Tag Archives: 2018

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2018 HOBBY SET

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2018 Topps Baseball Hobby Set

Topps is a legendary name in the sports card industry, having produced baseball cards continuously since 1954. They remain the largest and most recognizable licensee for MLB cards and memorabilia to this day. In 2018, Topps released their standard annual baseball card hobby set for collectors consisting of 524 total cards featuring current and legendary MLB players, managers, coaches, and teams. Let’s take an in-depth look at the makeup and notable cards from the 2018 Topps baseball hobby set.

The 2018 Topps set featured a new modern updated design similar to recent years but with some tweaks. The front of each card featured a large action photo of the player or team with their name printed in a stylized metallic typeface across the bottom in team colors. Statistics from the previous season were printed on the bottom right of each card front. The card back continued with basic career stats and a brief biography. As with all Topps baseball sets, each pack contains either 11 or 12 randomly assorted cards with no guarantees on parallels, inserts, or hits.

The base card checklist was made up of current MLB players from all 30 teams, totaling 396 cards. This included base rookies for players who debuted in 2017 or 2018 like Cody Bellinger, Andrew Benintendi, and Rhys Hoskins. Some of the biggest stars were featured on parallel short prints including Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jose Altuve, and Aaron Judge. Fan favorites like Ichiro Suzuki and Mariano Rivera were also included despite being retired from MLB play.

Beyond the base rookie and star cards, the 2018 Topps set included several inserts and parallels to chase after. Some of the notable insert sets included “Legendary Pitchers” (20 cards), “Legendary Batters” (20 cards), “Topps Now” moment captures (50 cards), and “Topps Archives” throwback replicas (50 cards). Parallel variations included various numbering techniques, autograph and memorabilia card “hits”, and refractors – adding substantially to the overall 524 card checklist.

The 2018 Topps set was loaded with hits that collectors eagerly sought after. These included standard autographed “rookie AUTO” and veteran “star AUTO” variations. Premium 1/1 printing plate autographs added extreme rarity. Relic cards contained game-worn jersey, batting glove, or other Memorabilia pieces. The coveted “1st Bowman Autograph” cards honoring top prospects in their very first MLB card were always highly sought after by collectors. Numbered parallels and high-end hits like dual autographed cards added additional levels of desirability and value.

Perhaps the biggest highlights of 2018 Topps were the inclusion of several brand new types of hit cards that had never been seen before in Topps flagship sets. “All-Star Autographs” featured current MLB all-stars, “Diamond Anniversary Autographs” celebrated players who were featured in 1988 Topps to commemorate the 30th anniversary, and “Postseason Performers Autographs” honored players who made key contributions during the 2017 playoffs and World Series. These innovative new categories of autograph cards created major excitement for collectors new chase cards to look for.

Pack searching and collecting the 2018 Topps set provided countless hours of enjoyment and thrill of the hunt for baseball card hobbyists. Finding base rookies, chasing parallels, and hoping for the chance of pulling a coveted autograph or relic card hit brought the excitement of opening a pack to life. As with every annual release, the 2018 set functioned as the foundation for many collectors beginning or expanding their hobby collections. For others, it was the thrill of trying to complete a master set or chase the biggest star autos. Nearly a year later after release, singles from the set can still be found on the secondary market as collectors look to fill holes or upgrade their copies.

In summary, Topps’ 2018 baseball hobby release brought another quality annual flagship set for collectors to enjoy with a modern design, extensive base checklist, desirable inserts, hits and parallels, and innovative new autograph concepts. It built upon Topps’ rich legacy spanning several generations as the most iconic and popular brand in the baseball card world. The excitement of collecting and surprises found in each pack kept the hobby engaging for both casual and die-hard collectors alike well into the new season. Topps remains the gold standard setter for the yearly documentation of MLB’s biggest stars through their beautifully crafted trading cards and memorabilia.

BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN IN 2018

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Baseball cards have long been a popular investment and collecting hobby for both casual fans and serious investors. The baseball card market sees fluctuations in prices year over year as certain players rise and fall in popularity and value. For 2018, here are some of the top baseball cards that experts predict will continue growing in value or present solid investment opportunities.

Rookie cards for young superstar players like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Mookie Betts are always wise long-term investments. Trout has established himself as the best player in baseball and his 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie card already sells for thousands in top condition. As Trout continues shattering records and cementing his legacy as an all-time great, his rookie card will only become more valuable with time. Harper and Betts are also young superstars still early in what look to be Hall of Fame careers, so holding onto their top rookie cards is a smart bet.

Veteran superstars still producing at an elite level also offer value. Cards of Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander remain sound investments as these future Hall of Famers continue racking up accolades and awards deeper into their 30s. So long as they stay healthy and on the field, their classic rookie cards and top career parallels and refractors will hold and gain value for years to come.

Rookie cards for top young prospects like Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Eloy Jimenez, Forrest Whitley, and Kyle Tucker are another low-risk, high-upside area to target. If any of these uber-prospects emerge as the next big stars, their rookie cards could explode in price. And even if they don’t reach those heights, they still hold value as elite prospect cards. The 2016 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rookie is already a hot ticket that could pay big dividends.

Vintage stars from the 1980s and 1990s also offer opportunity. Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards have skyrocketed in the last year and will likely continue their rise as Griffey mania sweeps the collecting world again. Other stars of that era like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn have also seen renewed interest and sharp price increases on their best rookie cards from the late 80s. With the nostalgia factor high for these players who many collectors grew up watching, their vintage rookies seem poised to remain in high demand.

Rookie cards for breakout young stars are another area with huge upside. Players like Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, and Kris Bryant had explosive rookie seasons in recent years. If they continue on a Hall of Fame career path, their already valuable rookie cards could multiply in price dramatically. Bellinger’s 2017 Topps Chrome Update rookie sold for around $100 last year but could be worth thousands long-term. Judge’s 2017 Topps Series 1 rookie was a bargain under $20 in early 2017 but now sells for hundreds.

Autograph cards for franchise players offer a unique collectible for super-fans but also strong potential as an investment. Top signed rookie cards for the likes of Trout, Harper, Kershaw, Verlander, Scherzer and more command thousands due to their rarity and appeal to serious collectors. Lower-end autograph cards of top prospects also carry value that can explode if the player emerges. The autograph market shows no signs of slowing either, keeping signed cards a viable area for both collecting and investing.

Rookie patch autograph cards that combine the rookie card, autograph, and on-card memorabilia all in one super-short-print card offer the ultimate in rarity, fan appeal, and long-term investment upside. Trout, Harper, and Judge rookies with swatches of their first MLB jerseys number less than 10 copies in existence. While costing 5 figures now, such one-of-a-kind pieces could eventually sell 6 or even 7 figures to the right motivated collector one day. They represent the pinnacle achievement for any baseball card investor.

Focusing on top young stars, Hall of Famers still in their prime, elite prospects, and vintage 80s/90s stars offers the best risk-adjusted upside in the baseball card market for 2018. Diversifying across these areas mitigates risk while targeting the cards with the most potential for long-term appreciation. Rookie cards, autographs, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia cards provide unique collectibles and investments. By doing thorough research and targeting the right players, serious collectors can build baseball card portfolios poised to grow substantially in value for years to come.

2018 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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2018 Topps Chrome is one of the most popular and valuable modern baseball card releases each year. The foil-finished cards have long been a favorite of collectors. For the 2018 edition, Topps again delivered gorgeous photography and design elements that both casual collectors and serious investors appreciated. While values fluctuate regularly based on player performance and team success, here is an overview of some of the top rookies, stars and parallels from the 2018 Topps Chrome baseball card set that held strong collector demand and trade value in the hobby.

One of the biggest movers from 2018 Topps Chrome was superstar rookie Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. Acuña made headlines all season with his monster rookie year that saw him hit .293 with 26 home runs and 64 RBI in only 111 games. He immediately became one of the faces of the league at just 20-years old. In 2018 Topps Chrome, his prizm silver parallel /250 pulled strong hobby valuations around $150-$200 each during and shortly after the season. His standard rookie card also increased steadily, reaching $50-75 by the end of the year as his stardom continued to rise. With Acuña expected to be an elite player for years, both versions hold solid long term potential if kept in pristine condition.

While Acuña captured many of the 2018 rookie card highlights, other breakout rookies like Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals also impressed. Soto’s standard Topps Chrome rookie listed between $20-30 through the end of the season after he hit .292 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI in only 116 games at age 19. His prizm /250 parallel nearly doubled that value around $40-60 each. Soto immediately joined Acuña as one of the brightest young stars in baseball and his cards prices reflect the excitement around his long term potential. Keep an eye also on derivatives like autographs and memorabilia cards pulling bigger numbers already.

superstar Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels remains one of the most sought after modern cards with each release. While still with the Angels, Trout has cemented himself among the games all-time greats at just 27 years old. His 2018 Topps Chrome base rookie listed around $75-100 through the season but some parallels like the prizm /250 nearly doubled that value. Long term, Trout rookies and stars card from the high-end releases like Topps Chrome hold tremendous long term collectible value as a true once in a generation talent at the height of his powers. Condition is key, so well-kept Trout cards will only increase in value as the years go on.

Beyond the biggest young stars, 2018 Topps Chrome also spotlighted veteran talent with some solid secondary markets. The Red Sox Record breaking 2018 season was reflected in cards for Mookie Betts and JD Martinez. Betts reached the rare $50 threshold for his base card while a prizm parallel exploded near $150 each. Martinez hovered around $20-30 with occasional short prints fetching more. For the Cubs, Kris Bryant maintained a strong $15-25 range on his third year card. The always popular Mike Trout nearly reached $100 for his base Angels issue. Further, stellar veterans like Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and Nolan Arenado of the Rockies consistently traded between $10-20 each depending on parallel.

One of the keys to the lasting value of modern releases like Topps Chrome is the extensive parallel and short print options beyond the standard base cards. For 2018, some of the biggest rarity pulls included the Topps Chrome RED prizms limited to /5 copies each. Superfractors at /1 of the best young stars like Acuña and Soto pulled massive bids above $1000. Lower numbered color prizms like the green /99, orange /75 and blue /50 were hotly traded all year between $50-150 per card depending on the player. The Refractors and Rainbow Foil parallels at /399 and /150 also held solid $10-30 secondary pricing. Even standard Color prism and Refractor color matches offered affordable fan collector options.

Finally, 2018 Topps Chrome offered embedded autographs and memorabilia cards of the game’s hottest talents. RCs with signatures of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto immediately shot up over $1000 each upon release. Top veterans like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw and Nolan Arenado consistently pulled $500-1000+ even years after their actual rookie seasons. Popular patch and bat cards followed similar tiers. Lower serial numbered parallels and one-of-one 1/1 versions exploded values into the thousands. While pricier, these high-end prospecting cards carry tremendous long term potential returns on investment unlike the base cards.

In summary, 2018 Topps Chrome captured another year of rising young stars, established veterans and rare insert parallels to create one of the set’s strongest modern releases from a collectible and investing standpoint. Cards of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto predictably led the youth movement. Mike Trout, along with stars like Betts, Bryant and Arenado maintained steady blue-chip markets. Years after release, condition sensitive examples from sets like Topps Chrome that spotlight proven talent are likely to retain and appreciate further based on sustained careers. For savvy collectors, targeting key rookies, stars and short prints offers an enticing risk-to-reward proposition to build sets or hold single high-end cards from one of the marquee modern issues.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2018 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in baseball, along with several rookie cards that could potentially net collectors a hefty profit down the road. While it may be too early to tell which 2018 rookies will go on to stardom, certain parallels and short prints from the flagship set have already gained value due to their scarcity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2018 Topps cards that could be worth money for collectors.

One of the most valuable base rookies from 2018 is Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals. Soto had a phenomenal debut season in which he hit .292 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI in only 116 games as a 19-year-old. His impressive rookie campaign translated to high demand for his Topps cards. PSA 10 examples of his standard base rookie card have already climbed up to around $100-150 on the secondary market. Insert and parallel versions command even higher prices.

Another 2018 rookie off to a tremendous start is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. While Judge is no longer a true rookie, his sustained excellence makes his rookie cards highly collectible. The standard Judge base rookie remains one of the most expensive modern rookie cards, with PSA 10 copies approaching $1,000-1,500. His short print blue parallel (/499) commands an even steeper premium, with PSA 10s selling in the $3,000-5,000 range due to their extreme rarity and Judge’s superstar status.

Among the most coveted parallels in 2018 Topps are the Rainbow Foil cards, which contain vivid foil elements on the player image areas. Some examples have already started to gain significant value due to their limited quantities. The Gleyber Torres Rainbow Foil rookie (/2018) has been listed on auction sites for $300-$400 in PSA 10 condition, while the Acuna Jr. Rainbow Foil sells for $500-700 graded mint. Another highly sought Rainbow Foil is the Ronald Acuna Jr. Star Wars parallel (/2018), with PSA 10 copies bringing close to $1,000.

Chrome and paper rookies of Ronald Acuna Jr. are also some of the hottest 2018 rookie cards to watch. Acuna’s regular base rookie can be acquired for $50-75 PSA 10, but higher-end parallels carry much steeper values. Some key Acuna rookies include his Blue Wave auto (/99), Purple Wave auto (/150) and Red Wave auto (/25), all of which have already topped $1,000 PSA 10 and will likely trend upwards as Acuna’s young career progresses.

Topps Chrome is one of the higher-end insert sets in each year’s flagship release. The 2018 Chrome set featured numerous short prints and parallels that have gained significant ground on the secondary market. Some examples include the highly coveted Luis Robert auto (/199), Christian Yelich auto (/99) and Cody Bellinger auto (/99). All three of these scarce Topps Chrome autos have achieved PSA 10 sales north of $1,000 and will continue to climb with positive player performance.

Undoubtedly, one of the most expensive 2018 Topps cards period is the Ronald Acuna Jr. Superfractor. This ultra-rare parallel was limited to a single copy and features Acuna’s image completely covered in a rainbow refractor finish. After being acquired by a collector for a six-figure sum, the PSA 10 Acuna Superfractor was subsequently resold this year in a private sale rumored to be north of $350,000, reflecting Acuna’s unprecedented rise combined with the unique 1/1 parallel.

While it’s still relatively early, there are already a few 2018 rookies who did not live up to expectations whose cards have correspondingly decreased in value from their initial price points. Examples of hype rookies like Franklin Perez, Jeren Kendall and Miguel Andujar have all seen their rookie cards level off below initial sale prices or ask prices on the immediate secondary market once their debut seasons failed to meet sky-high optimism. This reinforces the risk/reward nature of investing in rookie cards of unproven MLB talents.

While not every 2018 Topps rookie and parallel will end up worth significant money long term, savvy collectors would be wise to invest early in the cards of confirmed young stars like Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Ronald Acuna Jr. and others who have proven themselves at the MLB level so far. Pars like the Topps Chrome, Rainbow Foil and high-numbered parallels remain solid short term targets as well until a multi-year track record establishes the top 2018 rookies. Patience and discerning which rookies live up to their potential will be keys to optimizing returns on 2018 Topps cards worth owning for both collectors and investors alike.

BEST 2018 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 baseball card season was one of the strongest in recent memory, with several highly coveted rookie cards emerging and established stars receiving memorable treatments. With the rise of new products from Panini and Topps’ continuing dominance, collectors had many options to consider. Here are some of the standout 2018 baseball cards collectors will be talking about for years:

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (Topps Series 1, Series 2, Chrome): Without question the biggest rookie story of 2018 was Shohei Ohtani’s debut with the Angels. The two-way star from Japan generated massive hype and his cards sold for top dollar throughout the season. The Topps Series 1 base card became a flagship rookie to chase. But it was the parallels and autographs that really popped, like the Topps Chrome Refractor rookie which regularly sold for over $1000. Ohtani’s market remains huge.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Rookie Cards (Bowman, Topps Series 1, Chrome): Like Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the scene with the Braves in 2018. The young outfielder’s five-tool talents were on full display. His Bowman Chrome autographed refractor rookie became one of the most expensive cards of the year, but even the base rookies sold strong all season long. Acuña looks like a future superstar and his cards captured lightning in a bottle.

Gleyber Torres Rookie Cards (Topps Series 1, Chrome, Stadium Club): After a mid-season call-up, Gleyber Torres took the Yankees by storm with his powerful bat and slick defense. The young shortstop became a fan favorite in New York and his cards followed suit. In particular, the Topps Chrome rookie refractor paralleled Acuña’s in popularity and price point throughout 2018. Torres has superstar potential and collectors recognized that right away.

Aaron Judge Topps Update RC Variations: After his huge 2017 rookie season that saw him smash the single-season home run record, Aaron Judge’s stock remained high in 2018 cards. The Topps Update variations like the Sepia parallel became hot tickets. Judge looks like a cornerstone of the Yankees for years and his cards reflected how he’s become one of the new faces of MLB.

Christian Yelich All-Star Rainbow Foil (Topps): The 2018 season saw Christian Yelich emerge as a true superstar with the Brewers, making the All-Star team for the first time. Topps captured that breakthrough with their All-Star Rainbow Foil parallel, limited to only 50 copies. It became one of the most iconic and valuable cards of the year, often pulling bids well over $1000. Yelich mania was real in Milwaukee and among collectors.

Cody Bellinger Topps Project 70 (Topps): The Topps Project 70 set paid tribute to the top prospects and young stars in the game with retro-styled parallels. Cody Bellinger’s explosive 2017 rookie season carried over momentum into 2018. His Project 70 parallel became hugely popular due to its low print run and Bellinger’s established star power. It remains one of the most iconic designs from the year.

Mookie Betts Stadium Club (Topps): Already one of the best players in baseball, Mookie Betts took things to another level in 2018, winning the AL MVP award. Topps celebrated his elite status with an incredible Stadium Club card, featuring sharp photography and a clean design. High-end parallels like the auto became holy grails for Betts collectors. He’s surely a Hall of Famer in the making.

Jacob deGrom National League All-Star MVP (Topps): Jacob deGrom’s emergence as one of MLB’s premier aces continued in 2018 with an All-Star Game MVP performance. Topps captured the magic with an exclusive parallel highlighting deGrom’s achievement on baseball’s midsummer stage. It became a must-have for Mets fans and players alike. deGrom looks ready to cement his place among the game’s all-time great pitchers.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor (Bowman): While he spent much of 2018 in the minors, Fernando Tatis Jr. made a huge splash as one of baseball’s brightest prospects. The son of the former big leaguer, Tatis has five-tool talents and his autographed refractor from Bowman’s flagship set was a guaranteed big money card early on. He looks ready to take over as the next great shortstop – collectors recognized his potential right away.

Pete Alonso Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor (Bowman): Like Tatis, Pete Alonso generated massive buzz as one of 2018’s breakout prospects after mashing in the minors. When he signed his Bowman Chrome auto refractor, it became a must-have for believers in Alonso’s raw power. He looks ready to be an impact bat for the Mets for years – and this card captured his coming out party. Values have only gone up since.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Exquisite Collection Patch Auto (Panini): While an injury cost him meaningful MLB time in 2018, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remained one of the most coveted prospects in baseball. Panini captured that hype with their high-end Exquisite Collection release, featuring gorgeous patch autographs of Guerrero. Numbers were extremely limited and prices reflected how collectors have long believed in his potential superstardom.

This covers some of the most significant 2018 baseball cards that have truly stood the test of time. With rookies like Ohtani, Acuña and Torres bursting onto the scene alongside stars like Betts, deGrom and Yelich having career years, the class truly captured lightning in a bottle. Topps and Panini delivered memorable products that will be cherished by collectors for decades to come.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card season offered collectors an amazing array of inserts, parallels, and base cards showcasing the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. The flagship Topps Series 1 release kicked things off in late January, featuring a record 750+ cards as the traditional start to the annual card year. From there, Topps continued rolling out new card products well into the fall.

Topps Series 1 was the primary release in 2018, with a huge checklist highlighted by current superstars as well as classic retired players. Mike Trout again graced the very first card in the base set as he has for several consecutive years now. Other major stars prominently featured in the Series 1 checklist included Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge, Corey Seager, Nolan Arenado, Kris Bryant, Jose Altuve, and Francisco Lindor among many others. In total, there were 291 base cards assigned regular numbering from 1-291, along with parallels and insert sets.

Some of the most popular new insert sets included Topps Gallery of Heroes, Topps Heroes, Topps Now Moments, and Topps Tribute. Gallery of Heroes paid homage to iconic players and career moments with reproductions of classic Topps photography. Heroes highlighted individual clutch performances and milestones. Now Moments captured the most exciting and memorable plays immediately after they occurred with rapid production photo cards. Tribute paid respect to the careers of recently retired stars.

Topps Chrome was next to arrive after Series 1 in late February, bringing the highly anticipated refractors parallel and purple refractor short prints. The base Chrome cards carried over much of the Series 1 checklist while adding some exclusive parallels like the blue refractor variations. Additional insert sets in Chrome included Star Gazers, which paid tribute to baseball’s luminaries, along with Chrome Prospects highlighting top minor leaguers.

In March came the Allen & Ginter release, always a fan favorite for its imaginative non-sports inserts like landscapes, landmarks, flags, and more. Alongside a smattering of major leaguers, Allen & Ginter gave collectors the offbeat inserts that made each box experience unique. Topps Heritage followed shortly after in April, transporting collectors back to the design styles of the late 1960s/early 1970s with its retro-styled card stock and colorful uniforms. Heritage provided many of the game’s greatest names from the past and present in its checklist.

Additional Topps releases as the season progressed included Series 2 in June, Stadium Club in August, Gallery Photo File Edition in August, Topps Update in September showcasing midseason player moves and call-ups, and Topps Transcendent with its oversized 5×7 format. Each new release layered in more current rookie cards, parallels, and insert sets to track the continuing storylines of baseball in 2018. Veteran players like Ichiro Suzuki and Bartolo Colon also saw new cards as they continued extending their incredible careers.

Some other highlights found in the glut of 2018 Topps Releases included:

Autograph and memorabilia cards featuring swatches, patches, autographs of current stars and legends in Flagship Series releases as well as limited-print high-end sets.

Short-printed parallel cards in various colors like gold, orange, red, purple from the Flagship Series releases which added much excitement to box-breaking.

Rising rookie stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, Gleyber Torres insert cards tracking their record-setting debut seasons.

Specialty sets highlighting favorite 2018 moments like Topps National Baseball Card Day and the All-Star Game.

Masterpieces insert set created intricate collages of iconic players from every franchise throughout history.

Inception introduced cutting-edge 3D cards mixing refractor technology with layers of graphics and images.

Overall, 2018 was another monumental season for Topps Baseball as the long-standing leaders of the sports card industry blanketed the year with stunning visuals of America’s favorite pastime. Between the flagship releases and many innovative specialty sets, collectors had more ways than ever to build their player collections and capture memorable 2018 highlights from the MLB season. The checklist kept card collectors engaged from spring all the way until the Fall Classic. Topps truly delivered an epic year for baseball card enthusiasts across the country and around the world.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2018 COMPLETE SET

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The 2018 Topps baseball card set was the 73rd complete regular set released by Topps, featuring cards of players and teams from the 2017 Major League Baseball season. Some key things to know about the 2018 Topps baseball cards complete set include:

The 2018 Topps set included cards numbered 1-520, continuing Topps’ recent tradition of 520-card standard releases. The set featured current players from all 30 MLB teams, managers, coaches, and even a handful of retired player cards looking back on memorable moments from seasons past. Ranging from rookie cards to star players to future hall of famers, the 2018 Topps set captured the wide array of talent that made up the 2017 MLB season.

In terms of design, the 2018 Topps cards featured a clean, straightforward look with players shown in action shots on colorful backgrounds. The team logo appeared prominently above the player’s name and position at the bottom. Statistics from the 2017 season were included on most cards. The design was attractive yet simple, allowing the focus to remain on the players and the action photos chosen to represent their 2017 campaigns. This clean design has been a staple of Topps baseball cards for several years now.

One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in the 2018 Topps set was that of AL Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Judge’s breakout 2017 season saw him hit 52 home runs, and his popularity as one of the new young stars in baseball made his Topps rookie card a hotly sought after chase card for collectors. Other notable rookie cards included those of Cody Bellinger, Andrew Benintendi, Dansby Swanson, and Rhys Hoskins. Collectors enjoy pursuing these rookie cards of future stars early in their careers.

Topps continued its “Traditions” subset in the 2018 set, honoring baseball’s rich history. These inserts within the base set paid tribute to retired players and historical MLB figures like Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, and Eddie Murray. While not numbered, these nostalgic cards were popular with collectors seeking to commemorate baseball’s past. Numbered inserts in the 2018 Topps set included “Gold Label” parallel insert cards numbered to only 50 copies each. These ultra-short print run cards featuring top talents like Mike Trout and Corey Kluber carried significant collector demand.

The Flagship Series brand of Topps has become the most iconic in the industry, and the 2018 edition was no exception in terms of demand. While supplies were plentiful at retail in the early months after its April release date, the primary issue of the complete base set soon sold out online. On the secondary market, sealed and unopened wax boxes, factory sets, and individual cards remain very popular with collectors. Common base cards can usually be found for a dollar or less, while star rookies, parallels, and popular veterans command premium prices. As is always the case with Topps, investments made early in the product’s lifespan often prove quite fruitful for collectors in subsequent years.

One of the factors that adds to the intrigue of each year’s Topps release is the seemingly tiny odds listed on the packaging for hitting big rarity cards. For 2018, Topps printed odds of 1:3,066 packs for any Gold Label parallel, 1:24,192 for any 1/1 printing plate parallel, and even rarer print runs for memorabilia and autograph inserts. While the odds seem dismal, every year some combination of patience, luck or deep coffers allows dedicated collector to ultimately check even the rarest boxes. Online group breaks, case breaks and team/player variant collecting help collectors target specific cards amidst such daunting allocated print runs.

In terms of the lasting legacy and collectability of the 2018 Topps baseball card set, signs point to sets maintaining or growing their value over time much as other Topps Flagship issues have. Rookie cards like Judge and Bellinger are likely to remain in high demand. Numerous accomplished veterans from the 2017 season like Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant and others ensure this set will live on as a showcase of that specific season in baseball history. The clean and classic Topps design is both nostalgic and stands the test of time. And the rarity factors inherent to parallel, memorabilia and 1/1 cards provide endless possibilities for discovery even years later. Like the game of baseball itself, each new Topps Flagship release joins a lineage solidifying the brand’s place as a perennial collectible and an annually chronicled piece of MLB’s rich history.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2018

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and some vintage cards from the early days of the sport can be extremely valuable. While most common cards from recent years have little monetary value, there are always certain cards that appreciate in value more than others. This article will explore some of the top baseball cards that are worth significant money in today’s market if graded and preserved in high condition.

One of the most expensive and iconic cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced between 1909-1911 as part of the hugely popular T206 series, it is one of the rarest cards ever made with only 50-200 known to exist in various grades. In pristine mint condition, a T206 Wagner has sold for over $3 million at auction in recent years, making it truly one of the most valuable collectibles in the world. High grade examples from the set can also bring six figure sums, especially for stars like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson.

Another early 20th century gem is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Produced while Ruth was still a pitcher for the Red Sox, it captures “The Bambino” in his early playing days before his legendary home run prowess with the Yankees. Only a few high grade examples are known to exist and one sold for over $5 million in 2016. Other pre-war Ruth rookie cards to pursue include issues from 1915-1916 and his famous 1919-1920 “Play Ball” Sporting News card which has also cracked the million dollar threshold.

Moving into the post-war era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie is undoubtedly one of the most coveted cards for Yankees and Mantle collectors. High grade versions regularly sell for six figures, with a PSA 9 copy selling for over $275,000 in late 2017. The 1952 Bowman Color Mantle rookie is also highly sought after for its vivid color images from that pioneering set. Other 1950’s stars that can bring big money include Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Sandy Koufax among others.

The 1960 Topps set is another iconic vintage issue that is heavily collected. The flagship rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver can be worth thousands in top condition. A PSA 9 example of Ryan’s 1960 Topps rookie recently sold for over $25,000. Seaver’s is also very valuable, with a PSA 8 copy selling for $12,000 in early 2018. Other notable 1960 rookies include Ron Santo, Dick Groat and Billy Williams. High numbers and short prints from the set also have strong collector demand.

Jumping to the 1970’s, the flagship rookie cards of star pitchers like Bert Blyleven and Fernando Valenzuela from 1971 and 1981 respectively can each be worth over $1,000 in top grades. The 1975 Topps Fred Lynn rookie is another highly sought after card, with a PSA 9 copy selling for $5,000 in late 2017. The 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson and Ozzie Smith rookies are also valued at $1,000+ in high condition. For football fans, the dual sport star Deion Sanders’ 1989 Bowman rookie baseball card still fetches over $500 graded.

Moving into the modern era, rookie cards of superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones are mainstays in team sets from the late 1980’s and 1990’s that can still appreciate significantly over time. A PSA 10 Griffey Upper Deck rookie from 1989 sold for $22,000 in early 2018. The 1990 Bowman Chipper Jones rookie in a 9.5 Gem Mint grade brought $12,000 at auction last fall as well. More recent rookies that could potentially gain value include Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado and Kris Bryant among others once they become eligible for the Hall of Fame.

In addition to star rookies, error cards and short prints that were accidentally produced or in limited distribution can also be very collectible and worth considerable money decades later. One such card is the famed 1914 Cracker Jack Lefty Grove error card which inadvertently features a photo of future Hall of Famer Eddie Plank instead of Grove on the front. Only a handful are known to exist and a high grade example sold for over $100,000 in 2017.

Condition is also paramount when evaluating the potential value of any vintage or modern baseball card. Professionally graded gem mint examples through services like PSA and BGS are typically worth exponentially more than raw or lower graded copies. This is why careful storage in protective holders is so important long term for serious collectors. Cards that have been well cared for are always going to be the ones that bring the biggest paydays when they cross the auction block or are privately sold years down the road.

While the vast majority of common baseball cards have little monetary worth, there will always be certain scarce, error, rookie and star player cards that maintain or increase in value as the years pass. For dedicated collectors, pursuing high grade examples of the elite vintage and modern issues profiled here could potentially be a sound long term investment or produce a valuable collectible asset to enjoy for decades to come. As with any collectible however, condition, scarcity and strong ongoing demand will be the key factors that truly allow the finest examples to retain or increase their worth over time.

2018 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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2018 Topps Chrome was highly anticipated by baseball card collectors upon its release in early 2018. As one of the flagship brands in the hobby, Topps Chrome is known for its premium look with dazzling chrome parallels and autograph/memorabilia card inserts that provide value and excitement for collectors at every level.

Some of the biggest storylines from the 2018 season were well represented in the Topps Chrome checklist. For example, superstars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich were featured prominently after breakout campaigns that saw them emerge as MVP candidates. Rookies like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres and Shohei Ohtani captured attention in their debut seasons as well. Topps skillfully designed cards to highlight these new faces of the game alongside long-time stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw and others.

The base design was clean and classic like Topps Chrome collectors have come to expect. Aiming to maximize the look of the cards’ foil surfaces, the design incorporated player photos and team logos with simplified borders and minimal stats on the front. Player names and a fun fact-style sentence or quote were featured on the backs along with full career and 2018 stats. As with recent years, parallels were inserted throughout the base set at different ratios to add levels of rarity and collection for people of all tastes.

The most coveted parallels among enthusiasts included the 1-of-1 Retail Rainbow Foil Prizm cards that featured player photos with an iridescent shimmer on a completely rainbow-colored background. These unique single-print cards of each player drove hunts in hobby stores nationwide. Other popular parallels included the Gold /50, Silver /75, Black /150, Blue /250 and Red /599 variants that provided a range of collectible versions at different scarcity levels. Topps also threw in Green /777 and Orange /1982 parallels for fun limited-edition releases.

On the insert side, Topps Chrome contained a stack of exciting redemptions to track stars’ accomplishments throughout the long season. One of the most popular was the autograph/jumbo patch Fire parallel available at a rate of one per case. With a stunning bright orange card design enclosed by flames, these inserts featured true game-used swatches or signatures from elite players. Other sought-after autograph inserts at lower case-hit odds included Stars of MLB, Hall of Fame Autographs and Topps Chrome Rookies & Stars.

Topps wisely incorporated memorable rookie classes like the one headlined by Acuña, Soto and Torres into inserts like Topps Chrome Debut. Horizontal jumbo memorabilia cards provided true swatches or autographs from prospects first appearing in the major leagues. Veteran stars also received their due in inserts such as All-Star Jerseys, MVP Contenders and League Leaders that highlighted performances throughout 2018. With so many storylines developing each night in summer baseball, Topps Chrome added new levels of excitement through these types of serialized inserts.

True variation cards containing relics or autographs of star players like Judge, Bellinger, Trout and more were the white whales for collectors. This added an exciting chase aspect to frequenting hobby shops and breaking boxes/cases of 2018 Topps Chrome in hopes of landing major hits. The set also provided memorable rookie variations of up-and-comers like Acuña Jr., Soto and others who were just beginning to capture the sports world’s attention with their elite ability on the field.

After the season concluded, ToppsChrome also followed up with playoff parallels highlighting standouts from the postseason like Mookie Betts, Javier Báez and others who cemented their legacies with October performances. High-number refractors and 1/1 special parallel variations provided more thrill of the hunt for advanced collectors picking through cases. Ultimately, 2018 Topps Chrome Baseball fulfilled its promise as a true flagship release with its incredible production quality, comprehensive checklist spanning rookies to veterans, and bounty of highly sought short prints and autographs/relics inserts. By virtue of the excitement and storylines from a compelling 2018 baseball year, it became one of the most collected and fondly remembered Topps Chrome sets among the hobby’s most enthusiastic fans. Its enduring popularity is evident today as collectors continue hunting example copies to showcase in their collections for years to come.

In summary, 2018 Topps Chrome Baseball Cards captivated the hobby with its combination of premium design, coverage of that year’s biggest players and storylines, plentiful exciting insert sets, and overall production quality baseball card enthusiasts have come to expect from Topps as a leading brand. Between the dazzling base cards, bounty of coveted parallels and finite autograph/relic variations available, it provided something for collectors across all levels to enjoy chasing and discovering. Whether a casual fan or seasoned enthusiast, 2018 Topps Chrome delivered memorable cards from a tremendous season that collectors look back on today with fondness. Its staying power is evidenced by its popularity among today’s collectors seeking to add classic examples and stars to their collections.

2018 UNOPENED BASEBALL CARDS

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2018 was another exciting year in the world of baseball cards as new rookies joined veteran stars on flagship Topps flagship sets and niche products from upper end brands continued to gain popularity among collectors. While prices remained elevated compared to the late 1980s and 1990s, the category showed continued strength with several young stars emerging.

One of the biggest storylines in 2018 baseball cards centered around the crop of exciting rookies that debuted, led by Japanese two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani and injured Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Ohtani’s rare two-way skills playing both pitcher and hitter generated immense buzz and his 2018 Topps cards have sold for hundreds of dollars unopened as collectors rush to acquire his rookie cards. Stanton also drew strong early interest despite missing much of the season injured, showing the power of top prospects even before establishing themselves in the majors.

Other rookies that gained notice in the 2018 card market included multi-talented infielders Ronald Acuna Jr and Juan Soto, who each brought five-tool talents to their respective clubs at a very young age. Soto in particular had a historic debut season that has kept his card prices elevated even after a 2019 slump. Pitchers Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Shane Bieber also made a splash with their early MLB success and remain names to watch for collectors going forward. This bumper rookie crop kept collector attention high on the 2018 card products despite the crowded marketplace.

While Topps Series 1, 2, and Update remain the most widely collected mainstream issues due to their iconic designs and large production runs, upper-level products put out by brands like Bowman, Panini, and Topps Chrome found an expanding collector base. No product gained more attention than Bowman’s Platinum edition, which features glossy photo variations, autographs and memorabilia cards of top prospects in a luxury presentation. With exclusive rookie cards of future stars like Acuna and Soto at a higher odds of capturing valuable hits, Platinum boxes now fetch over $1000 unopened.

Topps Chrome and Bowman Sterling also rose in demand thanks to their sophisticated ‘refractor’ parallel designs that capture the players in vibrant color. Finding a flagship rookie refractor/auto combination like an Acuna Topps Chrome Black parallel #/75 could net five figures for a lucky collector. Even “hobby” boxes of these sets now sell pre-opened for several hundred dollars or more on the secondary market to speculators hoping to capture big rookies. Upper Deck’s Update set also joined the fray with shortprinted hit parade parallels and cracked ice rookie refractor short prints providing a high-end chase.

International players continued to rise in the 2018 card landscape. Japanese cards from BBM featuring stars like Ohtani remain avidly collected both opened and sealed. Cuban teenage star Victor Victor Mesa and other international rookies gained attention as their signings were reported. As scouting networks improve globally, more foreign-born talents will appear in the card shows and products. BGS/PSA 10 graded vintage and modern cards also remained a strong facet of the high-end card market in 2018, helping to further cement the staying power of collecting in decades to come.

Whether buying loose packs at local shops or expensive unopened boxes online, 2018 provided a tremendous variety of products at many different collector levels. While prices dipped from the peak late 1990s era, demand from both long-time collectors and those just entering the scene kept sales robust. Popular sets like Allen & Ginter, Stadium Club Chrome, Triple Threads, and Tier One mixed vintage design themes with modern technology like refractors, patches, and autographs to bring both accessibility and high-end excitement. With Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones and Mariano Rivera in their final card years adding to the supply/demand balance, 2018 represented another outstanding year overall for the growing business of baseball cards old and new.

Whether buying loose packs at local shops or expensive unopened boxes online, 2018 provided a tremendous variety of products at many different collector levels. While prices dipped from the peak late 1990s era, demand from both long-time collectors and those just entering the scene kept sales robust. Popular sets like Allen & Ginter, Stadium Club Chrome, Triple Threads, and Tier One mixed vintage design themes with modern technology like refractors, patches, and autographs to bring both accessibility and high-end excitement.

Collectors of unopened 2018 product enjoyed higher overall returns in the short term compared to previous years, though long term value depends on whether featured players live up to their prospect hype or have breakout careers. Carefully stored unopened boxes provide the highest chance at retaining or even enhancing value over time as hit cards are preserved and remaining supply dwindles. But even opened packs offer the thrill of the chase for elusive variants and a way to grow appreciation for the rich history of the sport through its cardboard culture.