Tag Archives: 2021

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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Topps released their 2021 baseball card lineup earlier this year to plenty of excitement from collectors. After a strange 2020 season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, baseball fans were eager to get their hands on the newest Series 1 cards showing their favorite players. The 2021 Topps series continued several popular sets from previous years while also debuting some new insert sets and parallels to strike collectors’ interest. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the notable aspects of Topps baseball cards from 2021.

The flagship Topps Series 1 base set contained the usual 524 cards as always, highlighting players from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Some of the top rookies included in Series 1 that collectors scrambled to pull included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Robert, and Shane Bieber. The designs on the main base cards stayed consistent with a clean look featuring the primary team logo at top and player photo along with stats on the bottom half. Parallels included the traditional Sapphire and Gold Foil variants to make chase versions of stars more difficult to acquire.

A brand new insert set debuting in 2021 was Topps’ “Rainbow Foil” parallels. These inserted roughly 1 in 10 packs and featured vibrant spectra foil coloring on players’ uniforms and field elements in the background. Ranging from Base variant up to 1/1 serial numbered parallels, these proved very popular with fans. Other returning popular inserts sets included “Topps NOW” which captured exciting recent moments; “Gold Label” for top legends; and “Finest” with high-end refractors. Topps also paid tribute to MLB’s 75th Anniversary with a special throwback “76” subset drawing from the League’s early decades.

In terms of larger insert sets, Topps released multiple variations of their Archive Photo subsets resurrecting special pictures from throughout baseball history. One of the most visually stunning new insert sets was the 50-card “Stadium Club” collection featuring state-of-the-art foil technology and enormous, vivid photographs sprawling across the borderless cards. Numbered parallels like 1/1 and memorabilia/auto cards added immense chase appeal. Topps also issued various themed team sets like Mini Logos and New Age Performers focusing on today’s biggest stars.

Among the many parallels issued across Series 1 packs, one of the most exciting was Topps’ return of the elusive 1/1 printing plate autographs after a long absence. These uncut corners signified by the player authenticated the true “1-of-1” rarity for any card pulled. Topps Chrome also excited collectors with its familiar refractors and color parallels on specially designed cards. While not quite as large in scope as 2020’s special 60th Anniversary set, Topps paid homage to baseball through subsets like All-Time Fan Vote ranking players regionally.

Later in the year, Topps released Series 2 extending the base card checklist with additional current players as well as capturing impacts from the season up to that point in special Topps NOW inserts. Popular collector demand products like Topps Fire and Allen & Ginter also distributed new baseball offerings. The most expensive Topps release was always the high-end Topps Tribute parallel sets running around $500+ a box as the creme de la creme for investments and autograph/relic potential.

Overall, Topps delivered another comprehensive year of baseball cards highlighted by new technology, vintage throwbacks, star rookies, and short-prints that thrilled collectors both casual and avid. With trading and team building online community stronger than ever, Topps remains the undisputed king in producing the sport’s finest cardboard. Regardless of the economic climate or on-field results, Topps finds new ways each year to rekindle fans’ passion for America’s Pastime through affordable access to their favorite players. Their 2021 lineup proved no exception in keeping the hobby booming during these challenging times.

2021 PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Prizm baseball card set was released on October 13, 2021 and contains base cards, parallels, inserts and autograph/memorabilia cards of current Major League Baseball players. The Prizm line has become one of the most popular and valuable modern card sets released each year by Topps due to the innovative card designs, attractive parallels and limited print runs which drive strong collector demand.

The 2021 Prizm set base cards feature vibrant player portraits on a prismatic spectrum backdrop. Each base card contains the player’s name, team, position and MLB stats. The checklist includes all major leaguers as well as some top prospects. Top rookies to collect include Wander Franco, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson and more. Veteran stars like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr. are also highly sought after cards. The base set contains a total of 330 cards.

Topps Prizm parallels offer collectors alternative card designs and limited print runs to chase after. In 2021, the parallels included:

Silver Prizm (1:5 packs) – Features a silver spectrum backdrop.

Violet Prizm (1:10 packs) – Bright violet spectrum design.

Green Prizm (1:15 packs) – Vibrant green spectrum.

Orange Prizm (1:20 packs) – Eye-catching orange spectrum.

Gold Prizm (1:50 packs) – Highly rated yellow gold spectrum.

Black Prizm (1:100 packs) – Extremely rare black color spectrum.

In addition to the base parallels, Topps also included Red, White and Blue parallel sets numbered to /76, /25 and /5 respectively to commemorate Independence Day. These ultra short prints command huge premiums in the secondary market.

Topps Prizm inserts in 2021 paid tribute to milestone accomplishments and fan favorite players. Some of the most popular included:

Leaders – Honors the top statistical performers at each position.

League Leaders – Highlights batting/ERA champions from the previous season.

Top 100 – Showcases the best active players as voted by fans.

Rookie Fab 5 – Features the top 5 prized prospects.

Franchise Favorites – Pays homage to legendary players of the past.

Moments Immortalized – Celebrates iconic pivotal performances.

Top rookies and stars graced many of these popular inserts as collectors coveted cards highlighting their achievements. Independent grading companies like PSA and BGS also enhanced certain parallels and inserts, making mint condition specimens even more valuable.

Perhaps the most coveted Prizm cards each year are the autographs and memorabilia cards due to their exclusive one-of-one nature. In 2021, Topps offered several exciting autographed and memorabilia focused parallels:

Auto Prizms – Low serialized autos on-card or sticker of biggest names.

Stars & Stripes Jersey Cards – Independence Day jersey cards numbered to 5.

2021 ASG Jersey & Patch Cards – All-Star Game authentics from Midsummer Classic.

American Flag Patch Cards – Authentic cloth flag patches of MLB stars.

Material Marks Swatches – Game-used memorabilia bat and ball relic cards.

Pulling a Topps Prizm auto or relic of franchise cornerstones like Trout, Acuna Jr., Soto, Guerrero Jr. or Tatis Jr. could net collectors thousands based on current market values. The extraordinary rarity and quality of these cards fuel rabid demand among serious collectors.

The 2021 Topps Prizm baseball card set delivered another stunning showcase of today’s top MLB stars through flashy base cards, striking parallels and nostalgic inserts. Low print specialty parallel varieties and autographed/memorabilia cards injected scarcity and excitement into the product. Thanks to these highly coveted aspects of the release, Prizm remains one of the most valuable and revered modern issues year after year. As players careers progress and new milestones are reached, 2021 Prizm cards are sure gain even more prominence and significance in the collections of both casual fans and long term investors alike.

2021 DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Diamond Kings baseball card set from Topps was released in January 2021 as the flagship issue commemorating the 2020 MLB season. As the main baseball card release each year from Topps, Diamond Kings cards holds value for collectors due to the brand recognition, photo quality, and inclusion of the sport’s biggest stars. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the factors that determine the value of individual cards from the 2021 Diamond Kings set and how certain parallels and chase cards can be quite valuable.

To start, the base Diamond Kings cards are the standard issue cards that make up the bulk of any factory sealed wax box or hobby packs. For the 2021 series, the base cards hold a retail value of around $0.25 to $1 depending on the player featured. Rookie cards or stars will generally be on the higher end, while role players on the lower. In near mint to mint condition straight out of the pack, base cards don’t carry huge values. They are essential for set building and still desired by all levels of collectors.

When it comes to parallels and short printed cards, this is where values start to significantly increase compared to the common base cards. Some of the most coveted inserts in the 2021 Diamond Kings set were the Spectra parallels, which featured elaborate refractive techniques and serial numbering between /99 to /10 copies. Big name Spectra rookies like Wander Franco and Bobby Witt Jr. regularly sell in the $50-150 range even for higher serial numbers. Lower serial versions under /25 have reached up to $500 at auction.

Other valuable parallels included the Gold (/50), Black (/10), and Mini (/5) parallels which carried premium glossy photo stock and serial numbering. Key Gold rookies can sell in the $25-75 range depending on player and numbering. Black parallels escalate values further to $100-300, while true 1/1 Mini parallels for star players shatter records, with examples bringing over $1,000 with aggressive bidding.

Perhaps the most highly sought after inserts in 2021 Diamond Kings were the 1/1 Autograph Memorabilia cards, which paired exquisite game used memorabilia with on-card autographs. Examples featuring substantial uniform swatches or autographs of the game’s premier stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are the true holy grails that can achieve prices into the tens of thousands of dollars. Even mint rookie autographs on these mammoth 1/1 parallel scratches can garner four-figure sums.

Another category of short prints that hold immense value are the rainbow foil Borderline parallels found one per case. These hyper-rare versions featuring vibrant foiling overtop the regular photo have become desired trophies for high-end collectors. Recent sales of prominent names on the Borderline parallel include a Wander Franco that sold for $2,500 and a Bobby Witt Jr. that exceeded $3,000. Understandably, obtaining these near impossible to find parallels is akin to unlocking the pinnacle achievement in a baseball card release.

When analyzing specific 2021 Diamond Kings player cards that have maintained or increased in resale value since release, the obvious choices are the top performing rookies from the season such as AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena and National League batting champion Juan Soto. Rookie phenoms like Wander Franco and Bobby Witt Jr. who saw limited MLB action but endless hype have kept a strong hold on their early values better than expected given they have yet to truly breakout. Franco’s 1st Bowman Chrome autos from 2019 that carried just a $100 price tag are now trading around $700-1,000 raw.

While 2021 Topps Diamond Kings base cards don’t carry a huge individual dollar value, there remains strong collector demand for set building and holding franchises from the coveted brand. Parallels, short prints, rare serial numbered inserts and 1/1 parallel autographed memorabilia cards represent the true pinnacle chase aspect and where significant valuation is found, especially for star players. Rookie phenoms and performances further elevate specific player cards beyond the regular increase of star studded issues over time in the collecting marketplace. As one of the marquee modern baseball releases each year, Diamond Kings will remain a staple for investors, enthusiasts, and casual collectors for decades to come.

MOSAIC BASEBALL 2021 BEST CARDS

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Topps’ Mosaic baseball card product has become one of the most popular modern card inserts in recent years since its introduction in 2019. While 2020 brought some criticism of Topps for overproducing certain parallels, the 2021 edition of Mosaic found the right balance of scarcity and excitement to create some truly iconic rookie cards and chase inserts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable Mosaic baseball cards from the 2021 release.

Wander Franco Silver Prizm Refractor (1/1) – Undoubtedly the crown jewel of 2021 Mosaic is the one-of-one Silver Prizm Refractor of Rays phenom Wander Franco. Pulling this ultra-rare parallel was akin to winning the lottery for whoever landed this legendary rookie card. Franco had one of the most hyped debut seasons in recent memory and this 1/1 encapsulates his star power. Secondary market comps have seen asking prices well into the five-figure range, reflecting Franco’s status as a true superstar in the making and the extreme scarcity of this parallel.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Violet Prizm Refractor (2/5) – Not far behind the Franco 1/1 in terms of prestige and value is this Guerrero Jr. Violet Prizmparallel that was limited to a print run of just five copies. Guerrero broke out in a huge way in 2021 while cementing his place as one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His on-card autograph combined with the rarity of this parallel make it one of the crown jewels of any high-end MLB card PC. Last secondary market sale comp was nearly $10,000, a testament to how coveted any low-numbered Guerrero Jr. relic or auto has become.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Green Ice Prizm Auto (/10) – As the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise and one of MLB’s biggest stars, any low-numbered Acuña card is bound to generate buzz. This Green Ice Prizm parallel checks all the boxes – on-card auto, eye-popping color match, and print run of only 10 copies worldwide. Acuña’s return from injury lent even more excitement to his 2021 campaign. This specific card highlights how Topps can craft truly one-of-a-kind memorabilia with selective parallels and scarce print runs. Comps in the $5,000+ range reflect its coveted status.

Shohei Ohtani Purple Ice Prizm Auto (/10) – The two-way Japanesephenom Ohtani put together one of the most incredible individual seasons in baseball history in 2021. Any prized Ohtani rookie or star relic from ’21 holds tremendous cachet, and this ultra-low Purple Ice parallel auto takes the cake. With its regal color, guaranteed on-card auto, and print run under a dozen copies, it epitomizes the chase and excitement of high-end modern card inserts. Ohtani mania shows no signs of slowing, keeping comps for prestigious pieces like this over $4,000 consistently.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Green Wave Prizm Auto (/35) – Tatis has quickly become one of the faces of MLB and a true five-tool superstar, making any hits of his amongst the most sought-after modern cards. This Green Wave Prizm Auto parallel was limited to a print run of 35 copies, accentuating its cachet. Tatis’ monster ’21 season where he led the league in home runs and showed off jaw-dropping defense reminded everyone why he is poised for continued superstardom. Comps have ranged up to $3,500+ reflecting his star power and the desirability of owning such an exclusive piece of his collection.

Spencer Torkelson Gold Wave Prizm Auto (/10) – While the Tigers’ top prospect hasn’t debuted yet, Torkelson’s stock remains sky high as one of the game’s most polished collegiate bats to enter the draft in years. This coveted short print parallel auto speaks to that. Its regal Gold Wave coloring, guaranteed auto, and microscopic print run of 10 copies worldwide stirred fervor amongst collectors. With enormous hype continuing to build for Torkelson’s debut in 2022, cards like this secure his place as a true franchise cornerstone for Detroit and one of the most desirable rookie cards on the market today.

Luis Robert Orange Ice Prizm Auto (/25) – After a torrid rookie campaign that saw him finish 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting, Robert looks primed for stardom as a young centerpiece for the White Sox. This Orange Ice parallel auto certainly corroborates his high-end prospect status. With a print run of 25, impressive coloring, and on-card signature, it checks all the boxes of a true statement piece card. Robert’s five-tool skillset and youth point to continued all-star caliber production, keeping this type of premiere card firmly in demand on the growing Robert collecting landscape. Comps have ranged up to $2,000.

Nolan Arenado Green /50 – One of the game’s most surefire Hall of Fame talents, Arenado has been a perennial MVP candidate and offensive/defensive force for Colorado. This exclusive Green parallel highlights how Mosaic can craft truly iconic cards for established legends too. Limited to 50 copies, it’s a true one-of-a-kind collectible for any serious Arenado PC. His pedigree and guaranteed HOF enshrinement ensures such rare Arenado relics hold value as long as he’s in the bigs. Comps have cracked $1,500 for this ultra-rare parallel.

In conclusion, Topps’ 2021 Mosaic release hit all the right notes in crafting some truly “once in a lifetime” parallel cards and one-of-one gems through its scarcity, on-card autos, and vibrant parallels. This combination created hallmark pieces for burgeoning stars like Franco, Tatis, and Robert as well as established talents like Acuña, Guerrero Jr., and Arenado. With the enduring popularity and chase for Mosaic inserts showing no signs of slowing, these flagship 2021 cards will surely stand the test of time as defining artifacts in the collections of savvy modern baseball card investors.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY FROM 2021

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Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, with some rare vintage cards fetching millions of dollars at auction. Even modern baseball cards from recent years can hold significant value, especially for rookie cards of star players who go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The baseball card market saw record high prices in 2021, as interest in the hobby surged during the pandemic. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards from 2021 that collectors should be on the lookout for.

Shohei Ohtani 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card (#161)

The Shohei Ohtani rookie card boom continued into 2021, as the Japanese two-way star cemented his status as a true unicorn in baseball. Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel is one of the hottest modern rookie cards on the market. Fresh PSA 10 gem mint examples were selling for over $1000 last year, with the price steadily increasing. Ohtani had another incredible season in 2021 that only added to the hype around his rookie card. This is likely one of the best long-term investments a collector could make, as Ohtani is still young at 27 and could end up as one of the all-time greats. Graded examples are expected to continue appreciating in value for many years.

Wander Franco 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor Rookie Card (#331)

Wander Franco had a phenomenal rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 that immediately put him on the map as a superstar. The hype around his rookie cards was immense, with the Topps Chrome refractor parallel being the most coveted. Pristine PSA 10 copies were selling for well over $1000 last year, a staggering price for a card from a player’s first season. Franco is considered a “once in a generation” type of talent and is poised for a likely Hall of Fame career. His rookie cards hold Brian Gwynn-like potential and are a can’t-miss addition for any collection. With Franco still just 20 years old, these cards have nowhere to go but up in value long-term.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in July 2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. was playing like an MVP and looked primed for another All-Star campaign. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year already has two Silver Sluggers under his belt at just 23 years old. While the injury slowed his progress, most still believe Acuña will return to superstar form. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels remain some of the most coveted modern cards. Fresh PSA 10 copies were selling in the $800-1000 range last year. With Acuña’s young age and high ceiling, these cards hold great long-term appreciation potential if he gets back to full health and resumes his ascent up the career leaderboards.

Juan Soto 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

At just 22 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. The 2019 NL batting champion made his second All-Star team in 2021 and continues putting up video game numbers. Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels were white hot in the collectibles market last season. Pristine PSA 10 copies were commanding well over $1000 due to his superstar status and incredibly bright future ahead. He hasn’t even reached his prime yet. Soto is arguably the safest modern investment a collector can make, as barring injury, he seems destined for a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame career. These cards are sure to appreciate significantly with time.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

After a breakout 2020 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took his game to an even higher level in 2021. At just 22 years old, he’s already one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. Guerrero’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels exploded in popularity and price last year. PSA 10 gems were selling for $800-1000 due to his budding superstardom. Like Soto, Guerrero seems poised for a Hall of Fame career if he stays healthy. His rookie cards hold tremendous blue chip potential for long-term collectors. With Guerrero still so young, the best is likely still ahead of him on the field – and for the value of his coveted rookie cardboard.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

When healthy, Fernando Tatis Jr. is arguably the most exciting player in baseball. The 22-year old phenom was having an MVP caliber season in 2021 before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the second half. Tatis’ star power is off the charts, making his 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels some of the most sought-after modern cards. Pristine PSA 10 copies were selling for well over $1000 last season. While injuries are a concern, a healthy Tatis has a chance to go down as one of the all-time greats when his career is over. His rookie cards hold immense long-term potential and make for a solid long-term investment holding for any collector.

While vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s will always be the most valuable in the hobby, modern cards can also net collectors a substantial return – especially for the rookies of budding superstars. The cards highlighted above feature some of the brightest young talents in baseball today who have Hall of Fame upside. With the massive growth of the sports card market in 2021, these cards established themselves as the new blue chip rookies for savvy collectors to target. With the players still early in their careers, these cards have significant room for future appreciation as their careers progress.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SETS

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The 2021 Topps baseball card season saw the release of several highly anticipated complete card sets from the hobby’s leading brand. After an unprecedented season in 2020 that saw interest in trading cards explode, collectors were excited to add the latest Topps releases to their collections. The flagship Topps Series 1 set as well as special themed sets like Heritage, Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter delivered premium cardboard for all levels of collectors.

Topps Series 1 is the standard bearer for modern baseball cards each year, featuring every MLB player in the league on base rookie cards. The 2021 version contained 382 total cards and checklist highlights included prized rookies like Randy Arozarena, Alec Bohm, Dustin May and Shane Bieber. Veteran stars featured prominently as well, with cover athletes Fernando Tatis Jr. and Mookie Betts among the most sought after veteran cards. As with every year, parallel and autograph card variations added to the excitement of pulling premium hits from packs. Topps Chrome also returned with its super shiny refractors of the same Series 1 designs.

Heritage High Number brought back retro styling for the second half of the season with a 1951-style design layout. Containing 196 total cards, the set focused on players who didn’t make the main Heritage roster cut. Notable rookies included Ke’Bryan Hayes, Cristian Javier and James Kaprielian. Parallels and autographs brought the vintage aesthetic to life in foil and on-card signed formats. The accompanying Heritage Minors set delved further into minor leaguers, international signees and draft picks with an eye catching uniform design approach.

Stadium Club remained one of the most exquisite modern issues with intricate photography, shiny foil stamping and elegant parallels. Rather than checklists, each card told a short bio of the player in addition to stats. Serial-numbered parallels and autographed editions amplified the premium product feel. Allen & Ginter’s varied checklist as always drew from the world of sports and beyond with inserts honoring everything from movies to Asian player profiles. die-cut parallels like “Ginter Glass” inserts took shapes beyond the standard card borders.

Perhaps the most unique 2021 Topps set arrived in the form of Archives Snapshot. Structured like a photo album out of cardboard, each “page” contained snapshot style closer looks at key MLB seasons, events or records from history. Thread-stitched binding added to the authentic aesthetic achieving with each package containing 10 pages and subject matter varying widely.

Topps Transcendent football introduced rare 1/1 autograph cards crafted from exotic materials like emerald, amethyst and others often encrusted in precious gems. The transcendent treatments were incorporated into baseball as well for the first time, with specimens cards featuring current star autographs with dazzling backgrounds made from rubies, sapphires and more. With editions numbers of /10 or less, these ultra-premium autograph treasures instantly became among the rarest and most sought after modern baseball cards available.

Of course, the flagship meat-and-potatoes checklist Topps flagship release was also joined by Allen & Ginter, Stadium Club, Chrome and Series 2 as the season progressed. By year’s end, collectors had an enormous selection of premium baseball card options to choose from covering every demand from budget breaking autographs to entry level sets. With interest at unprecedented levels, Topps completed one of its most impactful years as the leading brand in the sports card market. As interest and demand show no signs of slowing with the NFT and authentication fueled boom, 2022 is sure to be another monster year for the Topps’ baseball card lineup and the hobby as a whole.

This in-depth look at 2021 Topps complete baseball card sets showed how the brand delivered high-end products to enthusiasts at every level through its various September and postseason issues. From flagship to specialized sets like Heritage, Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter to one-of-a-kind treasures in Transcendent, Topps baseball fulfilled collector appetites across the board. Modern parallels, inserts, autographs and one-of-ones took sets premium while retro flavored designs delivered nostalgia. As demand grows through emerging marketplace shifts, Topps remains baseball card king with offerings enthralling both casual and hardcore hobbyists alike. Another monster year seems destined as interest continues its unprecedented boom.

2021 PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2021 Prizm baseball set was one of the more hyped releases of the year for sports card collectors. While 2020 saw the pandemic pause much of the sports world, 2021 saw a return to normalcy that reignited interest in the hobby. Prizm has consistently been one of the hottest brands in modern sports cards due to its flashy designs and parallel variants that give collectors plenty of chase cards to hunt. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2021 Prizm baseball set that are worth keeping an eye on and could earn you some money down the road.

Rookies are often the best long term investments in modern card sets since early career cards of future stars tend to appreciate the most. The headliner rookie in 2021 Prizm was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a true five-tool player and future superstar, Franco’s prizm rookie cards have unsurprisingly been some of the set’s most sought after. The standard Franco rookie is still readily available but could be a solid hold. Low serial number parallels like white prizm, orange prizm, and especially red prizm could really take off in value if Franco lives up to the hype. Another top rookie to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While not as heralded as Franco coming into the season, Rodriguez’s monster season has turned him into a rising star. His prizm rookies have jumped in price and grading well could yield a nice return. Keep an eye also on rookies of Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Bryson Stott (Phillies), and Adley Rutschman (Orioles) as they continue to develop.

While rookies get most of the attention, stars and short prints can be very valuable as well. Anything featuring LA Dodgers star Mookie Betts, SF Giants slugger Brandon Belt, or Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. will hold value long term. Parallels like white, orange, green, and pink prizm of established stars always have collector demand. Perhaps the biggest star card in the set though is a pink prizm parallel of Shohei Ohtani numbered to /10 copies. Very few of these ultra-short printed cards of the two-way Angels phenom have hit the market. Grading a gem mint copy could yield a sale in the thousands of dollars given Ohtani’s status. Base cards of franchise legends like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Albert Pujols will also maintain value in high grades as collectors look to build sets of all-time greats.

Speaking of parallels, there are always steady gains to be had by pulling low numbered prizm variations. The odds on these can be as low as 1:3 packs for some colors. White prizms (/399), orange prizms (/249), and especially green (/99), pink (/75), and red prizms (/10) hold fantastic long term potential if they feature stars, rookies, or serial numbers under /50. Top rookies like Franco and Rodriguez in short printed colors could be true jewels. Even base stars in these ultra-short prints are very collectible. Beyond base prizm parallels, the box topper memorabilia cards also come in a wide array of colors and serial numbers. Low numbered auto or memorabilia cards of top names will retain value as authenticated game used pieces. The 1/1 printing plate parallels that come one per case are the true crown jewels though and could net you thousands depending on the player featured.

Condition is always important when evaluating the value of sports cards long term. Cards that grade gem mint 10 with PSA or BGS bring huge premiums. This is why it’s worthwhile to consider sending in higher end hits for professional grading once the market settles post-release. Properly stored in tamper-proof holders, graded cards maintain their condition verifiably. While raw ungraded cards still have collectors, graded gems hold multifold value. Anything noteworthy pulled from 2021 Prizm like the short printed parallel big rookies or stars mentioned above would be solid submissions. A PSA 10 red prizm Franco for example could net a huge profit down the line.

While 2021 Prizm Baseball hobby boxes were expensive upon release, savvy collectors who pulled the right short printed parallels, rookie gems, or memorabilia hits could have valuable long term holdings. Anything featuring superstars like Ohtani, Trout, or top prospects like Franco, Witt Jr. that grade well have great potential to appreciate nicely down the road. Continued success from the big name rookies will only drive more collector demand for their prized rookie cards in the years ahead too. By holding elite 2021 Prizm pulls in a graded collection, patient investors stand to profit handsomely.

2021 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the strong rookie class headlined by prospects like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Ryley Mckay. Panini Prizm is considered the premier modern baseball card brand known for its flashy refractors and parallels that drive collector interest. The 2021 edition did not disappoint in showcasing the future stars of MLB on its iconic colorful cardboard.

Some of the top rookies from the 2021 Draft class like Jordan Lawlar, Termarr Johnson, and Jack Leiter were all well represented in the Prizm set with their first professional cards. Lawlar, who was drafted #1 overall by the Diamondbacks, has several of his parallels already selling in the $100+ range on the secondary market. Termarr Johnson, a high school shortstop drafted by the Pirates, also has several of his rare refractors commanding 3-figure prices.

Rookies from the 2020 Draft class like Nick Gonzales, Reid Detmers, and Emerson Hancock received their first mainstream releases in Prizm as well. Gonzales, the 7th overall pick by the Pirates in 2020, has seen steady increases in his card values as he continues to impress in the minors. His Prizm Orange parallels have recently sold for over $150 on auction sites like eBay. Hancock, drafted #6 overall in 2020 by the Mariners, also has some of his rare Prizm refractors trading hands above $100.

Of course, the biggest names driving interest in 2021 Prizm Baseball are the star prospects that made their MLB debuts this season like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Ryley Mckay. Rodriguez, in particular, became a breakout star for the Mariners and quickly established himself as one of the top young players in baseball. His rookie cards across all brands have exploded in value as a result. Even his common Prizm base rookie cards now sell in the $20-30 range, up substantially from release prices under $10.

Witt Jr., the #2 overall pick in the 2019 Draft by the Royals, also had a strong MLB debut after being called up in May. His dazzling plays at shortstop generated buzz and highlights that translated to increased card values. Several of his rare Prizm parallels like the Orange /249 parallel and Green /99 parallel have sold for $300-400 each online since his debut. His on-field success validates the hype surrounding him as one of the game’s best prospects.

Ryley Mckay was another top pitching prospect to make his MLB debut in 2021 with the Cubs. While he struggled at times in his first exposure to the big leagues, collectors remain bullish on his long-term potential. His Prizm rookie cards still trade in the $15-25 range on the secondary market. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, his card values could rise substantially with improved MLB performances.

Beyond the headliners, 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball also featured the debut cards of several other notable rookies like Hunter Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Cade Cavalli, and Brennan Davis among others. Greene, the top pitching prospect in the Reds system, has generated strong collector interest in his cards despite missing most of 2021 due to injury. His Prizm rookie refractors have sold for $50-75 each online. Torkelson, the top overall pick in 2020 by the Tigers, also remains one of the most sought-after rookies in the set as he looks to make more strides in 2022.

In addition to the base Prizm rookie cards, collectors eagerly chased the numerous parallels and short prints available in the 2021 release. Popular parallels like Orange /249, Green /99, and Purple /50 provided alternate color versions of the top rookies. Refractors took things up a notch with their eye-catching color-shifting effects. The ultra-rare Black 1/1 parallels and Gold /10 versions created a thrill for anyone lucky enough to pull them. On the secondary market, these scarce parallels command premium prices far above the base cards.

The 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball set delivered phenomenally for collectors with its showcase of the best prospects entering MLB. Strong rookie campaigns by Rodriguez, Witt Jr., and others have only amplified collector enthusiasm for this release. With many of these rookies still having plenty of upside remaining in their careers, their Prizm rookie cards could appreciate steadily for years to come as their on-field success continues. For investors and fans alike, 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball proved to be a memorable year for the hobby.

TOP BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 2021

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The 2021 Major League Baseball season gave rise to several star rookies who are poised to have fantastic careers. Many collectors were eager to get their hands on rookie cards featuring these new talented players as they began to make a name for themselves in the big leagues. While it’s still early and careers can evolve in unexpected ways, here are some of the top MLB rookie cards from 2021 that seemed like wise investments based on early player performance and hype.

Rookie of the Year Shane Bieber threw for a 3.24 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 90.2 innings in his first full MLB season with the Cleveland Guardians in 2021. As the AL Cy Young winner in 2020, big things were expected of Bieber and he largely delivered. His 2021 Topps Chromachrome rookie card quickly became a hot commodity, with PSA 10 gem mint copies selling for over $300. While prices have come down some from the initial hype, it remains one of the most coveted rookie cards from last year. Collectors are betting Bieber will continue developing into an elite starter for years to come.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco only played in 70 games in 2021 but set the rookie record with a 43-game on-base streak and finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. The hype around the 20-year-old was already immense given his status as the number one international prospect ever when signed by the Rays. Franco’s 2021 Topps Chrome Superfractor rookie 1/1 is the crown jewel among his rookie cards, with PSA 10 editions selling for upwards of $20,000. Even base Topps Chrome rookie cards in mint condition have sold for over $1000 based on Franco’s incredible franchise player potential.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was arguably the breakout star of the 2021 rookie class. Although he only played in 89 games, Rodriguez slashed .284/.351/.480 with 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases in his age-21 season. Showcasing five-tool star upside already, Rodriguez’ cards saw explosive price growth throughout the year. His Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells in the $2000 range now after initially being around $100-200 upon release. Even base Topps Chrome rookie cards Grade PSA 10 command well over $500 with Rodriguez looking like a true centerpiece for the up-and-coming Mariners.

Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia was solid as the team’s number two starter in 2021, going 11-8 with a 3.30 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 155.1 innings at age 23. Garcia’s success has made his rookie cards steadily increase in value throughout his first full season. Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10s now sell for around $600-800 after initially being in the $50-100 range. Base Topps Chrome rookie PSA 10s have also seen impressive growth from under $20 to the $150-250 range currently. Garcia gives every indication he will be a rock in Houston’s rotation for years.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah burst onto the scene in 2021, anchoring the rotation with a 9-2 record and 3.22 ERA in 23 games (20 starts). The 24-year-old was nails down the stretch with a 1.69 ERA in nine September starts. Manoah brought electricity to every outing with his 6’6 frame and upper-90s heat. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 sells around $400-500 now after a slow initial release. Even base Topps Chrome PSA 10 rookies have grown to $75-150 range averages based on Manoah looking primed to develop into an ace.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene proved he was worth the hype as the fifth overall 2019 draft pick by slashing .301/.359/.463 in 45 Triple-A games before his late-season MLB debut. The 21-year-old flashed five-tool promise and will likely be a fixture atop Detroit’s order for years. Greene’s Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells around $400 now after initially being under $100 upon release. Topps Chrome base rookie PSA 10s have grown from under $20 to the $100-150 range on optimism for Greene’s star power.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz dazzled with a 2.03 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 31.2 Triple-A innings before making his MLB debut in 2021. The 22-year-old showcased mid-90s heat with plus breaking stuff. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 has settled in the $350-450 range after some early volatility. Baz seems poised for a prominent role in the Tampa rotation in 2022 and raises the ceiling of an already loaded farm system.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson took a step forward in his second season, slashing .266/.344/.437 with 20 home runs at age 22. While not a rookie anymore, collectors still sought Carlson’s rookie cards given his continued development. His 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells for around $200-250 based on Carlson looking ready for stardom now anchoring the Cards’ outfield.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Brice Turang was considered one of baseball’s top prospects and showed well in 32 MLB games, slashing .221/.278/.281 in limited playing time at age 21. Turang flashed elite defense at short and gives Milwaukee a long-term solution at the position. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 sells in the $200-300 range based on belief in Turang blossoming into an all-around star.

The 2021 rookie class featured several electric performers who immediately demonstrated they belong in the big leagues. Franco, Rodriguez and Manoah in particular look poised for superstardom while others such as Garcia, Baz, Greene and Carlson have All-Star upside. Collectors jumped at the chance to obtain premium rookie cards from this talented crop. While careers can still evolve unexpectedly, these stand out as some of the smartest rookie card investments from the 2021 MLB season based on early performance and long-term potential.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The collectibles market saw record prices in 2021, especially for vintage baseball cards. As interest in sports memorabilia and nostalgia grew, the highest prices ever were paid for some of the rarest and most coveted cards. While individual cards can sell for astronomical sums, there were a handful that truly stood out in terms of the record-breaking prices they achieved last year.

The top spot for the most expensive baseball card sold in 2021 goes to a Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1952. This PSA Gem Mint 10 graded example, considered the finest known of the legendary New York Yankee player’s debut card, sold for $12.6 million through Heritage Auctions in January. Not only is it the highest price ever paid for a Mantle rookie, it set the overall record for the most expensive trading card ever sold. What makes it so desirable is the perfect condition, iconic subject matter of “The Commerce Comet” who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and the scarcity of high-grade Mantle rookiesremaining in existence decades after the set was originally printed.

Another impeccable rookie card that set a new benchmark was a Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor parallel card that auctioned off for $3.93 million through Goldin Auctions in July. Graded PSA GEM MT 10, it is one of just five Trout Supers known to exist and captured during his breakout season as a phenom for the Los Angeles Angels. As one of the best active MLB players, Trout’s cards have surged in parallel with his on-field success and fame, making this rare parallel version highly valuable for serious card collectors.

For fans of a slightly older generation, an exceptional Willie Mays rookie card from 1952 topped $5.2 million when it crossed the auction block at Heritage in August. Considered the finest-known of the Say Hey Kid’s debut Bowman issue, its PSA Authentication label graded the fragile 68-year-old cardboard a pristine Mint 9. Along with Mantle, Mays is widely viewed as one of the all-time best five-tool players and this trophy card represents the start of an incredible Hall of Fame career spanning four decades.

One of the most iconic cards in the hobby achieved a new pinnacle in 2021 – a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, one of the approximately 60 high-grade examples known to exist of the sport’s most coveted collectible. In October, a PSA EX-MT 5 Wagner sold for $6.6 million through Goldin Auctions, setting a fresh standard for the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards” and surpassing its previous public auction record. The Wagner continues to be the holy grail for card collectors since its limited production over 100 years ago and iconic subject as one of the early game’s all-time greats with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Vintage cards again topped spenders’ lists as a 1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson in PSA Authentic grade achieved $2.8 million in a June sale held by Robert Edward Auctions. One of the most dominant pitchers who dominated batters through the Deadball Era with a blazing fastball, “The Big Train’s” rare early tobacco card captured the start of a career that would lead him to the MLB wins record at the time of his retirement in 1927. Just a couple high-grade examples are known to exist of “Johnson’s first card”, accounting for its immense rarity and value amongst early 20th century baseball collectibles.

Rounding out the uppermost peaks, a 2003 Bowman Draft Chrome PSA 10 Blue Refractor parallel of future superstar David Ortiz sold for $1.32 million through Goldin Auctions in July. Among the most coveted of Ortiz’s early prospect cards, this flashy Chrome Blue Refractor captured “Big Papi” on the brink of his breakout with the Minnesota Twins organization before becoming a Red Sox icon. With over 500 career home runs mainly in a Boston uniform, memories of Ortiz’s clutch hits in their 2004 and 2007 World Series victories help fuel interest in high-end copies of his scarce draft issue.

In summary, 2021 witnessed record-shattering prices for some of the all-time finest examples of rare vintage cards highlighting Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Honus Wagner, and Walter Johnson. Younger stars like Mike Trout and David Ortiz also had watershed cards attract immense bids. As the collectibles economy flourished and more deep-pocketed enthusiasts entered the market, it drove values of iconic baseball memorabilia to unprecedented heights. While macroeconomic uncertainties of 2022 may bring some volatility, these landmark cards now stand as true blue-chip investments for wealthy collectors.