Tag Archives: 2021

BASEBALL CARDS EBAY 2021

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for generations. Even in today’s digital world, physical baseball cards still hold value for many collectors. One of the largest and most popular marketplaces for buying and selling baseball cards is eBay. Whether you’re looking to build your collection or make some money from cards you already own, eBay offers a huge selection of baseball cards from every era at a variety of price points.

While the baseball card market can be unpredictable, 2021 has proven to be another strong year. High-profile rookie cards of stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto have shattered records. Iconic vintage cards like a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle have sold for over $5 million. Even common cards from the 1970s can sell for hundreds of dollars if they feature star players in pristine condition.

On eBay, you’ll find baseball cards from the earliest days of the hobby in the late 1800s all the way up to the latest 2021 releases. The biggest names that consistently perform well are vintage cards from the 1950s-1970s issued by the iconic Topps brand like their 1952, 1957, 1969, and 1972 sets. High-grade rookie cards or stars featured on the fronts of these sets can sell for thousands.

For example, a Mint condition 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card recently sold for over $27,000. A Near Mint 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle in a PSA 8 holder went for close to $90,000. Of course, you don’t need to spend five figures to build an impressive collection. Complete common sets from the 1970s routinely sell in the $100-500 range, while individual stars can often be had for under $50.

Modern rookie cards have also exploded in popularity and value on eBay in recent years. The standouts tend to be the first Topps Chrome refractors to feature players, which are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and flashy appeal. In 2021, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr refractors from 2018 Topps Chrome have consistently sold in the $500-1000 range when graded Gem Mint by PSA or BGS.

Lower-grade examples can still fetch hundreds, showing there is strong demand for these young superstars’ rookie cards despite them having been issued just a few years ago. Other modern stars like Ronald Acuña Jr, Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani also command high prices. Their Topps Chrome rookie refractors and some of their early flagship Topps base cards change hands frequently for $100-300 depending on condition.

While vintage and modern stars get the most attention, there are deals to be had on eBay if you hunt for specific players. Lesser-known rookie cards from the junk wax era of the 1980s-1990s can often be found for under $10. Even stars from that time period like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, or Tom Glavine rookies are regularly available in the $20-50 range.

For team and set collectors, finding reasonably priced lots of common base cards is easy on eBay. Many sellers offer bundles of entire sets from the 1970s-1990s for $20-100. This is an affordable way to fill out your collection or start a new one. Just be aware of each listing’s details regarding condition and completeness before bidding.

Graded and encapsulated cards in slabs from authoritative third-party graders like PSA, BGS, SGC are also very popular on eBay. The protective holders provide buyers confidence in the cards’ condition and authenticity. While this usually adds premiums to prices compared to raw cards, it removes risk. Slabbed vintage stars or key rookie cards are consistently moving with strong final sale prices.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, eBay is the premier online marketplace to both build your collection and potentially profit from the cards you no longer want. Take time to research recent sold prices, read full listing details, and only purchase from highly rated sellers for the best experience. With some savvy shopping, you can add affordable gems to your collection all year round on eBay.

TOPPS 2021 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

The 2021 Topps baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from the longest running and most iconic brand in the industry. Each new Topps flagship baseball card set brings plenty of collector excitement as fans look to build their long-term collections and search for the latest rookie stars and short prints.

While individual card values can vary greatly based on player, parallel, serial number, and condition, here is an overview of general 2021 Topps baseball card values based on PSA 10 pop report data from PWCC Marketplace as of February 2022. It’s important to remember cardboard prices are always fluctuating based on supply and demand forces.

The base flagship Topps cards from 2021 (#1-361) have seen steady interest with most PSA 10 gems in the $5-15 range depending on player. Stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are enjoying strong collector enthusiasm and their rookies/parallels remain in demand. Popular veterans like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Mookie Betts also command $10-25 for their flagship rookies.

The Chrome refractors parallel from 2021 have added collector appeal and tend to carry a premium compared to base paper. Chrome #250 parallels of top stars can fetch $50-100 in PSA 10, while lower numbered versions (#/299 or less) command upwards of $150-300 depending on the player. Short prints like SP variations are also highly sought and Tatis Jr. examples have exceeded $1,000 PSA 10 sales.

The high-end parallels from 2021 Topps like Negative Refractor (#/10), Gold Refractor (#/2021) and Superfractor (1/1) are where true jewels can be found. Unsurprisingly, stars reign supreme here as well. A PSA 10 Gold Refractor of Fernando Tatis Jr. recently changed hands for over $15,000. Meanwhile, his lone 1/1 Superfractor Platinum Materials parallel could shatter records at auction given his emerging superstar status.

Rookies naturally enjoy added collector attention in flagship Topps sets as fans seek to acquire stars of tomorrow before they explode onto the MLB scene. 2021 saw plenty of promising talents emerge, headlined by Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s dominant campaign. His Topps flagship rookie parallels and short prints have exploded in value, with recent PSA 10 sales topping $2,000. Fellow phenoms like Jarred Kelenic, Jo Adell and Hunter Greene also command $100-500 for their Topps debut cards in pristine condition.

Vintage parallels honoring legends of the past help drive nostalgia collecting. Topps 2021 paid homage to Icons like Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Their respective vintage cards attract avid collectors and have traded hands for $300-1,000 PSA 10 based on the player. Serialized relic cards featuring swatches and autographs of current stars are also extremely coveted. Examples from Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and others routinely sell in the thousands.

As with any collectible category, condition is king when it comes to Long-term value preservation and appreciation potential. While raw near-mint copies may only garner $5-10 on the secondary market presently, properly graded PSA/BGS Gems can take those values to completely new levels. Savvy collectors understand breaking their cards immediately also allows maximizing potential return down the road if a star player emerges. Topps 2021 offers no shortage of rookie talent to make that bet on.

The 2021 Topps baseball release proved another fantastic modern release showcasing the stars throughout the sport while offering dedicated collectors multiple iconic parallels and inserts to chase after. Values are reflective of that popularity so far, with PSA 10 examples of future HOFers and emerging young talents especially well positioned to retain and build value for decades to come. Condition sensitive collectors embracing professional grading give themselves the best shot at truly scoring jewels with long term blue chip potential from the 2021 Topps flagship baseball set.

2021 TOPPS ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Topps baseball card product line featured some of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in recent years. After the short 2020 MLB season, fans were eager to see the next generation of star players make their rookie card debuts. Topps delivered many high-quality rookie options across their various baseball card products last year.

Some of the biggest rookie cards from 2021 included Wander Franco, a consensus top prospect who began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco appeared on cards in Series 1, Series 2, Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Project 70. Many consider his Project 70 card, limited to only 70 copies, to be one of the top rookie cards of all time already due to his talent and hype. Franco lived up to expectations by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 20-year-old, establishing himself as a true superstar.

Another huge rookie was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a five-tool player with 80-grade speed and power, Rodriguez debuted cards in Series 1, Series 2, Chrome, and Chrome Update. While injuries limited his MLB debut to 99 games in 2021 where he hit .274 with 18 home runs, scouts still view Rodriguez as a future perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger winner. His Topps Chrome Auto Green Refractor /1999 is already one of the most valuable 2021 rookie cards on the secondary card market.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene also made his MLB debut in 2022 after appearing on several 2021 rookie cards from Topps. The 5th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Greene showcased all-around skills in the minors and displayed his potential in 24 MLB games, hitting .302. Greene rookies from Series 1, Series 2, Bowman Chrome, and Bowman Draft remain popular with collectors.

Other noteworthy rookies featured prominently in 2021 Topps products included Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson, Rangers shortstop/outfielder Josh Jung, Phillies outfielder Bryson Stott, Blue Jays outfielder Kelenic, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Pirates catcher Henry Davis, and Marlins pitcher Max Meyer among many others. Carlson in particular had a breakout season for St. Louis, hitting .266 with 16 home runs while establishing himself as a core piece of their future.

In terms of short prints and refractors that added to rookie card values in 2021 Topps products, prized pulls included Wander Franco Rainbow Foil and Gold Foil parallels, Julio Rodriguez Green Refractor /1999, Corey Seager Gold Refractor /70 and more. Topps Chrome and Chrome Update offered various refractor parallels of the top rookies that continued gaining popularity through 2021.

Some of the special Topps legacy sets that featured many coveted rookies included Topps Project 70, Topps Inception, Topps Archives, and Topps Chrome Update Series Black. These premium sets provided superior design elements and key rookie hits in lower print runs with true “one-of-one” potential. Complete sets and individual cards from each of these collections fetch high sums on eBay and through PWCC Marketplace today due to the prominence of the rookies involved.

Looking forward, many of these 2021 rookie classes have potential to achieve success and remain sought-after investments. While injuries or unexpected declines are always possible, stars like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Riley Greene seem poised for All-Star caliber careers if they stay on track. Regardless of future on-field performance, their rookie cards have proven to be a hot commodity among collectors. The 2021 Topps product line captured magical rookie seasons and careers that were just beginning to blossom.

In summary, 2021 was a banner year forTopps rookie cards headlined by Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Riley Greene. Short prints, refractors, and special legacy sets increased parallel values. While results remain to be seen, this rookie class shows franchise-changing talent. Their Topps rookie cards from Series 1, 2, Chrome, and various specialty sets are already in high demand from collectors and will remain popular for years to come.

2021 TOPPS HERITAGE HIGH NUMBER BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Topps Heritage High Number baseball card set is the latest iteration in Topps’ popular Heritage line that pays tribute to the classic designs of the 1960s and 70s. With 405 total cards in the main set, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number set picks up where the base Heritage set left off, continuing card numbers from #406 all the way through #810.

As with previous Topps Heritage releases, the 2021 High Number set showcases retro designs that mimic the look and feel of Topps cards from the 1960s. That includes designs like the classic white borders and team logo designs, replicated photo quality, as well as red or blue banner headers at the top of each card showcasing the players team. The back design of each card also stays true to the vintage paper stock look and information provided on the backs of 1960s cards as well.

Some key production details of note with the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number release includes that it contains 135 additional player and manager cards beyond the base 270 card Heritage set. The cards are also manufactured on the thicker, high gloss stock that is similar to the feel and appearance of the original 1960s cardboard stock Topps used. The set also contained several popular inserts, parallels, and short prints to chase.

One of the most popular inserts included in the 2021 Heritage High Number release is the 14 card Diamond Kings subset. Featuring some of the game’s biggest stars dressed in full uniform photos with metallic gold borders and numbering, these inserts were a big chase for collectors. Other inserts included Tribute cards paying homage to recently retired Hall of Famers, a 7 card Red Hot Rookie subset, as well as Manager and Coach cards not featured in the main Heritage subset.

In terms of parallels, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number release contained several popular parallel variations for collectors to hunt. This includes the popular Rainbow Foil parallel available across the entire 135 card checklist in 1/1000 pack odds. Additional parallels included Gold /2021 parallels available at a 1/250 pack rate, as well as Green parallel versions numbered to /75. Topps also included several popular 1/1Rainbow Foil parallel short prints only available through hobby boxes of the set as super rare chase cards.

The rookie class featured in the 2021 Heritage High Number set included several young stars and future Hall of Famers. Notable rookies included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Matt Chapman, Shane Bieber, and more. Autographs and memorabilia cards of these rookies were hot commodities for collectors. Veterans featured included popular stars like Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, and Zack Greinke among many others. Managers included in the set ranged from Terry Francona to AJ Hinch to Bob Melvin.

In terms of overall release, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number set maintained the popularity that the Heritage brand has built up over the decades. While release dates were slightly delayed compared to previous years due to COVID-19 production impacts, the set still sold out quickly upon release. Hobby boxes had an MSRP of around $120 but immediately commanded premiums on the secondary market. Individual chase cards like the popular 1/1 Rainbow Foil parallels or big rookie autographs reached into the thousands of dollars among collectors.

With its vintage aesthetics, exciting rookie classes, and inclusion of popular inserts and parallels each year, Topps Heritage High Number continues to be a must-have release for both baseball card collectors and investors alike. The retro designs have enduring popularity and capture the nostalgia many feel for the classic cardboard of their childhoods. With strong secondary market demand year over year, the 2021 installment will likely join previous editions in becoming a set that retains value for collectors long term. Both the accessibility of the affordable boxes as well as endurance of the vintage design ensures Topps Heritage High Number baseball cards remain a staple in the annual release cycle.

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL TOP CARDS

The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the talent and star power of the 2021 MLB Draft class. While Wander Franco and other top prospects were not included since they were not draft-eligible, there were still several can’t-miss prospects taken in the first round that made their Prizm rookie cards very desirable. Below we will take an in-depth look at some of the most coveted rookie cards from the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set.

Perhaps the most sought-after card from the entire release is the green laser prizm rookie auto of Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar, a shortstop from Jesuit Prep in Texas, was drafted #1 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is considered a true five-tool player with elite potential both at the plate and in the field. His prizm laser auto, limited to only 10 copies, instantly became the crown jewel of the set. Competing for Lawlar’s signature out of the pack would easily cost collectors thousands of dollars due to his status as the top pick and the extreme scarcity of the parallel.

Another highly valuable card is the purple /49 prizm rookie auto of Jack Leiter. Leiter, the son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, fell to the Texas Rangers at #2 overall but many had him ranked as the top pitching prospect in the draft. He dominated at Vanderbilt with a blazing fastball and plus slider combo. The Leiter prizm auto is one of the most popular rookie cards in the entire release, and the limited purple parallel makes it extremely rare. Graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for well over $1000.

The prizm rookie auto of Henry Davis is also a highly sought-after card. As the #1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Davis was the first catcher taken number one overall since Joe Mauer in 2001. He is an advanced hitter with good power potential and solid defensive skills behind the plate. While his base prizm auto is plentiful compared to the above two prospects, graded versions still command big money due to his status as the top selection. The lower numbered parallels like purple and orange can also fetch big sums.

Another top prospect and highly valuable card is the prizm rookie auto of Jack Cushing from the Boston Red Sox. Cushing, a third baseman out of Boston College, has an advanced all-around game and was taken #4 overall. He has a smooth left-handed swing and solid power potential. While not quite as scarce as the Lawlar or Leiter cards, Cushing’s prizm auto is still one of the most popular Red Sox cards in the set. The lower parallel versions can sell for well over $500 in top grades.

The prizm rookie autos of Marcelo Mayer and Kumar Rocker also hold significant value. Mayer, a shortstop taken #4 overall by the Boston Red Sox, has five-tool potential and was considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the draft. Rocker, the Vanderbilt flamethrower taken #10 by the New York Mets, was a top three talent who fell due to signability concerns. Both players have a chance to become future stars and their prizm rookie cards, especially low numbered parallels, demand big money from collectors.

In addition to the above prospects, cards of other first round talents like Sal Frelick (Brewers), Brady House (Rangers), and Drew Gilbert (Twins) are highly sought after. While not quite as scarce or expensive as the top few picks, these players were all drafted in the top 15 and have the skills to become impact big leaguers. Their prizm rookie autos, especially serial numbered parallels, hold significant collector value.

The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball release was one of the most popular and valuable draft sets in recent memory. Headlined by the elite talents taken at the top of the draft like Lawlar, Leiter, Davis, and Mayer, the premier rookie cards from this year’s class are highly coveted by collectors. While the sheer scarcity and status of the #1 picks like Lawlar will likely always make their cards the most valuable, there is star potential up and down the first round checklist which continues to drive collector demand. For those able to pull or acquire the top rookies, especially in rare parallels, this set offers a great chance to invest in the future of baseball.

2021 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

The 2021 Panini MLB baseball card set saw many new rookie stars enter the league as well as redemptions of popular veteran players. While it’s still early, certain cards from this release are showing promise and could become valuable investments long term. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2021 Panini rookies and parallels that may end up being worth significant money down the road.

One of the most hyped rookies of 2021 was Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year. His base Prizm and Optic rookies can currently be found for $50-100 raw butgraded gems in PSA 10 could appreciate significantly given his superstar potential. Look for his rare color parallels and autographed cards to eventually be worth thousands as his career progresses.

Another big name rookie was Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. As the #9 overall pick in 2018, Gilbert got his first extended MLB opportunity in 2021 and impressed with a solid rookie season. His Prizm and Optic rookies are currently around $20-30 but a PSA 10 could be $100+ in a few years. Keep an eye out for rare inserts and parallels that may provide even better long term returns.

Rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr was one of the most anticipated prospects heading into 2021 after being the #2 pick in the 2019 draft. While he struggled some in his MLB debut, his uncommon combination of power and speed has many convinced he will develop into a top player. His base Prizm and Optic rookies trade for $30-50 currently but blue and red pans/parallels are rarer and could be worth 5x as much down the road once he pans out.

Gold prizms and 1/1s tend to appreciate significantly more than base cards due to their extreme scarcity. Some 2021 gold prizms that may be worth big money someday include Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, Riley Greene, and Jack Leiter. Even #’d parallels like /25 could net thousands graded gem mint in the future for star players. Redemption cards also carry risk but have massive upside—just look at Luis Robert’s 2019 playoff parallel redemptions now hovering around $10,000 raw.

In addition to top rookies, certain veteran star refractors and parallels hold great long term potential. A Christian Yelich gold parallel auto redemption could be a $5K card someday. Fernando Tatis Jr red and blue refractors in PSA 10 from 2021 Update may appreciate to four figures given his superstar performance and fan favorite status. Bo Bichette and Juan Soto have proven themselves as young core players – look for their rarer 2021 refractor/parallels to multiply in value 5-10x over the next decade as they continue producing at an elite level.

Panini also tends to include special inserts focused on milestone achievements. Cards recognizing milestones like 3,000 hits (Adrian Beltre), 300 wins (Justin Verlander), or 500 home runs (Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols) hold obvious appeal and appeal to both PC collectors and investors. These one-off parallels can garner huge sums years later when players retire, especially in top grades.

While the results are not guaranteed, certain 2021 Panini rookie cards, stars, inserts, and rare refractors/parallels profiled above have the potential to become quite valuable as time progresses and those players cement their careers. For the serious long term baseball card investor, selectively acquiring desirable rated rookies and parallels from this recent release in gem mint condition could provide strong returns matching or exceeding other investments if those players live up to expectations. Of course, there is inherent risk that injuries or performance declines could diminish returns—but for those willing to hold for 5-10+ years, the 2021 Panini baseball offerings profile here present compelling prospects.

2021 BOWMAN BEST BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Bowman Best baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors after the tremendous success of Bowman Best in 2020. Bowman Best provides a special showcase for some of the best prospects in minor league baseball. It features photo variations and autographed rookie cards of players that collectors are eager to invest in early in their careers.

In 2021, Topps once again selected 30 top prospects across MLB’s minor league system to be featured in Bowman Best. Some of the headlining names included Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Jarred Kelenic of the Seattle Mariners, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers, and Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. With scouting reports projecting all of these players as future All-Stars and franchise cornerstones, their rookie cards were some of the most sought after on the secondary market.

Bowman Best cards have several distinct advantages that set them apart from a typical Bowman chrome rookie card issue. Firstly, the photo variations and rarer autograph cards make for greater collecting and breaking excitement. While Bowman chrome rookies can provide the earliest paper trail to a player’s career, Bowman Best focuses specifically on minor league stars poised to make an MLB impact soon. This more curated selection gives collectors a targeted product zooming in on just the cream of the prospect crop.

Secondly, Bowman Best cards are printed on a thicker, high-gloss stock that really makes the photos pop compared to standard Bowman cards. The coating and cardstock quality provides an upgrade in feel and appeal to collectors. Additionally, Topps only produces Bowman Best in cello packs as opposed to the traditional wax packs of Bowman Series 1 and Series 2. The cello packaging gives each card insert a nicer individual enclosure that is easier to safely remove and appreciate.

The 2021 release included several formidable young hurlers among the featured prospects. One was Boston Red Sox lefty Brayan Bello, a 22-year-old Dominican who posted a stellar 1.67 ERA over 101.2 minor league innings in 2021 while racking up 111 strikeouts. Bello’s control and three above-average pitches point to him developing into a mid-rotation starter, making his Bowman Best card a savvy buy.

Another pitching prospect to watch was Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles organization. The 6-foot-5 righty topped out at 100 MPH in 2021 and sported a microscopic 1.09 ERA over 103 innings between High-A and Double-A. Many scouts tabbed Rodriguez as the top pitching prospect in the minors, and his Bowman Best card price rose accordingly on the secondary market. His future ace potential coupled with orioles fandom demand provided collectors strong upside.

Among position players, Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani received his very own variation in the 2021 Bowman Best set separate from the main 30 prospects. This paid homage to Ohtani’s unprecedented abilities as both an elite pitcher and hitter at the MLB level. While older than a typical Bowman Best prospect, Ohtani’s dazzling dual talents made his inclusion a fun bonus for collectors. Meanwhile, Emery Miller of the Cincinnati Reds was considered one of the set’s top shortstop prospects after slashing .306/.415/.541 with 15 home runs in A-ball as an 18-year-old.

The 2021 Bowman Best release stayed true to providing an investment-quality mini-set highlighting some of the top farm system talents. While cards of superstar veterans may carry higher values, savvy collectors recognize that focusing on premium rookie cards of promising prospects offers potential for greater long-term upside. If players like Witt, Kelenic, Rodriguez or Torkelson ascend to the heights expected of them, their low-printed Bowman Best rookies could appreciate substantially in price over the coming years. For fans and investors seeking exposure to baseball’s next generation of stars, Bowman Best continued serving as a premier destination in 2021 pack-breaking and the secondary market.

ATLANTA BRAVES WORLD SERIES BASEBALL CARDS 2021

The Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series, defeating the Houston Astros 4-2. This championship victory marked the franchise’s first title since 1995 and fourth overall. As is customary when a team wins the Fall Classic, card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf released special baseball card products commemorating the Braves’ championship run. These Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series cards provided collectors an opportunity to immortalize the key players and moments from the team’s title season on cardboard.

Some of the most sought-after Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series cards included parallels and autographs of star players like Freddie Freeman, Austin Riley, and World Series MVP Jorge Soler. Freeman had another excellent season in 2021, batting .300 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI during the regular season. As the longtime face of the Braves franchise, Freeman autographed rookie cards from his early career saw a spike in demand and value after the team’s championship. Austin Riley also broke out in a big way in 2021, smashing 27 home runs during the regular season and providing clutch hits throughout the postseason for Atlanta. His 2021 World Series cards became hot commodities for collectors.

One of the most iconic Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series cards was that of Jorge Soler, who was named World Series MVP after crushing a decisive three-run home run in Game 6 off Astros starter Luis Garcia. Soler’s Game 6 home run all but sealed the championship for Atlanta, and his World Series MVP cards immediately became some of the most sought-after from the 2021 season. Parallels and autographs of Soler’s World Series MVP card skyrocketed in secondary market value after the Fall Classic concluded. Other impactful Atlanta players like Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall, and Ian Anderson also saw strong demand for their 2021 World Series cards after contributing to the title run.

In addition to individual player cards, the 2021 World Series set releases from Topps, Panini, and Leaf also included special parallel and memorabilia cards highlighting key moments and games from the Atlanta Braves’ championship series victory. Popular parallels included gold, silver, and black bordered versions of standard cards. Memorabilia cards inserted autographs, jersey swatches, bat knob slivers, and other pieces of equipment worn by Braves players during the World Series. One of the most notable parallels was a 1/1 printing plate autograph card of Jorge Soler’s World Series MVP card that sold for over $10,000 shortly after the product release.

The Atlanta Braves’ first championship in over 25 years created a high level of excitement and nostalgia among the team’s longtime fans. This translated directly to strong initial sales and secondary market buzz around the 2021 World Series card releases from the major manufacturers. While individual player cards of stars like Freeman, Riley, and Soler received the most attention initially, cards highlighting clutch playoff performances from role players like Rosario, Duvall, and Anderson also found eager collectors. Memorabilia cards containing pieces of the championship were in high demand as well. The 2021 Atlanta Braves World Series cards provided a unique way for collectors of all ages to commemorate and celebrate the team’s long-awaited title run for years to come.

As with any recent championship team, time will tell how the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series cards hold up in the collecting world in the long run. Sustained success by Freeman, Riley, and other young core players could keep cards from their title season highly valuable for a long time. One-year wonders sometimes see their star fade if they do not back up their playoff performances. The market will also likely be impacted by whether the Braves can continue contending for more titles in coming years. But for now, collectors are eagerly snapping up all the cardboard they can find commemorating Atlanta’s first championship in over quarter century. The Braves’ 2021 World Series victory created a new generation of fans and a fresh set of collectibles to memorialize a special season that ended in a parade.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL COMPLETE SET BEST CARDS

The 2021 Topps Baseball complete base set consists of 132 cards that span all 30 MLB teams. While there are no true super short printed cards in the base set like in years past, there are some notable rookie cards and parallels that hold more value than others. Let’s take a look at some of the best cards collectors should target from the 2021 Topps Baseball complete set.

Perhaps the most sought after card in the 2021 Topps base set is the Wander Franco rookie card. As the top prospect in baseball, Franco dominated in his brief MLB debut late in the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. His rookie card (#331) can fetch $50-$100 even in the common base variant. Franco also has several valuable parallel versions like the rainbow foil (#331), green foil (#125), and gold foil (#70). These parallels that number less than the base often sell for $200 or more in graded gem mint condition.

Another highly desired rookie card is Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic (#332). After being considered one of the top prospects in the minors, Kelenic struggled in his initial MLB action but is still expected to develop into an All-Star. His base rookie commands $30-50 while parallel versions like the rainbow (#332), green (#126), and gold (#71) are worth $100+ graded.

San Diego Padres shortstop C.J. Abrams (#333) had one of the quickest ascents through the minors and made his MLB debut late in 2021. His star potential makes his base rookie a $20-30 card, with the rainbow (#333), green (#127), and gold (#72) parallels valued much higher for serious Padres PC collectors.

Rookies Spencer Torkelson (#334) of the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (#335) also have nice cards as top prospects that made their MLB debuts late last season. While neither cracked the everyday lineup yet, their longterm upside keeps their cards in the $15-25 range for the base and $50-100 for premium parallels depending on grade.

Red Sox star Rafael Devers has one of the more aesthetically pleasing cards as the subject of the flagship “Hitting Stars” card (#57). These popular inserts featuring the games elite hitters can fetch $15-25 graded. His rainbow parallel (#57) and gem mint gold parallel (#74) are amongst the most valuable and desirable Red Sox cards in the set, valued over $100 each.

Mike Trout collectors never have to search hard to find one of the best cards. His flagship “All-Time Greats” insert card (#1) is one of the icons of the set. While common, the rainbow parallel (#1) takes on added scarcity being limited to only /50 printed. Either version grades a gem can sell for $50-100 longterm. Fellow superstar Mookie Betts (#6) also has an iconic “All-Time Greats” card with value parallels.

Other star players that catch the eyes of collectors include Ronald Acuña Jr. (#25), Juan Soto (#28), Fernando Tatis Jr. (#31), and Shohei Ohtani (#33) on their respective main base cards. Their parallels like golds and greens sell robustly whenever pulled in pristine mint condition.

The “Topps Now” insert set takes a spotlight with cards featuring big moments from the 2021 season. Brandon Crawford’s cycle card (#TN5) or Tyler Matzek’s NLCS-clinching performance (#TN21) are ones that stand out in collectors’ minds from recent playoff runs. These low printed parallels also carry value.

In the value department, autograph and memorabilia cards are highly sought after insert sets. Freddie Freeman’s (#174) and Juan Soto’s (#176) autographed cards have sold for over $150 each graded flawless. Numbered parallel autographs of top prospects like Frankie Tovar (#123) and Evan Carter (#140) hold future potential as well. On the relic front, game used uniforms, bats, balls etc of stars raise the excitement.

While the base set is rather affordable to complete with most cards under $5, it’s the valuable rookie cards, superstar inserts, and low numbered hits that create the excitement in hunting the 2021 Topps Baseball release. Collectors will always look for the cards of today’s budding talents as well as icons of the past within the flagship hobby brand’s release each year. The 2021 Topps complete set offers plenty of quality cardboard for players both established and emerging, making it amongst the premier releases for any baseball collectors.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball card set was released in March and showcased retro design variations of current players harkening back to the vintage aesthetics of the late 1960s and early 1970s. While the set did not have any rookie cards of future superstars, there were several scarce parallels and serially numbered chase cards that have already become highly valuable in the secondary market.

Perhaps the most sought-after card from the 2021 Topps Heritage set is the Joe DiMaggio parallel patch card numbered to only 5 copies. The DiMaggio patch card features a small swatch of fabric authentically taken from one of DiMaggio’s original Yankee pinstripe uniforms. As one of the rarest inserts in the set at just a print run of 5, combined with featuring arguably baseball’s most iconic star, PSA 10 gem mint examples of this DiMaggio patch auto have already sold for over $10,000 on the secondary market, making it easily the most valuable single card from the release.

Another incredibly scarce parallel is the Aaron Judge Fantastic Four short print numbered to only 4 copies. Much like the fabled 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle short prints valued in the hundreds of thousands, the ultra-low Judge short print is already a crown jewel card for Yankee collectors. While none have yet been privately sold, marketplace estimates put a PSA 10 of this Judge short print north of $15,000, further cementing it as one of the most significant individual cards from 2021 Topps Heritage.

In addition to intricate parallels, the 2021 Topps Heritage release also had several high-value serially numbered short prints that act as modern “keys” to the set similar to the iconic 1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card. Headlining these is the Fernando Tatis Jr. green shimmer parallel numbered to only 25 copies. As one of baseball’s brightest young stars and amongst the most scarce cards in the heritage design at a print run of 25, green shimmer Tatis rookie parallels have already traded hands for up to $5,000 raw or $8,000+ graded mint.

Close behind Tatis is the Ronald Acuna Jr. blue shimmer parallel also numbered to a tiny run of 25 copies. Acuna has long been a star attraction in the hobby given his five-tool talents and 2018 National League Rookie of the Year honors. Much like Tatis, the low population blue shimmer parallel attracts significant collectors attention. PSA 10 grades have sold north of $4,500 so far making it one of the costlier Acuna cards on the market.

Other high-value flagship numbered parallels from 2021 Topps Heritage include the green rainbow foil Bo Bichette short print at 50 copies ($2,500 PSA 10 value), the orange /25 Cedric Mullins rookie parallel ($2,000 PSA 10 value), and the gold /10 Juan Soto parallel (over $1,500 raw for the right player). All 3 of these key numbered cards represent valuable modern “keys” that will continue to rise as their respective players’ careers progress.

Beyond scarce parallels, the 2021 Topps Heritage release also had a highly coveted auto and relic insert set dubbed Past and Present. Featuring current stars alongside retired greats, one of the most significant pulls is a dual Franco/Mantle pairing numbered to only 13 copies. Even raw, examples of this dual legendary Yankees auto have traded hands above $4,000 due to the ultra-low population. Graded mint 10s are assuredly worth far north of $5,000 long term as perhaps the single rarest potential hit amongst all 2021 Topps inserts and parallels.

While 2021 Topps Heritage lacked rookie cards of future MVP caliber players, canny collectors recognized the immense scarcity and desirability of several intricate numbered parallels and inserts that have already become highly valuable modern keys. From the lowest population DiMaggio patch to flagship rookie parallels of Acuna and Tatis, these premier cuts illustrate how transcendent printing quantities under 50 copies can elevate otherwise ordinary base cards into true modern rarities worth thousands in today’s market. Savvy collectors who recognized the collectibility of these vintage-style parallels at release are now reaping the profits as values exponentially rise with each passing year.