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TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS AARON JUDGE

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Aaron Judge has rapidly become one of the most popular and collectible players in baseball since his breakout rookie season with the New York Yankees in 2017. Not surprisingly, cards featuring Judge have been some of the hottest selling and most sought after on the sports card market in recent years. Topps baseball cards have capitalized on Judge’s surging popularity by featuring him prominently on flagship and insert sets. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most coveted and valuable Topps Aaron Judge cards that collectors scramble to find.

2017 Topps Baseball – Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#165)

Judge’s official rookie card came in the 2017 Topps series 1 checklist. As one of the standout rookies of that year, Topps gave Judge an attractive artwork photo and design. While Judge rookies were plentiful in packs initially, demand has skyrocketed. PSA 10 gem mint examples now sell for thousands on the secondary market. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8-9 condition fetch hundreds. The 2017 Topps Judge rookie is clearly the crown jewel card for any collector looking to build a Yankees/Judge PC. With his continued statistical success and cache as one of the faces of MLB, it’s doubtful values will fall much in future years.

2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Refractor (#C-165)

Parallel to the base paper rookie, Topps also included a refractor version of Judge’s debut card in their 2017 Chrome update series. Utilizing Topps’ signature “refractor” technology that causes the image to shimmer and pop when tilted, these Judge Chrome rookies took the collectibles factor to another level. They command substantial premiums over the base card, with PSA 10s now commonly $1000+ depending on recent sales. It’s one of the flashier cards to own for an elite Judge collector, and Chrome parallels tend hold value extremely well through booms and slumps alike.

2017 Topps Five Star Aaron Judge Base (#170)

Reserved for the true high-roller of the hobby, Topps Five Star is an ultra-high end insert set inserted at an extremely low rate in hobby boxes. Judge received a sharp looking base card in the 2017 checklist, with a silvery foil treatment enhancing his photo. These are the rarest and most exclusive Judge rookie variations, with a PSA 10 recently hitting over $10k. Even for avid collectors, Five Star cards are aspirational trophies more than realistic PC building goals. But they capture the extreme excitement and potential around Judge in his electrifying first steps in pinstripes.

2018 Topps Holiday Variations Aaron Judge Signature Patch (#SV-AJ)

Always trying to deliver new hits for collectors, Topps created a Christmas themed insert for their 2018 release called Holiday Variations. These short printed parallels featured festive photo variations and memorabilia inserts. Judge received a highly sought version with a signed jersey swatch. Low population PSA 10s with a sharp looking multi-color patch have commanded over $1000 in sales. It’s a unique take highlighting Judge around the holiday season that blends on-card signatures with a fun specialty design.

2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Aaron Judge Autograph (#170)

A mainstay of premium baseball card sets, Allen & Ginter is known for player autographs and ornate artwork styles. Judge’s 2019 A&G autograph features a lovely watercolor painting style paired with his John Hancock. These can be difficult to grade flawlessly with the textured signature autograph, but mint examples are certainly among the best looking Judge signed cards available. Pricing has been all over depending on condition, but a gem BGS/PSA pop would be a true centerpiece for any collection.

2020 Topps Series 2 Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil Variation (#37)

Last year Topps introduced “rainbow foil” parallels across several of their 2020 baseball sets. Judge received one of the more visually striking versions, with his portrait appearing to almost glow thanks to the iridescent treatment. Naturally short printed as all parallel cards are, these have achieved strong aftermarket values. A PSA 10 recently brought over $400, showing collectors’ continued demand for shiny new insert cards even in the COVID depressed economy of 2020. It’s an aesthetically pleasing modern parallel design that highlights the allure of “parallel” chasing.

As long as Aaron Judge stays healthy and continues racking up big offensive numbers for the Yankees, demand for his Topps rookie cards and serial numbered inserts will remain sky high. He’s established himself as one of the marquee young stars whose cards are required holdings for any completionist collector. With Topps constantly trying to one-up themselves with new hits and parallels each year, there’s no telling what other unique Aaron Judge cards may emerge. But the above options represent some of the most iconic and investment worthy so far as Judge mania shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re just starting your collection or considering adding a new trophy piece, Topps Aaron Judge cards should definitely be on your shopping list.

BASEBALL CARDS JUDGE

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The humble baseball card has evolved over the decades from a promotional insert included with chewing gum or cigarettes into a multi-billion dollar industry and serious hobby or investment. As the collecting of baseball cards grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, the need arose for knowledgeable individuals who could properly assess the condition and value of cards. These experts became known as baseball card judges.

Some of the earliest baseball card judges in the 1950s and 1960s were longtime collectors themselves who had amassed encyclopedic knowledge about the various card sets and players through years of the hobby. As the collecting boom began in the late 1980s, the role took on greater professionalism and specialization. Pioneers like Jim Beckett helped establish standards and a framework for consistently and objectively grading the physical state of cards. This brought more structure to what was still a fledgling marketplace.

The two main factors a baseball card judge must evaluate are condition and scarcity. Condition refers to the state of preservation, whether the card is creased, faded, or has flaws that detract from its appearance on a 10-point scale. Scarcity measures rarity based on known population numbers for each card issue. Certain rookie cards or stars from the early 20th century T206 and 1909-11 T206 sets exist in extremely low quantities today in top condition due to age. This scarcity commands a premium.

By the 1990s, the boom had created a demand for neutral third-party grading to bring reliability to the high-stakes market. Pioneer services like PSA and BGS revolutionized the hobby by slabbing cards in tamper-proof cases with guarantees on the grade. This allowed for instant verification and helped prevent unscrupulous sellers from overgrading their own wares. It was a major step that increased collector confidence. Today, the top two services PSA and BGS together grade millions of cards annually.

A baseball card judge with one of these services must undergo extensive training and certification to ensure consistency. Different lighting conditions, magnifying tools, and special handling are needed to properly inspect cards at high levels of scrutiny. Top grade candidates might be reviewed by multiple graders before receiving a black label gem mint 10 PSA grade, for example. An experienced judge can examine subtle printing errors, centering issues, or edge flaws invisible to the naked eye that could impact rarity.

The job requires deep familiarity with the long and intricate history of the card-producing companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer. Subtle variations in design, player photos, and production techniques across different years must be recognized. An error card could be worth far more than a standard issue. And emerging populations of unopened wax packs or factory sets discovered in attics often need to be analyzed for authenticity and assigned new population reports.

As a hobby, collecting baseball cards was once thought of as mostly a childhood pastime. But the rise of cards as serious investments transformed the role of the judge into a skilled profession. Seven-figure auction prices are now commonplace for elite vintage cards in pristine condition due to their extreme scarcity. Third-party authentication provides the structure for transparent transactions of such high values. The experts who certify condition, catch fakes, and set guiding population reports play a crucial function in the modern industry.

In an age of increased scrutiny of memorabilia, the job of a baseball card judge also involves guarding against forgeries. New scanning and forensic techniques can detect altered or reprinted cards. Population reports must be updated if newly surfaced examples are authenticated. While technology assists, the human eye and experience of a top-graded judge remains invaluable to the process of preserving the integrity of the collecting world. As more investors enter the market, their expertise will continue to be in high demand for fairly assessing these vintage cardboard investments.

The role of baseball card judging has evolved from enthusiasts with collector knowledge to a specialized field requiring extensive training and certification. By establishing standards for objectively analyzing condition and scarcity, third party experts help bring reliability and transparency to the collecting marketplace. Whether grading millions of modern issues or analyzing the rarest of 19th century treasures, their work authenticating these vintage pieces of sports history plays a crucial function for the multibillion-dollar industry. With high financial stakes involved, the trained eye and depth of knowledge of an experienced baseball card judge remains invaluable.

OLD JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The Judge baseball card series produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. from 1955 to 1967 is one of the most iconic and popular sets among collectors. The simple yet visually appealing design featuring a player’s photo alongside an illustrated “judge” scoring their stats became instantly recognizable and long-lasting. It helped elevate baseball cards from just a chewing gum promotion to genuine collectibles. today, high-grade vintage Judge cards in the hands of dedicated collectors can fetch extreme prices given their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.

The idea for the Judge set originated from Topps founder Sy Berger who wanted to create cards that provided more detailed player stats and took visual inspiration from law courts. Graphic artist Dick Perez was commissioned to design templates featuring headshots on the left with a robed “judge” character on the right holding a scroll that listed a player’s career highlights so far. This format allowed for easy comparison of veterans versus rookies. The colorful illustrations brought the otherwise text-heavy stats to vivid life in a fun, story-telling manner.

When the debut 1955 set was released, it became an instant success due to this unique style among collectors just starting to get interested in baseball cards as more than just incentives for bubble gum. They offered new visual appeal and statistical insights beyond the more basic early Topps and Bowman issues. The designs also aged very well over the decades as cleaner, bold graphics stood the test of time versus photographic cards that could more quickly look outdated. This allowed Judge to maintain popularity long after production ended.

Within the set, the most coveted and valuable vintage cards tend to be the true rookie cards of all-time great players issued before their careers took off. This includes legends like Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. Getting their cards in mint condition from such an iconic early series adds tremendous historical significance. Other scarce short-prints and error variations can also potentially fetch huge sums. One of the most famous is the 1955 Sandy Koufax card, which was accidentally printed without any statistics on the back, making it one of the rarest production mistakes in the hobby.

Beyond rookies of future Hall of Famers, the Judge sets are also known for their visual commemoratives. Starting in 1957, Topps began inserting single cards to honor milestones and achievements from the previous season, like a player’s 300th home run. These attractive artistic tribute cards enhanced collector interest beyond just standard rosters. Errors also started to pop up more frequently as production volumes increased, including missing signatures, off-center die-cuts, and missing judge illustrations. While production mistakes, these variations added desirable scarcity for advanced collectors.

The wide-ranging 14-year run saw the Judge line adapt and tweak designs to stay fresh while maintaining continuity. By the late 1950s and 1960s, photographic elements were integrated alongside the illustrative style. Colors and layouts evolved subtly each year. The enormously popular 1961 and 1962 issues are particularly praised for their bright, illustrative aesthetics. Later high-series numbers gained recognition as well from starring rookie cards of the likes of Reggie Jackson in 1967. This final set marked the end of the Judge brand before Topps transitioned to PHOTOgraphics and other photographic-based styles.

For collectors today, finding high-grade Judge cards from the earliest 1955-1957 issues in near-mint or better condition is extremely difficult. Lightly played or heavily worn examples are much more abundant and affordable for most budgets. The thin cardboard stocks were prone to bends, creases, and edge-wear even from light handling over decades. Professionally graded mint examples often sell for thousands or even tens of thousands depending on the player, due to such scarcities at top-condition levels. Intermediate years like 1960-1964 can still fetch impressive prices for 9s or mint specimens.

Regional printing variations also introduced subtle differences that keen-eyed collectors enjoy hunting. Paper colors and overall registration were not always perfectly consistent from print run to print run. Tracking down rarely seen printing varieties from specific factories further enhances set-building challenge. Of course, the hobby also unfortunately introduced forgeries and fakes of particularly valuable cards over the decades as well. Working with reputable grading services helps ensure authenticity.

In the modern era, Judge cards remain hugely popular trophies for both vintage collectors and investors. While complete common sets can be found for affordable prices, acquiring true highlights with impeccable eye appeal pushes values into the stratosphere. Top rookies, high-grade examples untampered by the passage of time, and innovative statistical tribute designs retain their ability to spark admiration and competitive bidding. The simple yet iconic illustrated judge motif endures as one of the most recognizable brands in the whole sports collectibles industry. It played a formative role in shaping baseball cards into the popular American pastime that continues engaging generations of fans today.

AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball since making his debut with the New York Yankees in 2016. The 6-foot-7 outfielder has displayed prodigious power at the plate and is a three-time All-Star with a Rookie of the Year award already under his belt. Not surprisingly, Judge’s popularity and success on the field has translated to huge interest from collectors in Aaron Judge baseball cards.

While still relatively new to the big leagues, Judge has already seen many of his rookie cards become quite valuable. One of his most iconic and sought-after rookie cards is the 2017 Topps Series 1 card. Featuring a clean photo of Judge at the plate in his Yankees road grey uniform, this basic cardboard release quickly became one of the most valuable modern rookie cards. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of this card now sell for thousands of dollars due to Judge’s immediate success and star power.

Another major Aaron Judge rookie card is the 2017 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Green Refractor Parallel card. Numbered to just 15 copies, this hyper-rare pull features Judge in his Orange Coast College uniform during his draft year. In high grades, the Green Refractor has sold at auction for over $20,000, making it one of the priciest Judge rookie cards available. The standard 2017 Bowman Chrome Draft card also holds value, with PSA 10s selling in the $500-1000 range.

While rookie cards understandably get the most attention, Aaron Judge has also seen many of his mainstream sports card releases from his early career appreciate in value. The 2017 Topps Opening Day card, for instance, has grown quite a bit in secondary market pricing relative to other modern parallels. A PSA 10 Gem Mint example of the red parallel recently sold for over $1000. Other popular Topps parallels like the Gold, Orange, and Purple versions also command four-figure prices in high grades.

Judge’s 2017 Topps Update Series card, featuring an action shot of him rounding the bases, is also a fan favorite. The standard base version has increased to around $50-75 in PSA 10 condition. Rarer parallels like the Green /99 and Gold /50 hold substantially more value, with the latter selling for over $2000 in pristine condition. Many collectors also love the photo and design used for Judge’s 2018 Topps Series 1 base card, making high-grade versions a worthwhile long-term hold.

While the majority of increased value has been seen in Judge’s rookie cards and earliest issues, some of his later mainstream releases have also started to appreciate. For instance, his 2018 Topps Update Series “All Rise” home run call variation has grown quite a bit. PSA 10 examples now sell in the $150-250 range. Judge’s 2019 Topps Series 1 card, which features a powerful head-on swing shot, has also started to increase in secondary pricing. This is likely due to continued strong play and the growing collector demand for any quality Aaron Judge cardboard.

In addition to his base Topps cards, Judge has also seen many of his popular inserts and parallels gain value over the past few years. His 2017 Topps Chrome and Bowman Sterling refractors are excellent long-term holds, with the rarer color variations holding the most potential. Judge has also received numerous prestigious insert sets over the years from Topps, including Rookie Cup, Stars of the Topps Project 2020, and All-Time Fan Favorites cards. Many of these limited print run inserts featuring special designs have increased substantially since issue.

While still in his prime, Aaron Judge already has an incredibly impressive collection of valuable baseball cards due to his quick rise to stardom. As one of the faces of MLB and the Yankees franchise, demand for Judge’s cards shows no signs of slowing. As long as he can stay healthy and productive on the field, many collectors expect his best rookie cards and early issues to continue appreciating over the long haul. Later mainstream releases like his Topps Update and Topps Series 1 cards may also start increasing at a faster rate if Judge lives up to his superstar potential. Overall, Aaron Judge cards present an excellent investment opportunity for both current collectors and those hoping to add a blue-chip modern player to their holdings.

With each new season, Aaron Judge seems to further cement his status as one of the game’s brightest young talents. As a true five-tool player, his prolific home run power is matched by his defensive prowess and elite baserunning ability. Barring any unforeseen decline, Aaron Judge has a strong chance to put together a Hall of Fame career. If he does, many of his best early cards from brands like Topps, Bowman, and Topps Chrome could end up being worth tens of thousands of dollars or more in the coming decades. For now, simply owning pristine examples of Judge’s most iconic rookie issues makes for an enticing modern baseball card speculation play.

AARON JUDGE 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Aaron Judge had one of the most historic seasons in baseball history in 2022 when he broke the American League single-season home run record. Naturally, collectors have taken a major interest in Judge’s rookie cards and cards from his record-setting season. While most of Judge’s cards from previous years have seen significant jumps in value, many collectors are most interested in how his rookie cards and 2023 Topps cards will hold up long-term.

Judge’s rookie season was in 2016 with the New York Yankees. That year, Topps released Judge’s rookie cards in both the standard Topps and Topps Chrome sets. While Judge showed promise in his rookie year, hitting 20 home runs in just 114 games, he had yet to break out as the superstar slugger he would become. As a result, Judge’s 2016 Topps rookie cards could be acquired fairly inexpensively in the years after they were released. After Judge’s 2022 AL home run record season, his rookie cards skyrocketed in value.

A PSA 10 graded version of Judge’s standard 2016 Topps rookie card recently sold for $101,000 on eBay in September 2022. Meanwhile, a PSA 10 of his rookie chrome card from the same year reached $180,000 at auction. Even raw, ungraded versions of these cards in near-mint to mint condition regularly sell for $500-1000+ on the secondary market. It’s clear that Judge’s 2022 season has taken his rookie cards to a whole new level in terms of collector demand and monetary value. With his superstar status now cemented, many believe these rookie cards have room for further appreciation as long as Judge maintains his elite play.

Of course, the cards collectors are most interested in from 2022 are Judge’s flagship Topps cards documenting his record-setting season. Judge’s base card can be found in both the standard Topps release as well as Topps Chrome. In the regular Topps set, his base card carries the number 169. Meanwhile, in Topps Chrome his base card number is 99. Both of these cards skyrocketed in demand over the course of the 2022 season as Judge approached and ultimately broke the AL home run record.

In the days and weeks after Judge set the new record with his 62nd home run, raw versions of his 2022 Topps and Topps Chrome base cards were selling for $100-200 each online. As more time has passed and Judge’s accomplishment has sunk in, the prices have continued climbing. Today, PSA 10 graded versions of his 2022 Topps and Topps Chrome base cards regularly sell for $1,000-2,000 each. Even raw, ungraded copies in near-mint to mint condition go for $300-700 depending on the marketplace.

These prices are likely only temporary, as history shows cards from record-setting seasons tend to appreciate significantly with time. For example, cards of Barry Bonds from his 2001 season when he broke the single-season home run record have increased many times over in value since first being released. The same is true of cards from Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s epic home run race in 1998. There’s no reason to believe Judge’s 2022 Topps cards won’t follow a similar long-term appreciation trajectory, especially if he maintains elite production and chase records.

In addition to his base cards, Judge has several popular inserts and parallels from 2022 Topps releases that are in high demand. His Topps Fire card has become a particularly hot commodity. In Topps Fire, Judge’s card bears the number 4 and features a photo of him swinging with a fiery background. PSA 10 versions of this card have sold for as much as $2,500. Other popular high-end parallels include his Topps Sapphire, Topps Chrome Sapphire, and Topps Chrome Black Border refractors. All of these parallel and insert cards featuring Judge from 2022 are selling for hundreds of dollars even in raw form due to the limited print runs.

Looking ahead to 2023, Topps will again feature Judge prominently across all of its baseball card products since he is undoubtedly one of the faces of MLB coming off his record-setting season. While prices for Judge’s 2023 Topps cards remain to be seen long-term, early indicators suggest they will be some of the most in-demand modern baseball cards released. His standard base card and Topps Chrome base card are sure to be hot ticket items. Select parallels and short-print variants will also capture collector attention. With continued strong play in 2023 and beyond, Aaron Judge’s 2023 Topps cards have a great shot at joining the ranks of the most valuable modern baseball cards in the hobby.

In summary, Aaron Judge’s breakout 2022 season where he set the AL home run record has taken the prices of his rookie cards and flagship Topps cards from that year to new heights. While expensive already, most experts believe they have further room for appreciation as long as Judge maintains his elite caliber of play. His 2023 Topps cards are poised to be some of the most sought-after modern issues upon release as well. Judge has truly inserted himself into the conversation as one of the premier sluggers and most collectible players in baseball card history over the last couple seasons. It will be fascinating to see how the values of his recent cards, especially those from 2022 and 2023, perform long-term.

BEST AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the most popular and well-known players in Major League Baseball. As a towering right fielder for the New York Yankees who has smashed numerous home run records, Judge’s cards are highly sought after by collectors. With his breakout 2017 Rookie of the Year season and continued dominance at the plate, here are some of the best Aaron Judge baseball cards to look out for:

2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#US266) – As Judge’s official rookie card from his record-setting debut season, the 2017 Topps Chrome holds a prestigious place in any baseball card collection. Featuring a sharp photo of Judge at the plate in his Yankees road grey uniform, this refractor parallel version adds extra pop to an already iconic rookie design. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for thousands of dollars online. Even well-centered raw copies still command over $100 due to the card’s historical significance.

2017 Topps Series 2 Aaron Judge Home Run Challenge (#156) – Topps inserted this creative card into Series 2 packs to commemorate Judge’s then-record home run pace as a rookie. It depicts an illustration of Judge towering over miniature versions of Yankee Stadium as he attempts to hit a home run over the wall. Numbered to only /2017 copies, this scarce short print captures Judge’s unprecedented power surge. Low-numbered versions are true pieces of art for superstar collectors.

2017 Topps Allen & Ginter Aaron Judge Mini Card (#86) – As one of the more visually striking designs from Judge’s rookie set, this mini card stands out from the typical baseball template. A close-up portrait of Judge dominates the asymmetrical layout, which features his name and stats engraved on the border. The premium Allen & Ginter brand and small card size make this a definite standout in any collection.

2017 Topps Stadium Club Aaron Judge Autograph (#85) – Stadium Club is renowned for its high-end photography and autograph checklist. This on-card signature of Judge captures him signing an autograph for a fan, adding a personal touch to an already prestigious rookie autograph. Numbered to just /99 copies, it’s a true 1-of-1 for any Aaron Judge PC. Gem Mint 10 examples have sold for over $2,000.

2018 Topps Five Star Aaron Judge Autograph Jersey (#172) – As one of the premier insert sets year after year, Five Star always features some of the rarest hits. This dual-relic card contains a patch of Judge’s game-worn jersey alongside his on-card autograph. Limited to only 10 copies worldwide, it’s one of the most exclusive Judge cards in existence. Numbered 1/10, this is truly a piece of history for super-collectors.

2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Refractor (#US266) – While the base version is iconic, the refractor parallel takes Judge’s rookie card to the next level. Featuring the same sharp photo but with added color pops and refractors, it’s considered the cream of the crop among rookie variations. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000 given the card’s rarity, aesthetics, and significance in Judge’s career.

2018 Topps Aaron Judge Home Run Challenge (#106) – Topps brought back this creative insert concept for Judge’s sophomore season when he was again among the MLB home run leaders. Depicting Judge towering over a stadium with a home run in mid-flight, it’s a fun artistic take to commemorate his prodigious power. Numbered to only /2018 copies like the year before, it remains a highly collectible short print.

2017 Topps Finest Aaron Judge Base (#71) – As one of the premier brands for on-card autographs and parallels, Finest always includes some of the most visually stunning designs. This base rookie card features sharp photography of Judge and foil embellishments that make it truly pop. While not quite as rare as autograph or parallel versions, it remains one of the best-looking cards from his breakout season.

2018 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Refractor (#153) – While not quite as significant as his true rookie, Judge’s sophomore Topps Chrome refractor still holds value as one of his earliest flagship parallels. Featuring dynamic action photography of Judge at bat in Yankees pinstripes, it’s considered a must-have for any Aaron Judge PC. Low-numbered examples remain quite affordable compared to other top cards.

As Aaron Judge continues cementing his status as one of baseball’s true superstars, his rookie cards will remain some of the most sought-after modern issues. For collectors looking to start an Aaron Judge PC or add a high-end hit, these represent some of the best options across his early Topps and Topps Chrome issues as well as high-end parallels and autographs. With more productive seasons still ahead, Judge’s cards stand to gain even more significance in the years to come.

1887 OLD JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1887 Old Judge tobacco cards are considered some of the most historically significant collectibles in sports memorabilia. Produced as promotional inserts in packages of Old Judge tobacco, the 1887 series was the first dedicated set of baseball cards ever produced. While other tobacco companies had included baseball related illustrations on cards prior to 1887, the Old Judge set solely featured photos of professional ballplayers and were thus truly the first baseball cards. The 1887 Old Judge set paved the way for the modern baseball card collecting hobby and holds immense value both culturally and monetarily amongst collectors.

Old Judge tobacco was manufactured by the E.C. Simmons Medicine Company based out of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1887, the company decided to include small photographic trade or baseball cards with purchasers of their Old Judge smoking tobacco product as a promotional marketing ploy. Each tobacco package would contain 1 of 125 different trading cards featuring individual headshot photos of professional ballplayers from both the National League and American Association. Most cards had no statistics or biographical information on the reverse, only advertisement copy for Old Judge tobacco. The 1887 series is considered a landmark in both sports and collectibles history as they were essentially the birth of what we now know as modern trading cards.

While tobacco companies had previously included illustrations or drawings related to baseball in their products, the 1887 Old Judge set was distinguished by solely featuring actual photos of stars like “King” Kelly, “Orator” Jim O’Rourke, and “Pony” Joe starting catcher. In total, the 125 card checklist included members of all 12 major league teams from 1887. Not all the original cards are believed to still exist today. It’s estimated that only around 60 or so of the original 125 cards are known to have survived incollector grade condition over 135 years later. In addition to rarity and condition concerns, the cards are challenged by the lack of statistics and info on the back which has hampered identification and grading over time.

The 1887 Old Judge cards are true Americana collectibles reflecting baseball’s immense popularity in the post-Civil War era. By the late 1880s, professional baseball had grown from amateur status into a major commercial industry and new pastime enjoyed nationwide. Companies like E.C. Simmons aimed to profit off this baseball mania by including player photos meant for young fans and adults alike to swap, trade, and collect. Interestingly, the 1887 set came before the establishment of modern tobacco warning labels, reflecting a much different era. While the hazards of tobacco were recognized even then, cigarettes and other smoked products were still commonly marketed toward children through premiums like the Old Judge cards.

In the ensuing decades after 1887, other tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company and American Tobacco soon began distributing their own series of baseball cards to immense popularity. These developments truly launched the golden age of tobacco premium collectibles from the late 1880s through the early 20th century. The demand was driven both by adults who enjoyed the cigarettes as well as children seeking out the enclosed treats or prizes inside packs. Despite issues around targeting minors, the companies were successful in using cards to boost tobacco sales and imprint their brands upon a new generation. The burgeoning card collecting fad also helped fuel greater interest in the on-field product of professional baseball itself.

For over a century, the exquisite 1887 Old Judge cards have maintained their iconic status. Because of their tremendous rarity, condition challenges, and status as the first ever baseball cards, examples that surface at auction continue to shatter records when they do come up for sale. In 2016, a PSA NM-MT 8 graded example of the iconic “Cap Anson” card from the set sold for an astounding $350,000 USD through auction house Goldin. More recent big auction prices for 1887 OJs include a “Dan Brouthers” that sold in 2021 for over $312,000 USD. While not all of the original 125 cards have been identified or fully represented at the highest levels, those that remain captivate imaginations as pivotal artifacts of baseball collectibles origins. Researchers continue to review archives and private holdings in hopes of one day accounting for every player and image from this groundbreaking premiere venture.

In many ways, the success of the 1887 Old Judge Tobacco card inclusion was quite fortuitous for both E.C. Simmons Co. and the greater sport of baseball itself. By putting photos of star athletes in the hands of the public, their simple marketing tactic helped spark a nationwide boom in both baseball fandom and sports collectibles. While the health impacts of tobacco were not as fully understood, the Old Judge cards as a novelty shaped a new industry and cultural phenomena. Today, these exceedingly rare cards continue to fascinate historians, researchers and collectors alike for their tremendous historical significance. As the first ever dedicated baseball cards over 135 years ago, the 1887 Old Judge set will always have a revered place at the origins of our national pastime.

AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball since debuting with the New York Yankees in 2016. The towering right fielder’s prodigious power and impressive season in 2017 where he broke the rookie home run record has made his rookie cards some of the most sought after on the baseball card market. With Judge still in the early stages of what looks to be a Hall of Fame caliber career, many collectors see his rookie cards as a prime long term investment despite the high prices they currently command on auction sites like eBay.

Judge’s rookie season in pinstripes was one for the ages as he smacked 52 home runs to shatter the rookie record of 49 set by Mark McGwire in 1987. He also played Gold Glove caliber defense in right field and finished second in American League MVP voting despite the Yankees missing the playoffs. The performance immediately elevated the 26 year old to superstardom and collector interest in his rookie cards skyrocketed. Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors from 2016, considered the key Judge rookies, started selling in the low hundreds of dollars at the beginning of 2017 but multiplied in value many times over as his season developed.

By the end of 2017 and into 2018, PSA 10 examples of Judge’s Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards were regularly commanding four figure prices, with some exceptional auctions topping $5,000. Lower graded versions still sold very well too proportionate to their condition. The surge in prices was due to a perfect storm of factors – Judge’s amazing rookie year, the rarity of high grade versions of his key cards due to light production runs in 2016, and growing demand from investors anticipating further increases in value if he sustained his success long term.

While prices dipped slightly after Judge’s stats regressed a bit in 2018 as he dealt with injuries, they rebounded strongly in 2019 as he hit over 50 home runs again and reasserted himself as a true MVP caliber player. Today, PSA 10 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome Judge rookies remain elite trophies that typically sell in the $3,000-$6,000 range. PSA 9s go for $1,500-2500. Even raw, ungraded copies in mint condition can pull in $500-1000. With each passing year that Judge continues producing at an All-Star level, his rookie cards seem to gain more cache and prestige in the eyes of collectors.

Aaron Judge’s appeal extends beyond just his on-field performance and rookie cards as well. Later base cards and parallels from Topps series 1, Topps Chrome, Bowman, etc featuring his towering frame in a Yankees uniform remain quite popular on the secondary market. Many collectors enjoy chasing these “post-rookie” Judge cards in hopes of completing rainbow sets in top grades. PSA 10 parallels like the Topps Chrome purple refractor or Topps gold foil still sell for hundreds of dollars each due to their scarcity. Even base cards in high grades have value since Judge mania shows no signs of slowing down.

In addition to his flagship rookie cards, Aaron Judge’s prospect cards have developed a strong cult following of their own in recent years. Cards like the 2015 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Orange Refractor are extremely scarce in pristine condition yet highly sought after by set builders. Recently, a PSA 10 copy sold for over $2,000 on eBay showing there is still room for growth even in Judge’s lesser known rookie issues. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect cards have also gained traction, with the base paper version now selling for $100-200 in high grades. Clearly any early issue showing Judge’s potential before he broke out continues increasing in desirability long after their initial release dates.

Perhaps the biggest indicator of just how strong demand remains for Aaron Judge collectibles is the performance of his autograph cards on eBay. Despite carrying premiums well into the thousands of dollars, his autographed rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, etc still receive dozens of bids and frenzied last minute bidding wars whenever they come up for auction. A PSA/DNA authenticated 2017 Topps Series 1 auto in gem mint condition would be expected to eclipse $5,000 with no trouble. Premium memorabilia cards like Topps Museum Collection featuring swatches of his game worn jersey consistently break the $1,000 barrier as well showing there is no shortage of diehard Judge PC builders.

As Aaron Judge continues putting up All-Star caliber seasons for the Yankees and stays on the path to a first ballot Hall of Fame career, most experts agree his cards have nowhere to go but up in value long term. Even after a small price dip, his rookies have regained lost ground showing strong underlying demand. For savvy collectors, now could be one of the last opportunities to snatch up a high grade example for under $5,000 before they potentially reach the $10,000+ range that icons like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr command. With impeccable power, a beloved franchise player persona, and a rocketing career still ahead, Aaron Judge looks poised to cement his status as a true modern baseball icon collectible for decades to come.

AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball since debuting with the New York Yankees in 2016. The 6-foot-7 outfielder has smashed MLB single-season rookie home run records and been named an All-Star in three of his first five seasons. With his towering home runs and dominant play in the Bronx, Judge has also become one of the most sought-after modern players in the baseball card collecting hobby.

Judge’s rookie cards from 2017 Topps Series 1 and 2017 Topps Series 2 are among the hottest modern rookie cards on the secondary market. In pristine gem mint condition, these flagship Aaron Judge rookie cards routinely sell for thousands of dollars online. For example, a 2017 Topps Series 1 Aaron Judge rookie card graded mint 9 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) recently sold on eBay for over $6,000. In the same PSA 9 grade, 2017 Topps Series 2 Aaron Judge rookies have also crossed the $6,000 mark. Even in lower near-mint to mint condition grades from PSA or Beckett Grading Services, these prized rookie cards still demand prices well over $1,000.

For collectors seeking truly investment-grade specimens of Judge’s rookie cards, pristine PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 10 examples can sell for mind-boggling sums. In January 2022, a PSA 10 graded 2017 Topps Series 1 Aaron Judge rookie shattered records when it sold for an astounding $2.1 million through an online auction. Just a few months later, another PSA 10 example from the same base card design brought in $1.13 million at auction. BGS Black Label 10 versions, the pinnacle authenticating grade, have also crossed the $100,000 price point before. It’s clear these impeccably preserved flagship Judge rookie cards have reached true modern icon status in the collecting world.

Beyond the standard Topps rookie cards, several other key Aaron Judge rookie variants hold significant value as well. His 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph rookie card remains one of the most iconic and valuable modern autographed cards. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $30,000, with PSA 9 copies still commanding $10,000+. Judge’s rare autographed Bowman’s Best Chrome Prospects rookie parallel in a PSA/DNA 10 recently sold for an astounding $138,000.

Other notable high-value Judge rookies include his 2017 Topps Heritage Minors rookie debuting his pro uniform ($3,000+ PSA 9), 2017 Topps Opening Day base rookie ($1,000+ PSA 9), and 2017 Topps Update base rookie ($800+ PSA 9). Even insert cards like his 2017 Topps Holiday Snowflake parallel rookie can reach $500 raw in top-graded condition. For collectors seeking autographs, signed versions of Judge’s 2017 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookie cards have sold for $1,000+ in PSA/DNA authenticated slabs as well.

Aaron Judge’s performance and star power have only increased since those early rookie years, leading to strong sustained demand for his cards across all levels of the hobby. His 2018 Topps base and insert cards remain hot commodities as well, with PSA 9 copies of flagship parallels like the Chrome, Heritage, and Update issues selling for $300-$500 each online. Autographed versions command $500+ raw.

Judge’s most recent flagship cards from 2019-2021 Topps series also hold significant collector value already. His prized 2019 Topps Update Silver Pack parallel #/70 has sold for over $1,000 PSA 9. Even base rookies from later years like 2020 Topps sell for $100+ in top grades. As Judge continues smashing home runs and milestones for the Yankees, the prices for all his modern cards are likely to keep appreciating over the long run for dedicated collectors and investors.

For the ultimate Aaron Judge cards, collectors will need to explore rarer parallels and serial numbered inserts. His ultra-short printed 2017 Topps Archives Diamond Anniversary parallel #/25 recently sold for over $6,000 raw. Serial numbered versions of cards like 2017 Topps Holiday Snowflake #/10 and 2018 Topps Opening Day #/99 have brought $1,000+ as well. Autographed memorabilia cards capturing iconic moments from Judge’s career also hold tremendous collector value.

Whether you’re a die-hard Yankees fan, modern card investor, or just appreciate one of the game’s true superstars, Aaron Judge’s impressive baseball cards will remain a must-have for any collection. As the slugger continues smashing home runs and rewriting record books, prices for even his earliest cards will likely remain sky high. With Hall of Fame caliber talent, Judge is poised to become one of the most iconic players of his generation – meaning his collectibles may be wise longterm holdings for any hobbyist portfolio.

1887 N172 OLD JUDGE CIGARETTES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1887 N172 Old Judge cigarette set is one of the most valuable and historically significant releases of tobacco-related collectibles. Produced by the American Tobacco Company and inserted randomly into packs of Old Judge cigarettes, the cards featured prominent baseball players from the late 1880s and helped popularize the relatively new sport of professional baseball across the United States. The cards were mass produced but are now exceedingly rare, with only a tiny fraction of the original print run known to have survived to the present day in collectors’ hands. Given their excellent condition and key role in baseball history, pristine examples can sell at auction for well over $1 million each.

Old Judge was one of the most prominent cigarette brands of the late 19th century, produced as American Tobacco sought to capitalize on growing tobacco consumption in the post-Civil War era. Building brand loyalty through promotional items was an early form of mainstream advertising. In 1887, the N172 set was introduced, with individual cigarette cards printed on a thick paper/cardboard substrate and measuring approximately 2.5 x 3 inches each. Each card featured a single baseball player in action along with their name and team.

There were a total of 25 cards issued in the series, profiling stars from the National League, American Association, and other prominent amateur clubs of the time. Notable inclusions were Cap Anson of the Chicago White Stockings, future Hall of Famer Tony Mullane of the Louisville Colonels, Dan Brouthers of the Buffalo Bisons, and Erastus “erasmus” Wedge of the Cleveland Blues. The cards represented some of the best known players and biggest stars of late 19th century baseball at a time when the spotlight was just beginning to shine on professional athletes.

When initially inserted into cigarette packs as intended by American Tobacco, the cards would have been a major attraction for baseball enthusiasts looking to collect profiles of their favorite players and teams. They were never intended as collectibles in their own right. Most consumers used and disposed of the cards without consideration for their future value. Surviving examples are scarce due to effective quality control measures like standardized sizes that made cards easy to tear and damage over a century ago. Environmental factors like exposure to heat, humidity, and rodents have also taken a toll.

Today, hobby experts estimate less than 200 examples might still exist across all 25 N172 cards in the set. The rarest are considered to be the cards of legendary players like Roger Connor, Tim Keefe, and Mike “King” Kelly – with perhaps only a handful known for each. Even relatively common players like Buck Ewing and Hick Carpenter could be worth six figures if in exceptional preserved quality. The finest specimens regularly break records when they cross the auction block.

In 2013, mint condition examples of Bug Holliday, Dave Orr, and Jim Whitney sold for $204,000, $231,000, and $262,000 respectively at auction. A PSA EX-MT 5/5 “Gem Mint” Roger Connor from 1887 changed hands for over $1 million in 2016. And a rare Mike “King” Kelly graded PSA NM-MT 8 sold in 2021 for an astounding $657,250. Prices have consistently risen steeply in line with growing awareness and demand from affluent collectors.

For serious paper money investors and tobacco Americana fans, owning an N172 is considered a singular achievement. They represent history through baseball’s earliest icons and the surging popularity of cigarettes at a unique moment in time. The 1887 Old Judge set is one of a handful of non-sports card releases predating the modern era that laid important groundwork. Examples changing hands for hundreds of thousands or over $1 million today illustrates how far collectibles have come since randomly tossed aside over a century past. In the eyes of the paper money community, they are national treasures deserving of preservation and display by devoted caretakers willing to pay top dollar.

The 1887 N172 Old Judge baseball card set holds immense cultural and historical significance as tobacco memorabilia, representations of professional baseball’s rising stars, and highly valuable rarities within the hobby. Despite being mass produced promotional items originally intended for brief usage and disposal, a tiny fraction have incredibly survived over 130 years to become million-dollar commodities. They connect the earliest eras of America’s pastimes to an evolving present where history commands increasingly high prices. For any aficionado of sports, tobacco Americana, or simply paper money collecting, obtaining an N172 would be considered an crowning achievement.