Tag Archives: 2019

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 2019

The hobby of baseball card collecting saw some enormous prices paid for rare and historically significant cards in 2019. As interest in vintage cards and young star rookies continues to grow, new record prices were set at auctions throughout the year. While mint condition vintage cards from legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays will always command top dollar, 2019 showed collectors are also willing to pay massive sums for cards depicting relatively recent stars as well.

The most expensive baseball card sold in 2019 was a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 that went for $2.88 million through Heritage Auctions in January. Mantle is considered the crown jewel of baseball cards due to his iconic career and status as possibly the best switch hitter of all time. Any Mantle rookie or vintage issue consistently shatters records, but this clean PSA 8 example took the cake last year. The buyer chose to break the $2 million mark for any single card to acquire this coveted piece of cardboard showing The Mick as a fresh-faced 20-year-old Brooklyn Dodger farmhand before his legendary Yankees career.

Coming in a close second was another Mantle rookie, but this one was in an even more coveted PSA NM-MT 8.5 grade. Through Goldin Auctions in November, a bidder paid $2.435 million, more than double the previous record, to secure this beautifully preserved introduction to one of baseball’s all-time greats. At this lofty price point, any minor flaws or imperfections could potentially cost a collector hundreds of thousands or even over a million dollars.

A third big ticket Mantle card from 1952 had been anticipated to potentially take the top spot, but “only” achieved $1.32 million through Heritage’s February auction. Still considered in superb condition, this PSA NM-MT 8 example showed that while the market may cool slightly after record-setting sales, Mantle cards in eight-figure territory are here to stay.

Moving beyond the so-called “Holy Grail” of Mantle’s rookie, a 1964 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 sold for an impressive $615,000 through Goldin’s October Premier Auction. This post-rookie Mantle issue showed him as a star of the first-place Yankees and demonstrated the enduring value of high-grade examples of cards depicting his playing career prime.

Rounding out the top 5 most expensive modern era cards is a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner that went for $350,000 at Heritage’s January auction. The legendary Wagner is viewed similarly to Mantle as the pinnacle collecting achievement due to his Hall of Fame career and the ultra-rare nature of surviving high-grade examples of his only True Rookie card issue over 100 years old. The price paid for this example in a strong VG 3 reflected both the increasing hunger for vintage pre-war issues and acceptance that lower grades still retain tremendous worth due to rarity.

Further down the top 10 list, two rookies of young star outfielders brought over $200,000 despite their subject players still being in the early stages of Hall of Fame careers. In August, a 2009 Bowman Sterling Mike Trout autograph PSA 10 rookie fetched $225,936 through Goldin. Trout has cemented himself as one of the greatest all-around players of the modern generation, and collectors recognized the potential historic significance—and investment upside—of an intact black parallel autographed rookie issue of his.

Also bucking the trend of multi-million-dollar vintage icons, a 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Refractors Purple Refractor #66/99 Kris Bryant PSA 10 rookie secured $186,000 at Goldin’s November auction. Bryant emerged as a cornerstone of the World Series-winning Cubs and has proven himself as one of baseball’s most consistent young stars, lending credence to sizable spending on early issues featuring promising talent who pan out as expected. Both the Trout and Bryant cards showed investors the potential for exponential future appreciation when identifying elite young talent early in their careers.

In an ongoing sign that condition is paramount, the 6th most expensive card sold at auction in 2019 was a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth PSA 8 for $147,640. Ruth revolutionized the home run and reshaped expectations for sluggers en route to becoming arguably the most famous baseball player ever. His lone true freshman issue is always a headliner due to his legendary status, and this example’s impressive state of preservation aided its massive final bid.

The rest of the top 10 consisted primarily of pre-war tobacco cards and post-war stars in top condition. These included an 1899 Phillies Caramel Honus Wagner PSA 6.5 at $129,600, a 1909-11 T206 Chief Bender PSA 8 at $109,600, a 1934 Goudey #53 Dizzy Dean PSA 9 at $105,240, and a 1957 Topps Sandy Koufax PSA 8 at $101,000. As with the Wagner and Ruth rookies, vintage icons like Dean, Koufax and stars of yesteryear continue driving prices sky-high simply due to their age, importance to the sport’s history and the rarity of finding pristine survivors from over a century ago.

In summary, 2019 exemplified that collectors are willing to spend like never before both to procure one-of-a-kind early 20th century cardboard but also invest aggressively in today’s talent. Record prices were set across distinct eras and genres of the card-collecting spectrum, from turn-of-the-century tobacco issues to modern autos and refractors. With interest seemingly growing by the auction, companies like PWCC and Goldin stepping into the market, and online platforms expanding access and exposure to cards, all signs point to the record-setting sales of 2019 as only the beginning of the hobby’s next stratospheric level. Condition clearly is key, but certain talents have properly demonstrated the potential to become investment-grade portfolio additions regardless of set or year if identified precursor to immense on-field success.

2019 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

The 2019 Topps Heritage baseball card set is a beloved annual release from Topps that celebrates the history and tradition of baseball cards through retro design. For the 52nd annual set, Topps paid homage to the 1972 Topps design, bringing back the classic look fans know and love from nearly 50 years ago.

Released in late March/early April each year to coincide with the start of the new MLB season, the 2019 Topps Heritage set contains 381 total cards including base cards, parallels, and inserts. The design follows the clean dotted borders and team logo design from 1972 Topps very closely. Perhaps the most recognizable visual element carried over is the team logo box in the lower left hand corner of each card that stands out vividly against the white borders. Color photos of the players are also used as in 1972.

Some key information found on each 2019 Topps Heritage card includes the player’s name above the photo along with their team, position, and batting or throwing hand. The classic blue Topps logo appears in the upper right along with the year of the set – “2019.” In the lower right of each base card is the player’s career statistics. Popular veterans, stars, and rising prospects are well represented throughout the base set. Players no longer active in 2019 who made their debut prior to 1972 also appear, honoring the careers of retired greats.

Among the insert sets found in 2019 Topps Heritage packs and boxes are Retired Numbers cards featuring legends of the game with their team’s retired uniform numbers. An Andre Dawson Tribute card was also included as part of the 2019 Heritage release remembering “The Hawk’s” outstanding career. Mini cards featuring headshots were another fun bonus insert consumers could collect.

Two popular parallels in the 2019 Topps Heritage set were the “Gold Mint” and “Silver Mint” refractors. Printed on shiny foil-embossed card stock, these parallels brought another layer of visual pop and appeal for collectors. Numbered to only 50 copies, “Gold Mint” versions of base cards featured gold ink signatures on the front. “Silver Mint” refractors boasted silver signatures and were limited to 250 copies each. Other extensions of the base set included “Traded” and “Update” parallels continuing storylines from players changing teams or having new stats mid-season.

The market for high-grade vintage look Heritage cards has grown significantly in recent years. Pristine near-mint or better examples of stars, prospects, and key parallels regularly sell for premium prices online and at major card shows/conventions. Popular rookie cards in particular hold strong long-term value potential as today’s young stars mature into seasoned veterans and likely Hall of Famers. Players like Cody Bellinger, Ronald Acuña Jr, and Juan Soto commanded big prices for their coveted 2019 Topps Heritage rookies as they broke out in their debut campaigns.

Collectors and fans appreciate how 2019 Topps Heritage pays tribute to the nostalgic design elements of the 1970s while still highlighting today’s top MLB performers. The mix of classic and modern continues to resonate with the trading card market. As long as baseball and its storied history remain popular in American culture, the Heritage line figures to be an annual release collectors can rely on to spark memories of childhood summers and fuel their passion for the pastime. When the weather starts to warm each spring, breaking open a fresh pack of the new year’s Topps Heritage cards makes for a true rite of passage for baseball card aficionados.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2019

The 2019 Bowman baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from Topps. As the flagship rookie card product, Bowman is always eagerly awaited by collectors looking to get cards of the newest prospects coming up through the minor leagues. The 2019 edition contained a wide array of exciting rookie cards and prospects to track.

Some of the top rookies featured in the 2019 Bowman set included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley, Casey Mize, Brendan McKay, and Matt Manning. All of these players were considered some of the best prospects in baseball and many were on the cusp of making their MLB debuts. Guerrero Jr. and Jimenez in particular generated a ton of hype as both were expected to be cornerstone players for the Blue Jays and White Sox for years to come. Their rookie cards from Bowman sold for premium prices.

In addition to the base set, Bowman 2019 also had several highly sought after parallels and inserts. The prized “Paper” parallel featured vibrant color-matched borders and a thinner stock that gave them a very unique look. These parallel cards numbered around 1 per jumbo box and featured the top prospects. Other popular inserts included the “Bowman’s Best” autograph and memorabilia cards showcasing rookie signatures and pieces of jersey or bat. The “Chrome” parallel cards with their shiny refractors were also a big hit with collectors.

International prospects were also highlighted with the return of the “Green Paper” parallel cards. Featuring prospects from other countries, these cards included Wander Franco of the Dominican Republic who many considered the top international prospect. Other notable international players included Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic and Orelvis Martinez from the Bahamas. With the growing international player pools, these types of cards became increasingly collectible.

The base set checklist included a total of 300 cards with the usual assortment of current MLB stars mixed in with the prospects. Notable veterans in the set included Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Juan Soto who had all broken out as superstars the previous season. This provided collectors with popular MLB names to chase alongside the prospects. Parallels and inserts added several hundred more cards to the overall checklist.

In terms of design, the 2019 Bowman cards featured a clean and simple look emphasizing photography. Most cards utilized headshots of the players with a blue and white color scheme. The borders were thin to allow more of the image to show. Select cards also featured action photography showing the players in game situations. The design was well received by collectors for its crisp and straightforward presentation focusing on the talent.

Release of the 2019 Bowman set occurred in the early summer with jumbo boxes being the primary retail product. These large boxes containing 24 packs served as the main way to collect the complete base set and chase after hits. Hobby boxes and blasters were also available with fewer packs for those looking for a more affordable option. As an online-only release, the primary sellers were sites like Topps.com, Steel City Collectibles, and Dave & Adam’s Card World.

Secondary market prices for the top rookie cards from 2019 Bowman skyrocketed within the first year as many of the prospects began making their MLB debuts. Guerrero Jr. and Jimenez cards in particular doubled or tripled in price. Parallels and autographs of the elite prospects commanded four-figure price tags. Even base rookies of breakout stars like Tucker and Whitley increased significantly. This demonstrated just how prescient the 2019 Bowman release was in featuring so many players who immediately impacted the big leagues.

The 2019 Bowman baseball card set proved again why it is the most essential product for rookie card collectors each year. Featuring a talented array of prospects who went on to become stars, along with parallel and hit chase opportunities, the set delivered memorable rookie cards and provided an early investment on future MLB contributors. Its simple yet effective photography-based design also kept the focus on the burgeoning talent. As one of the flagship Bowman releases of the 2010s, the 2019 edition left a definite mark on the collecting world.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2019

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for decades, with some rare vintage cards fetching millions of dollars at auction. Whether you have a collection from your childhood or are just starting out, staying up to date on the current values of cards can help you determine which ones are worth keeping versus trading or selling. This baseball cards price guide for 2019 provides valuable insights into the factors that influence card prices and highlights some of the most valuable cards from different eras.

One of the primary determinants of a card’s value is its condition or state of preservation. Near mint (NM) condition means the card is in excellent condition with only slight signs of wear. Mint (MT) condition means the card is in pristine condition as if freshly pulled from a pack. Obviously, cards in mint condition will command higher prices than those that are well-worn. The Sporting News grades cards on a 1-10 scale, with a “10” being mint. Most collectors seek 7s or higher when buying vintage cards.

In addition to condition, rarity plays a huge role. Common base cards from recent sets may only be worth a quarter, but scarce rookie cards or parallel variations can fetch hundreds or thousands. Iconic players also affect value, as cards of legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Mike Trout will demand top dollar regardless of year. Autograph and memorabilia cards featuring game-used pieces also gain premiums. With all these factors in mind, here are some of the most valuable baseball cards on the market today based on recent sales:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (MT): Considered the crown jewel of cards, one ungraded PSA 8 copy sold for $2.88 million in 2018. Even well-worn copies can bring six figures.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner (NM-MT): The most iconic and sought-after of all cards. A PSA 8.5 copy sold for $3.12 million in 2016. Lower grades still sell for $500k+.

1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth (EX): One of the rarest Ruth cards. A PSA 3.5 copy brought $756,000 at auction in 2017.

1933 Goudey #53 Jimmie Foxx (MT): A true key vintage card. One PSA 8 copy sold for a staggering $609,375 in 2016.

1957 Topps Ted Williams (MT): One of the best-known and valuable post-war cards. A PSA 9 copy sold for $253,450 in 2018.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones #12 (MT): Jones’ ultra-rare rookie refractor. A PSA 10 copy sold for $100,800 in 2018.

2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Auto Patch Mike Trout #44 (MT): Trout’s prized prospect card with a jersey swatch. A PSA 10 copy sold for $93,600 in 2018.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1 (MT): Griffey’s iconic rookie card. A PSA 10 copy sold for $90,600 in 2018.

2011 Topps Update 5 Tool Mike Trout #US-MT (MT): Trout’s true rookie card. A PSA 10 copy sold for $86,400 in 2018.

1956 Topps Sandy Koufax (MT): A true key rookie. A PSA 8.5 copy sold for $81,000 in 2018.

While those vintage and rare modern gems fetch top dollar, there are still plenty of affordable collector options. Common base cards from the 1970s and ’80s can be found for under $1 each. Complete sets from the 1990s sell for $50-100. Autographs and memorabilia cards of current stars are also reasonable. And bargain bins are full of discount boxes holding potential treasures. With patience and some research, you can build a fun and valuable collection without breaking the bank. Condition, players, and rarity will always drive prices, so pay attention to those factors whether buying, selling, or trading your baseball cards.

2019 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

The 2019 Topps Baseball complete set is the 66th annual flagship release from Topps and contains a total of 792 cards covering all 30 Major League Baseball franchises. Some key things to know about the 2019 Topps Baseball complete set include:

Base Set: The base set contains 66 cards total, with two cards dedicated to each of the 30 teams in the league. The base cards feature current photos of players in action shots or headshots. Notable rookies in the 2019 base set include Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, and Victor Robles.

Parallels: Topps released several parallels or variations of the base cards, including gold label (/50), sepia (/25), red wave (/5), and 1/1 rainbow foilREFRACTOR parallel cards. These parallels have lower print runs, making them more scarce and desirable to collectors.

Special Edition Inserts: Every year Topps includes special insert sets highlighting certain players, events, or themes. Some of the 2019 special edition inserts include:

Opening Day: Marks the first game of the season for each MLB team with 30 cards.

Topps Now: Highlights great performances that may have occurred after production of the base set, including walk-off hits, no-hitters, milestones, etc.

All-Star: Honors players selected to the 2019 Midsummer Classic with an image from the game.

League Leaders: Features the leaders in major offensive & pitching categories at publication.

Home Run Challenge: Pays tribute to the top home run hitters at the time of publication.

Museum Collection: Recreates iconic moments from baseball history with a retro aesthetic.

Topps Archives: Reprints cards from previous Topps sets in the current year’s design.

Topps Treasures: Authentic memorabilia cards containing game-used pieces of uniforms, bats, etc.

Rookie Card Placement: Top prospect cards are scattered throughout the base set and inserts rather than confined to the end. This increases the odds of finding rookie stars in packs. Some of the most sought-after rookies in 2019 Topps include Eloy Jimenez (#312), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (#166), and Victor Robles (#384).

Photographic Variations: Topps uses different action photos for certain parallel versions of base cards, increasing the card count. For example, Mike Trout has 7 different 2019 Topps cards between the base version and various parallels/photographic variations.

Checklist Cards: Three checklist cards at the end of the base set and special insert sets inventory all the cards to help collectors track completion.

Short Prints: Topps includes several SP (short print) cards inserted less frequently than the base cards to increase difficulty of completion. Notable 2019 SP cards feature Fernando Tatis Jr. and Pete Alonso.

Bonus Pack Inserts: Additional “hits” inserted randomly in wax packs and retail boxes include rare autographs, memorabilia cards, and 1/1 parallel cards. These add excitement to the overall chase.

The 2019 Topps product line also included special subsets like Topps Heritage, Topps Chrome, Topps Transcendent, Topps Tribute, and Topps Update chronicling the season. When combined with all these related sets, the 2019 Topps Baseball collective chase became one of the most monumental in the modern era of the hobby. Between the wide array of base cards, inserts, parallels, and short prints, completion of the 2019 Topps flagship set stands as an immense accomplishment for dedicated collectors today. The release commemorated another exciting MLB season on the diamond.

BASEBALL CARDS 2019 TOPPS

The 2019 Topps baseball card set was the latest edition in Topps’ flagship baseball card series. As the leading baseball card manufacturer, Topps is known for producing high quality cards year after year that are coveted by collectors both young and old. Their 2019 offering was no exception, containing a variety of inserts, parallels, and short prints that kept collectors on their toes.

The base card design for 2019 featured a clean and modern look. Players were shown in action shots on colorful backgrounds. Player names, positions, and team logos were displayed prominently. The borders had a subtle pinstripe pattern that gave a classic baseball feel without being overly busy. Overall the design was a hit with collectors who praised Topps for creating an aesthetically pleasing set that still captured the essence of America’s pastime.

As with every Topps flagship release, the 2019 set included base cards for every player on a Major League roster as well as all notable minor leaguers. The base cards spanned the numbers 1-350 and contained a who’s who of current MLB talent such as Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and others who had breakout seasons. Rookies like Pete Alonso and Fernando Tatis Jr. also gained popularity after strong debut campaigns.

In addition to the base cards, Topps loaded the 2019 set with various inserts and parallels to add to the excitement. Some of the most coveted included:

Rainbow Foil parallels – These had beautiful iridescent foil patterns on them that shimmered in the light. Numbers were limited to only /99 copies.

Gallery of Kings inserts – Honoring the legends of the game, these featured regal portrait shots of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and more. Only /25 copies.

Photo Variations – Sweet Action Shots of stars like Trout and Yelich that had subtle photo differences from the base cards.

Autograph and Memorabilia cards – On-card autographs and uniform/memorabilia relics of today’s biggest names could be pulled.

Heritage Minors inserts – Highlighting rising prospects like Eloy Jimenez before they made the majors.

1969 Topps Design inserts – Paying homage to the iconic 1969 set with player designs replicated in the classic style.

Rainbow Foil Photo Variations – The rarest and most beautiful parallels combining foil and photo variations, limited to only /10 copies.

In addition to packs and boxes, Topps released a variety of special 2019 baseball card products:

Update Series – Released midseason, it included cards of players who were traded or called up since the initial series.

Heritage Minors – A mini-set focused only on top prospects and their minor league action shots.

Topps Chrome – Alternate design cards with colorful “chrome” borders and foil accents on some cards.

Topps Transcendent Collection – Extremely high-end cards with rare 1/1 parallel autographs and relics.

Topps Series 2 – A second full base set released after the All-Star break with new photos and design twists.

Topps High Tek – An insert set with a futuristic die-cut design and technology themes on each card.

The 2019 Topps release was another massive success that delighted collectors of all ages. The clean base design, vast array of popular inserts, and special products ensured it would be one of the most collected and remembered sets of the modern era. Topps proved once again why they remain the gold standard in the hobby after decades of producing quality cardboard for baseball fans. Whether being collected or invested in for the long run, the 2019 Topps cards captured the magic of America’s favorite pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2019

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and there are certainly vintage and modern cards that can be worth a significant amount of money. While the vast majority of baseball cards have little monetary value, there are some that have appreciated greatly over the years and command high prices when they are graded and preserved in top condition. This article will explore some of the most valuable baseball cards from different eras that collectors should be on the lookout for in 2019.

One of the holy grails of baseball cards that can fetch hundreds of thousands or even millions is the 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner. Widely considered the rarest and most coveted card in the hobby, it is estimated that only 50-200 authentic T206 Wagners still exist in the world today in various states of preservation. The card has such mystique because Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production, likely due to an unauthorized use of his likeness. In pristine mint condition, a T206 Wagner has sold at auction for over $3 million, making it one of the most expensive collectible cards ever sold. Even well-worn lower grade examples can still sell for six figures.

Staying in the pre-war era, another iconic set with cards that hold tremendous value is the 1933 Goudey Baseball. Some key high dollar cards from this set include Babe Ruth ($100,000+ in gem mint), Lou Gehrig ($50,000+), Jimmie Foxx ($25,000+), and Mickey Cochrane ($15,000+). Condition is critical, as even slightly played lower grade Goudey Ruths can still fetch over $10,000. The design and photographic quality of these early 20th century tobacco era cards is part of what makes them so desirable among collectors today.

Moving into the post-war Golden Age of baseball cards, the 1952 Topps set features several legendary players in their prime that can be worth a small fortune in the best of condition. The flagship card is of course the Mickey Mantle rookie (graded gem mint 10 – $100,000+), but a near mint 9 Willie Mays rookie has also sold for over $50,000. Other six figure cards from ’52 Topps include a PSA 10 Duke Snider ($75,000+) and a PSA 9 Whitey Ford ($60,000+). High grade ’52 Topps complete sets in the eight to nine range can sell for $30,000 or more.

The late 1950s saw the dawn of the modern baseball card era with the introduction of photo on the front. The 1957 Topps set is particularly noteworthy, headlined by a Mickey Mantle that has reached $200,000 for a pristine PSA 10 copy. A ’57 Topps Ted Williams in the same elite grade has sold for $150,000 as well. Other cards that can reach five figures are a PSA 10 Hank Aaron rookie ($50,000+), Roberto Clemente rookie ($25,000+ PSA 9), and Warren Spahn ($15,000+ PSA 9). High grade complete ’57 Topps sets in the eight to nine range can also sell for $30,000+.

The 1960s produced several iconic rookie cards that are highly valued today. The 1964 Topps Hank Aaron is considered the most important modern rookie card and has sold for over $100,000 in PSA 10 condition. A PSA 9 copy still fetches $25,000. The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie in a PSA 10 can reach $50,000 as well. The 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie in a pristine 10 has sold for over $30,000 with PSA 9s bringing $10,000+. Other valuable ’60s rookies include a ’66 Roberto Clemente ($15,000 PSA 9), ’68 Johnny Bench ($10,000 PSA 9), and ’68 Rod Carew ($7,500 PSA 9).

The 1970s saw the rise of star players like George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield who all have valuable rookie cards from the decade. The 1973 Topps George Brett rookie in PSA 10 condition has sold for $50,000 while a PSA 9 goes for $15,000. The same grades for the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie fetch $35,000 and $10,000 respectively. The 1973 Topps Dave Winfield rookie in a PSA 10 has reached $25,000 with PSA 9s at $7,500. High grade ’70s complete sets can also hold value, like the 1975 Topps ($3,000 PSA 8) and 1977 Topps ($2,500 PSA 8).

The 1980s produced many star rookies as well but conditions need to be pristine to fetch big money today. The iconic 1984 Topps Mark McGwire rookie in PSA 10 condition has sold for over $20,000 with PSA 9s around $5,000. The 1987 Topps Barry Bonds rookie in a PSA 10 recently sold for $15,000 with PSA 9s at $4,000. Other valuable ’80s rookies include a 1985 Fleer Mark McGwire ($8,000 PSA 10), 1987 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. ($7,500 PSA 10), and 1988 Score Frank Thomas ($5,000 PSA 10). Complete high grade ’80s sets can also carry value like a 1986 Topps ($1,500 PSA 8) or 1987 Topps ($1,000 PSA 8).

While the junk wax era of the late 1980s and 1990s produced billions of cards that flooded the market, there are still some modern rookie gems that hold value. The ultra-rare 1992 Bowman Chrome Ken Griffey Jr. refractor PSA 10 sold for over $100,000 in recent years. The 1992 Bowman Derek Jeter rookie in a PSA 10 goes for $20,000 as well. The ultra-popular 1994 SP Derek Jeter rookie PSA 10 has reached $15,000. Even in a PSA 9 the card still fetches $4,000. The 1998 Bowman Chipper Jones refractor rookie PSA 10 sold for $12,000 in early 2019. Condition is everything for modern cards to have value though, as anything below a PSA 9 usually has little monetary worth.

The most expensive and valuable baseball cards are usually the earliest tobacco era cards featuring legendary players like Wagner, Ruth, and Gehrig. Iconic vintage rookie cards from the 1950s-1970s featuring stars like Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and Bench can also demand five or six figures. Pristine modern rookie gems of McGwire, Griffey Jr., Jeter, and Jones hold value too if preserved in mint condition. While most baseball cards have little monetary worth, savvy collectors know which vintage and modern gems to target that could grow exponentially in value with time. Properly grading and storing cards is critical to maximize their collectibility and potential future resale value.

2019 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

The 2019 Topps Chrome baseball card set was released on October 2nd, 2019 as the flagship Chrome product from Topps. As with previous years, Topps Chrome featured shiny refractors and parallels of the base Topps cards from that same season. Given the popularity of the Topps Chrome brand and the excitement around rookies and stars from the 2019 MLB season, the latest edition carried significant value for collectors.

Some of the top rookies and players featured in the 2019 Topps Chrome set that added value included names like Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Yordan Alvarez. Their base rookie cards could often be found selling anywhere from $10-25 immediately after release. Parallels and shortprints of these players skyrocketed in value throughout the following months as their play in MLB lived up to the hype.

Perhaps the most valuable card from the 2019 Topps Chrome release was the Pete Alonso rainbow foil rookie refractor parallel. Numbered to only /100 copies, these Alonso rookies sold for over $1000 each at release due to his record-setting 53 home run season that won him NL Rookie of the Year. As Alonso continued mashing home runs in 2020 and established himself as a true slugging star, recent sales of his Topps Chrome rainbow foil have exceeded $3,000.

Another highly sought after card was the prizm refractor variation of Fernando Tatis Jr. Although his base rookie sold for around $25 like many others initially, the prizm parallel was quite limited and fetched over $500 upon release. Many predicted big things for Tatis and his combination of power and speed did not disappoint. Now one of the faces of MLB, a PSA 10 graded Tatis Jr. prizm from Topps Chrome can sell for well over $1,000.

Finding short printed parallels and prospects like Bo Bichette, Yordan Alvarez, or Keibert Ruiz also added value. While their base rookies may have only been $10 cards, short prints like the Topps Chrome SP variants jumped in price up to $100-200 each due to rarity. Hits like an Alvarez SP parallel with a PSA 10 grade recently sold for nearly $500 because of his success reaching the big leagues.

Outside of top rookie talent, highly popular veterans featured in Topps Chrome also brought value. Cards like a Mike Trout gold refractor /50 parallel or Christian Yelich black refractor /10 were scooped up for $200-300 immediately upon release due to their immense star power and limited quantities. As Trout and Yelich kept putting up MVP caliber seasons, sales of these rare refractors continued climbing even higher over time.

For collectors chasing complete master sets of the Topps Chrome release, finding some of the tougher inserts and parallels presented a challenge as well. Rainbow foil variations of stars like Cody Bellinger, cards from the Stars of MLB insert set, or refractors of rising talents all added to set value if obtained. Chasing down the full master set with all these harder-to-find accessories could easily fetch $1000-1500 total by year’s end.

The 2019 Topps Chrome baseball card release really captivated collectors with its combination of top rookie talent and popular veterans in a shiny refracted format. While monetary value has grown exponentially for the biggest hits over time, there were still plenty of cards in the regular set at affordable prices at release as well. Whether chasing stars of today or prospects of tomorrow, Topps Chrome 2019 offered value and excitement for all levels of collectors in the hobby. Two years later, the continued growth of players like Alonso, Tatis Jr., and others has assured this release from Topps Chrome maintains much of its significance and remains highly collectible today.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2019 COMPLETE SET

Topps released its complete flagship baseball card set for the 2019 season which included a total of 728 cards in the main set. The 2019 Topps baseball cards continued the tradition of bringing baseball fans high-quality trading cards featuring today’s biggest stars and memorable rookie cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features and key details of the 2019 Topps complete baseball card set.

As with the previous few years, the 2019 Topps base cards included a photo of each player along with their career statistics and team logo printed on the front of the card. On the back of each card fans could find the player’s biography with details about their career achievements and accomplishments. Topps numbered each base card from 1 to 728, making it easier for collectors to keep track of which cards they still needed to complete the entire set.

Some of the biggest names in baseball who received base cards in the 2019 Topps set included cover athlete Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado, Aaron Judge, Jose Altuve, Javy Baez and many more of the game’s top stars. An exciting addition for collectors were the rookie cards of up-and-coming young talent such as Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez and others who made their MLB debuts in 2019.

Beyond the base cards, Topps also included various insert sets within the 2019 release to add more collecting and trading options. One of the most popular insert sets was Topps Now cards, which captured significant MLB moments from that season that occurred after the base cards went to print. Topps produced digital Topps Now cards in short order that were then also printed and inserted randomly throughout packs. This gave fans an opportunity to add timely cards commemorating milestones, improbable performances and other notable 2019 highlights to their collections.

Topps Chrome was another exciting insert set for the 2019 season that featured referee parallels of key players. The Chrome cards had an eye-catching foil boarder and refractors within the photo on the front that caused the image to shimmer different colors depending on the angle. Numbered parallels like Chrome Yellow /199, Orange /75 and Red /5 provided a scarcity factor for these inserts that added to their appeal among collectors.

One of the most popular rookie cards in the 2019 Topps set belonged to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who had a historic rookie campaign by smashing 53 home runs to break the rookie record. Alonso’s Topps base card and Topps Chrome rookie card held substantial value and were highly sought after items. Meanwhile, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also received plenty of attention from collectors after a huge hype ahead of his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Topps has been the flagship baseball card maker for decades dating back to the 1950s, establishing themselves as the most iconic and sought after brand in the industry. With quality construction and insightful designs to highlight both veteran talents and rising young players, Topps creates complete sets that both casual fans and serious collectors enjoy building year after year. Even with the growing popularity of digital and online card platforms, the 2019 Topps flagship release proved there is still passionate interest among collectors who appreciate the timeless appeal and substantial resale value of a well-produced physical baseball card product.

In conclusion, Topps succeeded once again in 2019 with their main baseball card release by delivering a comprehensive full set featuring today’s biggest names along with emerging stars. Between the base cards, inserts like Topps Now and Chrome, and rookie cards of breakout rookies like Alonso, Topps provided dedicated collectors everything they needed to feel like they owned a piece of that MLB season through vintage cardboard treasures. The 2019 Topps complete base set remains one of the premier physical collectibles from a year already packed with unforgettable on-field memories.

2019 TOPPS COMPLETE SET BASEBALL CARDS

The 2019 Topps complete baseball card set was released in March 2019 and consisted of several hundred base cards spanning all 30 Major League Baseball teams. As with most modern Topps flagship releases, the 2019 set focused on providing collectors with updated photos and stats for players from the previous season while also including rookie cards and parallel inserts to chase. Some additional details on the makeup and key cards from the 2019 Topps complete set:

The base card checklist included over 700 total players and managers. The base cards featured modern design aesthetics with team color accent borders and simplified fonts/layouts compared to sets from previous decades. Photo quality and stat accuracy were Topps’ main priorities for the base cards rather than innovative designs or bonuses. Ranges of player autographs, memorabilia cards, and parallels could be pulled in factory sets and hobby boxes to incentivize collectors.

Some notable rookies featured in the 2019 Topps set included Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, Shane Bieber, and Franchy Cordero. These players all broke into the Majors strong in 2018 and their rookie cards were highly sought after by collectors. Soto’s /199 Blue Refractor Parallel RC ended up being one of the most valuable cards from the entire release due to his early success in Washington.

Topps also incorporated a variety of parallels and shortprinted cards into the base checklist to add chase and unpredictability for collectors. There were Gold Foil Parallels (#/2018), Rainbow Foil Parallels (#/150), Sapphire Foil Parallels (#/75), and Red Foil Parallels (#/25) among others inserted throughout packs and boxes. Shortprints like Juan Soto (#/102) added scarcity. Memorabilia cards featuring swatches and autographs of current stars like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Kris Bryant provided high-end hits.

Beyond the base set, Topps included multiple popular insert sets within the 2019 release. The Heritage Minor League set paid tribute to baseball’s past with retro-styled cards of top prospects. Top Prospects cards highlighted can’t-miss rookies. All-Time Fan Favorites showed older beloved players in new photos. Flashback Friday cards paid homage to iconic players and moments from years past. World Baseball Classic cards captured international stars and tournaments. These inserts added variety and collecting themes beyond just base cards.

Topps also incorporated specialty parallel sets within factories and hobby boxes to drive interest. The “Topps Chrome” refractors were hugely popular, featuring colorful foil refractor variants of the base cards. The “Topps NOW” program allowed select recently notable MLB performances and milestones to be added to the checklist via special parallel printings. Topps Finest featured lush black-bordered parallels with embossed fronts. These provided rarer high-end alternative versions of core cards for collectors to chase.

As with all Topps flagship releases, the 2019 set also included various insert sets dedicated to special league and awards accomplishments from the previous season. “Awards and Credentials” cards honored award winners and playoff/World Series spots. Traded players received “Cape Cod League” throwback photos. Topps also produced insert sets recognizing All-Star Game starters and Hall of Fame inductees from Cooperstown ceremonies. These provided nostalgia while also commemorating the passing year in baseball.

The 2019 Topps complete set provided the standard modern baseball card experience but with an eye toward celebrating another great season of MLB. Riffing off the huge young star power of players like Acuña Jr., Soto, and Albies – and incorporating popular insert sets, parallels, and specialty hits – ensured many collectors spent 2019 chasing and collecting this set. Years from now, cards from this release featuring 2010s MLB greats will remain a nostalgic reminder of the time period for fans and collectors alike. The release showcased another successful flagship effort from Topps and well represented the 2018 MLB season for collectors.