Tag Archives: 2017

2017 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball set is considered one of the best modern releases from Topps. Chrome is a popular annual parallel issue of Topps’s standard flagship release that features shiny refractors instead of the traditional paper cards. The 2017 edition contained several highly coveted rookie cards and big star cards that have held and increased in value since release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball.

One of the most desired rookie cards from the set is that of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lewis Brinson (card #41). Brinson was one of baseball’s top prospects and there was big hype around his potential. While he has had some ups and downs in the majors so far, his rookie card remains very popular. Low-numbered refractors and parallels of his card consistently fetch over $100. Another rookie to watch is Cincinnati Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen (card #281). Though primarily a pitcher, Lorenzen also plays outfield and can hit with power. His versatility makes his rookie card quite intriguing to collectors.

Two rookies who immediately made big impacts in 2017 and their cards have exploded in value accordingly are Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers (card #111) and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (card #283). Bellinger won NL Rookie of the Year after mashing 39 home runs. HisChrome rookie is among the most expensive from the set, with high-grade versions reaching into the thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Judge’s record-setting rookie season that included 52 homers took the baseball world by storm. Low-numbered parallels of his Topps Chrome rookie have broken records, selling for over $10,000.

Moving beyond the rookies, 2017 Topps Chrome had plenty of big stars and highlights as well. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (card #73) is a reigning MVP and cornerstone of the franchise. His refractors hold steady value in the $50-100 range. Reigning NL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is featured on card #238. As one of the game’s premier pitchers, his cards are always in demand. Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a longtime ace and three-time Cy Young winner, appears on card #99. Low-numbered Kershaw cards can reach hundreds due to his legendary status.

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is arguably the best player in baseball today. His card #256 from 2017 Topps Chrome is an absolute must-have for any collection. Even basic Trout refractors sell for $40-50 minimum due to his incomparable abilities and marketability. Fellow superstar Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, who has an MVP under his belt as well, is on card #209. Harper is still chasing his ultimate potential but remains one of the faces of MLB. Star power like this helps drive interest in the set year after year.

The chase for the elusive 1/1 parallel proved exciting as always with 2017 Topps Chrome. Pulling a true one-of-one refractor is the ultimate thrill and scores massive dollars. Some highlights include a 1/1 green refractor of Nationals phenom Juan Soto (card #286) that brought over $3,000 at auction. There was also a prized 1/1 gold refractor of NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies (card #163) that sold for around $1,500. Even less heralded players received big bids when hit as the sole parallel.

In addition to the base Chrome issue, Topps also released higher-end parallel and memorabilia sets associated with 2017. The most costly and illustrious was 2017 Topps Chrome MLS, which featured one memorabilia card or autograph per box on average. Stars like Judge, Bellinger, Kershaw, and Trout appeared often here in low print runs that made each card exceptionally rare and valuable. Another premium tier was 2017 Topps Chrome Draft Day, which highlighted players selected in that year’s amateur draft with memorabilia autographs. Both sets offered alluring chase cards for the most avid collectors.

In summary, 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball proved to have incredible staying power and produced some true heavyweight rookie cards that will be followed for years. The combination of stars, prospects and hit parallels made it compelling from release through the present day. While prices have risen greatly for the most desired cards, values remain strong across the set as a whole. For those who cracked packs or purchased boxes back in 2017, it’s safe to say Topps Chrome delivered some incredible long-term keepsakes and potential investments.

BEST CARDS IN 2017 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 2017 Topps Baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from the legendary card manufacturer. With its modern design aesthetic and inclusion of some of baseball’s biggest stars, the 2017 Topps set contained several chase cards that collectors eagerly sought. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors could find in a pack of 2017 Topps Baseball.

One of the premier rookie cards in the set was that of Chicago Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant. As a former Rookie of the Year and MVP winner, Bryant had already established himself as a true superstar in the league by 2017. His base rookie card could be pulled from regular packs and had decent odds. The prized parallel was the Bryant rainbow foil variation, limited to only /99 copies. These ultra-short printed parallel cards of top talents always hold significant collector demand. Bryant’s rainbow foil routinely sells for well over $100 in near-mint condition.

Another hugely popular rookie was that of Boston Red Sox left-hander David Price. After several standout seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays, Price had signed a massive free agent deal with Boston in 2016. In his first year with the Red Sox, Price helped lead the team to the AL East title. His base rookie card was attainable but scarce. Much rarer was his red parallel, limited to only /25 copies. These low-numbered Price parallels change hands for $300 or more, a true indicator of his elite status as a pitcher and value as a rookie card investment.

Staying in Boston, one cannot discuss the top 2017 Topps cards without mentioning Mookie Betts. The young Red Sox right fielder was coming off his first All-Star and Gold Glove season in 2016 where he finished third in AL MVP voting. Betts’ star was clearly on the rise and collectors knew his cards would retain value. His base card was widely available but it is parallel and short printed variations that hold the real collector value. Betts’ coveted sepia parallel /99 sells for $150-200 alone. An even rarer red /25 parallel recently traded hands for nearly $500 on auction sites. It’s clear Betts has cemented himself not just as a ballplayer, but as a card to have in any collection.

Shifting to the National League, no list of 2017 Topps standouts would be complete without Chicago Cubs third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant. The reigning NL MVP was on top of the baseball world coming off the Cubs’ historic World Series win in 2016. Bryant’s iconic smiling base card captured his infectious joy and excitement for the game. While accessible in packs, the true chase cards were his parallel and short printed variations. His popular “rainbow foil” parallel, limited to /99 copies, routinely commands $100-150 prices. But perhaps Bryant’s most coveted card was his elusive gold label parallel, restricted to a minuscule five copies worldwide. Needless to say, any one of these five that makes its way to the open market would demand an astronomical price.

While rookies and young stars garnered much of the 2017 Topps hype, veterans could also be found amongst the year’s most coveted cards. For example, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw had long been considered one of the best pitchers of his generation. The 2017 season was another standout for Kershaw as he continued cementing his Hall of Fame resume. In Topps, collectors lusted after Kershaw’s top parallels, including his /99 sepia and /25 red variations. Both hold value well above $100 due to his elite status. Another veteran name that commanded high prices was San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner. The 2014 World Series hero had established himself as a true postseason legend and his parallels like the aforementioned also traded hands for $100+ prices.

While players drove the majority of collector demand for 2017 Topps, the set also included several highly sought after insert sets. One of the most popular was the “Topps NOW” collection, featuring real-time cards to commemorate that day’s biggest baseball moments. These inserts captured history as it happened and included short prints like /5 gold parallels. Other inserts like “Topps Heritage” paid homage to the classic design aesthetics of the 1950s/60s. Rarer parallel and autograph variations within insert sets also held significant value. For example, any autographs from the “Topps Gallery of Heroes” insert sold briskly in the secondary market.

In summing up, the 2017 Topps Baseball release truly had something for every type of collector, from rookies to stars to parallels to inserts. Keys like the Kris Bryant and Mookie Betts rainbow foils established themselves not just as chase cards from the year, but investments that hold long term collector value. Veterans like Kershaw and Bumgarner reminded us that proven talent will always be in high demand. And inserts like Topps NOW captured the excitement of the game as it unfolded. For these reasons and more, 2017 Topps Baseball remains one of the most beloved modern issues and sets the standard for what a premier modern card set should deliver.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2017

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Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for decades. From the earliest tobacco cards of the late 1800s to the modern era of licensed cards from companies like Topps, Panini and Leaf, people have enjoyed assembling complete sets and seeking out rare finds. With so many cards in existence from over 100 years of the hobby, determining the value of any given baseball card can be a challenge. That’s where price guides come in. Price guides provide estimated market values for cards based on sales data and the assessed condition of the card. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top baseball card price guides for 2017 and how they can help you value your collection.

One of the most popular and trusted guides is the Beckett Baseball Card Monthly Price Guide. Published by Beckett Media, this guide has been the standard in the hobby for decades. It provides monthly updates to card values for virtually every notable brand and player from the early 1900s tobacco issues all the way up to the most recent releases. For each card listing, Beckett provides pricing data for the card in PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10, Mint 9, Very Good-Excellent 8 and Good-Very Good 6 condition. Having condition-specific prices is extremely valuable, as even minor flaws can significantly impact a card’s worth. Beckett values are based on sales they track from major auction houses, trade sites and shows. For rare, high-end cards, Beckett may list a range instead of a firm price. The guide is available in print, digital and app formats.

Another top option is the Cardboard Connection Baseball Card Price Guide, published by Jim Beckett (no relation to Beckett Media). This annual guide takes a similar approach to condition-specific pricing but focuses more on modern issues from the past few decades rather than the entire history of the hobby. It’s a good choice for collectors concentrating on 90s and 2000s cards. Like Beckett, Cardboard Connection values are researched from tracking thousands of recent sales. The guide is only available digitally.

For collectors looking for free online resources, BaseballCardPedia.com maintains a vast searchable database of estimated card values without condition specifications. While not as detailed as print guides, it’s a useful starting point to check on cards without having to purchase a guide. EBay’s Completed Listings feature can also provide a sampling of recent real-world sales prices. For a card that has not recently sold on Ebay, these resources may not provide any pricing data.

When it comes to the most valuable baseball cards that can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands, there is no definitive pricing source. The highest end of the market is not as transparent, with many rare cards trading privately or through exclusive auction houses. However, PWCC Marketplace, formerly Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), publishes an annual “Top 100 Baseball Cards” list that provides estimated values for the rarest vintage cards like T206 Honus Wagner, 1909-11 T206 cards, and early tobacco issues. While just ballpark figures, it gives collectors an idea of what the true condition-graded gems are worth in today’s market.

Condition is the single biggest factor in a card’s value, which is why the top price guides provide condition-specific estimates. Even a card in lower grade can still have value though, so don’t get discouraged if yours has flaws. For example, a 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Auto Refractor of superstar Mike Trout may be worth around $3,000 in PSA 10 but could still fetch $500-1000 in PSA 8 due to his iconic status in the hobby. Knowing the conditions that price guides refer to is also important – Beckett uses a numeric 1-10 scale while PSA/DNA uses descriptive terms like “Mint” that don’t directly correspond.

Beyond just prices, guides provide useful background information for collectors. Beckett and Cardboard Connection feature historical overviews of sets, bios of notable players, and insights on what to look for when assessing a card’s condition and authenticity. With so much misinformation online, guides serve as credible references to enhance collectors’ knowledge of the industry. They’re well worth the investment for any long-term collector looking to properly value and manage their growing collection.

The Beckett Baseball Card Monthly Price Guide and Cardboard Connection Baseball Card Price Guide are the top authoritative sources for determining estimated market values across the entire history of the hobby. For modern issues, Cardboard Connection is excellent. Free online databases like BaseballCardPedia can also be useful starting points. But for the most accurate condition-specific pricing supported by real sale data, the print and digital price guides are the way to go. With new editions released regularly, they ensure collectors always have the latest pricing intelligence at their fingertips.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2017

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The year 2017 saw some highly sought after baseball cards enter the hobby. New star rookies, beloved franchise legends, and award winners all had cards that gained immense value within just a few short years. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards issued in 2017 based on recent sales data and auction prices.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from 2017 is the Aaron JudgeTopps Chrome refractors. As a rookie in 2017, Judge set the all-time rookie home run record with 52 home runs while leading the Yankees to the ALCS. The enthusiasm around Judge’s breakout season was matched by card collectors. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors, especially the colored parallels, skyrocketed in value. Pristine mint condition Judge refractors routinely sell for well over $1,000 today on the secondary market. The elusive red refractor parallel has sold for over $6,000 in gem mint condition. While gold and black parallels don’t match the red’s rarity, they still sell for $2,000-$4,000 on average based on recent eBay sales. Judge’s popularity and on-field production helped drive these already scarce refractors to the top of most 2017 rookie card value lists.

Another standout rookie to have an extremely valuable card is Cody Bellinger. Like Judge, Bellinger burst onto the scene by setting the NL rookie home run record with 39 dingers for the Dodgers in 2017. Bellinger’s Topps Chrome rookie refractors, specifically the red parallel, command prices close to Judge’s. High-grade Bellinger reds have sold in the $5,000 range. His other refracted parallels also excel in value, with golds going for $2,000-$3,000. Bellinger was a dominant offensive force right out of the gates and captured the NL Rookie of the Year award, giving collectors strong reason to invest in his top rookie cards from 2017’s flagship Topps Chrome set.

For franchise iconic players, few can match Mike Trout in card value. The 2017 Topps Update Mike Trout autograph cards ranked highly all year. As one of the best players of all time and a surefire Hall of Famer still in his prime, Trout memorabilia holds immense collector value. The Update set featured Trout’s on-card autograph signed in silver ink on the standard base card and additional parallels. His base autos regularly sell for $500-800 while silver parallels have moved for $1,500 with demand only continuing to increase over time. Getting Trout’s elusive 1-of-1 Printing Plate autograph from 2017 Update would set collectors back well over $5,000 today. Such one-of-one Trout hits exemplify his superstar cachet extending fully to the sports card world.

Staying in Los Angeles, the 2017 Topps Five Star Clayton Kershaw parallels become tremendously expensive cards. Five Star is one of the hobby’s most prestigious insert sets known for its low print runs and stunning refractors. Clayton Kershaw, a career Dodger and three-time Cy Young winner, was naturally one of the big short prints in 2017 Five Star. His colored refractors like Mint 9 golds or reds pull in $2,000-$3,000 prices. But the true holy grails were the 1-of-1 printing plate autograph parallels signed by Kershaw, which reached auction prices of $20,000 for the orange refractor example. With Kershaw’s lauded career still in progress and Five Star’s incredible rarity, these singular Kershaw cards will likely appreciate further.

Moving to 2017 Update, Stars of MLB relic cards with major HOF inductions drove values up. The Ivan Rodriguez rookie triple jersey card shot up after his Hall of Fame enshrinement. Numbered to 299 copies, Pudge’s three-patch relic sold consistently for $800 before but quickly surged past $2,000 following his August 2017 Cooperstown induction. Also from Update, the Jeff Bagwell triple bat relic parallels saw similar boosts after Bagwell’s nod into the Hall that year. The standard Bagwell relics were $200 cards pre-announcement but multiplied to $500-700 afterwards. Bagwell’s low numbered parallels climbed much higher, showing how newly-minted Hall of Famers greatly increase demand for their available memorabilia cards from recent sets.

The combination of new great rookies like Judge and Bellinger with legends like Trout, Kershaw, and fresh HOFers led to some incredible price surges for 2017 baseball cards. Top rookie refractors, numbered memorabilia hits, 1-of-1 autographs and Five Star parallels attained the highest values. As these players’ careers continue unfolding, associated cards from their early seasons will likely remain widely collectible for years to come. 2017 saw emerging stars and all-time greats drive certain baseball cards to new heights in desirability and secondary market value.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2017

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The year 2017 was another great year for baseball cards, with many exciting rookies making their debuts and star players continuing to shine. While determining the “best” cards can be subjective, here are some of the top cards released in 2017 based on player performance, rookie status, parallels and special inserts.

Aaron Judge Topps Chrome RC (2017 Topps Chrome)
Without question, the top baseball card of 2017 was Aaron Judge’s rookie card from Topps Chrome. Judge shattered the rookie home run record with 52 home runs for the Yankees and won AL Rookie of the Year. His Chrome rookie card skyrocketed in value, with PSA 10 examples selling for over $1000 each online. Judge mania was real in 2017 and his rookie card capitalized on his breakout rookie campaign. The Judge rookie is a modern icon card and one of the premier rookie cards in the hobby over the last decade.

Cody Bellinger Topps NOW RC (2017 Topps NOW)
Another highly sought after rookie card from 2017 was Cody Bellinger’s Topps NOW rookie. Bellinger had a phenomenal rookie season with 39 home runs for the Dodgers and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His Topps NOW rookie captures his debut game performance and only has a print run of 2017 copies, making it extremely scarce compared to typical Topps RCs. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $500 due to the card’s low print run and subject’s immediate star power.

Kris Bryant Bowman Chrome RC (2015 Bowman Chrome)
While not technically a 2017 release, Kris Bryant’s rookie card from 2015 Bowman Chrome remained highly valuable in 2017 as Bryant continued cementing himself as one of baseball’s best players. After winning NL MVP in 2016, Bryant had another All-Star season in 2017 and helped the Cubs to another World Series appearance. His Bowman Chrome rookie card remains a coveted modern rookie for Cubs PC collectors, routinely fetching hundreds of dollars for high-grade copies.

Clayton Kershaw Topps Finest Refractor (2017 Topps Finest)
A true master of his craft, three-time NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw continued dominating in 2017. His 2017 Topps Finest refractor parallel captures an ultra-refractive look on card and the 1/1 parallel makes it extremely rare. Kershaw collectors jumped at the chance to own this one-of-one work of art card that could become one of the iconic cards of his generation much like Kershaw’s Topps Chrome refractor rookie.

Corey Seager Topps Update RC (2016 Topps Update)
The 2016 NL Rookie of the Year had another All-Star season in 2017 while helping lead the Dodgers. Seager’s rookie card from 2016 Topps Update remains a highly sought after modern rookie card, as Seager has proven to be a true franchise player. High-grade PSA 10 copies regularly sell for $100-200 due to his superstar status at a young age.

Mookie Betts Topps Finest Refractor (2017 Topps Finest)
The 2018 AL MVP had yet another amazing all-around season in 2017 while establishing himself as one of baseball’s true five-tool talents. His 2017 Topps Finest refractor parallel captures his skills on this ultra-refractive card that Red Sox collectors chased. Betts looks poised to become one of the faces of baseball and this card could become a true icon in his collection.

Juan Soto Bowman Chrome RC (2018 Bowman Chrome)
While Soto’s rookie season didn’t start until 2018, collectors were buzzing about this uber-prospect well before his debut. His first Bowman Chrome card from 2018 set the hobby ablaze with its investment-worthy looks. Even pre-rookie, PSA 10 copies were fetching hundreds on the secondary market. Soto mania was in full effect before he even played a game and this card captured that hype perfectly.

Aaron Nola Topps Finest Refractor (2017 Topps Finest)
The Phillies ace cemented himself as one of baseball’s best young hurlers in 2017 while helping lead Philadelphia back to contention. As a hometown star, Nola collectors chased this ultra-refractive refractor parallel from Topps Finest to highlight his breakout campaign. With his ace potential, this card could grow in value as Nola’s career progresses.

Ronald Acuna Topps Chrome RC (2018 Topps Chrome)
Like Soto, Acuna didn’t debut until 2018 but the hype for this uber-prospect was massive all of 2017 long. His first Topps Chrome rookie card captured the investment potential of a potential superstar in the making. Even pre-rookie, PSA 10 copies sold for big money based purely on his status as one of baseball’s top hitting prospects. Acuna mania was born before he ever stepped on a major league field.

That covers some of the most notable, valuable and investment-worthy baseball cards released or pertaining to the 2017 season. From rookie sensations like Judge, Bellinger and Acuna/Soto to stars cementing their legacies like Bryant, Kershaw and Betts, 2017 was a great year for the hobby. While the “best” cards will always be subjective, this list shows some of the modern standouts from the past year that truly captured the excitement of the game on the field.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN 2017

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, the year 2017 presents many exciting opportunities for savvy collectors. With the rise of stars like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, as well as hall of fame bound players like Clayton Kershaw entering their primes, there are certain cards that have strong chances to significantly increase in value over the next several years. By researching players, teams, and card trends, collectors can identify cards that represent sound long term investments.

One of the surest bets for investment potential in 2017 are the rookie cards of superstars who are still in the early stages of what look to be legendary careers. Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph card is a great example. Trout has established himself as perhaps the best player in baseball today and is still only 25 years old, leaving many more great seasons ahead of him. His rookie cards have already increased dramatically in value but still have room for further appreciation as he cements his hall of fame resume. Another strong choice is Bryce Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph. Harper won NL MVP in 2015 at just 23 years old and looks poised for a long run of stardom in Washington. His cards have followed a similar price trajectory to Trout and also have significant future upside.

In addition to established young stars, keeping an eye on the rookie cards of players who broke out in 2016 is wise. Corey Seager of the Dodgers had an incredible rookie campaign, winning NL Rookie of the Year while helping lead LA to the NL West title. His 2016 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor autograph #66 and other parallels from his rookie set hold great long term promise as he continues what looks to be a hall of fame career. Similarly, Cubs slugger Kris Bryant had a breakout 2015 season, winning NL MVP, and followed it up with another all-star campaign in 2016 while helping Chicago to its first World Series title in over a century. Bryant’s 2014 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph and other key rookies hold strong future value as he remains in his mid-20s prime.

Beyond individual players, focusing on teams that seem poised for success in the coming years can yield rewarding baseball card investments. The Cubs’ first World Series win in over a century instantly increased demand for cards from their young core of stars like Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Addison Russell. Continued championship contention in the coming seasons will likely drive prices even higher on cards from this era of Cubs baseball. The same logic applies to teams like the Dodgers, who are loaded with young talent and have deep pockets that could see them competing for titles for years. Cards from the current Dodgers squad including Seager, Joc Pederson, Corey Kershaw, and others offer strong chances to increase in value as the franchise builds on its recent success.

Pitchers also present opportunities, as elite arms often sustain high values throughout lengthy careers. Clayton Kershaw is not yet 30 but is already considered one of the greatest pitchers ever. His cards from the early part of his career, including his 2011 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor autograph #150, hold great long term upside as he continues racking up accolades and chase 300 career wins. Similarly, Max Scherzer has re-established himself as one of baseball’s most dominant hurlers after signing a record free agent deal with Washington. His cards from his early Tigers tenure like his 2009 Topps Chrome Draft Pick autograph remain relatively affordable but have room to grow as his hall of fame case strengthens in the years ahead.

In addition to focusing on individual players and teams, keeping an eye on certain card sets and parallels within those sets can yield rewards. Chrome cards, whether from Bowman, Topps, or other manufacturers, tend hold their value very well due to the refractors, colors, and parallels within those sets. The same applies to high end parallels like Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractors that are limited to only 1 per case. Such scarce parallel cards of star players are almost guaranteed to increase substantially in value over time due to their rarity. Autograph cards, especially those on prospect cards of players before they debut, also have strong histories of appreciation and remain relatively affordable for the biggest names.

By doing research, targeting up-and-coming young stars, hall of famers in their primes, elite teams, scarce parallels, and high-end prospect autographs, collectors can identify baseball cards well positioned to significantly increase in value throughout 2017 and beyond. With stars like Trout, Harper, Kershaw and others leading the way on the field, their early career cards offer compelling long term investment opportunities in the trading card market this year. By buying the right cards from the right players and teams, collectors can build portfolios sure to appreciate dramatically with every new accolade and championship. With a little luck and savvy selection, the best baseball cards to invest in for 2017 offer chances for rewards extending far into the future.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2017 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Each year, Topps releases its highly-anticipated baseball card sets to much fanfare. The 2017 Topps series was no exception, featuring cards of today’s biggest stars and most sought-after rookie cards. As with any collectible hobby, certain cards increase dramatically in value after release due to increased demand, low print runs, and other factors. Several 2017 Topps cards have already achieved immense prices in the secondary market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 2017 Topps baseball cards just a few short years after the set hit shelves.

The card achieving the highest price so far from the 2017 Topps set is the Mike Trout autograph refractor card (#270). Trout is widely considered the best player in baseball today and his rookie cards from years past command enormous sums. The 2017 Trout autograph refractor was limited to only 10 copies printed. This extreme scarcity has driven the card’s secondary market price up over $30,000, making it easily the most valuable card from the flagship Topps release. With Trout still in his prime and on pace to go down as one of the all-time greats, his autographed rookies and star cards hold tremendous long-term collectibility.

Another massive hitter is the Aaron Judge rookie autograph refractor (#249). Judge’s monster 2017 rookie season that saw him break the rookie home run record still captivates collectors. The blue refractor parallel of his Topps rookie autograph card carries an estimate around $15,000 due to its limited quantity. Judge mania shows no signs of slowing and his continually rising playing ability maintains strong demand for this early prize piece from his collection. It remains one of the most iconic cards pulled from 2017 Topps hobby boxes and factories printed a reported mere 12 copies.

Turning to the common refractors, Gleyber Torres claimed the third costliest 2017 Topps card at around $2,500. Torres enjoyed an outstanding 2018 rookie season with the Yankees and cemented himself as a rising star. As a promising young player on a storied franchise, Torres attracts considerable collector attention. His red refractor parallel (#312) appreciates more each year removed from pack date. Topps is estimated to have manufactured approximately 50 of this sought-after rookie refractor, driving up the secondary value.

Beyond autographs and parallels of the game’s elite, certain base rookie cards command four-figure asking prices too. Corey Seager, the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, appeared near the front of Series 1 in the debut Topps card of his sophomore campaign (#77). Seager had begun living up to his prospect hype and established himself as a cornerstone player for the Dodgers. Collectors pay around $1,000 for this early Seager rookie despite it not featuring any special parallels or signatures. His consistent excellence raises hopes that it may achieve Trout-like heights as his career progresses.

Cody Bellinger holds a similar rookie base card status after winning 2017 NL Rookie of the Year honors and rocketing out of the gate in 2018. Bellinger’s main Topps rookie card from Series 1 checks in at a robust $900-1,000 range. (#188) Bellinger remains one of the most intriguing young talents in baseball and his first Topps issue remains a hot commodity, showing his early promise translated into production. As he continues ascending, so too may this key piece of his rookie collection appreciate. Both Seager and Bellinger’s standard rookie cards represent important milestones for star players that fuel ongoing demand.

Rounding out the top valuable 2017 Topps regular issue cards are Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto, who both broke out as 19-year-old rookies. Acuña’s primary Topps debut sells for $500-700 and Soto’s goes for $300-500 depending on grade. These prices signify the high hopes collectors continue to hold for these exceptionally talented rookies following their early success and point to cards that may potentially become much more costly down the road should Acuña and Soto live up to lofty expectations. With so many premier prospects debuting each year, only the true stars tend to maintain heavy demand for their initial Topps issues years later.

Certain 2017 Topps cards have already reached five-figure prices barely three seasons after release due to star players like Trout, Judge and Torres, high-grade short-printed parallels, and enduring demand for budding stars’ earliest rookie issues. As long as collectors remain passionate about accruing sought-after pieces from newly blossoming careers, flagship sets like Topps Series 1 will birth numerous valuable modern era cards that hold promise of appreciating exponentially. The 2017 Topps season represented another opportunity to obtain scarce parts of burgeoning collections before prices became prohibitive.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS IN 2017

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The value of baseball cards, especially vintage ones from the early 20th century, continues to climb each year. Collectors and investors are constantly seeking out rare and coveted cards that can bring huge sums at auction. Whether it’s iconic rookie cards of legends like Babe Ruth or modern cards of today’s hottest young stars, the potential for appreciation remains high. With another baseball season now underway, let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards that can be found as of 2017 based on recent sales data and industry experts.

Heading the list is undoubtedly one of the true Holy Grails of the hobby—the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. The legendary shortstop of the early 1900s Pittsburgh Pirates appears smiling on this sizeable tobacco era card, widely considered the most desired and valuable in the history of collecting. Only around 60 examples are known to exist in various conditions today. In recent years, pristine PSA/BGS Gem Mint examples have sold for north of $2.8 million, with one achieving an eye-popping $3.12 million back in 2016. Even heavily played low-grade specimens still command six-figure prices. No other card holds anywhere near the same cachet or value as the elusive Wagner.

Another tobacco issue that fetches immense sums is the 1913 E114 Nap Lajoie card produced by the American Tobacco Company. Like the T206 Wagner, it features a future Hall of Famer and is considered a key type set card for vintage collectors. In January of 2017, a PSA 8 copy sold for a staggering $1.054 million, setting a new auction record. Just a month later, another PSA 8 brought a final hammer price of $948,000. With such a high demand from connoisseurs, it’s evident this Lajoie will remain at the apex of the collectibles realm for a long time to come.

For Mickey Mantle enthusiasts, his 1952 Topps debut rookie is the primary target. High-grade versions regularly pull in the $100,000 range even today in a robust marketplace. A PSA Gem Mint 10 specimen changed hands privately in 2016 for an astounding $525,000. Meanwhile, the 1952 Bowman color photograph of the ‘Commerce Comet’ has also seen seven-figure prices, with a pristine example recently reaching $990,000 at auction. No post-war card is more desirable than Mantle’s to collectors, exemplifying his iconic status both on and off the diamond.

Moving into the modern period, perhaps the most in-demand recent issue remains the 2009 Bowman Draft Prospects Blue Refractor card of Zion Williamson. Still a rookie in the NBA, Williamson has already exploded onto the national scene with his incredible athleticism and high-flying dunks. His draft cards from before he even took the college courts have predictably skyrocketed in value as a result. A BGS-graded 9.5 just sold for a record $50,000 in April 2017, showing no signs of slowing in appreciation any time soon. Such pieces have ushered in a new era of speculation focused as much on potential as pedigree.

Rookie cards for other contemporary stars like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper also command top dollar based on their established dominance at such young ages. A Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 brought $39,300 last year alone. Meanwhile, a 2010 Bowman Chrome Harper Superfractor autographed rookie graded BGS 10 achieved a whopping $75,000 back in February of 2017. Both players are cornerstones of their franchises with many productive seasons still ahead, ensuring high mintage cards will remain blue-chip investments for discerning collectors.

For those seeking true one-of-a-kind rarities, autographed game-used memorabilia cards present essentially unlimited upside. A case in point is a 2001 SP Authentic Signed Game-Used Bat Relic card of Alex Rodriguez #/10 sold privately this past January for a massive $750,000. It featured an on-card autograph and piece of A-Rod’s actual fungo bat embedded within. Similarly, a 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor Autograph Patch Jarrod Saltalamacchia #/5 reached $105,000 in May of 2017. When it comes to autographed relics of all-time greats or promising young talents, the prices achieved often shatter conventional norms.

With strong interest and a healthy marketplace, the most coveted vintage and modern baseball cards showed no signs of slowing their upward trajectory in 2017. While exorbitant prices are reserved for the true elite, savvy collectors understand the hobby remains a fascinating intersection of sport, history and burgeoning asset class. Whether seeking famous HOF refractors or promising prospects on the cusp, with care and luck the right pieces can continue delivering real returns for years to come.

2017 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2017 Panini baseball card season saw Panini continue to build on the foundation they established from previous years since entering the baseball card market in 2014. While still considered the “new kid on the block” compared to the entrenched giants like Topps, Panini made further strides in 2017 to carve out their share of collectors and expand their baseball card offerings.

One of Panini’s core sets in 2017 was “2017 Prizm Baseball”. Building upon the allure of their popular Prizm brand from other sports like basketball, the 2017 Prizm Baseball set featured a sharp, modern design with distinctive color-burst “Prizm” parallels that collectors had grown to love. The base cards showed players in clear action shots with team logos prominently displayed. Various parallels inserted throughout packs added to the excitement of the chase. Gold “Prizm” parallels were the most coveted, while other parallels like Red /10 and White /25 added scarcity. The set concluded with short printed memorabilia cards and autographs to entice collectors to search every box. Overall the 2017 Prizm set captured the eye-popping aesthetics that Panini had become renowned for.

Another anchor of Panini’s 2017 offerings was the retro-styled “2017 Donruss Baseball” set, celebrating the beloved old Donruss brand. With a hearty cardboard stock and design influenced by the late 80s/early 90s Donruss sets many collectors held fond memories of from childhood, the 2017 Donruss set invited collectors on a fun stroll down memory lane. Similar to the original Donruss issues, the 2017 version featured no frills action shots with team logo arches along each side. Parallel inserts including “Diamond Kings” parallels paid homage to the original Diamond Kings insert set from years past. While not as flashy as some of Panini’s other brands, the straightforward and nostalgic 2017 Donruss set warmly tugged at collectors’ heartstrings.

For collectors longing for autograph and memorabilia cards, Panini released the high-end “2017 National Treasures Baseball” product. As with previous year’s editions, the 2017 National Treasures set the bar for the hobby with its exquisite relic and autograph content. Swatches of jerseys, bats, autographed baseballs and more filled these lavish box loads. Low serial numbered parallels like Gold /5 and White /1 presented highly scarce chase cards added value for longtime collectors. Multi-signed memorabilia “National Treasures Trios” cards were the true crowning jewels, featuring some of the sports’ all-time legends. The premium price tag of National Treasures was always a luxury, but reward for collectors willing to splurge.

Panini also looked to build upon its young star rookies with products like “Donruss Optic” and “Prizm Rookies & Stars.” In years past these sets had featured some of the biggest young names going on to stardom, and 2017 continued that trend. Sets primarily focused on the games up and coming talents, but also mixed in established veteran superstars. Formats typically included flashy parallels like Prism, Phoenix, Flux and Spectrum inserts to entice buyers. Autograph and memorabilia variants added extra cachet for hit chasing collectors. Cards of stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and others in these sets increased in value exponentially as their careers took off.

In addition to core sets, Panini also released the fun and engaging “2017 Clearly Authentic Football & Basketball” which blended sport stars on innovative designs with color shifting technology. Football/baseball mash-up sets like “Contenders,” “X” and “One & One” mixed the two sports for hybrid collectors. For the first time Panini also released smaller themed sets like “Grandstand Greats” highlighting legendary players, and”Taste of the Majors” focusing on rising minor leaguers.

On the collector engagement and promotional front, Panini maintained competitive incentive programs. Their “MyPanini” mobile app allowed collectors to register redemptions, track collections and participate in contests. Case break sites partnered with Panini to sell sealed cartons of popular products while live streaming the openings. Trading forums and third party grading services also continued strong to cultivate the collector community.

While still chasing the mighty Topps brand entrenched since the 1950s, the 2017 season underscored how Panini continued gaining ground as a serious baseball card contender. Combining retro flair with flashy new brands served both modern and traditional hobbyists. Strong rookie classes and short printed parallels kept pack searching exciting. As Panini demonstrated staying power, more major retailers integrated their products alongside Topps. For its fourth year in baseball, 2017 showed how Panini Capitalized on innovation while respecting the sport’s classic traditions – strengthening their foothold for future seasons in what remained one of trading cards’ biggest category. The future appeared bright as Panini’s unique vision for baseball cards resonated further with a new generation of collectors.

2017 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2017 Topps Heritage Baseball card set paid tribute to some of the most iconic baseball card designs of the past. Topps’ Heritage line has become a highly anticipated release each year for collectors looking to add retro-styled cards to their collections. The 2017 edition contained a variety of parallels and inserts packed inside traditional wax packs, hobby boxes, and high-end sets.

The base card design of the 2017 Topps Heritage set paid homage to the 1969 Topps baseball card design. Like the 1969 originals, the cards featured a solid color background with a thin black border surrounding each player photo. The team logo appeared on the upper left of the photo along with the team name printed below. Player names were listed across the bottom edge in classic bold all-capital letters. The clean, simple design aesthetic was immediately recognizable as a throwback to the late 1960s cards that many collectors grew up with.

The base cards could be found in both standard glossy and matte finished varieties. The matte cards had a suede-like texture that some preferred for a truly vintage feel compared to the glossy counterparts. Each wax pack contained about 12 total cards with odds of 1 in 8 packs including a short print version of a base card. The short prints were inserted randomly with no checklist denoting which players were SP variations.

Beyond the base set, Topps Heritage is known each year for its varied insert sets paying tribute to past designs. For 2017, one insert set paid tribute to the 1954 Topps cards with a woodgrain border style. Players were depicted from that breakthrough Topps design year including legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Duke Snider among the 30 total cards in the set. Another popular insert set was styled after 1965 Topps cards with frosted photos and team names printed diagonally across each image. Additional inserts included 1952 Topps and 1967 Topps style designs as well.

Parallels were abundant providing additional eye-catching variations for collectors to pursue. The most prevalent was the rainbow foil “Refractor” parallel inserted at approximately 1 per pack or 1 per two packs. Other parallels included “Museum Collection” sepia-toned cards numbered to 99 copies each, and “Aurora” parallel cards with iridescent refractor-like backgrounds numbered to only 25 copies apiece. The low numbered Aurora parallels were coveted chase cards opening additional levels of scarcity to the overall heritage product line.

Topps also produced factory set options for the serious collectors wanting premium 2017 Topps Heritage releases. The base Heritage set could be found neatly arranged in a classic 1969-styled factory-sealed box. For those desiring an even more complete experience, Topps offered expanded insert factory sets containing all the tribute designs like 1954 Topps, 1965 Topps, and more presented together for the first time. High-end collectors could purchase individual teams or player lots from the Heritage set as well. These coveted factory assembled team and player sets were sealed with the vintage-inspired packaging adding greatly to their appeal as premium presentation pieces.

When the 2017 Topps Heritage Baseball set hit the market, it was met with widespread enthusiasm from the collecting community. Card shops and online resellers sold out of initial inventory at a brisk pace indicating strong early consumer demand. On the secondary market, individual base rookies and stars as well as highly sought after parallel and insert cards fetched premium prices. vintage styled products by Topps never fail to trigger nostalgia and fuel collector demand and 2017 Topps Heritage was certainly no exception in this regard. The blending of retro design aesthetics with modern production qualities and parallel variations has cemented this annual Heritage release as a highly anticipated tradition for baseball card collectors of all eras. The 2017 edition lives on as one of the most widely collected Topps Heritage releases to date.

The 2017 Topps Heritage Baseball card set paid tribute to some of the most iconic baseball card designs of the past in a product that was highly coveted and collected. Topps’ execution blending retro designs with modern collecting elements made it a standout nostalgia fueled release. Between the base set, numerous inserts, and array of parallels, there was much to pursue for all levels of collectors. High quality production brought the old school designs to life in a true collector’s product. For these reasons, 2017 Topps Heritage remains an appreciated and remembered set within the world of vintage-styled baseball cards.