Tag Archives: 2019

2019 OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 baseball season marked the start of a new year and renewal of America’s pastime. As players reported to spring training in February to prepare for the long season ahead, card companies were hard at work finalizing designs and production of their 2019 opening day cards.

Topps, the industry giant who has produced cards since 1938, kicked things off by revealing their primary base card design in late January. Maintaining their classic look from recent years, the front featured a clean image of the player in full or partial batting stance with their name and team across the top. New for 2019 was the inclusion of each player’s jersey number below their image. On the back, stats from the previous season were provided along with career highlights.

Parallel and insert sets would continue Topps traditions such as Chrome, Heritage, Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter. One of the most anticipated was Topps Gallery of Heroes, which honored iconic players and memorable moments from baseball’s past. The first three cards revealed legends Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in full color portraits painted by top artists. Collector anticipation was high that the set might include cards depicting Ruth’s called shot or Aaron breaking the home run record.

Bowman, owned by Topps, focused heavily on prospects and future stars with their releases. The flaghip Bowman set led with prospect superstars Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez and Kyle Tucker on the base cards. Veteran players were restricted to inserts in Bowman to allow more space for highlighting minor leaguers. Internationally, Bowman produced sets tailored for foreign markets like Japan and China.

Panini, the largest sports cards company worldwide besides baseball, launched Donruss racing to be the first to market. Their patented “shiny” stock produced slick cards that stood out. Rated Rookies paralleled Topps Rookies and Chrome paralleled themselves. Veteran base cards showed classic action shots along with a hit probability in place of stats on the back. Inserts like Precious Metal Gems offered parallel refractors of franchise cornerstones.

Heritage Minors from Leaf provided an alternative minor league focused set alongside Topps & Bowman. Using retro-styled design from the 70s/80s era, the base cards highlighted rising talents alongside classic uniforms and team logos from their MiLB affiliates. Short prints and autographed memorabilia cards added to the nostalgic collectibility of future starting lineups.

In the non-license hobby sector, Titan Cards produced an affordable full team set for each MLB club with on-field photography. With no player names or stats due to licensing restrictions, the minimalist front focused on vibrant action shots while the backs described the year and game represented. Parallels injected color and parallel prefixes introduced scarcity for collectors on a budget.

After release schedules were finalized, previews began in early March showing off each flagship base design. Within a week of opening day on March 28th, full set checklists were published online with player photo variations and insert categories enumerated. At local card shops and mass retailers nationwide, boxes and packs flew off the shelves as fans young and old eagerly sought their PC hits and rookie cards of the new season.

Another sign that spring had arrived were the box breaks and case openings livestreamed on social media. Influencers displayed their finds, sometimes striking gold with rare autographs or 1/1 parallel versions that generated excitement in comment sections. Within the first month, 2019 rookies like Vlad Jr. and Pete Alonso appeared on eBay selling for hundreds as speculation mounted about their potential.

While Topps, Panini and Bowman led in licensed MLB sales, other niche publishers found dedicated followings as well. Paper cards saw a resurgence thanks to companies like Stadium Club, Ginter and Treasures producing high-end illustrated and memorabilia designs priced out of reach for most collectors during the 1980s-90s boom. Online retailers like Blowout Cards facilitated a bustling secondary marketplace to buy and sell across brands.

Whether collecting for investment, enjoyment of the artistic designs, or to cheer for your favorite players and teams – the 2019 baseball card season provided something for every fan. As opening day signaled renewed hope among clubs and their supporters, so too did it mark the start of a new year of chasing cards, dreaming of hits and building collections to commemorate America’s pastime. And with the 2020 season now upon us, the cycle continues anew.

2019 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2019 Topps baseball card set saw the introduction of many new rookie cards and variations that have already started to gain value in the collectibles marketplace. As with any new release, it will take time for the true gems to emerge and appreciated, but there are already several 2019 Topps cards that are worth a premium for savvy collectors.

One of the biggest storylines of the 2019 MLB season was the dominance of Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander. After being traded from the Detroit Tigers in 2017, Verlander led the Astros to a World Series title that year and has been one of the most consistent aces in baseball. His 2019 season was one of the best of his career, culminating in his second career Cy Young award. Not surprisingly, his main 2019 Topps base card and variations have already started to climb in value given his on-field performance and status as a future Hall of Famer. The standard Verlander base card can be found for $10-15, while his Topps Chrome and paper refractor variations have sold in the $25-50 range. As Verlander continues pitching at an elite level, these cards stand to gain even more value in the long run.

Another 2019 breakout star was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr, who immediately made an impact in his rookie season with his combination of power, speed and highlight-reel defensive plays. The son of the former MLB infielder, Tatis Jr captured the attention and imagination of fans nationwide. His main Topps base rookie card has become one of the most sought-after cards from the 2019 set, routinely selling in the $40-60 range on the secondary market. Even higher-end serial numbered parallels and autograph cards have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With his potential superstardom and as a key building block for the Padres, Tatis Jr’s rookie cards are seen as a can’t-miss long term investment for collectors.

The success of rookie cards is also dependent on the player actually panning out in their career. One of the biggest rookie question marks from 2019 Topps was Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe. After a strong debut late in the 2018 season, expectations were high for Lowe in 2019. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency, batting only .233 with 17 home runs over 97 games. As a result, his main Topps rookie card has settled in at the $5-10 range, with more premium parallels in the $15-30 range. If Lowe can put together a healthy 2020 and regain his prospect status, these cards may bounce back in value. But for now, they represent more of a gamble compared to the sure things like Tatis Jr.

Veteran stars who switched teams in 2019 also saw an uptick in their card values after proving their worth on new squads. One example is Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon. After breaking out with career years in 2018 and 2019 with the Nationals, Rendon signed a massive free agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason. This new context has increased interest in his 2019 Topps Nationals cards, with the base card selling between $15-25 and parallels reaching $40-60. Another is Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who left the New York Mets to sign a $118 million contract. His 2019 Mets cards have at least doubled in value, with the base around $15-20 and refractors $30-50 due to his newfound status as a staff ace.

While the above cards focus on stars and prospects, savvy collectors know to also target key performing veterans with a chance of postseason glory. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had a phenomenal 2019 season, batting .260 with 34 home runs and 97 RBI to lead the Cards to the National League Central title. As a seasoned star still in his prime, Goldschmidt’s 2019 Topps base card holds steady value at $10-15 but his Chrome and paper refractors have increased to $25-40 given the Cardinals’ championship aspirations. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr also continues to gain notoriety for his all-around excellence on a perennial contender. Even his 2019 Topps update series cards, which were released after his stellar rookie campaign, have risen from a few dollars to $10-15 for the base.

While the above cards highlight individual standouts, savvy collectors also look to team-centric cards that could gain long term value from postseason success. The Houston Astros were the best team in the American League in 2019 and have a stockpile of young talent, so cards like their Topps team set and autographs hold steady appeal. On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made back-to-back World Series but come up short – their 2019 team and star cards like Cody Bellinger remain buys in hopes a title elevates them further. Even if those teams don’t win it all, cards from other 2019 playoff squads like the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals have upside from deep October runs.

The 2019 Topps baseball release was packed with exciting rookies, fluctuations in player value, and championship contenders – all factors that create volatility in the collectibles market. While it’s still early, cards from breakout stars Fernando Tatis Jr and Justin Verlander are already paying off. Meanwhile, performers on playoff-caliber clubs like Goldschmidt, Acuna and the Astros maintain appeal. For long term investors, targeting the sport’s true superstars and teams with title potential in 2019 Topps is a savvy strategy. With each new season, the hidden gems and storylines will continue emerging from this vibrant release.

2019 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Bowman Chrome baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for collectors and investors alike. Produced by The Topps Company, the Bowman Chrome set is considered the gold standard for prospect cards featuring some of the best up-and-coming young players in Minor League Baseball.

Released each spring, Bowman Chrome provides the first cardboard representation of hundreds of amateur and professional prospects starting their ascension through the ranks of affiliated baseball. For many new draftees and international signees, appearing in this iconic card set marks the true beginning of their journey toward potentially reaching Major League stardom.

What makes the Bowman Chrome products so desirable is their unique chrome photograph design. Instead of the typical paper stock most other card releases utilize, Bowman Chrome cards are printed on a thin layer of actual chrome material. This gives each card a shiny, reflective finish that simply “pops” compared to standard glossy cards. The chrome photograph process also results in incredible image quality and sharpness that accentuates all the finer details in each player photo.

Beyond the flashy aesthetics, the allure of Bowman Chrome stems from its uncanny ability to feature athletes who go on to become true superstars. Past megastars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuna Jr. all made their collectible debuts in Bowman Chrome as teenage rookies years before reaching the Major Leagues. For example, Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie card, which features him as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, is now one of the most valuable modern-era cards in existence.

As such, savvy collectors and investors eagerly sift through each year’s Bowman Chrome release searching for “the next big thing” – attempting to identify future Hall of Famers still in their developmental stages. Some of the names generating the most buzz and demand for the 2019 Bowman Chrome set include rising prospects like Jo Adell, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, and Casey Mize. Each of these young talents is considered an elite prospect with jaw-dropping talent, and if they reach stardom many believe their rookie cards could challenge the prices commanded by Trout and company down the road.

In terms of structure and contents, the 2019 Bowman Chrome baseball card set is constructed similarly to sets from years past. The base set contains some 300-plus cards showcasing a multitude of up-and-coming players in professional and amateur baseball. From draft picks signed out of high school to international free agents reporting to their new domestic affiliates, this is where collectors can find virtual rookie cards for hundreds of fresh minor leaguers. Beyond the base cards, Bowman Chrome also includes various parallels, autograph and memorabilia inserts emphasizing the set’s most prestigious prospects.

Parallels are alternate versions of base cards that vary by color, printing technique or rarity level. In 2019, some of the prized rainbow refractors, gold refractors and blue refractors provide stunning card designs and diminished print runs. Autograph and memorabilia cards pull specific players from the base checklist, featuring on-card signatures or swatches of jersey material for ultimate collecting thrills. And the ultra-limited 1-of-1 autographs and relics represent the true pinnacle finds within the modern era of Bowman products.

For investors, scoping out future star power in the rookie base cards is key, but tracking short and long-term value of the insert cards is equally vital. Parallels and autographs of players who achieve MLB stardom often appreciate far more substantially than their base rookie cards down the road. One unsigned 2019 Bowman Chrome base card of a future superstar may be worth a few hundred dollars in a few years, but a paralell or auto from the same release could gain thousands of percentage points in collector valuation if the player continues ascending.

With its iconic design, history of correctly identifying future Hall of Famers, and ability to deliver sought-after rookie cards and hits, the 2019 Bowman Chrome baseball set is a perennial favorite for those immersed in the collecting hobby and sphere of baseball card investments. Only time will tell which of this year’s featured prospects go on to greatness in The Show, but for now hobbyists are having fun analyzing players and searching packs hoping to uncover the next collectible gem.

RAREST 2019 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Topps Baseball card set featured various inserts and parallels that created some of the toughest cards to pull. While the flagship base card set was widely available through hobby boxes and blasters, only the hardest of hardcore collectors had a shot at landing the true short prints and 1/1 variations. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the rarest 2019 Topps baseball cards that created a buzz in the hobby.

Perhaps the most iconic rare card from 2019 Topps was the Ronald Acuña Jr. Superfractor parallel. Labeled card #373 in the base set, the Acuña Superfractor took the already scarce black parallel designation to the next level with a print run believed to be around 10 copies or less. Given Acuña’s star status at just 21 years old, this parallel generated a frenzy among collectors hoping to land the ultimate rare Acuña card. WithAcuña’s ascension in 2019 only strengthening his prospect status, examples of this Superfractor card have sold for well over $10,000 when available on the secondary market.

Another incredibly scarce parallel was the Luis Robert Color Blast Green Refractor parallel from Update Series. As a prized rookie prospect making his Topps debut, collectors were eager to find any Luis Robert parallel. But the Color Blast parallel took it to an entirely new level, with the green refractor parallel estimated to have a print run of just 3 copies or less. Like the Acuña Superfractor, examples that have surfaced for resale have demanded astronomical prices above $5,000 due to Robert’s potential.

When it came to true 1/1 short prints, some of the biggest names in the hobby struck rare gold. For example, collector Ryan Cracknell shared images on Twitter of his 1/1 Aaron Judge Printing Plate autograph from Update Series. The printing plate parallels from Topps are always rare finds, but to pull a plate featuring one of MLB’s biggest stars in Judge was truly a crowning achievement. Other noteworthy 1/1 short prints from the year included a Willson Contreras auto from Opening Day and a Keston Hiura printing plate refractor from flagship.

Topps Chrome also created a significant buzz with its rare insert parallels in 2019. Among the biggest hits were green refractor parallels of Eloy Jimenez and Fernando Tatis Jr., each believed to have had print runs between 3-5 copies. Jimenez and Tatis had breakout rookie campaigns that only added to the cachet of their scarce Topps Chrome rainbow foil parallels. Tatis in particular generated a frenzy as arguably the game’s most exciting young star, making any extremely limited parallel a true trophy card.

The Allen & Ginter set also spawned several true one-of-a-kind parallels through multiple insert sets. Among the true 1/1 short prints pulled were a Mike Trout “Football Uniforms” printing plate from the gridiron insert set and a Ronald Acuña Jr. “Cigar Band” printing plate parallel. The esoteric nature of Allen & Ginter themes, coupled with the allure of National treasures like Trout and Acuña, placed these two printing plates among the true crown jewels from the 2019 season.

Even flagships base rookies could achieve scarce parallel status. Topps Update Series introduced “Return of the Jedi” die-cut parallels featuring rising rookies like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Eloy Jimenez. These sci-fi themed die-cuts pushed the rarity envelope further by including only one copy of each rookie in the parallel subset. For ultra-short print collectors, these Jedi die-cuts captured the imagination with apocryphal print runs as low as 1 card total.

There were also exceptionally rare autograph parallels that wowed collectors. Perhaps none caused more frenzy than reports of a scarce green refractor parallel from Topps Tribute featuring recent Hall of Fame inductee Mariano Rivera, autographed to just 4 copies. With Rivera’s legendary career and new pantheon status, any absurdly low numbered parallel would captivate collectors. Add in the rarely seen green refractor treatment, and this parallel became one of the true holy grails of the entire 2019 season release cycle.

While 2019 Topps had no shortage of enticing parallels and inserts across its many licensed products, it was the absurdly low printed short prints and one-of-a-kind variations that created a sensation among collectors. Featuring superstars like Acuña, Judge, Trout and rookies with bright futures like Robert, Tatis and Bichette, these impossibly rare pulls satisfied the desires of both on-field performance and collector cachet. For those fortunate few who struck this kind of true rarity in 2019, it will likely remain the crowning achievement of their collecting careers.

2019 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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2019 Bowman Chrome Baseball Cards provide collectors an exciting opportunity to add top prospects and future stars to their collections. As one of the premiere baseball card prospects sets each year, 2019 Bowman Chrome features eye-catching chrome parallels along with autograph and memorabilia cards of some of the best young talents in baseball. While individual card values will fluctuate over time based on player performances and market demand, here is an overview of some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2019 Bowman Chrome set and what their cards have been selling for.

Perhaps the biggest names and most valuable cards from 2019 Bowman Chrome are those of Wander Franco. Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco’s paper and chrome base cards have sold in the $50-100 range and up. His paper and chrome rookie autographs have reached into the thousands. As the likely future face of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise and a potential superstar, Franco’s cards hold immense long term potential. Beyond Franco, other top prospects like Carter Kieboom ($20-30), Brennen Davis ($15-25), and Nolan Gorman ($15-25) have seen strong early interest level for their rookie paper and chrome cards as they begin their careers.

When it comes to valuable parallels from 2019 Bowman Chrome, the refractors have been a big hit with collectors. The standard refractors range from $5-15 is most cases, depending on the player. Some of the top rookies have brought significantly more for their refractors. Wander Franco refractors have hit as high as $150-300 already. Other top prospect refractors such as Jarred Kelenic, Riley Greene, and CJ Abrams have started at the $50-100 range. The rarer 1/1 refractors of top talents can be true gems, with comps showing 4-5 figure prices tags in many instances.

Among the most sought after parallels in 2019 Bowman Chrome are the various rainbow foil variations. The standard rainbow foil base cards have sold from $10-30 generally based on the player. But it is the autographs and memorabilia parallels that spark the most fervor. Wander Franco’s rainbow foil autograph has topped $5,000 and the 1/1 parallels can be true six figure cards. Jo Adell, Corbin Carroll, and Matt Allan have also seen their rainbow foil autographs reach the $1,000-2,000 range. When it comes to the much rarer 1/1 inscription rainbow foil autographs, comp data shows several reaching the $15,000-25,000 range todate.

In terms of memorabilia cards from 2019 Bowman Chrome, the top rookies never disappoint collectors. Of course, Wander Franco’s memorabilia has led the category. His standard jersey and bat cards sell in the $250-500 range or more. But his serial numbered memorabilia autographs have truly skyrocketed. The 1/1 patches and bats in particular have brought some 5 and 6 figure sums in many cases given Franco’s immense potential stature. Beyond Franco, bats and patches of Jarred Kelenic, CJ Abrams, Riley Greene and others have frequently gone in the $500-1,500 range to this point. Rarer special inscription parallel memorabilia pieces have naturally exceeded those benchmarks as well.

With what are many forecasting as breakout seasons for prospects like Gorman, Abrams, Greene and others ahead, their 2019 Bowman Chrome rookie cards could be primed for substantial future price appreciations as they make anticipated debuts and begin to turn heads on the diamond. And of course, anything pertaining to Wander Franco and the top prospects poised to become stars down the road like Kelenic, Madrigal and Adell are seen as cornerstone pieces for collections for many years to come. Overall, 2019 Bowman Chrome has all the makings of a future classic in the hobby, especially if many of these young talents blossom into the players they are predicted to become. TheirProspects provide collectors an exciting opportunity to add top prospects and future stars to their collections. As one of the premiere baseball card prospects sets each year, 2019 Bowman Chrome features eye-catching chrome parallels along with autograph and memorabilia cards of some of the best young talents in baseball. While individual card values will fluctuate over time based on player performances and market demand, here is an overview of some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2019 Bowman Chrome set and what their cards have been selling for.

TOPPS 2019 HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Topps Heritage baseball card set is a fan favorite release that pays homage to classic baseball card designs of the past. Each year, Topps selects a specific decade as inspiration for the retro aesthetic of the Heritage set and in 2019, they looked to the design of cards from the late 1960s and early 1970s for guidance. With its distinctive vintage styling and quality cardboard construction, the 2019 Heritage set has proven to be an extremely popular high-end release among collectors both young and old.

Inspired by cards produced between 1968-1974, the 2019 Topps Heritage cards feature vivid action photography on a thick, high quality cardboard stock that was common during the 1960s/early 70s era. Rather than the modern smooth finish, the cards have a textured feel that further enhances the retro vibe. The player names, team logos and borders incorporate classic serif fonts that were popular during that time period. The vintage-inspired design transports collectors back to the days of their childhood collections or captures the nostalgic charm of the era for newer fans.

One of the distinctive touches that helps sell the retro flair is how each player’s position is denoted. Rather than simply listing “P” or “C”, the positions are spelled out in full such as “Pitcher” or “Catcher”. This small detail is faithful to how positions were indicated on cards from Topps’ earlier years. Also, while most modern cards feature brightly colored team logo chips on the uniform, the 2019 Heritage uniforms are more muted and realistic with team names stitched directly onto plain uniforms – just as they appeared in the source decade.

For collector enjoyment, the 2019 Topps Heritage release includes both active major leaguers as well as retired star players from the original era. For example, the release features current stars like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts alongside 1960s/70s legends like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench and Reggie Jackson. Having iconic veteran players mixed in with today’s top talent adds to the fun, nostalgic vibe of the set. Collectors enjoy seeking out their favorite modern stars reimagined in the classic vintage aesthetic as well as finding cards paying homage to heroes of the past.

In terms of construction, the 2019 Topps Heritage cards are printed on thick, high quality cardboard stock measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, just like their 1960s/70s predecessors. This hefty stock helps the cards maintain their pristine condition much better than the thin, glossy stock used in modern releases. The front of each card features the aforementioned retro design cues while the back has basic info about the player’s career stats and accomplishments written in a simple banner across the bottom. Throughout the set, parallels and variations offer collectors multiple options at various price points to complete their collection.

Some of the notable parallels and insert sets featured in 2019 Topps Heritage include:

Heritage High Numbers (extended player roster beyond the base set)

Heritage Mini (reduced 1.5 inch by 2.5 inch “mini” versions of select cards)

Refractors (parallel variations with refracting foil elements)

Black Refractors (ultra-rare 1/1000 versions on black refractors)

Throwback Threads (jersey-style patch cards paying tribute to historical uniforms)

Sp Threads (jersey swatches with team logo fabric from the source decade)

1969 Throwbacks (red, white and blue parallel designs inspired by 1969 Topps design)

In addition to the standard base set, these various parallels and inserts give serious collectors multiple objectives to pursue in completing their Heritage collection. Various levels of rarity and associated value add to the sense of excitement found in opening Heritage packs and boxes.

From a production standpoint, Topps distributed 2019 Topps Heritage in a wide range of retail formats to meet different budget levels:

Jumbo packs (10 oversized cards for premium price point)

Hobby boxes (36 packs with guaranteed parallels/hits)

Blasters (10 pack retail value option)

Hanger packs (5 mini packs with bonus insert cards)

Fat packs (20 mini packs at a heftier price vs. blasters)

This availability across various price points makes Heritage an accessible set for any level of collector. Whether seeking a fun weekend afternoon rip of blasters/hangers or diving into a serious master set hobby box break, Topps Heritage offers something for every baseball card fan.

The 2019 Topps Heritage release has proven to be another smashing success for the annual retro-inspired baseball card set. Faithful to its 1960s/70s design inspiration and accessible across various collector levels, Topps Heritage transports fans both young and old back to the golden era of the sport each time they crack packs. With its noteworthy veterans, abundance of parallels and nostalgic stylings, Topps Heritage rightly earns its place as a premier modern release and one of the most anticipated sets each year. Whether completing a master set or simply enjoying the trip down memory lane, Topps Heritage continues delivering fun for baseball card collectors of all stripes.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 2019

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The hobby of collecting vintage and modern baseball cards continues to skyrocket in popularity. As interest grows, so too does the value of the rarest and most coveted cards on the market. Each year, enthusiasts and investors keep a close eye on the elite cards that break auction records and command the highest prices. In 2019, several tremendous baseball cards traded hands at staggering sums, further cementing their status as among the most prized possessions in the collecting world.

One of the top baseball cards of 2019 was a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner that fetched a record-shattering $3.12 million at auction. The Honus Wagner card is arguably the most iconic and sought-after baseball card ever produced due to its rarity and association with the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer. Only 50-200 of the T206 Wagners are believed to still exist in mint condition or better. This particular example that sold in 2019 was graded PSA Authentic 1 as the finest known copy. Its perfect centering, brilliant color, and superb state of preservation helped justify its achievement as the most valuable baseball card – and trading card of any kind – ever sold at public auction up to that point.

Another standout card from 2019 was a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle that was graded PSA Authentic 7.5. It went for $2.88 million, breaking the Mantle’s previous auction record of $2.88 million set back in 2018. Like the Wagner, the Mantle ’52 Topps holds iconic status for collectors due to its rarity level and subject. Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, and his rookie card is one of the most desirable issues from the early years of Topps. Only approximately 50 PSA 7.5 graded copies are known to exist in collectors’ hands out of the approximately 100 thought remaining overall. Its glossy condition helped it reach the lofty price amid intense bidding.

A third tremendous baseball card to cross the auction block in 2019 was a 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank that achieved a staggering $660,000 final price. Several key factors contributed to its incredible value. For one, the Plank is one of the rarest T206 subjects with far fewer survivors than even the coveted Wagner card. Fewer than 10 high-grade examples are thought to still be around in the hands of collectors. Secondly, it earned an impressive PSA Grade of EX-MT 8, one of the highest conditioned examples known. Finally, Plank was one of the top pitchers of the early 20th century and helped power the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia A’s to several championships during his distinguished career. While not a true “rookie” card like Mantle or some other huge cards, the 1909-11 T206 Plank took its place among the most important and pricey issues of the year.

Hollywood Legend Babe Ruth also occupied a spot among the most valuable baseball cards of 2019. A 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie card sold for $657,250. Like Plank, this was not Babe Ruth’s true rookie card, but it captured his early playing days in Baltimore before joining the Boston Red Sox as one of their driving forces en route to three World Series trophies. Fewer than 30 copies are known to exist, making it one of the scarcest pre-1920 baseball cards available. It earned a strong grade of PSA EX-MT 8, highlighting its brilliant color and impressive condition for a century-old issue. The factors of rarity, condition, and capturing one of the game’s all-time fan favorite players in Ruth all blended to make this a true blockbuster card of the year.

Branch Rickey’s 1910-11 White Border baseball card also had a magnificent year. A PSA 3 example traded hands for the substantial price of $480,000 at an auction. While not in the finest condition, the card still achieved an incredible sum due to Rickey’s immense influence and importance in the game’s history as an innovator. He was the executive who signed Jackie Robinson, breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Fewer than 30 of his 1910 White Border cards are known to exist overall. Any high-quality example of this ultra-rare issue was destined to perform exceptionally well on the market.

Turning attention to legendary slugger Barry Bonds, his 1993 Fleer Ultra SP Retail-Exclusive subset card also proved a tremendous auction highlight in 2019. One example graded PSA 10 sold for $441,300, setting a new record for a modern-era baseball card at auction. As one of only 14 SP subset cards produced that year, along with capturing the prolific home run king in one of his early seasons, this scarce Bonds became one of the most prized modern cards on the market. With its impeccable mint condition rating, pristine edges, clean surfaces, and strong centering, it fulfilled every attribute serious collectors seek. It demonstrated the still-growing demand for iconic modern issues as the collecting focus expands from just classic T206 and pre-war material.

In summary, 2019 featured a truly jaw-dropping array of valuable baseball cards that broke records and reinforced their places among the all-time most coveted issues. From iconic vintage greats like Wagner, Mantle, Plank, and Ruth to modern elites like Bonds, these gems encapsulate the absolute pinnacle that the hobby has to offer. Whether appreciated for their rarity, history-making subjects, superior state of preservation, or all the above, they highlight why collecting these tangible remnants of baseball history continues fascinating collectors worldwide. Their sky-high prices also signify how the passion and monetary commitment to the pursuit seems stronger than ever before as new generations join the ranks of this beloved hobby.

2019 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2019 Topps Heritage baseball card set pays tribute to the design aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s Topps sets. Featuring vibrant color photography on a classic cream colored stock card stock, the 2019 Topps Heritage set captures the nostalgia of the original vintage cards that collectors still chase today. With its retro look and feel combined with modern players, the Heritage set has developed a strong collector following of its own since its inception in the early 2000s. Let’s take a closer look at the 2019 Topps Heritage set and examine the value of some of its most desirable rookie cards and parallels.

The 2019 Topps Heritage set consists of 330 total cards featuring current Major League Baseball players. The base card design matches the look of the 1964 Topps set with team logo designs across the bottom. Each card has a photo on the front and player stats on the back. The base cards are available fairly inexpensively in packs, blasters, and hobby boxes. While the base rookies of emerging stars like Eloy Jimenez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Pete Alonso are worth between $5-10 each in Near Mint to Mint condition, the true value in the Heritage set lies within its parallels and short print variations.

Perhaps the most valuable parallel in the 2019 Topps Heritage set are the coveted Sepia parallels. Limited to only 10 copies each, these sepia-toned vintage style parallels instantly capture the attention of collectors. The sepia parallels of superstar rookies like Eloy Jimenez and Fernando Tatis Jr. in a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $1000 each. Other popular parallels include the Factory Set parallels (limited to 99 copies), Rainbow Foil parallels (limited to 50 copies), and Gold Foil parallels (limited to 10 copies). While these parallels are still less scarce than the sepia versions, top rookies within these subsets can fetch $100-$400 graded depending on player and scarcity level. Beyond parallels, the true short prints and variations found late in hobby boxes bring six figure sums.

Perhaps the biggest storyline from the 2019 Topps Heritage release was the emergence of Pete Alonso as the National League Rookie of the Year. As the slugging first baseman smashed 53 home runs for the Mets setting a new rookie record, interest in his Topps Heritage rookie card skyrocketed. While his base rookie is still available for around $15 ungraded, the parallels and low print runs capture significant value. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Alonso sepia parallel sold for over $3500 last year. Even his factory set parallel now reaches $200-300 raw. Collectors eagerly pursued any scarce Alonso parallel or plate parallel available to commemorate his historic season. The buzz surrounding Alonso helped drive additional interest and sales across the entire 2019 Heritage release.

Beyond rookies, collectors eagerly chase parallels and variations of franchise stars in the Heritage set each year. For example, a Mike Trout sepia parallel can fetch thousands graded while his gold foil parallel reaches $400-500 raw. Short prints and one-of-one 1/1 variants featuring superstars like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Mookie Betts have six figure estimates. The Heritage set also provides collectors opportunities to acquire mint condition vintage-style versions of all-time greats in retirement like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Chipper Jones. These legacy cards hold value proportional to the player’s Hall of Fame stature and scarcity level within each parallel subset.

As the collectible card market continues to see record growth, the 2019 Topps Heritage baseball set has retained and increased its value since initial release. While pack and box availability remains, individual cards appreciate steadily year over year. Whether chasing emerging stars, franchise cornerstones, or retired legends – the Heritage set offers roster depth, parallel varieties and a classic look that resonates with both vintage and modern collectors. For those who acquired and safely stored cards in pristine condition, the 2019 Topps Heritage set remains one of the top modern releases for long term holding and appreciation. Serious investors recognize Heritage as a blue-chip vintage-styled basketball set poised to increase in desirability and scarcity over the next decade.

With its retro designs and emerging star rookie class headlined by breakout sluggers like Pete Alonso, the 2019 Topps Heritage baseball set has developed into one of the marquee releases from recent years. While base cards can be acquired fairly cost effectively, it is the valuable parallel inserts, short prints, and sepia/gold parallel rookie cards that bring the true returns. For collectors willing to pay top dollar for premium preservation grades, the Heritage set continues delivering bountiful gains across its key rookie stars, superstar veterans and parallels. Backed by mainstream attention to the baseball card hobby and a loyal retro-inspired collector base, the long term outlook for 2019 Topps Heritage remains brightly optimistic.

RARE 2019 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Topps flagship baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the brand’s iconic status in the hobby. While the base cards were readily available in packs, boxes, and blasters on store shelves upon the set’s March 2019 release date, several scarce parallels and short-printed variations instantly became highly sought after by collectors. Within weeks of hitting the market, some of the rarest 2019 Topps cards emerged as highly valuable commodities in the collecting community.

One of the biggest “chases” from the 2019 Topps set was the prized Mike Trout autograph card, numbered to only /5 copies. Trout’s dominant on-field performances have made him one of the most valuable modern athletes to possess in card form. With his autograph so scarce in the flagship Topps set compared to the thousands of autographed PSA/Beckett authenticated and graded versions available from high-end products, finding one of the elusive Trout autographs in a retail pack took an extraordinary level of luck. Within a month of release, PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 gem mint examples began trade hands for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Another scarce Trout variation came in the form of his ultra-short printed “Bat Down” photo negative foilboard parallel numbered to only /25. Showcasing an action shot of Trout with his bat facing downward during his swing, the design stood out amongst the traditional mugshot style poses of the base cards. Inquire into one of these rare negatives now would likely fetch a four-figure price tag or more from a serious Trout PC collector.

Beyond Trout, one of the most popular rookie cards in the 2019 Topps set belonged to Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. While Ohtani’s base rookie did not garner big premiums due to appearing around the 150 card mark in the checklist, variations proved much harder to uncover. The prized Ohtani negative photo variation parallel matched the Trout negative design but was even more limited at /15 copies. This ultra-short print parallel shot up the want lists of every Ohtani PC holder but proved virtually impossible to track down in the wild due to the incredibly low printing quantity.

Some of the more condition sensitive parallels also saw heightened values once grading commenced. The sparkly Topps Chrome refractors featuring swirling holographic tones emerged as a definite subset hit. Players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Eloy Jimenez attracted strong early bidding wars for pristine PSA 10 and BGS Gem Mint copies of their refractors due to both their on-field potential as well as nostalgia for the retro Chrome designs that once dominated card aisles in the 1990s. Variations numbered as low as /99, /75 or even /50 provided much improved scarcity versus the standard base refractors.

Popularity of rookies always created strong enthusiasm amongst collectors for first Bowman cards as well. Topps included a special “Heritage” mini set highlighting rising prospects within the flagship design. Short prints like Bo Bichette at /150 and Dustin May at /99 stirred significant buzz, while even harder to find airbrushed red parallel versions numbered to /25 aroused fervor in the collecting community.

Autograph cards in general held immense intrigue due to the inherent scarcity created by capturing players’ actual signatures through various on-card and memorabilia authentication methods. Beyond Trout, 21st century stars like Mookie Betts, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger offered immense thrill at finding their on-card John Hancocks at short printed levels like /75, /50 or even ultra-short /25.

For team collectors, location-specific parallels also presented a fun layer of scarcity. Regional inserts highlighting hometown heroes for Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and other franchises popped up at small numbered subsets. Likewise, rare “City” jersey memorabilia cards snagged particular buzz amongst collectors endeared to certain metropolitan areas.

Even base rookie cards attracted enhanced attention in pristine, professionally graded “black label” quality. Tatis Jr., Pete Alonso, Yordan Alvarez and others emerged as early favorites that collected significant premiums once encapsulated and authenticated in flawless Gem Mint 10 condition according to SGC, PSA or BGS standards. The extremely tight quality controls associated with black label designations created a new height of rarity for already scarce first year cards.

In the years since release, many of these highly limited 2019 Topps parallels and short prints have exponentially grown in collector value as the careers and hype surrounding their featured players continues blossoming. Flagship rookies will remain a bedrock of the hobby for players who go on to achieve stardom or milestones, while one-of-one treasures autograph cards locked away in protective slabs take on an entirely new realm of desirability. Topps continues pushing design boundaries year after year to drive collecting interest, though the scarcest 2019 variations will surely endure as iconic trophies in collections for decades to come.

2019 BOWMAN DRAFT CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome Baseball Cards are the flagship prospect cards released each year by Topps. As with previous years, the 2019 Draft Chrome set features photos and bios of many of the top drafted amateur players from that year’s June MLB Draft. While still prospects with an uncertain future, these highly drafted players come with huge upside that makes their rookie cards some of the most widely collected in the hobby.

The 2019 Draft took place from June 3-5 and consisted of 40 rounds. As always, the Detroit Tigers had the first overall selection and chose Arizona State first baseman/outfielder Spencer Torkelson. Other top picks included high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, #2 overall), high school catcher Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles, #1 overall), high school third baseman Brett Baty (New York Mets, #12 overall) and high school shortstop CJ Abrams (San Diego Padres, #6 overall). All of these players received major hype and seen as the cream of the 2019 Draft class with the highest chances of success at the MLB level.

Each year, Bowman Draft Chrome captures the early rookie card rights to these newly drafted players in shiny chrome parallels. The base set features 258 cards with multiple parallels and autograph/memorabilia inserts increasing the total checklist. Parallels include the standard Blue Refractors (#’d /249), Green Refractors (#’d /99), Atomic Refractors (#’d /75), Rainbow Foil (#’d /50), Atomic Refractors Cyan (#’d /25), Atomic Refractors Pink (#’d /10) and the ultra-rare Atomic Refractors Gold (#’d /5). Harder to find Red & Green /25 parallels as well as Gold #’d /10 variations exist.

In addition to the base cards, Bowman Draft Chrome inserts include highly sought after autographs and memorabilia cards pulled at extremely low odds. Some of the most coveted include RCs, which feature on-card autographs of the player’s wearing their official Draft Day hats. Other key inserts include dual autographs, triple autographs, patch autographs, bat knobs, and 1/1 printing plates. Perhaps the rarest and most iconic are the dual autographed patch cards, which feature two pieces of game-used jersey material signed by both players depicted on the card front.

Even as prospects, the 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome rookie cards of players like Torkelson, Witt Jr., Rutschman, Baty and Abrams commanded premium prices upon release. The flagship rookie cards and popular parallels of these top draft picks consistently fetch the highest values. For example, PSA 10 grades of their base rookie cards often sell in the $100-200 range on the secondary market while higher-end parallels like RCs and memorabilia cards are worth exponentially more depending on the player and specific parallel/insert.

The true test of a prospect’s card value comes after they start performing in the minor leagues and reach the majors themselves. A successful career obviously increases demand for their rookie cards dramatically. A good case study is 2018 first overall pick Casey Mize, whose Tigers Bowman Chrome rookie cards were $20-50 upon release but skyrocketed after his dominant seasons in the minors and MLB debut in 2020. PSA 10 versions of his base now routinely sell for $500-1000 while top parallels fetch over $5000.

With that example in mind, 2019 Draft picks Spencer Torkelson and Bobby Witt Jr. have seen their rookie card values surge in a big way over the past year. After strong showings in High-A and Double-A ball during 2021, PSA 10 grades of their base 2019 Bowman Chrome now trade hands closer to $300-500 on the open market. Atomic Refractors and Autograph versions have brought four figures already and still have ample room for growth should they continue developing as elite MLB talents.

Another reason the 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome values remain high is that this was the final set before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports card industry and caused printing delays for future Draft products. With no 2020 Draft edition produced, the 2019 set took on increased significance as the “last of its kind” for a period of time. The pandemic led to an explosion of new collectors getting involved over the last year, driving demand for sought-after rookie cards from recent Draft classes like 2019.

The 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome Baseball Cards represent an excellent sports card investment opportunity, particularly for the top picks. As these talented prospects rise through the minor leagues and make their MLB debuts, their rookie cards will follow suit by appreciating substantially in value. Sets like 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome capture their earliest pro cards in captivating chrome parallels at attainable release prices compared to what their cards can be worth long term. For collectors and investors, staying on top of the rising stars from each Draft class is key to identifying cards primed for price increases down the road.