels (#/150), and Mini Parallels (1/1). More rare parallels included Fan Favorites Green Foil (#/99), Platinum Parallels (#/70), Refractor Parallels (1/1), and Gold Refractor Parallels (1/1). These parallels helped add value and collecting choices for enthusiasts.

Insert Sets: Topps included several special insert sets featuring categories like All-Star, Team Leaders, ROY Candidates, Milestone Men, Team Colors and more. Some of the more intricate inserts included Photo Props, Ballpark Biology, Diamond Kings, and Highlight Zone showcasing stunning action shots. Popular autographed and memorabilia inserts were grouped in the Topps Triple Threads set. These inserts gave collectors a fun way to build specialized subsets within the larger release.

Heritage Variation: In keeping with the retro aesthetic trend, Topps issued a parallel 2013 Heritage variation set showcasing card designs inspired by Topps baseball issues from the 70s and 80s. Featuring wood grain borders and a simpler color palette, these Heritage Variation cards added nostalgic flair to the release. They were available through hobby packs or as limited autograph and memorabilia cards.

Additional Products: Along with the base set and inserts, Topps produced an annual Topps Archives release recreating cards from the 1950s-80s, High Tek 3D lenticular parallels, special “Hit Princes” autograph boxes, autographed baseballs, and memorabilia cards featuring relics, patches and signature combos. These premium products catered to collectors seeking high-end, game-used content from their favorite players.

Set Value: Upon release, the 2013 Topps flagship set carried a average Grey Sheet value around $80-100 in mint condition for a complete base set. Key rookies, short prints, and star performers like Mike Trout have increased in value secondary market due to strong demand. Rarer parallels and inserts from the set routinely sell for hundreds or thousands depending on player, number, and condition. The set is considered the pinnacle modern baseball card release each year by collectors.

The 2013 Topps baseball card set showcased the diversity and collecting options that have made Topps the dominant force in the hobby for decades. By maintaining tradition while also adapting with parallels, inserts and innovative designs, Topps continues to drive interest and enthusiasm among both casual fans and die-hard memorabilia collectors worldwide. As a historical record of that year’s MLB season and players, the 2013 Topps set remains one of the most widely collected modern issues in the hobby.

MOST VALUABLE 2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set was the 72nd year of Topps’ coverage of America’s pastime through its iconic trading card releases. Though not as acclaimed as some previous years such as 1955, 2011 Gypsy Queen or 2013 Update Series, the 2013 Topps base set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and rising prospects that have only increased in value in the years since. Below are some of the most valuable and coveted rookie cards, short prints and memorabilia cards from the 2013 Topps series that collectors scramble to find today.

Perhaps the single most sought after card from 2013 Topps is the Mike Trout rookie card. While not his true rookie as that came in the 2011 Topps set, Trout’s ascension to superstardom has made any of his early cards quite valuable. The standard Mike Trout card from 2013 can fetch $30-50 in near mint condition, with more pristine grades moving closer to $100-150. Not bad for a base card from the middle of his career. However, Trouts’ true grail is his 2012 Topps Update Series rookie, which routinely sells for well over $1000 in high grades thanks to his two MVP awards already.

Another megastar whose 2013 Topps rookie card holds great value is California native Bryce Harper. Though he struggled with injuries in 2021, when fully healthy Harper is a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. His slick smiling rookie from 2013 can be found for $15-25, with higher grades pushing $50-75 due to his iconic status in the game. Like Trout, Harper’s true rookie card came the year prior in 2012 Topps, which earns several hundreds of dollars even in EX-MT condition.

Short prints are among the most eagerly awaited chase categories in modern Topps sets due to their scarcity and inflated values. The 2013 Topps set featured several hit short prints, namely the Starling Marte (#SP7) and Shelby Miller (#SP20) short prints. These tricky-to-find parallels routinely earn $50-75 each and have been known to break $100 for pristine mint copies. Series 1 short prints Gregor Blanco (#SP6) and Ross Detwiler (#SP14) have also gained popularity among completionists earning $15-20 regularly.

Autograph and memorabilia cards are a focal point for high-end collectors pursuing one-of-a-kind pieces from their favorite players. Some of the costliest authenticated cards from 2013 Topps include dual-signed patches of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper (#338) priced between $500-1000. Single signed Trout jersey cards run $150-300, and triple-relic cards featuring patches of elite young hurlers Jose Fernandez, Matt Harvey and Shelby Miller fetch $250-500 based on condition. Legendary veterans like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera also commanded premiums for their scarce autograph and uniform swatch cards.

Base rookies of future stars like Yasiel Puig, Edwin Encarnacion, Allen Craig and Tony Cingrani have grown sought after as these players developed. Their common Topps rookies can be acquired for $10-15 each. But the true prize is the ultra-short printed Yasiel Puig rookie variant (#SP86) endowed with only a print run of 10 copies. This pinnacle rookie card has sold for upwards of $3000 in pristine condition, becoming one of the most iconic and valuable modern short prints ever created by Topps.

While update and high-number parallels from Topps 2013 lack the true “rookie” designation for rising talents, they still carry significance for avid collectors. Prospective studs like Xander Bogaerts, Oscar Taveras, Javier Baez and Aaron Nola debuted professionally in this set’s later Series 2 variation. Their base cards trade hands between $5-15 usually. Autographs and swatches fetch higher sums case-by-case. And promotional parallels distributed via Hobby packs like Retail Exclusives and Value Box short prints round out the lucrative treasures waiting to be revealed.

In the years since its original release, the 2013 Topps baseball series has proven a hidden gem for finding affordable copies of today’s superstars in their earliest professional cardboard. While pricier than the mega-hits of decades past, common base rookies, autos and memorabilia cards from promising young talents can still be acquired with a modest budget. And the elusive SP and 1/1 parallel shortcuts to collecting fortune maintains an air of baseball card mystique that first enticed generations of fans decades ago. For astute vintage hunters and modern speculators alike, 2013 Topps retains plenty of lasting collecting appeal and profit potential further down the road.

2013 ROOKIE CARDS BASEBALL

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The 2013 MLB season saw another talented crop of rookies make their big league debuts. Many of these young stars went on to have outstanding careers in baseball and their rookie cards from 2013 have grown in value in the years since. Collectors continued to covet these early cards capturing a player’s first season in the majors.

Beyond rankings rookie cards based purely on player performance and career achievements, there are a number of other factors that influence the desirability and price of these rookie issues from nine years ago. Scarcity, autographs, special parallels, unique designs and storylines can all impact demand and appreciation over time. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies from 2013 and how their cards have held up.

Perhaps the biggest star to emerge in 2013 was OF Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals. Still just 20 years old at the time, Harper captured the NL Rookie of the Year award while slashing .274/.368/.477 with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases. His aggressive style of play and magnetic personality also helped grow the game’s popularity. Harper’s 2013 Topps base rookie card remains one of the most sought after and valuable modern issues, hovering around the $500-700 range in a PSA 10 Gem Mint.

Other parallels like Topps Finest, Topps Chrome, Topps Update and especially Topps National Baseball Card Day autographed variants command massive premiums over the base issue, showing no signs of slowing down. Harper lived up to the hype and has established himself as a perennial All-Star, so his rookie cards – especially autographs – hold tremendous longterm potential. Beyond performance, Harper cards also benefit from strong artistic designs like his dynamic pose on the Topps flagship card.

Another young star pitcher who burst onto the scene in 2013 was Dodgers’ RHP Yasiel Puig. Despite a late season debut on June 3rd, Puig finished 4th in the NL Rookie of the Year voting while slashing .319/.391/.534 with 19 home runs and 42 RBI in 104 games. His energetic playing style and flair for the dramatic helped fuel a resurgent Dodgers team. Puig rookie cards likewise generated a ton of excitement, led by his retro-styled Topps base which typically sells for $150-250 graded Gem Mint.

Rainbow foil and autographed parallels can fetch thousands. While injuries and attitude issues caused Puig’s production to tail off in subsequent seasons, his 2013 rookie cards remain quite collectible as a reflection of one of the most memorable rookie campaigns ever. Beyond performance, Puig cards were also aided by their retro design blending with his explosive playing persona.

Astros’ RHP Gerrit Cole put together one of the finest rookie pitching seasons in recent memory. In 26 starts for the Pirates, Cole went 10-7 with a 3.22 ERA and126 strikeouts against just 35 walks in 173.1 innings. He finished 4th in the NL Rookie of the Year voting and looked like a budding ace. Cole’s 2013 Topps base rookie has steadily grown in demand, now reaching the $150-250 range in PSA 10. As with most star pitchers, autographed and serialized parallels hold the most collector interest longterm.

While Cole struggled with injuries and changing teams the past few years, his 2013 rookie continues to be a benchmark for one of the greatest rookie seasons on the mound this century. Barring further setbacks, Cole has an ace’s arsenal and pedigree to cement his 2013 rookie as one of the most significant modern pitching cards.

Beyond performance, several other 2013 rookies have seen strong ongoing demand based on unique storylines or card traits. Cubs 3B Mike Olt debuted late but launched some big home runs down the stretch as trade speculation swirled around him. His rookie cards remain popular with Cubs fans given how close he came to never playing in Chicago.

Braves’ RF Jason Heyward was just a phenom at age 21 and was traded the next year. His rookie paper is affordable but higher-end parallels command strong money. Padres’ C Yonder Alonso had one of the most visually striking rookie photos ever despite a lackluster career. His cards have a strong design following.

While many rookies from the 2013 season went on to have up and down careers, the top performers like Harper, Puig and Cole cemented their cards as benchmarks for the era. Strong designs, autographs and low print runs on parallel issues also fueled lasting demand beyond statistics. For active collectors and investors, several 2013 rookies still hold longterm appreciation potential.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2013

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors since the late 19th century. Even in today’s digital world, physical baseball cards still hold value as prized collectibles and investments. With new sets released each year featuring current players and throwbacks to baseball’s golden eras, staying on top of a card’s worth in the fluctuating collectibles market can be challenging. This 2013 baseball cards price guide aims to provide collectors with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the hobby.

One of the most important factors that determines a card’s value is its condition and grade. The two main professional grading services, PSA and BGS, rate cards on a scale from 1 to 10 based on centering, corners, edges and surface quality. A mint condition card fresh from a pack would earn a Gem Mint 10, while a well-worn card full of creases or stains might grade somewhere in the 3-5 range. The higher the grade, the more desirable and valuable a card becomes to serious collectors. For example, a 1973 Topps Hank Aaron in a PSA 10 can sell for over $1,000, while the same card in a PSA 5 might go for under $50. Condition is absolutely critical when assessing a card’s worth.

Rookie cards for star players also carry significant premiums. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie in PSA 9 would be valued around $100,000 today. Other highly-coveted rookie cards include the 1975 Topps Eddie Murray (PSA 9 around $1,000), 1987 Topps Barry Bonds (PSA 9 around $500), and 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 9 around $300). Even recent stars like 2008 Topps Yasiel Puig and 2012 Topps Mike Trout rookies can fetch $50-100 in top condition. Rookies are always the cards to watch for future appreciation as young players develop their careers.

Vintage cards from the early 20th century are extremely rare and valuable. An ungraded 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is arguably the most valuable trading card in existence, worth over half a million dollars. Other pre-war gems include a 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson (PSA 8 around $20,000), a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth (PSA 8 around $15,000) and a 1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson (PSA 8 around $10,000). Even commons from the vintage era can hold value – a 1912 T206 Ed Konetchy recently sold for over $1,000 in PSA 8. Condition is everything with these century-old cardboard treasures.

Modern star cards also maintain strong demand. A 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie patch autograph just sold for over $6,000. A 2011 Topps Update Bryce Harper autograph went for around $3,000. Autographed and memorabilia cards featuring today’s elite like Clayton Kershaw, Andrew McCutchen, and Matt Harvey can be had for $100-500 depending on parallel and autograph type. Popular insert sets like Topps Chrome, Topps Finest, and Topps Tribute also hold collector interest for current greats.

Team and league sets are always in demand too. A complete 1959 Topps set in high grade could sell for $10,000+, while a pristine 1984 Donruss set might go for $3,000-5,000. Regional issues like 1972 Topps Oakland A’s and 1975 Topps Cincinnati Reds are highly collectible. The rare 1933 Goudey Baseball Giants Team set recently changed hands for over $50,000. And the elusive complete 1957 Topps set (including the legendary Mickey Mantle card) would command well over $100,000 today. Set building remains a timeless aspect of the baseball card hobby.

The value of oddball, parallel, insert, and specialty issues can vary wildly. Unique finds like the rare 1969 Topps Deckle Edge Nolan Ryan sell for thousands. Parallel issues like Topps Finest Refractors hold a premium. Insert sets featuring specific themes like Topps Opening Day or Topps Lineage have a following. And regional issues not distributed nationally like 1985 Donruss Cincinnati Reds Mini hold collector interest. While more specialized, these niche cards offer fun surprises for dedicated baseball card hunters.

Condition, star power, vintage history and completeness are the major factors driving baseball card prices in today’s market. With patience and research, savvy collectors can uncover hidden gems and make shrewd long-term investments in the cardboard collectibles of America’s pastime. This price guide provides a starting point, but as with any hobby, value is often defined by what an individual collector is willing to pay. With new finds always surfacing, the fun is in the hunt for baseball’s next great card.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE 2013

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Topps baseball cards are among the most popular and valuable trading cards on the market. Each year, Topps produces its standard flagship baseball card set as well as specialty subsets highlighting top players, rookie cards, special editions and more. Determining the value of any given Topps baseball card can vary greatly depending on the player, year, condition and more. This article will take an in-depth look at Topps baseball card values throughout 2013 to help collectors understand what drives prices and which cards were most coveted.

One of the biggest factors that determines a card’s worth is the player featured on the front. Superstar players command higher prices than role players or career minor leaguers. In 2013, cards featuring superstars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw and Albert Pujols led the way in terms of value. A near mint-condition Mike Trout 2012 Topps rookie card could sell for over $300. Meanwhile, a PSA 10 graded version of Trout’s iconic 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor parallel card was valued at close to $10,000.

Beyond the biggest names, rookie cards also hold significant value. Topps Update & Topps Pro Debut sets are good places to find rising star rookies at affordable prices. In 2013, rookie hits of Wil Myers, Shelby Miller, Anthony Rendon and Travis d’Arnaud all jumped in price as their MLB debut seasons commenced. Condition is equally as important when determining value. Heavily played cards in poor shape may only be worth a dollar or less, while a mint Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) copy of the same card could sell for 10x more.

Parallels, short prints, autographs and memorabilia cards are also highly sought after variants that charge premium prices. Topps Finest Refractors, Topps Chrome Updates, Bowman Sterling parallels and Topps Retired Signature Edition autographs regularly topped $100+ in 2013. The biggest RARE parallel hits like 1/1 patches or serial numbered cards under 10 copies escalate values exponentially, sometimes reaching the thousands. Although risky, these high-end parallel cards offered collectors a shot at finding great value if hit.

Vintage 1960s-80s cardboard continued gaining recognition and price appreciation in 2013. The 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 was valued around $150,000. A 1969 Topps Mantle PSA 6 sold for $32,000, showing increased demand and stabilized prices for the “golden age” subsets. Higher graded vintage wax-era cards moved in for five-figure sums. A PSA 9 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan or 1975 Topps Rod Carew were valued at $2,000-$4,000, affordable for truly high-end vintage cardboard.

Iconic baseball moments translate to big modern card value too. A 2013 Topps Archives 1965 Koufax no-hitter parallel refractor numbered to /25 sold for over $500 due to capturing Don Drysdale’s call of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game broadcast. Rare autograph or patch cards of retired legends routinely moved for multi-thousand dollar sums. Topps Heritage has also sustained interest in classic designs featuring today’s players. Heritage parallels often push $50-$100 price tags.

Rookie premier parallel cards highlighting MLB’s top prospects gained traction in 2013 and still provide opportunities for cost-effective cards. 2012 Topps Update Wave Refractors featuring Byron Buxton, Lucas Giolito and others settled in the $10-25 range in 2013. Box toppers, Black Gold parallels and 1/1 printing plates parallels are tougher pulls but offer true rarities for big one-of-a-kind benefits in collections. 2013 Topps Archives Snapshots subset parallels also started gaining attention for affordable vintage reprints and lower print runs.

Specialty high-numbered parallel subset releases like Topps Triple Threads patches and autographs, Allen & Ginter minis and Topps Tier One premium cards held $50 minimum values across the board with biggest hits regularly topping $500+. In 2013, sports memorabilia was exploding in popularity which translated to steady price increases on autograph and uniform relic cards compared to a few years earlier. Target and Walmart exclusives provided more accessible autograph rookies as well.

Overall, 2013 saw steady growth and stabilization at the high-end vintage levels. Significant star rookies emerged with affordable parallel value plays. Short prints and 1/1 vintage reprints tantalized collectors. The rise of high-end parallels offered new collecting opportunities while autograph and uniform relic demand increased card values significantly across the board. Condition remained critical and the bigger the star, the bigger the potential price tag. Knowledge of production numbers and subsets gave collectors advantages in determining rarities and future potential too.

2013 TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2013 edition of Topps Triple Play Baseball was the ninth installment in the popular Triple Play baseball card series. Released on June 5, 2013, the set featured 297 base cards, including short prints and rookie cards of future stars such as Manny Machado and Jose Fernandez. While the 2013 Triple Play cards are not considered to be among the most valuable baseball card sets overall, some of the cards have proven very appealing to collectors in the years since the set was released.

Perhaps the most iconic card from the 2013 Triple Play set is the Mike Trout rookie card. Trout had just won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2012 and was coming off a spectacular season that saw him hit .326 with 30 home runs and 83 RBIs for the Los Angeles Angels. His outstanding rookie campaign sparked significant collector interest in his cards, including the flagship Topps rookie card from that year. Trout continued his emergence as one of the game’s true superstars, going on to win the AL MVP award in 2014 and 2016. As a result, the 2013 Topps Trout rookie card climbed steadily in value in the secondary market, thanks to its scarcity and attached to one of the greatest players of this generation. Mint condition PSA 10 examples of Trout’s 2013 Topps Triple Play rookie currently trade hands on the secondary market for upwards of $800-1000, a steep climb from its original pack/box price of around $2-3. Lower graded versions in the PSA 8-9 range still fetch $250-500 due to Trout mania among collector.

Another star player whose 2013 Topps Triple Play rookie is highly sought after is light-hitting shortstop Xander Bogaerts of the Boston Red Sox. Bogaerts made his MLB debut in 2013 at age 20 and showed solid offensive skills from the left side of the plate. He developed into a consistent .300 hitter and middle-of-the-order force for Boston’s championship teams of the late 2010s. Mint PSA 10 Bogaerts rookies from the 2013 Triple Play set now sell for around $150-200, a respectable price for a Red Sox player of his caliber. Lower grades in the PSA 8-9 range can still find buyers in the $50-100 range.

In addition to rookies of future stars, there were also some uniquely numbered parallel and short print cards included in the 2013 Triple Play checklist that added layers of scarcity and collector interest. The most notable of these were the gold parallel cards, limited to only 50 copies each. Some key gold parallels that command a premium today include Mike Trout (#/50), Manny Machado (#/50), and Clayton Kershaw (#/50). These scarce parallels tend to sell in the $150-250 range even in lower PSA 8-9 grades due to their limited print run. Another category of short prints were the “Photo Variation” cards, featuring alternate action shots from the base cards. Examples of some of the more valuable photo var cards are Yasiel Puig (#/299), Matt Harvey (#/299), and Adam Wainwright (#/299), which can sell in the $50-100 range in PSA 10.

While stars like Trout and rookie cards of future impact players gained favor with collectors, there were also veteran players included in the 2013 Triple Play set whose on-field performance and brand carried memorable cardboard. Hall of Fame-bound Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander had arguably his best season in career in 2011 when he won the AL MVP and Cy Young awards. As one of the faces of the game at the time, his base card from the ’13 Triple Play set maintains popularity. PSA 10 examples sell in the $25-50 range. Four-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers was also one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers by 2013. His base card can be acquired for $15-30 in top NM-MT condition.

Many noteworthy rookies and veterans made their 2013 Triple Play cardboard debuts, but as with any large mainstream release, the majority of base cards from the set hold relatively modest long-term value based solely on the player featured or the statistics on the back of the card. Outside of stars, parallels and short prints, most base cards from commons to stars tend to trade hands for mere dollars even in top grades. But for avid player collectors focused on specific teams or players, these affordably priced base rookies and veterans can still serve as enjoyable pieces for a collection despite not possessing enormous long-term monetary worth.

While the 2013 Topps Triple Play set overall does not rank among the most valuable modern issues, there are certain standout rookie cards, parallel inserts, and stars from that year that hold lasting collector demand and value appreciation potential. Cards of emerging talents like Trout and Bogaerts have proven especially desirable long-term investments. But the set also provided more reasonably priced opportunities to obtain cardboard of other notable players from that season across MLB. Several years later, the 2013 Triple Play release continues offering diverse affordable and higher-end collecting options for both team and investor-minded baseball card aficionados.

TOPPS 2013 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2013 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable issues in recent years. Released in March 2013, the flagship Topps product contained several highly sought after rookie cards that have increased exponentially in secondary market value over the past decade. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies and other notable inclusions from the 2013 Topps set that hold significant collector interest and demand.

One of the biggest hits from 2013 Topps is the Mike Trout rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Trout’s Topps rookie card #338 is a holy grail for many collectors. In mint condition straight out of the pack, Trout rookies were selling for under $20 in 2013 but have skyrocketed in the following years. As of 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded Trout rookie regularly fetches well over $1000 on the open market, with some examples breaking the $2000-3000 range. Even raw near-mint copies in sleeves are valued around $200-400 minimum depending on centering and condition nuances. The Trout is undoubtedly the most coveted inclusion from the entire set and remains a long-term blue chip holding.

Another breakout star with a highly valuable rookie in the ’13 Topps set is Bryce Harper. Like Trout, Harper established himself as a true superstar very quickly and his card values adjusted accordingly. The Harper Topps rookie #181 also trended upwards sharply since release. PSA 10 examples now sell for $500-800 on average, while raw near-mint copies trade hands from $100-250 based on attributes. Even in lower grades, there is strong collector interest in the Harper RC that keeps prices elevated compared to release prices under $10 back in ’13. This is without question one of the best MLB rookie cards available from the past decade.

In addition to Trout and Harper, the 2013 Topps Baseball set contained rookie cards of other notable talents who went on to great success like Manny Machado (#274), Gerrit Cole (#373), and Wil Myers (#377) that hold substantial value today. Machado’s attainable star power makes his rookie a hot commodity, with PSA 10’s regularly fetching $150-250. Cole and Myers rookie cards have also appreciated considerably from initial pack prices, with PSA 10 examples of each selling in the $75-150 range depending on day of sale and demand. Even in lower grades, these sought after rookie cards fetch a premium in today’s booming baseball card market.

Another key storyline from the 2013 Topps set surrounds Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera’s finale season and farewell tour. Rivera’s sharp decline and retirement after the 2013 season made his cards from that year much more precious for collectors. This includes his base card #85 as well as several special parallel and autograph variations. PSA 10 examples of Rivera’s base parallel sell steady in the $50-75 range, with autograph and 1/1 parallel hits commanding mid-triple digit prices minimum when they surface. His inclusion resonated strongly with collectors seeking to commemorate the career of the game’s greatest reliever of all-time.

Beyond rookies and stars, the 2013 Topps set also featured several unique parallels and short prints that spike collector demand. The likes of the Gold #/2013 parallel, Silk parallels numbered to 99 copies, Mosaic blue paper parallels numbered to 10 each, and various Ink parallels autographed to different numbers all carry premiums above the standard base issue. Unique 1/1 printing plates of stars are especially coveted. For set builders, locating all the various parallels complete with low serial numbers can be an exceptionally rewarding and valuable undertaking as well.

Pack fresh condition and high-grade vintage also plays a major role in the long-term value appreciation of any given 2013 Topps card. Due to the relatively recent release date of the set, it’s still very possible to locate pristine near-mint to gem mint quality copies straight out of original wax packs. Cards that achieve the coveted PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 rating, especially of key rookies, parallels and stars, have realized the greatest jumps in secondary market value compared to lower graded or worn examples. Conditions census data shows the 2013 Topps release as quite “tough” overall to grade at the true mint state level as well.

The 2013 Topps Baseball card set has exceptional value propositions for investors, collectors, and enthusiasts of the modern hobby alike due to its world-class rookie class headlined by Trout and Harper. Coupled with key veterans like Rivera’s swan song, numerous premium parallels, and the ability to still locate virtually pack fresh condition examples, the ’13 Topps issue will certainly stand the test of time as one of the premier modern releases to hold. For building a long-term collection centered around investing in the next generation of stars, this set cannot be overlooked.

2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS LOT

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The 2013 Topps baseball card set was the 73rd consecutive Topps flagship baseball card release since the company debuted their modern design in 1952. While not quite celebrating the same longevity milestone as the 1952 Bowman set, the 2013 Topps issue maintained Topps’ position as the sport’s iconic brand through seven straight decades. This massive 762 card base issue + variations included every major leaguer as well as retired greats and team logos spanning both the American and National Leagues. With chrome and paper parallels extending the set size well past 1000 cards, 2013 Topps offered players of all levels and eras a wide range to chase and collect.

One of the defining graphics of the 2013 design was the large team wordmarks prominently featured across the majority of the cards. Printed in bold colors corresponding to each club, these logos helped instantly identify each player’s affiliation at a glance for casual browsers. Additionally positioned were smaller color photos extending from the side nameplates into the white negative space surrounding each logo. This modernized the look from past monochromatic issues while maintaining Topps’ classic single-player vertical template established since the early 1950s.

Paralleling the success of their 2012 insert sets, Topps again packed the 2013 release full of hittable short prints and sepia-toned parallels to drive collector interest. Popular subsets like Topps Treasures recycled vintage aesthetics to appeal to nostalgic grown fans. Archives on the other hand stripped away unnecessary borders allowing pristine full bleed images from baseball’s storied past. For the high-end chaser, 1/1 printing plates and bat knob relic autographs provided the ultimate chase. Across various distribution platforms like Hobby Jumbo Boxes, Jumbo Packs, Hobby Packs and more, collectors could pursue this variety of insert cards at both retail and hobby price points.

Outside of the base cards and inserts Topps also introduced several novel promotional inserts only obtainable through special means. “Gypsy Queen” parallels rewarded those who redeemed mail-in codes advertised within Hobby Jumbo Boxes with regal gold-bordered parallels of select stars. “Topps Superstar Celebrations” meanwhile catered to the growing memory card trend by commemorating famous MLB milestone moments with artistic depictions. While limited in availability, cards like these added unique collectibles for building personal sets beyond the standard checklist.

On the player side, emerging stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado drew collector attention as their skills began establishing them amongst the game’s elites. Veterans like Mariano Rivera entering their final seasons also increased interest as fans anticipated acquiring potential pieces of history. Internationally, 2013 even included the debut Topps cards of budding Cuban slugger Yasiel Puig who had just signed with the Dodgers leading up to that season. This diverse array of fan favorites made finding hits exciting across the full spectrum of the roster.

Secondary markets emerged for lots encompassing teams, players and subsets broken out from master collection runs. On auction sites, raw and graded 2013 Topps lots saw regular activity as people looked to liquidate or acquire playoff contenders, rookie classes or personal PC themes. With the sheer size of the base set and abundance of inserts, building full runs offered significant long term value propositions for investors or collectors wanting full sets for personal displays. Whether as singles, wax boxes, factory sealed cases or curated bundles, the 2013 issue maintained popularity across various retail, tertiary and online marketplaces.

While not breaking new ground design-wise, the 2013 Topps baseball release solidified the brand’s premier position through reliability and hittable player content. Extended collecting options beyond the standard checklist kept the hunting interesting at both casual and serious levels. Even a decade later, the diverse fan appeal ensures lots and collections broken out from the massive base set will remain in demand amongst the collecting community looking to build their careers, PC’s and invest long term in the rich history of America’s pastime. As one of the most inclusive modern issues, 2013 Topps provided inclusion for everyone from nostalgic veterans to new generation fans entering the hobby. Its chasing incentives, vast scale and recognizable branding traits ensured this set maintained its relevancy amongst the diverse demographics forming the widespread baseball card collectors pipeline.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 2013

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The year 2013 saw some truly noteworthy rookie cards emerge and past legends grow increasingly valuable. While sports card values constantly fluctuate based on the latest sales reports and industry experts’ evaluations, here are some of the baseball cards that stood out as particularly valuable during the 2013 calendar year.

One of the most coveted rookie cards of 2013 was Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractors card. Featuring the then-prospect and now two-time American League MVP, only five of these ultra-rare Trout cards were produced. They contain the lowest print run of any modern baseball card. With Trout quickly cementing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation, these cards sold for astronomical prices whenever one became available. Some reports had individual Trout Superfractors trading hands for over $200,000 in 2013, making them comfortably the most valuable baseball card of that year.

AnotherTrout rookie that demand grew markedly for was his 2009 Bowman Sterling card, the condition-sensitive version of his base Bowman rookie. High-grade examples graded Gem Mint 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or BGS sold for $15,000-$20,000 last year. With Trout’s all-world talent on full display by this point, interest in these rookie cards expanded well beyond just diehard collectors. Plenty of average fans started taking an interest simply because Trout seemed destined for the Hall of Fame someday.

One other relatively modern baseball card to see a explosion in value was the 2009 Topps Update Blue Refractor Parallel of Bryce Harper. Featuring the uber-hyped Nationals prospect, graded examples reached prices of $3,000-$5,000 in 2013. Harper’s combination of prodigious power and hype positioned him as potentially the next Trout and Babe Ruth rolled into one, creating demand for his early cards. While Harper has yet to quite live up to those sky-high expectations, his cards remain highly sought after.

For cards from a bit earlier, Ken Griffey Jr. rookies remained coveted investment pieces into the new decade. The 1989 Upper Deck Kevin Griffey Jr was particularly prestigious, with PSA 10 examples hitting $5,000 price tags in some 2013 auction sales. The 1990 Score Griffey rookie traded hands for similar amounts among serious collectors. With Griffey’s career home run total and highlights cemented him among the greatest ever, interest in revisiting his rookie cardboard continued growing. Whether raw or encapsulated by a third party grading service, Griffey rookies stayed popular.

For true icons of the game, Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps card in top condition remained one of 2013’s most valuable collectibles across all of sports. Mantle is considered the finest switch hitter ever and one of the game’s early superstars. A single mint PSA 8 copy went for a staggering $100,000 at a Goldin Auctions event, while a solitary graded PSA 6.5 example still fetched $50,000. The raw 1952 Topps cards attracted a little less money but remained intensely sought after museum-quality pieces. Mantle fever showed no signs of ending even six decades after his legendary career.

Perhaps surprisingly, the 1949 Bowman Pee Wee Reese rookie card also emerged as a highly-prized find for collectors in 2013, trading hands in the $12,000-$18,000 range whenever one crossed the auction block. This was despite Reese’s career statistics not matching the all-time greats. His role as longtime captain of the great Brooklyn Dodgers teams made his early cardboard hugely appealing to both vintage and team collectors alike. With few surviving examples in solid condition, the scarcity alone created sizeable demand.

The 1956 Topps Hank Aaron rookie was also elevated to new heights of valuation in 2013 from its previously lofty status. Always a six-figure card in pristine condition, a lone PSA 8 speciment rose as high as $150,000 at Goldin’s Orlando winter show. “Hammerin’ Hank’s” title as home run king and his landmark career made any card featuring his early playing days coveted trophies for the most well-heeled collectors. The Hammer remained a source of inspiration long after his retirement as well.

In summary, 2013 brought both established stars and promising young players to new heights in the memorabilia market. Icons like Mantle and Aaron saw their earliest representations climb to never-before-seen prices. Meanwhile, modern greats like Trout started accruing legendary status themselves, at rates scarcely imaginable in years past. With the sports card industry’s financial strength growing annually, the potential for rookie cards to gain immense value in just a few short years became readily apparent. 2013 reinforced the notion that, in the memorabilia world, stars are born anew as rapidly as the cards are printed and pedigrees are achieved.