Tag Archives: 2014

VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2014

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The 2014 Topps baseball card set featured some of the game’s biggest stars and top rookies. While it may not have had any true superstar rookie cards like recent years that featured Mike Trout or Bryce Harper, there were still several highly valuable rookie and star player cards collectors sought after. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable offerings from the 2014 Topps baseball card release.

One of the set’s most coveted rookie cards was that of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching sensation Julio Urias. Only 18 years old at the time of his call-up in 2016, Urias had immense hype surrounding him as one of the game’s top pitching prospects. In the 2014 Topps set, Urias’ card can be found with the number 618. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of this card in recent years have sold for well over $100. Urias lived up to the hype by 2021, establishing himself as an ace for the Dodgers while still just 25 years old. His rookie card remains a prized possession for Dodgers collectors.

Another valuable rookie from the 2014 Topps set belongs to Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. The number one overall pick in the 2013 draft, Bryant rocketed through the minors and debuted with the Cubs in 2015. He quickly proved himself as a superstar, claiming the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Bryant’s 2014 Topps rookie card can be found with the number 167. High grade PSA 10 versions regularly bring in over $150 due to his status as a Cubs and player collector favorite.

Topps included inserts focusing on prospects in several 2014 products. One of the most desirable was the Topps Prospects card of shortstop Corey Seager. Still in A-ball at the time, Seager had incredible hype but had yet to reach the majors. His prospect card shows immense promise and today garners big dollars because he lived up to it, becoming an All-Star for the Dodgers. PSA 10 Seager prospects cards change hands for $300-400.

Superstar players included in the base set also yield high prices. Mike Trout mania was in full effect by 2014. His base card can be found with the number 42. Pristine PSA 10 versions have eclipsed $1000 due to his status as the game’s best player. Other highly-valued star cards include Clayton Kershaw (number 199), who like Trout was already establishing an all-time great resume by 2014. Top PSA 10 Kershaw cards sell for $400-500.

Vintage collectors also seek out Hall of Fame inductees present in the 2014 release. Cy Young winners Greg Maddux (number 212) and Tom Glavine (number 349) both debuted new Hall of Fame logos on their cards following their inductions in 2014. Pristine PSA 10 copies change hands for $100-150 given their places in baseball history. Players like Craig Biggio (number 178) who were on the cusp of Cooperstown in 2014 also yield $75-100 for top-grade versions.

As with any vintage release, parallels and serially numbered cards from 2014 Topps raise values exponentially compared to base versions. The Noah Syndergaard (number 380) and Carlos Rodon (number 552) prospect parallels numbered to only 50 copies command $300-500 in top condition. Star rookies like Bryant and Urias also have short printed parallels that can reach $500 due to rarity despite abundant base versions. Autograph and memorabilia cards of elite names like Trout and Kershaw from 2014 Topps products also bring multi-thousand dollar prices.

While it may lack the true “money” rookies of years past, today’s savvy collectors recognize great value still exists within the 2014 Topps baseball release. Young stars Julio Urias and Kris Bryant maintain strong followings. Hall of Famers like Maddux and Glavine as well as current titans Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw ensure their base cards retain high demand from collectors. Add in scarce parallels and serially numbered prospect offerings, and it’s clear valuable collecting opportunities are still bountiful within this set released nearly a decade ago. Savvy vintage collectors recognize 2014 Topps as an underrated set primed to appreciate further in the years ahead.

TOPPS 2014 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2014 Topps Baseball Card series, released in 2014 to commemorate the 2013 MLB season, contained a total of 782 cards in the base set. As with previous years, Topps included both rookie cards and veteran player cards along with team cards and league leader cards. The 2014 set served as one of the most popular and noteworthy Topps releases in recent memory.

Some key details and highlights about the 2014 Topps Baseball complete base set include:

The set consisted of 782 total cards, with card numbers ranging from 1 to 782. This was larger than the 726 cards in the 2013 Topps set but smaller than some sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s that would contain 800 cards or more.

Topps included rookie cards for many of the top young prospects and call-ups from the 2013 season, such as Jose Fernandez, Wil Myers, Yasiel Puig, and Matt Harvey. These rookie cards have become some of the most valuable from the set in subsequent years.

Veterans like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte received special final season tribute cards since they had all announced 2013 would be their last in the major leagues. These “last hurrah” cards are fan favorites.

Each team received 18 cards dedicated to that franchise, including current players as well as classic past players and managers for that organization. This helped complete team sets that were popular with collectors.

Statistical leaders from 2013 earned “league leader” cards highlighting their accomplishments. Examples included cards for Miguel Cabrera for leading the AL in batting average, Adam Wainwright for ERA in the NL, and others.

Short prints were included throughout the set, ranging from SP to SSP parallels. These variations created challenges for collectors to locate the “harder to find” cards.

Insert sets within the base collection included Topps Legends, All-Time Fan Favorites, and others highlighting classic players throughout MLB history.

Designs and photo quality took a creative step forward versus recent years. Card stock quality was also improved to withstand the test of time and heavy use from collectors.

Upon its initial release, the 2014 Topps Baseball set received widespread acclaim across the hobby. Checklists were eagerly awaited online and in hobby publications. Such enthusiasm from the collector base drove active trading, breaks, and participation in the online community.

Within the first couple years post-release, the 2014 Topps set saw cards appreciate quickly in value, driven by the aforementioned rookie cards and other notables capturing rising on-field popularity and production. Fernandez, Puig, and Harvey especially were in high demand. Fan favorites like Miggy Cabrera and Wainwright also gained secondary market value as their careers progressed.

Team collectors fueled interest in completing local club sets. Challenging variations like the short prints became popular chase cards. Meanwhile, the design innovations and attention to quality established 2014 Topps as a respected, desirable release that collectors aimed to finish. Secondary market price averages for the base set hovered around the $100-150 range in near-complete form by 2017-2018.

In the years since, the 2014 Topps set has endured as a prized vintage release. Rookie cards of established stars that have sadly passed like Fernandez only gain more significance over time. Other notables remain elite talents still performing at the top of their games like Mike Trout, whose Topps rookie received immense focus from collectors. Key veterans like Jeter and Rivera cement their all-time great careers with final-season tribute cards.

Altogether, these factors – the prominent rookies, special parallels, tributes to legends, team-centric approach, innovation in design and production quality – coalesced to make the 2014 Topps Baseball complete set a memorable and respected release. Its longevity is a testament to how Topps captured the essence of the 2013 MLB season through card form in a way that connected with collectors and preserved it for future appreciation. The 2014 Topps set stands out as one of the premier Topps releases in the modern era.

2014 PANINI GOLDEN AGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2014 Panini Golden Age Baseball trading card set was a throwback release celebrating the early years of professional baseball from the late 1800s through the 1950s. With cards depicting iconic players, teams, and memorabilia from baseball’s early era, the set had strong nostalgic appeal for collectors interested in history of America’s pastime.

Panini’s 2014 Golden Age release included 300 total trading cards packaged in series one and two wax packs. The cards covered eight decades ranging from the 1880s through the 1950s. Some of the biggest stars depicted included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. In addition to player cards, the set also featured cards spotlighting historic teams, ballparks, and even turn-of-the-century tobacco advertisements that served as early baseball card promotions.

What made the 2014 Golden Age set unique was its attention to historical detail and visual presentation that perfectly captured the era depicted on each card. Panini used high quality scanned reproductions of actual era-appropriate baseball photographs on the fronts of each card. This gave the release an authentic antique feel completely different than Panini or Topps’ modern baseball cards of the day. Even the card stock and coloring was designed to resemble yellowed newspaper print from decades past.

The card backs also took collectors on an engaging visual journey through time. In addition to basic player stats and career highlights, each back told the story of that specific season depicted on the front through historical facts, photographs and illustrations. This ranged from describing turn-of-the-century players hustling on dirt fields in front of small wooden grandstands to iconic shots from baseball’s Golden Age such as players in flat-brimmed caps sliding into bases or posing with championship trophies.

Captions on the card backs transported readers directly back to that moment in history. Descriptions brought to life details like “the Deadball Era” when pitching dominated over hitting or noted Babe Ruth’s record-setting 60 home runs in 1920 that changed the way the game was played. Backs also provided interesting nuggets such expanded baseball cards handed out in candy in the early 1900s through the first modern style cardboard issues produced by companies in the 1920s.

Through its authentic presentation and carefully researched historical storytelling, the 2014 Golden Age set offered far more than just a collection of baseball players. It became a portable trip through some of America’s most iconic eras captured in baseball cards. Not only did the release celebrate singular superstars, but also commemorated the social impact and evolving nature of America’s pastime over decades through intriguing factoids and visuals spanning from the late 1800s Industrial Age through post-WWII resurgence.

While historic players and moments served as the main attraction, collectors also enjoyed pursuing subsets within the larger set. This included focusing on specificplayer positions like catchers, memorable World Series teams, bygone ballparks, retired numbers icons and more. Some popular chase cards included legendary figures unavailable in any other modern sets like Cap Anson, Pop Lloyd and Smokey Joe Wood.

Overall in terms of production quality and historical accuracy, the 2014 Panini Golden Age Baseball set received widespread praise from collectors. The authentic scanned photographs and period details on both the fronts and backs made each card a true work of art. While not graded or rookies of modern stars, the release offered a one-of-a-kind collecting experience for those wanting to relive baseball’s rich history first-hand through memories captured in cards from over a century ago. Whether pursued individually or as a complete master set, the 2014 Golden Age release succeeds both as collectible artifacts commemorating America’s national pastime and portal back to some if its most memorable players and eras.

2014 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2014 Donruss Baseball set was released in March of 2014 and contained 396 total cards including base rookie and veteran players as well as various insert sets. For over 30 years, Donruss has been a staple brand in the world of baseball cards providing collectors with quality images and memorable designs. Their 2014 offering continued this tradition with another set that showcased the biggest names in the sport.

Some of the top rookies featured in the base set included Yankees phenom Masahiro Tanaka, Pirates star Gregory Polanco, and Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker. Veteran superstars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Yasiel Puig also received featured cards as their popularity and production levels continue to rise. As with every Donruss release, the photography and classic styling were top notch with clean white borders surrounding crisp action shots of the players.

For the first time in 2014, the standard base cards transitioned from a vertical layout with team logos at the top to a more modern horizontal design without logos. While jarring for long-time collectors used to the older look, most felt it was a positive change that allowed for larger images on each card. The quality stock and glossy finish ensured the photos would really pop when held. Numbering on the back also transitioned to a simpler uniform style across all levels of rarity compared to past subsets.

In addition to the base cards, Donruss is also known for its popular insert sets found throughout packs. The 2014 release featured several highly sought after parallel versions of stars. These included Silver Signatures, Diamond Duos, and MVP Threads. Silver Signatures shimmered with reflective foil and featured on-card autographs of big names like Derek Jeter and Clayton Kershaw. Diamond Duos paired two players together on each memorabilia card with swatches of their worn jerseys. MVP Threads contained serial-numbered relic parallels of award-winning campaigns from legends like Mariano Rivera.

Another unique insert was American Heroes, which paid tribute to the military through story-focused biography cards of veterans who also enjoyed baseball careers. Players highlighted included Jimmy Moriarty and Art Houtteman. Additionally, Donruss saluted the negro leagues with a Heritage insert depicting stars like James “Cool Papa” Bell and Oscar Charleston alongside their accomplishments. For rookie card enthusiasts, Top Prospects signed parallels and Authentic Threads memorabilia offerings provided some of the most coveted new star cards in the set.

When it came to parallels and variations, Donruss went above and beyond with exclusive rare versions across many of their subsets. Among the scarcest were Diamond parallels limited to only 5 copies each worldwide. Others like Gold Frames, Orange Refractors, and Inkednumbered parallels kept hunters searching packs. The flagship Choice Memorabilia parallel featured jersey swatches with on-card signatures and ran only 50 copies deep. Adding further to the allure were 1/1 custom color variations within inserts like Silver Signatures and Authentic Threads.

In the high-end spectrum, Donruss offered several boxes aimed at prize cards. The hugely popular Donruss Elite box promised two serial-numbered memorabilia cards amongst a curated 16-card assortment with guaranteed hits. At an even rarer level sat Exquisite Collection, housing tremendous game-used relics paired with signatures from the set’s finest. Many considered singles from Exquisite to be true Holy Grails that could take lifetimes to uncover in breaks or on the secondary market.

When all was said and done, Donruss delivered a true collectors set that had something for every level including affordable base cards, popular inserts, and high-end parallels for those seeking true one-of-a-kind trophies. Their combination of classic design, top athletes, immaculate production quality, and numerous short-printed variations kept the 2014 offering highly relevant amongst the competition. Years later, cards from the release remain fan favorites that highlight an exciting time in the sport while also retaining strong nostalgia from the experience of opening wax of that era. It succeeded as another classic installment from a brand with a rich baseball card heritage.

2014 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2014 Topps Baseball Card complete set was the 72nd complete set released by Topps and featured all 30 MLB teams. Some key things to know about the 2014 Topps Baseball complete set include:

The 2014 set had 728 total cards and featured every player on a Major League roster as well as all managers and coaches. The design featured a clean look with player photos on a white background and team wordmarks across the top. Each card had statistical and biography information on the back. Some of the insert sets in the 2014 Topps release included Topps Heritage, Topps Tribute, Topps Finest and Topps Archives.

Topps Heritage paid tribute to the design aesthetics of the late 1960s/early 1970s with players showcased in vintage style uniforms. The Topps Tribute set highlighted some of the game’s greatest players throughout history with cards featuring career milestones, accomplishments and iconic photos from their playing days. Topps Finest used high-end photography and an elegant design to spotlight today’s top performers. Topps Archives reproduced cards from Topps’ earliest years to capture the look and feel of the original vintage issues.

The base card numbering ran from 1 to 728 with short prints scattered throughout the set higher numbered. Some of the more valuable base cards included rookie cards for players like George Springer (#212), Xander Bogaerts (#235) and Kolten Wong (#687). Veterans with low base card numbers like Clayton Kershaw (#12), Mike Trout (#21) and Andrew McCutchen (#33) were also highly sought after.

The complete set also included all the major insert sets released through the 2014 Topps Series 1, 2 and Update series. Some of the most popular included Topps Chrome, Topps Photo, Topps Diamond Anniversary and Topps Opening Day. Topps Chrome featured refractors and parallels printed on high-gloss card stock. Topps Photo highlighted unique action shots of players. Topps Diamond Anniversary paid tribute to 75 years of Topps Baseball with retro-style designs. Topps Opening Day had early season photos from Spring Training and Opening Day festivities.

Among the most valuable rookie cards in the 2014 Topps set were those of Aaron Judge (#231), Corey Seager (#291), Kris Bryant (#429), Francisco Lindor (#498) and Carlos Correa (#608). While Seager, Bryant and Lindor went on to win Rookie of the Year awards, Judge emerged as a true superstar slugger for the Yankees. Correa also became the face of the Astros franchise and led them to a World Series title in 2017.

Completing the entire 2014 Topps base set along with the major inserts was a challenge, as it contained over 1,000 total cards when accounting for parallels and variations. The set utilized various technologies like Refractors, Gold Parallels, Black Parallels, Printing Plates and Autographs to create short printed “chase” cards. This added to the excitement of collecting but also increased the set’s overall cost and difficulty to complete.

While individual base cards could be acquired for $1-2 each through the hobby, a full master set containing all variations routinely sold for over $1,000 on the secondary market. Pristine, high-grade examples of key rookie cards like Bryant, Judge or Correa could fetch over $100 each in top Gem Mint 10 condition slabs. The complete Flagship set along with the major inserts remains a prized possession in any serious baseball card collection today.

The 2014 Topps Baseball Card set was among the most complete releases in years, chronicling not just that season but also the early careers of future superstars. Between the flagship base cards, inserts highlighting the past and present of the game, and short printed parallel chase cards, it created a robust and rewarding collecting experience for fans. Its combination of historical significance, memorable rookie cards and design aesthetics have ensured the 2014 Topps set remains both a highly valuable release and popular one to collect even years after its initial release.

ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS 2014

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The 2014 MLB rookie class debuted some exceptional young talent and many of these players have rookie cards that are highly coveted by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookie cards from 2014:

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets: deGrom burst onto the scene in 2014 posting a 9-6 record and 2.69 ERA in 26 starts. He finished 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year voting and his talent was evident from the beginning. deGrom’s 2014 Topps rookie card is one of the most sought after from the year as he has developed into an ace for the Mets. The card still sells for over $100 in near mint condition showing his star potential was apparent from his debut season.

Gregory Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates: Polanco took over as the Pirates everyday left fielder in 2014 at just 22 years old. He hit .273 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI in his rookie campaign. While not putting up huge power numbers, Polanco flashed five-tool talent. His 2014 Topps base rookie card is highly regarded by collectors and still trades hands for $50-75 depending on condition. Polanco has become a cornerstone of the Pirates organization making his rookie cards a worthwhile investment.

Jorge Soler, Chicago Cubs: Soler was one of the most hyped international prospects when he signed with the Cubs in 2012. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and showed prodigious power, slugging 5 homers in just 100 at-bats. An oblique injury cut his rookie year short but Soler continued to tantalize with his raw tools. His 2014 Topps base rookie card can be acquired for around $25 still making it a relative bargain for a former elite prospect who was a key part of the Cubs World Series run.

Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers: Pederson exploded onto the MLB scene in 2014 slugging 21 home runs in just 295 at-bats to finish 4th in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He immediately became a fan favorite in Los Angeles with his prolific power. Pederson’s 2014 Topps base rookie card can still command $50-75 in top condition given his excitement factor and continued improvement. He is a key part of the Dodgers exciting young core that has them primed to compete yearly in the tough NL West.

Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks: Bradley was one of the most accomplished pitching prospects in recent memory when he made his MLB debut in 2014. He showed flashes of dominance across 13 starts (3-5, 3.92 ERA) but command issues had him shuttling between the majors and minors. Still, Bradley possesses frontline stuff that could make him a true ace. His 2014 Topps base rookie card is only around $15-20 in price due to the pedestrian debut but remains an intriguing long-term buy low candidate if Bradley puts it all together.

George Springer, Houston Astros: After a brief September call up in 2013, Springer broke out as the Astros everyday center fielder and leadoff man in 2014. He slugged 17 home runs and stole 32 bases while hitting .239 as a rookie. Springer’s elite five-tool ability was on full display. His 2014 Topps base rookie card has exploded in value to $100-125 in top condition as Springer has cemented himself as a franchise cornerstone and 2017 World Series MVP for Houston. His early cards remain a outstanding investment.

It’s clear from analyzing these star rookies’ cards that 2014 featured an abundance of future stars making their MLB debuts. While prices have fluctuated over the years based on player performance and team success, most of these rookies remain foundations of their franchises. For savvy collectors, targeting the rookie cards of impact players from their debut campaigns can be a rewarding long-term hold. The 2014 rookie class continues to produce exciting careers making their early cards worth following.

2014 TOPPS BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2014 Topps Baseball card set featured some of the most coveted rookie cards and star player cards that have dramatically increased in value in recent years. While all cards from 2014 Topps will appreciate to some degree as the years pass, some have already achieved valuable status just a few short years after the set was released. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 2014 Topps Baseball cards on the modern market today based on demand, scarcity, and their connection to elite MLB players.

One of the true blue-chippers from 2014 Topps is the Mike Trout rookie card #161. Widely considered one of the best all-around players in baseball today still in his prime, Trout has lived up to the hype of one of the most prized prospects ever. His 2014 Topps rookie card, while not quite as scarce as some earlier Trout rookies, still commands huge prices in high grades. Near mint to mint copies in PSA/BGS slabs have eclipsed $1,000 as Trout continues cementing his case as a surefire Hall of Famer. The Trout rookie remains one of the modern era’s most coveted cards.

Another incredibly valuable rookie from the 2014 set belongs to Los Angeles Dodgers star shortstop Corey Seager at #98. Seager burst onto the scene in 2016 winning NL Rookie of the Year and has been an anchor in the Dodgers lineup and infield ever since. High-grade Seager rookies have skyrocketed up collector want lists as he establishes himself as one of baseball’s true superstars. Pristine PSA 10 Seager rookies have cracked five-figures, showing no signs of slowing down as his career resume grows each season. Seager’s 2014 Topps rookie is clearly a long-term blue chip holding.

No player from the 2014 set commands more fervor from collectors than Chicago Cubs third baseman and 2016 World Series champion Kris Bryant at card #180. Bryant delivered MVP-caliber play right out of the gate and has only added to his lore with defensive wizardry and clutch postseason heroics. His 2014 Topps rookie is one of the most iconic modern cards, and mint copies are extraordinarily difficult to find. PSA 10 Bryant rookies now consistently pull in over $3,000 each due to his excellence on the field and cult following he’s accumulated. Few rookie cards hold as much prestige as Bryant’s scintillating 2014 debut card.

Masahiro Tanaka, the prized Japanese import pitcher for the New York Yankees, also has a very valuable rookie card from 2014 Topps at #99. While injuries slowed his MLB progress more than expected, Tanaka was one of the most hyped international talents to ever come stateside. His on-card rookie remains quite scarce in pristine condition due to low production numbers. Near-mint to mint Tanaka rookies command four-figure prices and hold intriguing long-term sleeper potential if he can stay healthy and recapture ace form.

Star power and on-field success also make Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt own an extremely valuable card from 2014 Topps, his update series rookie at #US-PG. Consistently in the NL MVP discussion with his combination of batting prowess and defensive talent, Goldschmidt has truly established himself as one of baseball’s best all-around players. His rookie cards parallel his rise, and PSA 10 copies from the 2014 update series have reached as high as $800-900 each from diehard Cardinals collector fans. Goldschmidt shows no signs of decline and this key rookie remains highly sought after.

Two of the biggest young stars from the next generation also have valuable rookies in the 2014 Topps set. At #99 is Cubs third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant’s teammate and fellow 2016 World Series hero Javier Baez. Possessing breathtaking power and defensive wizardry, Baez is developing into a full-fledged star. His on-card rookie remains quite rare in pristine condition and carries a strong premium, with PSA 10’s pushing $200-300 each. Elsewhere at #159 is 2014 AL Rookie of the Year winner and Angels star Mike Trout’s dynamic teammate, Shohei Ohtani. His rookie holds added intrigue as a two-way talent from Japan. Near-mint Ohtani’s command over $100 despite his injury-shortened 2018 MLB season starting his true hype in America. These rookies prove the next crop of superstars is represented well in 2014 Topps.

While all vintage cards enjoy long-term value appreciation simply through time, some key rookies and star players from the 2014 Topps Baseball set have already proven themselves as true blue-chip premium cardboard investments. Driven by on-field accomplishments, scarcity factors, and rabid collector demand, select cards like Trout, Bryant, Seager, and others have emerged as modern heavyweights — and with the careers of these talented players still progressing, their classic 2014 rookies may only continue rising to greater heights. For discerning vintage baseball card investors, 2014 Topps offers a goldmine of holdings primed to endure.

2014 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2014 baseball card season featured rookies like Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Angels outfielder Mike Trout having another dominant year. While it’s still early, some 2014 cards are already proving to be worth notable money for collectors and investors. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2014 baseball cards that have gained value in a relatively short time period since being released.

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels – Trout has quickly become the best player in baseball and continues to rise in value each season. Even though Trout cards from earlier in his career like his 2009 Bowman chrome rookie card fetch tens of thousands, his most recent cards hold value as well due to his age (only 23 in 2014) and track record of dominance on the field. Trout’s 2014 Topps base card sells for around $10-15 raw, while a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded version recently sold on eBay for just under $200. Trout’s 2014 Topps Update card in a PSA 10 has brought over $400 at auction. With Trout in the midst of what could be an all-time great career, it’s safe to expect his 2014 cards to rise substantially from here as the years pass.

Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers – As a top overall prospect who made his MLB debut in 2015, Seager quickly put himself on the map with an exceptional rookie season that saw him finish third in Rookie of the Year voting. His 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect card shot up dramatically in price post-debut, with PSA 10 examples now approaching $500. Even Seager’s 2014 Topps Update base card has seen a significant bump, with high-grade PSA/BGS copies selling for $75-150 depending on the census report population. If Seager continues on his current All-Star trajectory, his 2014 rookie cards could become quite valuable given he debuted just a year later in 2015.

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers – Already considered one of the top pitchers of this generation, Kershaw keeps getting better with age. While his earliest Dodgers base cards may be out of the price range of most collectors, his most recent 2014 issues hold value due to his superstar status. A 2014 Topps Update base Kershaw card can be acquired for under $10, but a pristine PSA 10 example went for $375 last year. His 2014 Topps Finest refractor also pulled in over $150 in a PSA 10 slab. As Kershaw seems a lock for the Hall of Fame when done, his career-defining cards from this stage of his career will likely only go up in the coming years.

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets – DeGrom broke out as a National League Rookie of the Year and ace of the Mets staff in 2014. Many collectors and investors overlooked his cards during the initial release frenzy for fellow rookies like Seager and Billy Hamilton. Now, with deGrom establishing himself as one of MLB’s premier right-handed starters, his 2014 gear is appreciating. A PSA 10 2014 Topps Update deGrom currently sells in the $125 range, while his 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect card surpassed $400 PSA 10 last year. As Mets mania grows in New York, values of deGrom’s cards from his early years may approach that of Matt Harvey’s rookie goods if he remains an anchor of their success.

Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees – The Japanese ace came stateside with much fanfare in 2014 and ultimately solidified himself as a staff leader. Tanaka’s cards jumped earlier than expected due to increased Yankees fandom and robust Asian collector interest overseas and domestically. His slick 2014 Topps Finest refractors in PSA 10 condition have cleared $500. Even the base Topps Update card fetches $40-60 for top grades. As the Bronx continues winning, there’s little doubt Tanaka’s Yankee tenure will drive high demand for icons from this era going forward.

Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds – Considered one of the fastest players in MLB, Hamilton made a big splash when he stole a record 155 bases in the minors in 2012 before debuting in Cincinnati in 2013. Despite immense speed, his bat hasn’t fully developed to match. As such, while early cards like 2012 Bowman Chrome are still affordable, values fell off as doubts emerged about his long term potential. With improving adjustments at the plate in 2014, Hamilton’s cards began rising again. His 2014 Topps base sells for $10-15 in PSA 10 condition, while a 2014 Topps Update Gem Mint copy fetched $45 earlier this year. If his bat comes around as projected, Hamilton’s 2014 issues could prove quite valuable going forward.

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals – While 2012 Topps Update Harper rookies remain well out of reach for most, his later Topps base cards are more obtainable for true Harper enthusiasts. Even still, his on-field dominance combined with ever-growing fan appeal drive prices up steadily across the board. Harper’s 2014 Topps Update base card is nearing $20 raw, and a PSA 10 sold for $150 online this summer. As one of MLB’s marquee stars for years to come barring any dramatic career changes, Harper’s most recent Topps issues look poised to become affordable trademarks from his long tenure of stardom.

This covers some of the top 2014 rookie and star player baseball cards that are proving worthwhile investments less than five years since release. While the vintage and ancient hobby will always carry more cache, modern issues for stars like Trout, Kershaw, and Harper offer opportunity to get in relatively early on what should become valuable career-defining relics over the coming decades as these players cement reputations among the game’s greats. condition is imperative to maximize potential returns, so rigorous grading from authorities like PSA and BGS serves collectors and investors well for preserving and authenticating quality over the long haul. The 2014 rookie class especially seems poised for bigger strides in the coming seasons.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2014

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The 2014 Topps baseball card series marked the 64th year of production for the veteran card manufacturer. For over half a century, Topps has been the most iconic and prominent brand in the baseball card industry, known worldwide by fans of the sport for their iconic designs, photographs and rosters dating back to the early 1950s.

The 2014 Topps set continued many of the classic Topps traditions while also introducing some new creative elements. The base card design featured a simple team logo at top, player name and position below, with statistical and career information on the reverse. As with every Topps set, the 2014 cards included both current major leaguers as well as retired legend cards, commemorative inserts, and parallel/limited edition “premium” cards inserted randomly in packs.

One of the standout new additions to the 2014 set was the inclusion of extended photo variations throughout the base cards. Some players received unique alternate action shots and poses in place of the standard headshot on their base card. This added a fresh visual element to the traditional design language of Topps cards that fans enjoyed discovering. The extended photos also provided more excitement for collectors searching packs, as anyone could potentially pull a coveted new photo variation of their favorite player.

Topps opened their 2014 baseball card season early, in January, with the release of their annual Topps Series 1 set. As the flagship starting point each new year, Series 1 is always one of the most anticipated releases and a nostalgic time for fans new and old. Rookies, prospects and newcomers to MLB rosters were among those featured in the base set, alongside annual veterans. Notable rookies in the 2014 Topps Series 1 set included Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brewers slugger Khris Davis, and Cubs hurler Jacob Turner among others.

In March, Topps followed up Series 1 with another perennial favorite – Topps Series 2. As with previous years, Series 2 built upon the base roster from Series 1 by adding more current players, legends, and stars who were absent from the first series for various reasons. Notable call-ups in 2014 included phenoms George Springer of the Astros and Jackie Bradley Jr. of the Red Sox. In addition to the traditional base set, Topps Series 2 featured a return of their memorable Traded set, highlighting players included in key offseason trades, as well as insert sets highlighting historic milestones and achievements.

Through the spring and early summer, Topps peppered in additional special themed series like Topps Opening Day and Topps High Tek. Their patriotic-themed Topps Stars and Stripes set released around Independence Day also proved very popular. Many of these mid-season series employed short print runs and parallels like gold refractors to entice collectors. Players receiving extended photo variations continued to excite audiences with each new release as well.

Into the dog days of summer, Topps released their popular annual update set – Topps Series 3 – in July. Focused on further updating rosters for call-ups and additional players, Series 3 also featured retrospective Legend cards as well as popular insert sets like Topps 30th Anniversary that paid tribute to past Topps designs. Special parallel cards inserted in Series 3 packs like blue refractors added to the modern collectability of the 2014 set.

To wrap up their flagship baseball card year, Topps concluded with two final series in the fall. Topps Update in September incorporated the final roster transactions of the season. Their “All-Time Fan Favorites” theme paid homage to fan-requested legends, past and present. Finally, Topps Stadium Club came out in October/November with its high-end “premium” design focused on player photography. Digital parallels like black sparkles honored the legacy of this elite Topps subset.

Throughout 2014, Topps released numerous special collections between their main series highlighting themes like All-Star Games, postseason performers, and career milestones. Insert sets within packs provided chase cards on topics ranging from rare autographs, to team uniforms through the decades. Retired greats like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mariano Rivera received elaborately designed farewell-tribute inserts as well. In total, Topps printed over 3 billion baseball cards as part of their 2014 offerings.

The 2014 Topps baseball card set lineup continued the company’s honored traditions while making updates appreciated by modern collectors. Extended photo variations, parallel inserts, and tribute cards brought new collecting dynamics that resonated with fans. Topps maintained its position as the leading force in the industry through consistent, high-quality licensed MLB coverage. Their 2012 series reached new generations and nostalgia-minded collectors alike. The cards produced that year stand as an iconic snapshot, celebrating America’s pastime during a memorable season.

MOST VALUABLE 2014 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2014 Topps baseball card series saw some extremely valuable rookie cards emerge that would go on to become highly sought after by collectors. With young stars like Kris Bryant, Andrew Benintendi, and Aaron Judge making their MLB debuts that year and having stellar starts to their careers, their rookie cards from the 2014 Topps set rose dramatically in value. While there are a few notable veterans that have valuable cards from that year as well, the rookies took center stage in terms of which 2014 Topps cards collectors were willing to pay top dollar for. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable options from the 2014 Topps set.

Kicking things off with arguably the most valuable 2014 Topps baseball card is the prized Kris Bryant rookie card. As the number one overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, Bryant wasted no time making an impact in the big leagues. He was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2015 after batting .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBI in his debut season. That breakout year translated perfectly to his 2014 Topps rookie card, with the standard base version of the card now valued around the $150-200 range in near mint condition. Highly coveted parallel and autograph versions of Bryant’s rookie have commanded astronomical prices. His Topps autograph rookie sold for over $25,000 in a recent auction, while rare refractor and negative printed versions often exceed $1,000 each due to Bryant’s established star power.

Following closely behind Bryant for most valuable 2014 Topps card is Aaron Judge. Like Bryant, Judge wasted little time proving himself as a future superstar after debuting in 2016 for the New York Yankees. Though he struggled at the plate slightly as a rookie, Judge exploded in 2017 with a .284 average and a record-setting 52 home runs en route to being named AL Rookie of the Year. This incredible breakout season, combined with his mammoth 6’7” stature, has turned Judge into one of baseball’s most popular stars virtually overnight. Not surprisingly then, his 2014 Topps rookie card skyrocketed in value and can fetch $100-150 quite easily now for the standard base version. Rarer parallel versions signed or numbered low are true prizes that have sold for well over $2,000 each.

Beyond Bryant and Judge, the next most valuable rookie from the 2014 Topps set belongs to Andrew Benintendi of the Boston Red Sox. Benintendi made his MLB debut in 2017 and hit .271 while playing superb defense to help lead the Red Sox to a World Series title. This postseason success story has placed Benintendi among the elite young outfielders in baseball. As such, collectors are paying big money for his Topps rookie, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples recently trading hands for $60-80. Lesser condition versions or autograph/parallel variants can still demand $30-50 owing to Benintendi being a cornerstone of the Red Sox franchise for years to come.

Aside from the mega-valuable rookie cards, collectors will pay top dollar for iconic veterans as well from the 2014 Topps series. For instance, any Mike Trout card is coveted by angels fans and investors alike given his case for potentially being the greatest player of all time. Low-numbered Trout parallels or on-card autos from his 2014 issue are truly sought-after, with one recent auto sale hitting $3,000. Similarly, Derek Jeter enthusiasts continue fueling strong demand and pricing on any relic, autograph or rare parallel of the Yankees legend from his prestigious final season issue in 2014 Topps. Jeter’s immense popularity ensures his final year cards routinely exceed $100 each.

In summarizing the most valuable 2014 Topps baseball cards, three clear trends emerge – elite rookie performers like Bryant and Judge that paid instant dividends, emerging young stars like Benintendi primed for greatness, and legendary living icons like Trout and Jeter that collectors will chase endlessly from their final or early issues. While vintage legends persist as investment grabs, today’s modern game superstars clearly drive the highest prices across the hobby from even their earliest Topps releases. The explosive professional success enjoyed by 2014 rookies like Bryant and Judge transformed their respective rookie cards into six-figure collectors’ items seemingly overnight. Their accomplishments reinforced that the 2014 Topps series housed some true one-of-a-kind jewels for savvy investors to uncover.