Tag Archives: 2016

2016 TOPPS COMPLETE SET BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Complete Baseball Card Set is one of the most popular and most sought after sets in recent years from Topps, the longest running producer of sports cards. The 2016 set marked the 65th anniversary of Topps baseball cards and included a whopping 874 total cards in the complete base set. Some key details on the 2016 Topps Complete Set:

The 874 card set included base cards for all 30 Major League Baseball teams spanning stars of the past and present. Ranging from #1 to #874, the base cards featured every player on an opening day roster as well as prospects, managers, coaches and even team checklist/logo cards. Some of the biggest star players featured included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard and Kris Bryant. The designs of the cards paid homage to Topps baseball cards of the past while still having a modern flair.

In addition to the enormous base set, Topps also included several inserts and parallel variations to add to the excitement and chase for collectors. Some of the most popular insert sets included Topps Now cards, which captured iconic moments from the 2016 season soon after they happened. Other inserts included Topps Debut cards showcasing prospects getting their first MLB action, 1965 Anniversary Parallels commemorating the start of the Topps era in baseball, and Retired Heroes cards featuring stars of the past like Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.

For variety in the main set, Topps included five different parallel variations including Gold, Silver, Blue, Red and Black parallels. The Gold parallels were the most rare at only 1 per case generally. The Silver were slightly more common at around 1-2 per box. Blues and Reds were obtainable in pretty much every hobby box while Blacks were somewhere in between Gold and Silver rarities. All the parallels possessed the same photo and design as the base card, but with a different color border and stamp on the front.

In addition to inserts and parallels, Topps also included autograph and memorabilia cards to entice collectors. The most sought after authenticated relic was a dual bat knob card featuring relics from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, produced at an extremely low quantity. Autograph cards captured signatures from today’s stars like Kris Bryant and Noah Syndergaard as well as legends of the past like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Topps produced these premium cards in extremely low print runs making them very valuable for collectors.

Financially, the 2016 Topps Complete Baseball set holds strong resale value due to the popularity of the modern design paying homage to Topps’ storied history as well as the massive checklist size featuring every player. Complete base sets typically sell for $400-500 raw while high grade PSA 10 examples can surpass $1000. Popular rookie cards like Aaron Judge and Corey Seager rookies remain hot commodities as do the low numbered parallels and relic/autograph inserts. The 2016 edition is widely regarded as one of the most complete and enjoyable flagship releases from Topps in the last decade.

For collectors looking to complete this monumental set, the best approach is to purchase factory sealed wax boxes or packs to efficiently collect the base cards while also having chances at lucrative parallels and inserts. Boxed sets and singles are also good options but can get quite costly to complete due to the significant checklist size. Despite its challenges, the 2016 Topps set provided countless hours of enjoyment for collectors young and old. It emphasized Topps’ commitment to a complete annual release featuring the entirety of Major League Baseball. For these reasons, the 2016 edition stands amidst the most storied and accomplished Topps releases of all-time.

The 2016 Topps Complete Baseball Card Set truly encapsulated the tradition and excitement that Topps has provided collectors for generations with their annual release. Featuring a massive base checklist, nostalgic design, and valuable inserts, it showcased why Topps remains the industry leader in licensed sports trading cards. For scope, rarity, and investment potential, the 2016 set is one of the most esteemed issues and will remain a favorite of collectors for years to come due to its impressive scale and representation of baseball’s biggest stars.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VARIATIONS

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The 2016 Topps Baseball Card release was highly anticipated by collectors due to Topps’ long history of including variations to chase after in their flagship baseball card sets. Topps did not disappoint in 2016 by including a wide array of variations across their multiple series and special products released that year.

One of the most coveted and valuable variations found in the base 2016 Topps Series 1 cards were the elusive Superfractors. Only 10 of these 1/1 parallel cards existed for each player featured. They had the same design as the base card but with a colorful “rainbow foil” backdrop making the image really pop. Finding a Superfractor instantly made a collector the envy of others. Some of the more notable Superfractors pulled included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts and Noah Syndergaard. With their rarity, many of these cards fetched thousands of dollars online.

Another highly sought after parallel from the 2016 Topps Series 1 release were the Gold Label parallel cards, which were limited to only 10 copies per player as well. These had a gold foil overlay instead of the standard colorful design. Finding a Gold Label parallel brought similar excitement to collectors as pulling a Superfractor did. Topps also included Silver Label parallels, which were limited to only 50 copies each. Both the Gold and Silver Label parallels instantly increased the value of those cards significantly compared to the base versions.

Topps followed up the first Series with Series 2 which came with its own array of parallels and variations to discover. Among the highlights was a new 1/1 Parallel Superfractor design using a silver foil background instead of the colorful rainbow design from Series 1. Likewise, Gold and Silver Label parallels were again included in limited quantities of 10 and 50 copies per player respectively. The designs of these were tweaked slightly but maintained the valuable parallel structure collectors had come to expect.

Topps shocked collectors by including a prominent autograph parallel insert set spanning both Series 1 and 2 called Topps High Tek. Finding any autographed card is a thrill, but Topps took it a step further by creating extremely low print runs of only 5 copies each for hundreds of star players. Needless to say, pulling a Topps High Tek autograph parallel of someone like Clayton Kershaw or Bryce Harper instantly made a collector’s day and collection tremendously more valuable.

Various photo and autographed special parallel insert sets were also highlights throughout the different 2016 Topps series. Topps Finest featured refined action shots on foil card stock. Topps Gallery spotlighted unique and artistic photography. Topps Heritage Flashback focused on vintage-styled photos. And Topps Tribute honored retiring players with autographed career montages. Along with autographed rookie and star talent such as Corey Seager and Noah Syndergaard, these inserts provided some of the most coveted chase cards of the year.

Topps closed out their 2016 Baseball release with the prestigious Topps Chrome set, known for its refractors and parallels on chrome card stock. Like the base sets before it, 1/1 Superfractors and limited parallel variants including Gold Glass, Black Gold, and Atomic Refractors kept the hunt exciting. An Autograph Refractor parallel even offered serial numbered autographed versions of the Chrome designs. With retooled artwork and plenty of hits to discover, Topps Chrome was a fun conclusion to one of Topps’ top years for variations in flagship baseball.

From start to finish, the 2016 Topps Baseball release kept collectors on their toes with numerous parallels, refractors, short printed autograph variants, and 1/1 Superfractors across their Series, Chrome, Heritage, Gallery and Tribute offshoots. The bounty of creative variations and low print parallel designs brought both excitement to the hobby and considerable premium value increases to the chase cards found. It was a banner year showcasing Topps’ long history of innovation and why their products remain atop the baseball card world.

2016 BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2016 baseball card season was another exciting year in the hobby. Collectors had many options when it came to buying boxes of new cards in search of their favorite players. Whether it was the flagship products from Topps, Panini, or Donruss or more specialized releases, there was no shortage of choices on the market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2016 baseball cards hobby boxes and what collectors could find inside.

One of the biggest and most anticipated releases each year continues to be the Topps Series 1 baseball cards. The 2016 version contained a total of 386 cards including base cards, parallels, short prints, and inserts. The base design featured players in action shots wearing their uniforms. Top rookies that year included Corey Seager and Dansby Swanson. Popular inserts included Topps Now cards which captured top moments from the previous season. Hobby boxes on average contained 12 autograph or memorabilia cards as well. Top rookies and stars like Clayton Kershaw were the most sought after pulls. Overall Series 1 remains the most iconic set for collectors year after year.

Another flagship offering was the 2016 Topps Chrome baseball cards. This set featured the same designs as the base Topps cards but with “chrome” style refractors. The inserts were also different compared to the standard Topps release. Hobby boxes contained 10 packs with 5 cards each, so collectors had 50 cards total to try and hit big rookie refractors or parallels. Popular inserts in Chrome included Galactic parallels and High Tek 3D cards which featured floating 3D images. Autograph and memorabilia cards were also present in hobby boxes at around the same ratio as Series 1. The refractors and parallels made Topps Chrome a favorite among collectors seeking shiny premium versions of the players.

Panini also released their 2016 Donruss baseball offering. The design featured action shots in a more retro style compared to Topps. The base set contained 382 cards and included many of the same rookies as the Topps sets. Popular inserts were Diamond Kings, which featured top players encased in diamond-cut borders. Hobby boxes on average contained 10 hits including autographs, memorabilia cards, and parallels. Panini also included “Green” parallels which had serial numbers and were popular among collectors. Overall Donruss provided a fun retro-style alternative to the Topps flagship releases.

In addition to the base sets, many specialty products hit the market as well. Topps Archives reimagined classic designs from the 1980s and 1990s on current players. Each year featured a different retro theme. 2016 paid tribute to the 1987 Topps set with a wood-grain border on the fronts. Hobby boxes contained 10 packs with artsy sketch parallel inserts as well. For higher-end products, Topps Triple Threads featured triple relic or triple autograph cards of the game’s biggest stars. These boxes only contained a handful of cards but many of game’s elite.

Upper Deck also released several baseball offerings in 2016. Their Flagship set contained base cards and inserts featuring today’s top players. Limited hobby boxes only produced autographs and memorabilia cards of current stars and prospects. Upper Deck also released special products like Goodwin Champions which reimagined the classic designs of the past on today’s elite players. Each box only contained a few premium cards but of the highest quality.

In addition to the mainstream manufacturers, several smaller companies produced fun specialty sets. Topps Allen & Ginter featured cards with non-sports themes mixed in. Stadium Club from Topps showcased elegant photography on a premium card stock. Various independent companies like Leaf produced set focused on subsets like rookies or special parallel variations.

The 2016 season provided a wide array of options for collectors to build sets or chase their favorite players. While mainstream products like Topps and Donruss led the way, numerous other releases captured different niches. Whether seeking base rookies, shiny parallels, or high-end autographs, hobby boxes across many manufacturers ensured collectors could enjoy the card season in their own way. The 2016 baseball card season truly had something for every type of fan.

2016 OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 MLB season marked another year of greatness on the baseball diamond. New stars emerged while long-time greats continued to cement their legacies. Baseball card companies recognized the accomplishments of the previous year by releasing new sets on opening day featuring the biggest names in the sport.

Topps, the largest and oldest baseball card manufacturer, released their flagship 2016 Topps baseball card set on opening day. As usual, the set featured all 30 MLB teams with cards showcasing each team’s top players. Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels graced the cover card for the third consecutive year. Trout has established himself as the face of MLB and is routinely one of the highest selling rookie cards each year. Some other big names that received eye-catching cards in the Topps set included Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, Cole Hamels, Buster Posey, and rookie sensations Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa.

The Topps release also paid homage to milestone accomplishments from the 2015 season. For example, homerun king Barry Bonds received a card commemorating his 762nd career homer that broke Hank Aaron’s all-time record. The Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright got a card celebrating his 200th career win. Cubs fan favorite Dexter Fowler received a reflective card after helping to lead Chicago to their first NLCS appearance since 2003.

In addition to its base set, Topps released inserts highlighting some of its best photography from the previous year. The “Topps Tales” insert set showcased iconic at-bats, defensive plays, and celebrations through crisp action shots. Top rookies from 2015 like Matt Duffy and Steven Matz received glowing “Rookie Phenoms” cards as well. Autograph and memorabilia card inserts of stars like Clayton Kershaw and Noah Syndergaard gave collectors high-end chase cards to pursue.

Panini America also entered the baseball card fray on opening day with the release of their 2016 Donruss baseball set. Like Topps, Donruss featured all 30 teams led by cover athlete Kris Bryant of the World Series champion Cubs. The Donruss set took a striking photographic approach that emphasized vivid colors and unique angles. Their photography brought out the intrinsic beauty in America’s pastime.

Donruss inserts like “Momentous Moments” and “Rookie Signatures” highlighted some of the most triumphant feats from the season prior. Flashy parallels like red and blue refractors added to the visual appeal. Autograph cards of elite talent such as Miguel Cabrera, Max Scherzer, and Carlos Correa gave collectors high-end chase cards. Mike Trout heads up the “Donruss Elite” insert set featuring the game’s absolute top performers.

Another notable release was 2016 Allen & Ginter from Topps. A&G took a non-sport approach instead featuring historical figures, artists, landmarks and more alongside baseball stars. Insert sets paid tribute to American craft beers, famous actors, and other unique brands. Baseball cards in the set focused more on photography and fun facts over stats. It was a welcome change of pace for collectors seeking variety in their collections.

With two new franchises joining the league, the 2016 season presented an expansion of talent. Topps, Panini and other card companies helped collectors commemorate a memorable year and welcome exciting new faces to the sport through specially designed baseball cards on opening day. Featuring the game’s established icons while spotlighting burgeoning young stars, the 2016 opening day releases helped get fans pumped for what promised to be another unforgettable MLB campaign. Baseball cards continue to be a staple that brings the sport’s history and present together for collector appreciation and memories that last far beyond a single season.

2016 MLB BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 MLB baseball season saw another year of exciting play on the field and memorable cards being released to commemorate the action. Each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams was represented in the annual baseball card sets from the major manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck. Rookies like Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Nomar Mazara of the Rangers burst onto the scene and had promising rookie cards to mark their debuts. Established stars like Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper continued to etch their legacies with strong performance and desirable serial-numbered parallels in the flagship sets.

Topps continued to be the MLB’s exclusive trading card license holder and released products like Series 1, 2, and Update tochronicle the entire 2016 season. Some of the big rookie hits in Topps Series 1 included Seager’s red parallel /299 and Mazara’s gold parallel /50. Veterans delivered strong serials as well, like Kris Bryant’s Printing Plate 1/1. Topps Update had a retro design paying homage to the 1990s and included rookie debuts of players who made their MLB debuts after the initial Series 1 and 2 releases. Rookies like Tyler Naquin, Gary Sanchez, and AJ Reed all had their first Topps cards in Update.

While Topps had exclusive MLB rights, Panini and Upper Deck were able to utilize player imagery and create innovative sets with NHL and NBA licensing. Panini Donruss Optic featured glossy parallels and included short prints of rookie standouts Seager and Whit Merrifield. The parallels could be serial numbered to /99, /75, or lower. Upper Deck Goodwin Champions incorporated an acetate “patch” on each card that paid tribute to iconic MLB uniforms and ballparks. Rookies in Champions like Seager, Merrifield, and Seung-Hwan Oh all had memorable rookie cards alongside established veterans like Kershaw, Trout, and David Ortiz.

Topps Chrome and Bowman were two of the flagship products that generated a lot of excitement amongst collectors. Topps Chrome employed their patented “chrome” reflective foil technology on each card, making for a very flashy and desirable set. Topps Chrome rookies of Seager, Matz, and Carlos Correa all commanded premium prices. Bowman was the company’s long-running prospect set and some of the biggest rookie cards in 2016 Bowman included former overall #1 draft picks like Andrew Benintendi, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman. Their Bowman Chrome parallels could be serial numbered to /999 or lower and fetch big money on the secondary market.

International licenses allowed Panini and other manufacturers to target collectors outside of North America with creative releases. Donruss Optic International Spectra parallels provided a refractor-like effect and colour-blends on cards of Trout, Harper, and other MLB stars. Besides English, the wrappers and materials were printed in other languages like Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and more. This expanded the potential audience and helped collectors abroad gain access to special parallels and memorabilia cards of their favorite teams and players.

Speaking of memorabilia cards, 2016 saw an increase in the use of authentic uniform swatches, signatures, and other rare player-worn materials in high-end sets. Topps Five Star had on-card signatures and material from the jersey numbers of huge stars like Clayton Kershaw and Mookie Betts. Limited prospects like Alex Bregman in Five Star garnered high prices due to the serial-numbered patches and autographs. Upper Deck had exclusive acquisition of rare Triple Crown material in The Goodwin Collection which featured swatches from Adrian Beltre’s 3,000th hit jersey, Adrian Gonzalez’s last Angels jersey,and David Ortiz’ final Red Sox jersey. These types of one-of-a-kind relic cards drove collector interest.

While the flagship releases from Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini led the 2016 season in sales, several niche sets carved out collector demand as well. Leaf Flashbacks incorporated stylized retro designs paying homage to the past while still highlighting 2016 rookie talent. Heritage Minors highlighted top prospects still playing in the lower minor leagues. Stadium Club Chrome featured a modern take on classic designs and chromium parallels. And Archives Signature Series captured on-card autographs on vintage-styled templates that collectors enjoyed chasing. Between the traditional and out-of-the-box options, there was no shortage of memorable cardboard to choose from for any MLB fan.

As the 2016 MLB season concluded with the Chicago Cubs’ memorable World Series win, collectors were left with a wide array of baseball cards from the year to remember the thrill of October and the rise of new stars from spring training to the Fall Classic. Corey Seager took home the Rookie of the Year award and saw his cards correspondingly gain value. Other rookie phenoms like Nomar Mazara, Gary Sanchez, and Tyler Naquin turned in performances that should yield stronger returns for their early serial-numbered cards as their careers progress. Meanwhile vintage stars like David Ortiz and Ichiro Suzuki had final baseball cards produced to commemorate legendary careers. With another offseason upon us, the MLB trading card companies and collectors alike look forward to reliving 2016 and anticipating what is in store for the diamond in 2017 and beyond.

BASEBALL CARDS 2016

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Baseball cards have been a fun and popular hobby for over a century. The 2016 season brought another year of exciting players, teams, and memorable moments that were captured on baseball cards. Here is an in-depth look at some of the top cards, sets, and stories from the 2016 season.

One of the biggest card releases of 2016 was Topps Series 1. As the flagship set each year from Topps, Series 1 is highly anticipated by collectors. The 2016 edition featured many of the game’s biggest stars on the rise, including Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who was coming off a Rookie of the Year season. Bryant’s card ended up being one of the most sought after rookie cards from the set. Other top rookies included Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Nomar Mazara of the Rangers. The set also highlighted veterans in new uniforms like Jason Heyward’s first Cardinals card and Ian Desmond’s debut for the Rangers. With its classic design and abundance of stars both young and old, Topps Series 1 is usually the most collected set each year and 2016 was no exception.

While Topps Series 1 led the way, other mainstream brands also released notable sets in 2016. Panini Donruss had another strong year with its Optic product. Featuring refractors and parallels of current stars, Optic inserted short printed veterans along with rookie cards of players like Seager and Bryant. The design was clean and modern, capturing the look of today’s game. Over at Upper Deck, the 2016 Goodwin Champions set paid tribute to iconic players and moments from baseball history with retro photo cards of legends like Mickey Mantle and Sandy Koufax. Upper Deck also released its Artifacts set, which mixed current players with unique relic and autograph cards featuring swatches and signatures from some of the game’s all-time greats.

In addition to the big brands, the independent and hobby-only markets had a strong showing in 2016 as well. Companies like Topps Heritage, Leaf, and Stadium Club produced high-end sets capturing the nostalgia of the sport. These releases mixed vintage designs with modern parallels and serial-numbered hits to appeal to collectors seeking differentiated products. Newer indie brands like Topps Archives Signature Series and Panini Immaculate also gained traction by focusing solely on autograph and memorabilia cards of today’s stars and yesterday’s icons at super-premium price points.

When it came to the actual season itself, several storylines played out that kept collectors engaged:

The Chicago Cubs broke their 108-year World Series drought, captivating the country. Cubs stars like Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Jake Arrieta had a massive surge in card values as the team made their championship run.

Rookies like Seager, Mazara, and Yankees pitcher Michael Fulmer excelled in their first seasons. Their rookie cards from Topps, Panini, and others were some of the hottest commodities on the secondary market.

Veteran stars like Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper continued putting up eye-popping stats and remaining among the most valuable modern players in the hobby.

Retirements of Mariano Rivera, David Ortiz, and Ichiro Suzuki at season’s end spawned a wave of interest in their previous cards as collectors commemorated their legendary careers.

Surprise breakout players like Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, and Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara kept the hobby excited with their emerging talent captured in flagship rookie issues and prospect cards.

As the offseason began, collectors started looking ahead to 2017 with optimism. Rookies like Dodgers Cody Bellinger and White Sox Yoan Moncada had promising debuts generating buzz for their upcoming rookie cards. Meanwhile, the World Baseball Classic in March would spotlight international stars on a global stage. With the never-ending cycle of players, teams, and seasons in Major League Baseball, there was plenty on deck to fuel the hobby in the year ahead. The 2016 season proved once again why baseball cards remain a collectible with lasting appeal, whether reliving past glory or anticipating future stardom.

2016 was another strong year for the baseball card industry. Rookies, stars, and memorable moments from the season provided a wealth of material for the major card companies to showcase. While flagship products led the way, independent sets also thrived meeting the diverse interests of today’s collectors. With the never-ending cycle of players and seasons in baseball, 2016 ensured the hobby would remain as vibrant as ever looking forward.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set has produced some cards that are worth a significant amount of money for collectors. The Topps brand has been producing sports cards for decades and their modern sets from the 2010s still feature young star rookies and parallels that increase in value over time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2016 Topps baseball cards that hold value today.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2016 Topps set is that of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant had a breakout rookie season in 2015 where he won the National League Rookie of the Year award and helped lead the Cubs to their first World Series title in over 100 years. His sharp rise to stardom is reflected in the value of his rookie card, the 2016 Topps Baseball #96 Kris Bryant. High-grade mint condition copies of this card in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab regularly sell for $150-200 raw or $500-700 graded. Even a PSA 9 Near Mint copy fetches $100-150. Bryant is still in his prime with the Cubs and continues producing at an All-Star level, ensuring his rookie card remains highly sought after.

Another coveted rookie from 2016 Topps is that of Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher David Price. While Price had debuted back in 2008, 2016 was his first season with the Red Sox after they acquired him in a blockbuster trade. Price quickly established himself as the ace of the Red Sox staff and delivered in the playoffs as they won the World Series. His 2016 Topps Baseball #210 David Price rookie card has experienced steady price increases over the years. Gem Mint PSA 10 copies sell for $80-100 while Near Mint PSA 9s go for $50-60. Even raw mint specimens fetch $30-40. With Price still an elite starter, his Red Sox rookie remains a collector favorite long term.

No MLB rookie class is complete without mentioning Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger. His breakout 2017 season where he was the National League Rookie of the Year and helped lead LA to the World Series put him instantly on the map. But for collectors, it was his highly sought 2016 Topps Baseball #479 Cody Bellinger rookie card that saw high demand. PSA 10 Gems sell in the $150-200 range with PSA 9s around $80-100. Bellinger has proven to be a true superstar with MVP awards and playoff success, making his rookie one of the cornerstone long term holdings from 2016 Topps.

Parallels and short prints are where many collectors look to potentially profit big from modern Topps releases. The 2016 Topps set featured several such chase cards headlined by the prized 1/1 printing plates. One example is the gold parallel of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s rookie, the 2016 Topps Gold #96 Bryant. Only 50 of these were produced, making high graded versions incredibly scarce. A near-gem PSA 9 has sold for $1,000 while the lone PSA 10 once fetched $9,000. Other 1/1 short prints from stars like Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw also command significant dollars. Even basic parallels like the green variation of rookie Cody Bellinger’s card can sell for $50-75 in top condition.

Vintage star performers still attract attention in modern Topps releases as well. The 2016 update series featured retired superstar Mariano Rivera’s final Topps card before he ended his storied career, the 2016 Topps Update #US249 Mariano Rivera. Copies in top shape have changed hands for $40-60 as Rivera cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest closer in MLB history. Other veteran legends like Ozzie Smith, Rollie Fingers, and Cal Ripken Jr also had Final Topps cards from Topps’ 2016 offering that retain value among collectors interested in iconic players.

Breakout prospects are another area to watch in yearly Topps releases. One of the biggest risers in the hobby has been San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr, who was dominant in the low minors in 2016 before a 2017 promotion. His first appearance came as a prospect card in 2016 Topps, the #331 Fernando Tatis Jr. graded specimens now sell for $75-100 as Tatis Jr blossomed into a superstar. Players like new Yankee slugger Joey Gallo and Phillies starter Aaron Nola had prospect recognition in 2016 that has paid dividends for patient collectors holding onto their cards as they reached stardom.

Error cards are also tremendously popular among collectors chasing oddball parallels. One fascinating mistake from 2016 Topps involved the card design for Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain. Due to an error, his name was misspelled as “Lorenzo Cian” on card #257. This anomaly can sell ungraded for over $60 in good condition due to the fun collecting element. Other abnormal printing varieties like missing signatures, off-center centering and more are additional areas to study for 2016 Topps cards holding surprise value potential down the line.

The 2016 Topps baseball release is one that has really stood the test of time with rising young stars and prospects featured which is a hallmark of a strong modern set. Rookies like Bryant, Bellinger and Price lead the way, but valuable cards can also come from printing errors, short prints, prospects and retired legends. For those who snapped up boxes of 2016 Topps when released and held onto their best cards, there are certainly profitable gems waiting to be uncovered years later as players’ careers progressed. Staying informed on performance and focusing on condition will help collectors profit from modern sets with visions of future value like 2016 Topps provided.

2016 RARE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 baseball card season featured several short prints and rare inserts that became highly sought after by collectors. While base cards from popular sets like Topps, Bowman, and Stadium Club hold value based on the players featured, it’s the harder to find parallels, serial numbered cards, and unique inserts that really drive enthusiasm for the modern game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and coveted rare inserts and short prints released in packs and boxes in 2016.

One of the biggest chase cards of the year came from Topps Triple Threads. Considered one of the premier high-end modern sets, Triple Threads is known for featuring quad jersey/memorabilia patches of star players. In 2016, the biggest hit of them all was a 1/1 triple patch card of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, featuring swatches from his jersey, batting gloves, and pants. With Bryant fresh off his Rookie of the Year campaign and the Cubs on the rise, this ultimate Bryant relic card skyrocketed in value after a strong season. Numbered to just one, it’s likely still the crown jewel in any Triple Threads collector’s collection.

BowmanChrome refractors and parallels always gain popularity due to the vivid color pops and refractor effect of the Chrome design. In 2016, some of the most coveted included superfractor parallels numbered to just 5 copies or less featuring the games’ rising talents. Cards like the Miguel Andujar orange refractor /5 from Bowman Sterling and the Dansby Swanson red refractor /3 from standard Bowman Chrome resonated with collectors. With Andujar and Swanson both becoming stars in future seasons, anyone who obtained these short print rookies gained an impressive asset.

Stadium Club is renowned for its sharp photography and elite imaging technology. In 2016, several parallel variations stood out as real condition sensitive keys. The Clayton Kershaw ultra rare 1/1 black parallel captured imaginations due to its spectacular on-card black bordered design showcasing Kershaw’s picture-perfect delivery. Only one was produced to commemorate Kershaw’s greatness. Others like the white whale parallel of Kris Bryant posed in front of Wrigley Field ivy, numbered to just 5 copies, satisfied collectors seeking a one-of-a-kind modern classic.

Speckled and Sparkle parallels proliferated across 2016 Topps Flagship Series 1, 2, and Update with several highly sought serial numbered short prints emerging. Popular singles included a Ronald Acuna Jr. speckled refractor /50 from Series 1, foreshadowing Acuna’s stardom. But the true blue-chipper was a Mike Trout superfractor parallel literally numbering 1/1 from Update, sure to satisfy any Trout enthusiast. With serial numbers ranging from the single digits to the rare solitary “1”, these Flagship parallels produced some of the most valuable modern pickups of the year.

Panini Prizm had also established itself as a force in the high-end baseball card market by 2016. The Prizm collegiate sets focused on stars of the future like Kyle Lewis, Casey Mize, and Brendan Rodgers. But hobby boxes offered a chase for the rare 1/1 Prizm Silver signature refractors of established MLBers such as Nolan Arenado and Noah Syndergaard. These unique 1/1 rookie season autographs became centerpieces for collections.

Topps also experimented with new technology in 2016 with the Topps Triple Threads Indy sets. Featuring quad swatches with embedded Indy car helmet fabric, the biggest “hit” printed was a 1/1 triple quad relic of Byron Buxton with jersey, batting gloves, pants, and Indy 500 swatch. Numbered to just one, this mega-relic fused sports in a totally unique fashion.

2016 came and went with many of these rare cards still in the hands of lucky collectors who may not have realized their value at the time. But for those who recognized stars in the making or grasped the historic nature of serial 1/1 parallel print runs, they gained assets that have grown exponentially in value as the featured players’ careers blossomed in subsequent seasons. Whether obtained as high-end retail hits or on the secondary market, these select 2016 rare baseball cards demonstrated what a speculative but rewarding hobby collecting modern cards can be. While base rookies remain affordable for most collectors today, it’s the Holy Grail short prints and serial 1/1 pieces showcasing the future faces of MLB that continue to drive collector excitement and command top dollar from enthusiasts chasing the rarest of the rare.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2016 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and widely collected issues in recent years. Ever since its release in March 2016, this set has gained widespread attention from both casual collectors and diehard hobbyists alike. The 2016 Topps Baseball cards represent the pinnacle of the modern era of baseball card collecting.

Inside each 2016 Topps Baseball hobby box, collectors can find a wide array of colorful and attractive cards featuring today’s biggest and brightest MLB stars. Each box contains 24 packs with 11 cards each, totaling 264 cards per box. Unlike many other recent years, the 2016 Topps cards are not afflicted by short prints or parallels that are notoriously difficult to collect. Instead, the focus is on providing collectors with quality base cards that depict today’s game.

Some of the superstar players featured prominently in the set include Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and Buster Posey. Rookies to watch include Corey Seager, Trent Grisham, and Dansby Swanson among many others. Topps leveraged cutting edge card design technology to create some of the sharpest and visually appealing player images to date. Vivid team logos, uniform colors and vibrant stadium backdrops really make the photographs pop off the surface of each card.

In addition to base cards, 2016 Topps offers several exciting inserts and serial numbered parallel subsets to uncover in each hobby box. Among the most popular are the “Stars of the Game” insert sets highlighting rookie achievements and milestones of established veterans. The “Then and Now” duo cards compare a player from the past paired with their modern day counterpart. Topps also included a selection of 3D rods parallels and “Flashback Friday” throwback uniform inserts pulling from iconic designs of yesteryear.

Serial numbered parallels like Gold (#/2016), Silver (#/150), Rainbow Foil (#/25) and Black (#/5) provide the ultimate chase. Unlike previous years hampered by overproduction, the 2016 parallels maintain substantial rarity and collectibility. Each parallel possesses a distinct color variation or parallel specific photo that differentiates them from the standard base card. These premium inserts increase the excitement of each fresh pack rip as collectors strive to uncover the rare parallel within.

Perhaps the crown jewel of any 2016 Topps hobby box is the coveted Luis Robert autograph card. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Robert has emerged as a true superstar for the Chicago White Sox. His autographed rookie card carries a substantial premium and finding one in a hobby box makes for an incredible hit that can double or even triple the initial purchase price. Other potential autograph pulls include Seager, Andrew Benintendi, Aaron Judge and many other rising talents.

To protect the valuable cards within, each 2016 Topps Baseball hobby box is wrapped in durable plastic wrapping. Opening the box reveals the unmistakable iconic design of the green cardboard flaps folded neatly inside. Condition is crucial for modern cards and Topps went to great lengths for the in-box presentation. Sliding out each wrapped pack to view the grayscale photography teaser card on the front adds to the experience of opening a fresh wax pack from years past.

Most who have ripped a hobby box of 2016 Topps agree it was a supremely fun and rewarding product that succeeds as both an on-ramp for collectors new to the hobby as well as seasoned veterans. Cards look fantastic displayable in a large complete set binder or broken down into individual team books. Even five years later, the vintage designs and star players featured ensure this issue remains a solid long term investment in the cardboard collectibles market. Whether building a PC of current superstars or chasing key rookie cards, 2016 Topps checks all the boxes for fun, affordable modern cardboard to uncover.

The 2016 Topps Baseball card hobby box delivers a premium opening day experience at an affordable price point relative to years past. Rookie hits, serial numbered parallels and insert sets add excitement to each fresh pack. Top-tier photography and design maximize the showcase of today’s MLB elite. Whether a longtime collector or just starting out, this popular flagship issue from Topps satisfies at every turn. Even several years later, the 2016 Topps Baseball cards hold their value as one of the finest modern issues in the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2016

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Baseball cards from 2016 provide an interesting snapshot of the game during that season. The 2016 MLB season saw the Chicago Cubs break their 108-year World Series drought, winning their first title since 1908. This historic Cubs team is well represented in the 2016 baseball card sets.

Some of the most prominent rookie cards from 2016 include Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant and outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Bryant won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2015 after hitting .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs. His impressive rookie campaign made him one of the most sought-after young stars in the game. Schwarber also made his MLB debut in 2015 and was a key contributor to the Cubs’ championship run in 2016 before suffering a season-ending knee injury early in the year. Both Bryant and Schwarber rookies from 2016 sets are highly valuable today as they were two core members of the Cubs’ title team.

Another notable rookie card from 2016 is Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2017 after batting .271 with 20 home runs and 90 RBIs in his first full big league season. He has developed into a core player for the Red Sox franchise. Benintendi rookies from 2016 provide a first glimpse of the young talent who would help the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018.

Veteran stars who had great seasons in 2016 and thus have valuable base cards include Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who won the NL MVP award after batting .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs. Chicago shortstop Addison Russell also had a breakout season, making the NL All-Star team while hitting 21 home runs and driving in 95 runs for the champions. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Justin Turner earned his first All-Star nod in 2016 while establishing himself as one of baseball’s best contact hitters, as he batted .275 with 27 home runs and 90 RBIs. These star performers from the 2016 season hold valuable cards today.

Two of the game’s brightest young stars in 2016 who have desirable modern cards are Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Trout was well on his way to a likely AL MVP award in 2016 before injuries limited him to just 101 games, though he still hit .315 with 29 home runs and 100 RBIs. Meanwhile, Harper earned his second NL MVP award in 2015 at just 23 years old and was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in 2016 as well, batting .243 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs plus 33 stolen bases. Trout and Harper were truly in a class of their own among position players in the 2010s.

On the pitching side, Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta had a dominant season on his way to winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2015. In 2016, Arrieta maintained his elite form, going 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA and 193 strikeouts over 32 starts and 203 innings. His peak performance years of 2015-2016 made Arrieta one of the most coveted hurlers in baseball card sets from that period. Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer also put together an impressive campaign in 2016, going 20-7 with a 2.96 ERA and 284 strikeouts in 228 innings as he finished third in NL Cy Young voting. Scherzer and Arrieta highlight the top pitchers featured in 2016 cards.

Rookie pitchers who debuted in 2016 and have valued modern rookie cards include Yankees righty Luis Severino, who went 3-8 but showed ace-caliber stuff in 19 starts in his first taste of the majors. Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks also had a strong rookie year, going 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA in 26 starts and helped the Cubs down the stretch. Dodgers lefty Julio Urias made nine starts as a 19-year-old in 2016 and demonstrated why he was such a highly-touted international signing and prospect. These young hurlers were among the promising rookie arms to watch that year.

The 2016 baseball card sets provide a snapshot of the game at a unique point. They memorialize the Cubs’ historic championship run while also highlighting the brightest young stars and top veterans of that season. Rookies like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Andrew Benintendi, Luis Severino and Julio Urias made their MLB debuts in 2016 and have valuable modern rookie cards. Meanwhile, superstars in their prime like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jake Arrieta and Max Scherzer dominated the sport and hold desirable base cards from 2016 sets. These factors make cards from 2016 an interesting collectible for fans today.