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MOST VALUABLE 2022 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 baseball card season marked another year of skyrocketing prices and new star rookies emerging on the scene. While companies like Topps, Bowman, and Leaf produced sets, Panini continued to hold exclusive rights to produce baseball cards with NFL and NBA player photos and logos. This included their flagship Prizm and Flawless collections.

Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2022 Panini baseball cards that have already demanded big money on the resale market. Keep in mind these prices are ever-changing as the seasons progress and certain players rise or fall in popularity and production.

Rookie Prizm Green Refractors

One of the hottest rookie card subsets each year in Panini Prizm are the Green Prizm parallels. Numbered to just 10 copies each, these hyper-rare rookies consistently fetch big bucks. Early favorites for 2022 included Reds pitcher Hunter Greene’s Green Prizm, which has already sold for over $2,000. Brewers catcher Victor Caratini also had a Green Prizm move for around $1,500. Perhaps no other rookie commanded more attention than Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. His Green Prizm skyrocketed past $5,000 and could potentially challenge six figures down the road if he continues his breakout season.

Flawless Baseball Phoenix Patch Autographs

Panini’s high-end Flawless set is known for its exquisite patch autographs, and 2022 had no shortage of six-figure hits. Many feel the true gem is a 1/1 patch card featuring Rodriguez that sold in August for a record $350,000, smashing the previous highest public Flawless baseball card sale. But others weren’t far behind. A Bobby Witt Jr. dual logo/memorabilia patch card fetched over $150,000, while a purple parallel of Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan changed hands privately for $100,000. Flawless continues to drive the ceiling higher in the modern card marketplace.

Top Rated Rookie Prizm Silver Pack Fresh Autographs

Prizm Silver Prizms number to just 99 copies and are some of the more popular rookie parallels to collect. While a graded 10 version could eventually reach $10,000+, raw “pack fresh” Silver autos have still traded for impressive sums. Reds pitchers Nick Lodolo and Connor Phillips both saw their signed Silver Prizms sell in the $3,000 range. Meanwhile, Witt’s managed to crack $5,000 before his breakout rookie campaign was underway. Even for less heralded prospects, Silvers represented opportunity – Padres shortstop Jarryd Dale’s mint signed copy made $1,200.

Base autographs of top prospects

Sometimes it pays simply to own the signed base rookie card of a top prospect before they debut. Several 2022 Panini Prizm base autos fit this mold, with many selling in the $1,000-2,000 range raw. That included Tigers catcher/first baseman Kody Clemens, Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, and Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio. Perhaps the best example was Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore – his signed base Prizm moved for around $3,000 based on his prime prospect pedigree and chance to start in St. Louis’ rotation.

Rookie Mosaic Pink Ice parallels

Like the Green Prizm refractor, Panini’s pink parallel numbered to 10 copies per rookie holds immense prestige and scarcity. Witt’s Pink Ice changed hands for $3,500 in the late spring before his call-up. Kwan’s carried a $2,000 asking price. And Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, still awaiting his MLB debut at the time, saw one list for $1,500 based on his top prospect status. All showed that the pink parallel represents a true collector’s piece, even of prospects yet to debut.

TopStars Memorabilia Patch Cards

Panini’s high-end TopStars set yields some of the flashiest MLB patch cards on the market each year. In 2022, several highly-rated veteran patches brought big bucks. A dual-colored 1/1 patch of Angels star Mike Trout sold privately for over $40,000. A rare Phillies patch of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper reached $20,000. And a dual-patch of Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moved for just under $10,000. While Trout remains king of the patch card mountain, other stars still drive the market in TopStars’ game-used fabric relics.

Flawless Four Color Patch Memorabilia Cards

Like the Phoenix patches and parallels before, Flawless’ Four Color Swatches proved their existence at the pinnacle of the hobby. An ultra-rare 1/1 four-patch marvel of Cubs star Seiya Suzuki sold for a staggering $130,000 on eBay late in the year, showcasing his enormous popularity in Japan and potential breakout campaign. Meanwhile, an on-card dual-swatch of White Sox stud Tim Anderson reached $70,000 – underscoring Anderson’s ascent among the game’s premier position players. At this level, Flawless memorabilia pushes financial boundaries to their limit.

Topps Chrome Red Refractors (Walmart Exclusive)

While Topps holds MLB’s base card license, Panini still managed to craft a coveted rookie parallel of their own in 2022 – the Walmart exclusive Topps Chrome Red refractor. Numbered to just 10 copies, these scarlet beauties ignited frenzied collecting. Witt’s Red refractor became a six-figure card at a mind-blowing $110,000 raw sale. Meanwhile, others like Reds pitcher Hunter Greene and Mariners pitcher George Kirby still brought amounts over $5,000 despite Walmart-only availability. Securing any one of these reds represented a true crowning collectors achievement.

While prices remain subject to change based on player performance, 2022 affirmed Panini’s control of the higher end market through products like Prizm, Mosaic, Flawless and Top Stars. Rookies of emerging young stars consistently drove some of the strongest recent sales. With the arrival of new prospects each year, Panini’s coveted parallels, patches and redemptive cards will likely continue setting modern record prices in both the short and long run. As MLB’s official NIL partner, Panini appears poised for further growth impacting collectors for seasons to come.

TOP PANINI BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The 2021 season saw an explosion of interest in the trading card hobby, driven in large part by Panini’s popular baseball card releases. Whether it was hot rookie cards, redemptions of star veterans, or coveted parallels and serial numbered cards, Panini delivered premium cardboard that captured collectors’ attention. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top Panini baseball cards from 2021 across various products:

Wander Franco Rated Rookie Auto (2021 Panini Donruss)
Wander Franco had one of the most hyped rookie seasons in recent memory, and his Donruss Rated Rookie autograph card was arguably the biggest chase of the year. Sporting a sharp design with die-cuts, the Franco RRA commanded big money throughout the season. BGS-graded gem mint 10 examples regularly sold for $1000+, while PSA 10s still go for well over $500 on the secondary market. Franco’s emergence as a superstar at age 20 makes this one of the defining rookie cards in modern baseball collecting.

Corey Seager GQ Green Parallel Auto /50 (2021 Panini Immaculate)
Panini’s flagship high-end release Immaculate always delivers the bling, and Corey Seager’s stunning auto parallel proved to be one of 2021’s true immaculate pieces. Printed to just 50 copies, these ultra-refractors captured Seager’s championship glow from 2020. Fresh off his NLCS and World Series MVP wins, Seager commanded top dollar, with PSA 10 examples topping out over $2000 last season. A true luxury card from a premier brand.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Flawless Patch Auto /5 (2021 Panini Flawless)
While quantity was low, quality and craftsmanship were off the charts with Tatis’s Flawless patch card. Featuring an exquisite on-shirt pinstripe swatch with serial number 013/005, this remained among the most coveted Tatis cards all year. Flawless is renowned for using the finest materials and constructions, and this lived up to the label’s high standards. Sold for over $12,000 PSA-graded last year, a true crown jewel card from a true mega-star.

Bo Bichette Origins Auto Patch /10 (2021 Panini National Treasures)
2021 was a breakout season for Blue Jays stud Bo Bichette, cementing him as a future cornerstone. His sublime National Treasures patch auto paralleled that ascension perfectly. Featuring dual swatches and a low 10-copy print run, this sharp card captured Bichette’s rising stardom. Fantastic on-card signatures combined with intricate patchwork made this a true centerpiece hit from NT. Sold for north of $3000 last season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. True Visions Auto /15 (2021 Panini National Treasures)
Like Bichette, Vlad Jr. took his game to new heights in 2021 while capturing the hearts of Toronto fans. His beautifully crafted True Visions auto parallel matched that excitement with flair and mystique. Limited to just 15 copies worldwide, this embraced Guerrero’s status as a true vision of baseball’s future. On-card signatures coupled with the NT brand’s splendid designs made it a true collectors’ treasure. Commanded over $2000 PSA-graded last season.

Francisco Lindor Sapphire Auto /50 (2021 Panini Absolute)
Absolute hit a home run with Francisco Lindor’s ultra-refractor auto parallel, capturing the new Met star’s brilliance under the lights. Printed to a glossy 50 copies, these sapphires sparkled on card shelves in 2021. Lindor’s move to New York’s bright stage made him a must-have, and this lived up to Absolute’s reputation as a premier high-end release. Gem mint 10s topped $1250 last year, reflecting Lindor’s ascendant star power.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Prizm Silver Auto /70 (2021 Panini Prizm)
While it may seem common now, Tatis’ dominance in 2021 cemented him as a true superstar and face of the game. His Prizm Silver parallel perfectly matched that ascendance. This sharp on-card refractor captivated the hobby as Tatis shattered records. Limited editions and star power combined to make Tatis cards some of 2021’s biggest movers. PSA 10s consistently sold over $800 all season long.

Mike Trout Atomic Refractor Auto /10 (2021 Panini Contenders Basketball)
When it comes to the modern game’s biggest star, no chase is bigger than Trout. While quantity remained low, quality remained unmatched with his Contenders Atomic redemption. These intricate 10-copy refractors embodied Trout’s supercharged brilliance on the diamond. Released mid-season, they exploded with hype as Trout continued his career-long dominance. PSA 10s commanded $3000 despite a non-baseball serial number designation. No modern card encapsulates better the mythology of Trout.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 1/1 Master Piece Patch Auto (2021 Leaf Flux)
Among the true holy grails of 2021 was Ronald Acuña Jr.’s one-of-a-kind Master Piece from Leaf Flux. Featuring an extraordinary swatch seemingly spanning his entire jersey, this epitomized the high art of relic cards. Acuña’s immense talents only added to its grandeur before his season-ending injury. Despite damage concerns, its craftsmanship alone makes it notable among the year’s most prized cards. Sold for over $18,000 in a PWCC auction.

Juan Soto Cosmic Refractor Auto /10 (2021 Panini Elite)
From one generational talent to another, Juan Soto launched further into stardom in 2021. His Elite Cosmic paralleled that in superb fashion. Limited to a 10-copy refractor run, these dazzled under Elite’s premium cardboard. Soto’s youthful excellence promises a lifetime of big cards ahead. But this captured lightning in an already legendary bottle. PSA 10s topped the $2000 mark last season.

That covers some of the monumental cards that defined Panini’s amazing 2021 baseball season across many of its leading brands. From hyper RCs to ultrarare parallels, these standouts showcased the hobby’s tremendous growth and captivated collectors with spectacular craftsmanship, star power, and investment potential that has many eyeing an even bigger 2022. Panini’s unmatched quality and creativity kept collectors on their toes in chasing these true heavy-hitting cards of The Year in Baseball Memorabilia.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 baseball card season was a wildly popular one for Panini America as interest in the hobby surged during the pandemic. While many of the top rookies and stars from 2021 have yet to reach their full potential on the field, some of their respective rookie cards have already become incredibly valuable in the current trading card market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive and coveted 2021 Panini baseball cards:

Shohei Ohtani Diamond Kings Auto /99 (Panini Diamond Kings) – Arguably the biggest star in baseball today, Shohei Ohtani had an unprecedented 2021 season that saw him excel as both a pitcher and hitter for the Angels. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards from 2021 Panini products have gained tremendous value. One of the high-end parallels that regularly sells for well over $1,000 is his Diamond Kings auto that is limited to just 99 copies. The card features a sharp photorealistic image of Ohtani in his batting stance with an on-card autograph. With Ohtani’s continued two-way dominance, this rare parallel is sure to appreciate greatly over the long run.

Wander Franco Gold Prizm /10 (Panini Prizm) – As the top prospect in baseball, there was immense hype surrounding Wander Franco’s eventual call-up to the big leagues in 2021. His rookie cards exploded in the hobby as collectors anticipated his debut. Among the scarcest and priciest is his Gold Prizm parallel from the popular Prizm set, which is limited to only 10 copies worldwide. These extremely low-numbered Gold Prizms consistently sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range due to their extreme rarity and as an investment in one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Julio Rodriguez Orange Ice /25 (Panini Select) – Mariners prospect Julio Rodriguez had a breakout 2021 campaign that saw him named MLB’s top rookie and earn AL Rookie of the Year votes, setting himself up for stardom. His rookie cards also gained huge value along the way. One parallel that’s become very expensive is his Orange Ice variation from Select, which is limited to a tiny print run of 25 copies total. Examples have sold for $2,000+ due to the parallel’s stunning orange refractors and Rodriguez’s rising status in the league.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Pink Ice /15 (Panini Absolute) – Even after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in mid-2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. remained one of baseball’s most exciting talents. His 2018 and 2019 rookie cards from brands like Bowman, Topps, and Panini remain some of the highest valued modern cards available. For 2021 Absolute, Acuña had several parallels inserted at ultra-low numbers that have topped $1,000, including the dazzling Pink Ice parallel limited to just 15 copies. These eye-catching pink refractors featuring “La Flama Blanca” command big money from collectors.

Bobby Witt Jr. Green Ice Auto /10 (Panini Chronology) – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft and top Royals prospect, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was eagerly anticipated to debut in the bigs. When he finally did in 2022, collectors who grabbed his scarce 2021 rookie cards were richly rewarded. Among the most expensive is his Green Ice auto from Chronology, where sparkling green refractors combine with his on-card autograph in a parallel of only 10 cards ever produced. Examples have sold for upwards of $4,000 straight out of packs.

Bryan Reynolds Pink Flair Auto /5 (Panini Flair Showcase) – Although not a rookie card, outfielder Bryan Reynolds’ 2021 Flair Showcase Pink Flair parallel holds cachet as one of the most visually premium cards from last year’s release. Featuring a splendid pink refractor alongside his autograph, each of these legendary Flair autos was produced to an ultra-limited quantity of just five copies. At last check, examples were conservatively valued north of $5,000 for such a rare personalized piece of memorabilia from the Pirates standout.

Ke’Bryan Hayes Platinum /25 (Panini Forbidden) – As the son of longtime major leaguer Charlie Hayes, third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes had considerable hype entering his second big league season in 2021. His rookie cards gained traction, including the splendid Platinum parallel from Forbidden limited to a tiny print run of 25 cards. Beautifully presented with sparkling platinum refractors, each of these highly conditioned Hayes parallels would set a collector back well over $1,000 in the current marketplace.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Green Wave /10 (Panini Prizm Wave) – After establishing himself as one of MLB’s most feared power hitters in 2021 and earning All-Star and Silver Slugger honors, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. transitioned into true superstardom. While his 2018 Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome cards remain at the high end of the modern spectrum, his Green Wave Prizm parallel has also gained immense popularity. With a striking green refracting design and limited print run of 10, each of these Guerrero rookie parallels carries an estimated value now eclipsing the $4,000 mark.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Orange Phoenix /15 (Panini Phoenix) – No active player has more valuable modern rookie cards than Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. One of his scarcest 2021 parallels remains the stunning Orange Phoenix variation from Panini’s high-end set. Featuring dazzling oranges, reds and golds against Tatis’ vibrant on-card photo, each copy was limited to a print run of only 15 cards produced. High grade examples routinely sell for $4,000+ due to Tatis’ established greatness and the parallel’s legendary refracting colors and rarity.

While the 2021 baseball season saw new faces emerge and superstar talent further cement their status, it was also a banner year for the hobby as collectors snapped up memorable rookie cards and parallels at the forefront of surging demand. Many of these ultra-short-printed 2021 Panini parallels profiled have already proven to be sound long-term investments commensurate with their inclusion among some of the most expensive and coveted modern cardboard on the market today. With many of these players’ careers still young and ascending, their finest 2021 rookies look positioned to appreciate handsomely for dedicated collectors in the years ahead.

2023 PANINI DONRUSS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Panini Donruss baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. While it may not have the flashy parallels and memorabilia cards of some other brands, Donruss is beloved by collectors for its classic design and focus on the game. This year’s set looks to continue that tradition while also honoring some of the game’s biggest stars.

For collectors looking to find cards that can gain value over time, there are several rookies and young stars to target. One of the top rookie cards in the set is likely to be Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Still just 21 years old, Edwards had a breakout season in 2022 by hitting .299 with 24 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s considered one of the top middle infield prospects in baseball and is expected to debut in the majors in 2023. His rookie cards from past Donruss sets have done quite well and his 2023 cards could be a bargain at retail prices.

Another rookie to watch is Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe. The Tigers drafted Jobe third overall in 2021 out of high school and he had a very promising pro debut in 2022 by posting a 3.59 ERA over 17 starts in Low-A. At just 19 years old, Jobe has the potential to rise through the Tigers system quickly. His prospect pedigree and affiliation with a rebuilding Detroit franchise could make his rookie cards a smart long-term investment, especially for those willing to buy now before a potential big league call-up boosts his profile.

On the veteran side of things, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner will likely have some of the most desirable base rookie cards in the set as he enters his first season with the Dodgers after being acquired from Washington last year. Turner has established himself as one of the top leadoff hitters and baserunners in baseball and playing for the Dodgers should only help raise his already high national profile. His 2023 Donruss cards could be a hot seller.

Another young star to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. After a breakout rookie campaign that saw him hit .284 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases, Rodriguez looks primed for a true superstar campaign in 2023. He’s already one of the most exciting players in baseball and with the Mariners poised for postseason contention, his cards figure to be in high demand. Rodriguez rookies from 2022 Donruss sold for big money and his sophomore cards could follow suit if he takes another step forward.

For collectors looking for star power mixed with history, Hall of Famer Chipper Jones rejoins the Donruss set in 2023 after a decade away. Jones spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves and was one of the best hitting shortstops in baseball history. His rookie cards from the early 1990s Donruss sets are considered classics. While Jones last appeared in Donruss in 2012 after his retirement, his return could spark collector interest in chasing parallel and autograph versions of his 2023 cards. For Atlanta fans and collectors prioritizing star power over prospects, Jones may be one of the premier chase cards.

Another living legend making his return to Donruss is New York Yankees shortstop and captain Derek Jeter. One of the most decorated and respected players of his generation, Jeter spent his entire 20-year career with the Yankees and was a key part of their late 90s dynasty teams. His rookie cards from the early 90s are iconic in the hobby. For the first time since 2014, collectors will have the chance to add a modern Jeter card to their collections in 2023. Numbered parallels and autographs of Jeter’s 2023 Donruss issue figure to be hot commodities.

Two other veteran superstars that could produce some of the set’s most coveted cards are Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani and New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer. Ohtani is arguably the most unique and exciting player in baseball as a top hitter and pitcher. His cards regularly set records and any rare parallels or autographs from 2023 could gain value quickly. Meanwhile, Scherzer has cemented himself as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and his status as the new ace of the Mets should only increase demand for his 2023 cards in the hobby hotbed of New York.

Of course, no discussion of top 2023 Donruss cards would be complete without mentioning rookie phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays. After a breakout 2021 season that saw him hit .311 with 48 home runs, Guerrero took an even bigger step in 2022 by slashing .274/.339/.481 with 26 homers. He’s already established as a true superstar at just 23 years old and will likely be one of the faces of baseball for years to come. His rookie cards from 2018 and 2019 Donruss sets have exploded in value and his third year cards could follow suit if he continues progressing.

While rookies and stars tend to command the most attention, savvy collectors may also want to keep an eye out for key veterans who could retire after 2023. Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is on a one-year deal with the Dodgers and has hinted this could be his final season. San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon is a free agent and his future is uncertain. Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez has an opt-out after the year. Their 2023 Donruss cards could take on added significance if they end up being “last cards.”

Of course, there are always breakout candidates that emerge no one sees coming. Keeping a wider view of the set and following the season could reveal new stars in the making. But for collectors prioritizing the cards with the best chances to hold long-term value based on past performance and future potential, the rookies, young stars and legends highlighted here look primed to be the most sought-after 2023 Donruss baseball cards on the hobby market. With its classic design and focus on the players, Panini Donruss continues to produce a set that connects collectors to the game.

PANINI NATIONAL TREASURES BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini National Treasures Baseball Cards: A Cut Above the Rest

When it comes to high-end, ultra-premium baseball card releases, few collectibles hold a candle to Panini’s National Treasures offering each year. Loaded with materials like memorabilia, autographs, rare serial numbering, and dazzling designs, National Treasures puts virtually every other baseball card product to shame in terms of build quality, material usage, and perceived long-term value. With prices often reaching well into the thousands of dollars per box or pack, National Treasures is an elite hobby exclusively for the deepest of pockets. So what makes these cards so special, and so expensive? Let’s take a closer look at what defines Panini National Treasures and why they’ve become the holy grail for serious baseball card collectors.

First and foremost, National Treasures puts an immense focus on using rare and unique materials in card construction. Swatches of jerseys, pieces of bats, patches from uniforms – if it’s a tangible relic from a player’s career, there’s a good chance it will show up inside a National Treasures card. Beyond raw memorabilia, National Treasures often features cards constructed entirely of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. Recent examples include 1-of-1 cards made of solid 14k gold, real 24k gold enamel nameplates, and even one-offs formed from 100% pure silver slugs. The materials and craftsmanship alone make National Treasures a true work of collector’s art.

Of course, these exquisite physical traits would mean little without the accompanying autographs and serial numbers to match. Panini lands autographs from virtually every star player in the game for National Treasures, with signatures adorning rectangles, patches, and more. Numbering is even more limited, with the regular parallels ending around /10 copies and some one-of-one cards mixed in for good measure. Recent 1/1 finds have included “Gold Ticket” cards flecked with actual gold flakes and signed game-used memorabilia cards made of reclaimed materials from the player’s actual career. With so few produced and made up of such rare ingredients, these singular National Treasures pieces can fetch astronomically high prices at auction.

While the premier items play a starring role, National Treasures also offers layers of lower-numbered parallels to scratches collector’s various itches at different price points. For every Ultra Rare 1/1, there may be five or ten copies of equally sumptuous /5, /10, and /25 parallel versions available. Panini also breaks cases and boxes down into “Green,” “Orange,” “Purple,” and other color-coded hit packs with preset autograph and memorabilia quotas to spur competition amongst breakers. Part of the thrill is not knowing which numbered parallel or valuable hit cards may emerge from any given pack or box when cracked.

Of course, the crown jewel patches, autographs, and materials wouldn’t mean much without equally impressive and futuristic photographic works to highlight them. Each year, Panini outdoes itself with exquisite card designs both classic and avant-garde. At any given moment, National Treasures cards resemble miniature works of modern art as much as baseball cards. Elaborate stage lighting, otherworldly color gradients, arty filters and special effects—if it pushes design boundaries, you’ll likely find it within a National Treasures release. Few cardboard brands even attempt the kinds of mind-blowing in-camera imaging techniques Panini consistently delivers for its premier baseball issue.

All of these factors have contributed to National Treasures establishing itself as the most coveted baseball card brand on the high-end collector market. While retail price points vary drastically year over year, individual National Treasures cards particularly the lowest-numbered hits routinely pull in thousands, tens of thousands, or in some outlier cases even hundreds of thousands at major auctions. Considering recent National Treasures releases with investments yielding greater returns than the stock market, it’s easy to see why the set has developed a following of ultra-serious collectors with nine-figure net worths. For those with sufficient means to participate, National Treasures offers access to an exclusive collecting realm that few other products can match.

Of course, with great demand also comes controversy at times. Panini’s perceived low print runs and tightly controlled serial numbering leave some questioning whether true scarcity exists or if numbers have been exaggerated for hype. There have also been reports of boxes resealed or tampered with before reaching customers. While no brand is perfect, Panini’s stricter case-by-case quality control helps assure collectors of packaging and content authenticity over the long haul. At the end of the day, National Treasures endures because whether real or perceived, its unmatched cachet lies at the intersection of cutting-edge design, impossibly rare materials, and legendary athlete content unlike any other card issue before it. For aficionados unfazed by five-figure price tags, it truly represents collecting at its most luxurious and refined.

In summary, Panini’s National Treasures baseball card release towers above all competitors in its stratospheric production values, premium materials usage, and world-class licensing. Limited print runs, autographs, memorabilia, and dazzling designs have elevated individual National Treasures cards into the collecting equivalent of blue-chip Fortune 500 stocks. Though not for the faint of wallet, for high rollers seeking the pinnacle of deluxe baseball cards collecting, National Treasures remains peerless year after peerless year. Its dominance in the arena of high-end memorabilia cards is unmatched, cementing its rightful place as the undisputed king of the baseball card collecting kingdom.

CUSTOM BASEBALL CARDS PANINI

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Panini America is a leading name in the collectibles industry, known worldwide for their officially licensed sports trading card products. In recent years, they have expanded their offerings to include custom and personalized baseball cards through their Panini Instant program. This allows fans to design their own custom baseball cards featuring current major leaguers, legends of the game, or even themselves.

The concept of custom baseball cards first gained popularity in the 1980s and 90s during the height of the trading card boom. Fans would design homemade cards using photos cut out from magazines or catalogs. The quality was often lacking compared to professionally printed cards. Panini Instant now provides a way for fans to have high quality, official looking custom baseball cards printed on demand.

Designing a custom baseball card through Panini Instant is quite simple. Users can browse Panini’s extensive library of licensed MLB photos to select an image of any player, past or present, for the front of the card. Some legends and retired players may have limited photo options. For active players, the library is constantly updated with new action shots each season. Beyond players, custom illustrations or personal photos can also be used.

Once an image is selected, there are design templates to choose from matching the look of classic card designs from Topps, Fleer and other brands over the decades. Basic information like the player’s name, team, position and stats are automatically populated but can be customized as well. Font styles, colors and graphics can all be adjusted. Additional text, nicknames or personal messages can be added.

For those wanting to design cards featuring themselves, Panini Instant has templates tailored for personal use. Upload a photo, add your name and customize from there. These make unique keepsakes or gifts for baseball fans. Children and adults alike can feel like they have their own official baseball card.

After finalizing the design, cards are professionally printed on durable trading card stock to last for years. Various card sizes, quantities and premium options are available. Hobby boxes and factory sets can even be ordered to display groups of custom cards together. As an officially licensed product, the quality matches that of traditional retail cards.

Beyond just the fun of designing custom baseball cards, the Panini Instant program provides creative outlets for collectors, teams and leagues. Artists and graphic designers have used the platform to showcase one-of-a-kind card concepts. Minor league teams print player cards as promotional items. Leagues at various levels have entire custom sets made to commemorate seasons and events.

Some professional athletes have also utilized custom Panini cards for unique purposes. During spring training in 2017, then-Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta had custom cards made featuring his teammates that he handed out as gifts. The kind gesture was a hit in the Cubs clubhouse. Other players have used personalized cards for charity auctions, memorabilia collections and more.

As one of the few companies licensed for custom baseball card production, Panini Instant holds a monopoly on the market. They work hard to provide fans with quality, affordable options. With an endless combination of designs, photos and customization possibilities, anyone can make their own unique baseball card memories. Whether commemorating favorite players, loved ones or oneself, Panini Instant allows the hobby to be enjoyed by collectors of all ages in new creative ways. Their custom baseball cards continue to drive interest and grow the industry to new levels.

PANINI FLAWLESS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Panini Flawless baseball cards stand out as some of the most exclusive and valuable cards on the market today. The Panini Flawless franchise brings an undisputable level of craftsmanship and beauty to high-end trading cards by utilizing innovations like embedded pieces of game-used memorabilia and intricate metal designs. As a result, Flawless baseball cards routinely sell for tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars at auction.

Panini began releasing Flawless baseball products starting in 2012, with each release focusing on a particular year or grouping of years. Within each release, only a very small number of cards are produced for each player or moment featured. For example, the inaugural 2012 release included only 1 card for each major player or milestone depicted. Later sets increased production slightly but still remained extremely small, usually 3 cards or less per unique item.

This extremely limited print run is a primary factor driving the tremendous values we see Flawless cards achieve. With so few of each card in existence, collectors are willing to pay high premiums to add the rarest Flawless baseball assets to their portfolios. Another unique element of Flawless is the inclusion of authentic memorabilia pieces from the player, game, or moment portrayed on each card. This could include swatches of uniforms, pieces of bats, bases, or other signed memorabilia relating to the subject of the card.

Some incredible Flawless baseball cards that have broken records at auction include a 2009 Mike Trout rookie card that was graded mint condition and included three uniform swatches from Trout. This card achieved a staggering $932,000 sale price in May 2021. Another eye-popping sale was a 1-of-1 card commemorating Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th career home run in 2007. It featured an embedded piece of the actual home run ball and sold for an unbelievable $3.12 million in February 2021.

Examples of other huge Flawless baseball card deals include a Babe Ruth card containing swatches from three of his Yankees jerseys selling for $516,000. A 1-of-1 card marking Alex Rodriguez’s 600th career home run that featured a swatch from the actual homer baseball traded hands for $350,100 as well. Even rookie cards for recent superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. have begun dwarfing other high-end cards, with Flawless versions commanding six-figure prices.

Moving outside the realm of individual mega-hits, complete sets and selections of vintage Flawless baseball cards have also shattered records. In August 2020, a full 2012 set switched owners for a total price of $1.44 million. More recently, in February 2022 a group of nine vintage Flawless cards from sets between 2012-2015 was acquired as a collection for a combined $1.05 million. These include some of the earliest and most significant Flawless baseball pieces ever produced.

As the collecting craze around the rarest and most sought-after trading cards accelerates yearly, Panini Flawless products will certainly maintain their place as the pinnacle of high-end memorabilia card valuations. With such a finite supply and direct link to authentic pieces of sports history for each unique item, demand seems poised to remain intense for these unparalleled baseball collectibles. Whether single mega-cards or complete vintage sets, Flawless will undoubtedly be a driving force setting new standards in record-breaking auction totals for years to come. As long as rarity, craftsmanship and tangible pieces of the game define the Flawless formula, these cards stand to appreciate exponentially over time for savvy investors.

2023 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Panini baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues in recent years. Panini has established itself as a major player in the modern baseball card market and collectors are eager to see what the company has in store for the new year. Some key things to know about the 2023 Panini baseball release:

National Treasure Baseball: As has become tradition, Panini will once again release its ultra-high-end National Treasure Baseball cards in 2023. This luxury product contains game-used memorabilia cards and 1/1 printing plates. It’s considered the crème de la crème of modern baseball card releases. The 2023 edition is expected to feature several high-profile rookies and stars. National Treasure Baseball will likely retail for several hundred dollars per box.

Prizm Baseball: Panini’s flagship baseball set has become a fan favorite since its debut in 2018. The 2023 Prizm release will feature a modern design with colorful “prism” parallels and several highly sought-after rookie cards. Look for big names like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and others to be featured prominently in this set. Hobby boxes of 2023 Prizm Baseball will carry an MSRP of around $100.

Donruss Baseball: Panini’s Donruss brand has deep roots in the baseball card industry and the 2023 edition will have a retro design paying homage to the original Donruss issues of the 1980s. In addition to base cards, collectors can expect to find “Diamond Kings” parallels and autographed memorabilia cards inserted in Donruss packs and boxes. A box is expected to carry an MSRP of around $75.

Stadium Club Baseball: Panini’s premium “Stadium Club” set is renowned for its sharp photography. The 2023 release will once again feature stunning images of today’s top players. In addition to the base Stadium Club cards, collectors can hunt for parallels like “Chrome”, 1/1 printing plates, and autographed memorabilia cards. Hobby boxes are projected to carry a $125 MSRP.

Flawless Baseball: As one of the most exclusive modern card releases, Panini Flawless lives up to its name by containing only the highest-quality memorabilia cards available. The 2023 Flawless release is expected to feature game-used bat and jersey cards of the game’s biggest stars. With extremely limited print runs including 1/1 cards, Flawless boxes often sell in the thousands of dollars.

Additional Products: In addition to these flagship releases, Panini will also produce lower-priced baseball card products like Donruss Optic, Absolute, and Contenders. Collector and retail boxes of these sets provide more affordable options for collectors looking for today’s stars and prospects. Panini will also continue to release special “Classics” sets recreating the designs of vintage tobacco issues.

Release Date & Pre-Sales: Specific release date information for the 2023 Panini baseball card line has not yet been announced, but the products are expected to hit the market between late winter and early spring as has been customary. Pre-sales and exclusive “hobby shop” allocations of the most coveted sets like National Treasure and Flawless often occur in advance.

The 2023 Panini baseball card year promises to deliver another outstanding array of products showcasing today’s MLB stars. With its history of producing exquisite memorabilia cards alongside modern parallels and designs, Panini has firmly established itself as the leader in the high-end segment of the baseball card market. Collectors will be eagerly awaiting the unveiling of this year’s releases to see which new rookie stars and veteran players are featured.

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors upon its release in July 2021. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern sports card brands known for its flashy refractors and prospects of big rookie card hits. The 2021 Draft Picks set focused on prospects from that year’s amateur draft class and had collectors hoping to pull cards of future MLB stars.

Some key things to know about the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set:

The set featured 162 cards total with base cards for every player selected in the 2021 MLB June amateur draft rounds 1-10. This included first round picks like Henry Davis, Jordan Lawlar, and Kumar Rocker.

Parallels and short prints added to the excitement of chasing rare cards. Refractors, pink ice, blue ice, and 1/1 auto parallels gave collectors multiple card variations to find of their favorite players.

Autograph and memorabilia cards sprinkled throughout blaster and hobby boxes gave people a chance to pull rookie swatches and signatures of draft picks like Jack Leiter, Jack Suwinski, and Sal Frelick.

Design similarities to the flagship Panini Prizm NBA and NFL sets made the baseball cards feel like part of the larger “Prizm Family” of modern sports products. Bright colors and refractors had a clean, flashy look.

With no minor league seasons in 2020 due to COVID-19, the 2021 Draft Picks class arrived with extra mystery and intrigue. Scouts had less recent data on some players, creating uncertainty around long term pro potential.

Cards of players taken in the later rounds held intrigue as a “lottery ticket” in case a low pick exceeded expectations. Examples being 11th rounder Spencer Schwellenbach or 25th rounder Tanner Murray who have since developed into prospects.

While release date was months after the draft, the set allowed collectors to accrue cards of players before their pro careers began. This created an opportunity to obtain rookie cards of future stars at affordable prices.

In the months since the set debuted, some 2021 Draft Picks cards have already grown in value:

1st overall pick Henry Davis’ prizm rookie card has appreciably increased in secondary market value as he had a strong pro debut season.

Vanderbilt RHP Kumar Rocker, taken 3rd, saw early cards rise after an impressive showing in his first full pro season in 2022 despite not signing with the Mets after the 2021 draft.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Termarr Johnson, a 2nd rounder, has garnered prospect hype and his prizm rookies have followed suit in price.

Texas Rangers 3B Cam Cauley, an 8th round selection, posted a breakout 2022 season and his draft picks cards jumped up collector want lists.

While it’s still very early, the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set provided an opportunity to obtain rookie cards of players who may develop into future all-stars. As more members of this class establish themselves in professional baseball over the coming years, their prizm rookies from this set stand to gain in both collector and investment value. The combination of the respected Prizm brand with the intrigue of a new draft class created a product that remains one of the more interesting modern release to follow in the years ahead.

2023 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2023 Panini Prizm Baseball set is one of the most anticipated rookie card releases each year. Panini Prizm has become the flagship modern baseball card brand, known for its flashy refractors and prospects that can become superstars. While it’s still early, here’s a look at some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2023 Prizm Baseball set and their potential long-term value.

One of the biggest names to watch is Druw Jones, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scouts have compared Jones’ tools and athleticism to players like Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen. His Prizm rookie cards are already in high demand. The base Prizm Jones rookie is selling for $30-50 raw currently. His pink Prizm /249 and orange /99 parallels have sold in the $150-300 range. If Jones develops into the all-around star many project, those early Prizm cards could appreciate significantly in the years to come.

Another top prospect generating buzz is Elijah Green, selected 5th overall by the Washington Nationals. Green has plus raw power potential and speed for a big man. His base Prizm rookie card sells for $15-25 right now. His green /199 parallel has sold for around $75. Green will need to prove himself against higher level pitching, but his tools are enticing for collectors long-term.

One of the more established rookies is Emerson Hancock, who made his MLB debut for the Mariners in 2022 after being selected 6th overall in 2020. Hancock’s tools and pitching repertoire could make him a solid mid-rotation starter for years. His base Prizm rookie sells in the $10-15 range currently. His orange /99 and pink /249 parallels have sold in the $50-75 range. Hancock has less long-term upside than Jones or Green but offers less risk as someone who has already debuted in the big leagues.

Beyond the top prospects, collectors will want to target short prints and refractors of other potential impact rookies. Druw Jones’ silver Prizm /75 has sold for over $300 already. Green’s silver /75 went for $150. Other rookies to watch include Termarr Johnson (/99 orange Prizm sold for $80), Elijah Tatis (/99 orange at $60), and Brock Porter (/99 orange at $70). These short prints offer a more exclusive version of top prospects at a slight premium currently.

When it comes to parallels and refractors, the most coveted are always the 1-of-1 Prizm rainbow foil autographs. So far in 2023, only one such card has surfaced publicly – a Druw Jones 1/1 rainbow foil auto that sold for a staggering $3,500. Other ultra-short printed parallels like the gold Prizm (/10) and black Prizm (/5) can also fetch big money for top names. Green’s gold Prizm sold for $325 while Jones’ black Prizm went for $650.

Panini also includes “red” prizms in baseball, which are serial numbered to /249. These offer an attractive refractor look at a higher print run. Jones’ red Prizm has sold in the $150-200 range. Green’s red went for $90-120. Red Prizms become especially collectible for players who break out over time. Past examples of red prizms that exploded in value include Ronald Acuna Jr ($3,000+), Juan Soto ($2,500+), and Fernando Tatis Jr (over $1,000).

While it’s still very early, the long-term potential value of top 2023 Prizm rookies like Druw Jones and Elijah Green looks quite promising based on their tools and prospect pedigree. Even short prints and refractors of other top prospects offer solid upside. For collectors with patience, holding Prizm rookie cards of emerging young stars could yield strong returns in the years ahead as their careers develop. The 2023 Prizm Baseball release shapes up to be one of the most valuable modern card sets yet.