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2021 TOPPS BASEBALL UPDATE SERIES BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series was released on October 6th and contained several highly sought after rookie and star player cards. As one of the final Major League Baseball card releases of the year, the Update Series is always anticipated by collectors looking to add new seasons stats and accomplishments to existing player cards or debut the rookie cards of call ups from earlier in the year. This year’s Update Series did not disappoint with various top rookie cards and parallel versions of established stars that have become some of the most in demand on the secondary market.

Perhaps the biggest star of the 2021 Topps Update Series has been Toronto Blue Jays phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who had a breakout season and won the American League MVP award. His base Update Series card has garnered a ton of attention from collectors and consistently sells for $50-75 in gem mint condition. Even more coveted are the parallels of his card, with the /499 green parallel and /250 gold parallel selling in the $150-300 range. The low numbered parallels like the /5 purple and /1 red have sold for thousands online since their release. Vlad Jr’s ascension to superstardom this year has made any card from his rookie season highly sought after by Jays fans and investors alike.

Another rookie who had a monster season and saw his stock skyrocket after the Update Series release was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco debuted in June and immediately began living up to the hype by posting a .288 batting average with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. His base Update rookie card now fetches around $75-100 and the green /499 parallel around $150 for PSA 10 copies. The gold /250 parallel has recently sold for over $300 and even raw Franco Update rookies command a premium due to the anticipation of him becoming a true superstar for years to come.

Two other rookies who had breakout seasons and saw their Update Series cards take off are Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby. Kelenic started the year as one of the top prospects in baseball but struggled during his initial MLB stint. He returned in July after refining his approach and hit .291 over his final 42 games while showing off plus power and speed. His Update rookie has become one of the more sought after Mariners cards at $50-75 in PSA 10. Ashby too debuted earlier in the year but was sent back down. When he returned in July, he dominated over 15 starts with a 3.69 ERA and 1.152 WHIP. Both pitchers are seen as important future building blocks for their teams.

A position player who vastly improved his stock with an outstanding second half was Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India. After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2021, India’s Update Series base card sells for $30-40 and the /499 green parallel around $60-80. Elsewhere in the NL, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had a magical rookie season and his Update card has become a hot commodity at $40-60 due to his elite all-around play and being a key piece of the World Series champs. St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman also debuted in 2022 to much fanfare and while he hit only .250, he showed prodigious power. As a highly touted prospect, his Update rookie commands around $30 PSA 10.

Among established stars, Fernando Tatis Jr continued being a collector favorite before getting injured and suspended. Both his flagship Update card and colored parallels like green /499 ($100-150 PSA 10) and gold /250 ($150-200) saw high demand. Within the AL, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge put together an all-time great season with an AL record 62 home runs. Not surprisingly, his Update base ($40-60 PSA 10) and parallels rose greatly in value post release. Another Bronx Bomber, Giancarlo Stanton, finally stayed healthy in 2022. He belted 35 long balls and his Update base has risen to $25-30 while the /499 green parallel fetches around $50-75.

On the pitching side, Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes cemented his status as the best NL pitcher by winning the Cy Young. His Update base card is around $25-30 as Brewers collectors look to commemorate their stable of young stars. In Anaheim, Shohei Ohtani solidified his otherworldly two-way status to reignite hope in Angels fans. While injury ended his 2022 season early, his Update cards still command $20-30 due to endless fascination with his unique talents. Houston ace Justin Verlander enjoyed an incredible comeback campaign by winning the AL Cy Young at age 39. His Update base is around $20 while green /499 parallels reach $40-50 PSA 10.

The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series delivered many highly desired rookie cards that rocketed up in value as well as parallels and base cards of established all-star performers. From Vladimir Guerrero Jr to Wander Franco to breakout talents like Jonathan India, collectors had no shortage of new players to target. Coupled with powerful season stat lines from superstars like Judge, Tatis Jr, Burnes and Ohtani, the Update Series gave the baseball card market many lucrative investment options as one of the final major releases of a memorable year. As player performances and team successes continue unfolding each season, Topps Update remains a collector staple for constantly updating the stories transcending America’s pastime.

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MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Update Series baseball card set was released in September and contains updated cards and rookie cards for recent MLB call-ups. As with any new release, certain cards stand out as being more valuable due to various factors like star power, rarity and overall player performance. While values can always change over time, here are some of the most valuable cards from the 2022 Topps Update series based on current sales data and demand:

Spencer Strider #167 – Strider had a breakout rookie season for the Atlanta Braves in 2022, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 198 strikeouts over 131.2 innings. The 23-year-old righty has become one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball. His Update rookie card has been very popular, with PSA 10 gold label editions selling for $300-500 so far. Expect his prices to rise further if he keeps succeeding at the MLB level.

Bobby Witt Jr. #234 – As the #2 pick in the 2019 MLB draft and top consensus prospect coming into 2022, expectations were high for Witt in his rookie year with the Kansas City Royals. He did not disappoint, slashing .250/.290/.433 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His Update rookie card prices reflect his star potential, with PSA 10s trading hands for $250-350. Witt looks poised for stardom, boding well for future value increases on this coveted rookie card.

Matthew Liberatore #238 – Acquired by the Rays in the 2021 trade that sent Tyler Glasnow to the Dodgers, Liberatore made his MLB debut in 2022 to much fanfare. The left-handed starter showed promise in 12 starts, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA and good strikeout stuff. As a former top 100 prospect with upside, his Update rookie card attracts interest from player collectors. PSA 10s have sold from $150-200 so far based on his prospect shine and pedigree.

Adley Rutschman #246 – After years of hype as arguably the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. While he struggled at the plate initially, batting just .197 in 92 games, his defensive abilities and leadership shone through. As the future franchise cornerstone, collectors are high on Rutschman for the long run. Low-population PSA 10s of his Update rookie have realized over $300 in sales.

Michael Harris II #305 – A consensus top 50 overall prospect entering 2022, Harris made an immediate impact with the Atlanta Braves after a midseason call-up. The athletic center fielder hit .297 with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His Update rookie card is one of the hottest on the market, with PSA 10s topping out above $400 given his emerging star power combined with Braves fandom. Further breakouts would boost values higher.

Alek Thomas #307 – Thomas cracked the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster in 2022 at age 22 and held his own, batting .235 with 14 home runs and 12 steals in 125 games. The polished outfielder looks like a foundational piece moving forward. His Update rookie card holds strong Collector appeal based on this profile, with even raw copies carrying estimated values upwards of $100 already. Higher grades like PSA 10 could push $200-300.

Emmanuel Clase #315 – Clase emerged as one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball during a dominant 2022 campaign, recording a 1.36 ERA and 42 saves for Cleveland. The fireballing righty sits in the upper 90s with his fastball and owns an electric arm. Given the rarity of truly elite closers, collectors are flocking to his Update issue. PSA 10s have surpassed $500 in auction results, indicative of his ace reliever status driving collectability.

Bobby Miller #337 – Miller headlined the prospect return when the Dodgers traded him to the Cardinals in the transfer of Paul Goldschmidt. The big righty lived up to billing in his MLB debut, showcasing a 100 mph heater on his way to a 1.69 ERA over 29 innings in 2022. Contenders for 2023, Miller’s popularity has transferred to card value – even raw copies sell over $100 based on anticipation for continued success.

Triston McKenzie #348 – McKenzie established himself as Cleveland’s staff ace in 2022, making 31 starts with a 3.24 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 191.2 innings pitched. The lanky right-hander combines plus stuff with workhorse durability at just 25 years old. Collectors recognize his budding ace status, bidding PSA 10 McKenzie Update rookie cards up over $400 routinely online.

Oneil Cruz #364 – Standing an otherworldly 6’7″, Cruz burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 after posting a 50 ft/sec Statcast exit velocity – the hardest-hit ball on record. While batting just .199 overall, his enormous tools set new standards that captivated fans. Consequently, even base Update Cruz rookies sell over $100 based purely on his freakish physical talents and highlight potential. Higher grades demand over $200 easily.

A player’s on-field performance, prospect pedigree, breakout potential, and intangible superstar shine all factor into what makes certain 2022 Topps Update baseball cards disproportionately more valuable. While the specifics may change going forward based on future results, the above names consistently appear near the top of secondary market sales data for this influential rookie and prospect release. Condition graded versions in particular allow discerning collectors to invest long-term in what could become the biggest future stars from the 2022 MLB campaign.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2020 UPDATE

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. While the vast majority hold little monetary value, there are always a select few cards each year that appreciate greatly and can be quite valuable. The rarity and condition of a card are huge factors in determining its potential worth. In this article, we will explore some of the top baseball cards that are worth the most money in 2020 based on recent sales and evaluate what makes them so valuable.

One of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold was a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card in near-mint condition. In 2016, it sold for $3.12 million, setting a new record. The Wagner is the most famous and sought after card in the hobby due to its rarity – it’s estimated only 50-200 were ever printed. Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production as he didn’t feel it appropriate to endorse tobacco. This makes surviving examples incredibly scarce. Condition is also crucial, as one in worse condition recently sold for under $1 million.

Another incredibly rare and valuable early card is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Only five are known to exist in graded mint condition. In January 2020, one 9.5 graded card sold for $5.2 million, showing Ruth cards retain their immense value. Like the Wagner, the rarity of surviving high grade examples and Ruth’s iconic status as the “Sultan of Swat” drive prices up exponentially for these early pieces of sports history.

Modern rookie cards can also gain huge value with time. In 2007, one of San Diego Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Topps Chrome rookie cards from 2019 sold for just $40. But by January 2020, another mint condition example fetched $110,000 due to Tatis’ breakout 2019 season and All-Star potential. His autographed rookie cards have also sold for over $10,000. Scouts saw Tatis’ talent, but few could predict his immediate superstardom – showing how prospects can rapidly increase in value.

Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor parallel card is arguably the most valuable modern card. Only five are believed to exist in the world. In 2018, one 9.5 graded copy sold for $400,000, highlighting Trout’s status as the current best player and making his ultra-rare prospects cards highly coveted. Trout first appeared on Bowman cards as a 17-year old before his rookie season. Holders of these cards recognized his talent very early.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Yellow Auto Refractor 1/1 card is another example of recognizing potential before players establish themselves. As a Blue Jays top prospect, one of these ultra-rare autographed refractors fetched $95,000 in early 2020 sales. While Guerrero is still establishing himself, collectors see the potential superstardom of players like Tatis and Trout and are willing to pay huge sums for their most scarce rookie materials before they even debut. Condition is paramount for these high-end pieces.

Rookie cards for established stars like Ken Griffey Jr. also hold immense value. A 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie PSA 10 gem mint sold for $25,750 in January 2020. Griffey was a once-in-a-generation talent and his Upper Deck rookie is widely considered the most iconic card of the modern era. High grades are crucial, as the same card in a PSA 9 could sell for under $10,000. Griffey cards from his rookie season through the early 90s are consistently some of the best selling vintage cards.

Rookie cards for current stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. also have great potential. A 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor parallel 1/1 of Acuña sold on eBay last year for $25,000. While Acuña is still establishing himself, collectors see the huge upside in his game and are willing to pay premiums now for his most rare materials. His 2018 Bowman Chrome autos have also surpassed $1,000 each as Acuña develops into a perennial All-Star. Top prospects like Wander Franco also have prospect cards selling for thousands based purely on potential.

The most valuable baseball cards are generally the rarest rookies or prospects of all-time great players like Wagner, Ruth, Trout and Griffey. High grades are essential to maximize value. Modern rookies can gain huge value very quickly if a player exceeds expectations like Tatis. Collectors are also willing to pay premiums now for the most scarce cards of prospects they believe can become superstars. Condition, rarity, and the pedigree of the player depicted are all major factors that determine the potential worth of a baseball card in today’s market. With prices always fluctuating, it’s tough to predict any single card’s value precisely, but these guidelines help identify cards with the highest odds of appreciation over time.

2022 TOPPS CHROME UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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2022 Topps Chrome Update Baseball Cards

The 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball card set is the latest edition in Topps’ popular Chrome Update series. As with previous years, the 2022 Topps Chrome Update set was released in late September/early October and features rookie cards, variations, and inserts of players from the current MLB season. Let’s take a deeper look at what collectors can expect to find in packs and boxes of the 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball cards.

2022 Topps Chrome Update Base Cards

At the core of the set are the 2022 Topps Chrome Update base cards. Like the standard Topps flagship base cards, each team is represented with a roster of around 25 players. What sets the Chrome cards apart is their shiny refractors design. Printed on chrome-infused cardboard, each base card has a slick, mirror-like surface that makes the photos really pop. The end result is a very flashy and eye-catching look that has made Topps Chrome a fan favorite over the years. In total, there are around 660 base cards in the 2022 Topps Chrome Update set when you count variations.

Rookie Cards and Prospects

As always, one of the main attractions of Topps Chrome Update are the rookie cards it features for players who made their MLB debuts throughout the current season. Some of the top rookies found as rookie cards in 2022 Topps Chrome Update include catcher Adley Rutschman (Orioles), outfielder Julio Rodriguez (Mariners), and pitcher George Kirby (Mariners). The set also includes prospect cards for minor leaguers expected to debut in 2023 or later, such as catcher Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays) and pitcher Emerson Hancock (Mariners). These rookie and prospect cards are highly sought after by collectors looking to get in early on the next generation of baseball stars.

Parallels and Inserts

Part of what makes Topps Chrome Update an exciting rip for collectors are the various parallels and inserts mixed into packs and boxes. When it comes to parallels, the main variations in 2022 Topps Chrome Update include the standard Refractors, Printing Plates, Negative Refractors, and Superfractors. On the insert side, collectors can find Short Prints, Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, and Retired Player Cards. Two of the insert sets to watch for are ‘Top Chrome Prospects’, highlighting up-and-coming minor leaguers, and ‘Topps Now’ moments cards capturing iconic MLB performances from the current season. Parallels and inserts add numerous chase cards that increase the hobby’s excitement and long-term collectibility.

Box/Pack Configuration and Release Date

Like previous years, the 2022 Topps Chrome Update release consists of both loose packs and factory-sealed boxes. Individual packs contain either 8 or 12 cards and retail for around $5-6 each. As for boxes, the standard release is a 24-pack box with an MSRP of $120. Hobby shops and online breakers may offer other break configurations as well. The official release date for 2022 Topps Chrome Update was September 28th, with products beginning to arrive at retailers in the following weeks. Due to high demand, boxes and blasters sold out quickly at many locations. As a result, it may take some hunting to track down unopened 2022 Topps Chrome Update product as the release cycle continues into late 2022.

Secondary Market and Investments

For collectors unable to find 2022 Topps Chrome Update packs and boxes at retail, the secondary market provides another avenue. Within days of the official release, individual cards and unopened wax began showing up on eBay with asking prices well above MSRP. This is typical, as savvy collectors and investors scoop up desirable rookies, parallels and other chase cards to hold long-term. Over the years, Topps Chrome Update has proven to be one of the safest modern baseball card investments. Rookies that pan out can appreciate significantly in value down the road. Even base cards from stars’ early seasons tend to hold steady or increase in price annually. For those with the budget, 2022 Topps Chrome Update provides another opportunity to potentially profit from short and long-term holdings within the current crop of MLB talent.

The 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball card release delivers another exciting installment in one of the hobby’s premier modern sets. With its flashy refractors design, star rookies and prospects, and various chase inserts, Topps Chrome Update continues to be a smash hit with collectors both young and old. Whether collecting for the love of the players and sport or as a potential investment, 2022 Topps Chrome Update offers something for all baseball card enthusiasts.

2022 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Update baseball card set was released on September 7th, 2022 and contains cards highlighting the second half of the 2022 Major League Baseball season. As with every year, Topps Update provides baseball card collectors the opportunity to get cards of players who were not included in the flagship Topps Series 1 and Series 2 releases from earlier in the year. It also features rookie cards and debuts of players who made their MLB debuts in the second half of the season. With 350 total cards, the 2022 Topps Update set continues Topps tradition of being one of the most anticipated baseball card releases each year.

Some of the notable rookie cards and debuts featured in the 2022 Topps Update set include Gunnar Henderson, the top prospect in the Baltimore Orioles organization who made his MLB debut in August. Henderson’s rookie card is one of the most sought after in the set. Other top rookie cards and debuts include Emerson Hancock of the Seattle Mariners, Brennan Davis of the Chicago Cubs, and Andre Pallante of the St. Louis Cardinals. Update also includes the debut cards of international signings who made their MLB debuts in 2022 such as Cristian Pache of the Atlanta Braves and Oswaldo Cabrera of the New York Yankees.

In addition to rookie cards, Topps Update is known for including traded player variations that showcase players on their new teams from trades that occurred during or after the regular season. Some notable traded player variations in the 2022 set include Juan Soto and Josh Bell on the San Diego Padres after being acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. Soto and Bell are two of the biggest names to change teams this season. Other traded player variations include Luis Castillo on the Seattle Mariners after a deadline deal with the Cincinnati Reds and Tyler Mahle on the Twins after being traded from the Reds to Minnesota.

Update also features traded variations of players who were dealt in the offseason like Freddie Freeman on the Los Angeles Dodgers after leaving the Atlanta Braves in free agency and Carlos Correa on the Twins after departing the Houston Astros. Topps does an excellent job each year of documenting these player movements to new organizations through their traded card variations in Update. For collectors, these traded cards serve as important historical markers of trades and free agent signings.

In addition to rookie cards and traded variations, Topps Update highlights statistical updates and milestones reached during the second half of the season. Some examples from the 2022 set include cards acknowledging Aaron Judge’s pursuit of the single season home run record as he chased down Roger Maris’ AL mark of 61. Judge would end up setting the new American League record with 62 home runs. The set also features cards for milestones reached like Albert Pujols hitting his 700th career home run. Topps Update chronicles these types of career achievements and single season accomplishments each year.

The design theme of the 2022 Topps Update set pays homage to the brand’s original design aesthetic from the early 1960s. The clean white borders and simple team wordmarks along the bottom evoke the classic vintage baseball card look. The photography on the cards remains crisp and high quality like in Topps flagship Series 1 and 2 sets. As with all modern Topps releases, the Update cards also include reverse hit variations that feature extended statistical and biographical information on the back.

In addition to the base card set, Topps Update includes several highly sought after insert sets. The most popular is usually the Archives insert set which recreates vintage designs from past decades. The 2022 Archives set reimagines cards from the 1970s using a retro color scheme and design style. Other insert sets in 2022 Update include Photo Negative, Clear Shots, and Chrome which feature parallel and refractors of select cards. Topps also includes short print and autograph variations scattered throughout packs which adds to the excitement of the release.

When it was released in September, the 2022 Topps Update baseball card set was a massive success, selling out very quickly across the hobby. Demand remains high even months after its initial release date as collectors look to complete their sets or acquire specific rookie cards and stars. On the secondary market, individual cards from the set like Gunnar Henderson rookies or Aaron Judge milestone inserts routinely sell for hundreds of dollars each. Overall, Topps Update is one of the most coveted and important releases on the annual baseball card calendar, providing a fun way for collectors to chronicle the second half of each MLB season in card form. Its classic design sensibilities, new player additions, and insert sets make it a must-have for any serious baseball card collector.

MOST VALUABLE 1986 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Fleer Update baseball card set was the third and final set released by Fleer during the 1986 season. While not as iconic or well-known as the initial 1986 Fleer or Topps flagship releases, the 86 Fleer Update set featured rookie cards and stars from the midseason point and contained several keys that have proven to become extremely valuable in the decades since. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought-after cards found in the 1986 Fleer Update set.

Perhaps the single most valuable and iconic card from the 86 Fleer Update set is the rookie card of baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. While Junior had debuted in the majors in 1985 and been included in that year’s Fleer and Topps sets, his true rookie card comes from the 1986 Update set as it was the first card issued after he played in a full season in the majors. Griffey Jr. would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and be considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. As a result, his 86 Fleer Update rookie in pristine mint condition can fetch astronomical prices today. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, it has been known to sell for over $100,000 at auction, easily cementing it as the most valuable card from this set.

Another tremendously valuable rookie card found in 86 Fleer Update is that of Detroit Tigers’ star pitcher Jack Morris. While Morris debuted in 1977 and appeared in prior sets, the 86 Update card is considered his true rookie due to card manufacturers following strict rookie card rules at the time. Morris would go on to win 254 games in his career and pitch a 10-inning shutout for the Minnesota Twins in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, earning him World Series MVP honors. High quality examples of Morris’s rookie in a PSA 9-10 grade can sell in the $10,000 range or more.

In addition to rookies, the 86 Fleer Update set also featured several key star cards that have become very valuable. Perhaps the most notable star featured is New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Known simply as “Doc,” Gooden was coming off back-to-back Cy Young award winning seasons in 85-86 and was arguably the best pitcher in baseball during the mid 80s. His performance on the field is matched by the popularity and demand for his cards. A PSA 10 Gooden from the 86 Update set would command $3,000+ on the resale market.

Another powerful 80s pitcher with an iconic card in this set is Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros. Known as “The Ryan Express” for his 100+ mph fastball, Ryan was already a legend at this point with numerous no-hitters to his name. As one of the first true “power pitcher” stars, his cards greatly resonate with collectors to this day. His 86 Fleer Update can be found grading $800-1000 in high end PSA 10 condition.

Roberto Alomar’s rookie card is also found within the 1986 Fleer Update checklist. Although Alomar had debuted in 1988 and appeared in prior sets already, the 1986 Update is considered the true rookie card by the collecting standards during that era since it was the first card produced after playing his first full season in the majors in 1985. Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. His 86 Update rookie in PSA 9-10 condition fetches $300-500 or more in today’s market depending on market conditions.

While rookie and star cards constitute much of the value within the 1986 Fleer Update set, there are also a few key errors and variations that command huge collector interest. One such example is the Mark McGuire error card, lacking the accented i in his last name. Examples with the error are rare and quite valuable, selling often for $1,000 dollars or more. Another hot variation is the Dwight Gooden “Missing Signature” card that was inadvertently produced without his autograph on the front. These rare find without the signature can reach the $500-1000 range as well.

While less heralded than flagship releases, the 1986 Fleer Update contained the true rookie cards of future stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Dwight Gooden, Roberto Alomar, and Jack Morris. When found in pristine near-mint to mint condition, these rookie gems along with top star cards of Nolan Ryan and others make 1986 Fleer Update arguably one of the most valuable 1980s card sets to collect from today. With iconic names, high grades, and rarity on its side, this third Fleer release from 1986 maintains a well-deserved place of honor among serious baseball card collectors and investors.

1991 FLEER ULTRA UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Fleer Ultra Update baseball card set is considered one of the more coveted and valuable subsets from the early 1990s era. Containing 60 total cards, the Ultra Update focused on headshot rookie and star player cards from that particular MLB season. While the base rookie and star cards don’t carry huge values on their own in pristine mint condition, there are several key cards that have increased greatly in worth in the collector marketplace over the past few decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards and stories around the 1991 Fleer Ultra Update set.

One of the true “gems” and most valuable cards from the 1991 Ultra Update is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and already establishing himself as a future star player with the Braves, Jones’ rookie is among the most sought after from the early 1990s decade. In a near-mint to mint condition (grades of 8-10), Chipper Jones rookie cards today can fetch prices up to and sometimes over $1,000. For the ultra-rare pristine mint condition (grade of PSA 10), sale prices have climbed as high as $5,000-$10,000 depending on the market. The high value of the Chipper Jones rookie is a perfect example of how star prospects and players like him could immediately raise the value of their rookie cards years after the set was issued.

Another top Card in the 1991 Ultra Update is the Ken Griffey Jr. “upper deck” photo variation card. In the base set, Griffey’s image is shown from the waist up in a normal headshot. In the variation card with the “upper deck photos” marking on the front, his whole upper body is featured. This subtle difference has made the variation extremely scarce and highly sought after. In top grades, the Griffey Jr. upper deck variation has sold for over $2,000 before. Even in lower near-mint grades, values are significantly higher than the $100-$300 range for the standard Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the base set. Finding this elusive photo variation in a collection is a true treasure for any 90s baseball card fanatic.

While not the costliest in the set, cards of other star players like Pedro Martinez, Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McGee, and Tom Glavine also carry substantial values today. Each was either already emerging or future superstars and remain in demand for collectors decades later. In near-mint to mint condition, their rookie and star cards typically sell in the $50-$300 range depending on player performance levels achieved. Of these, Pedro Martinez arguably has some of the highest gains, as his superstar status and Hall of Fame career has pushed mint conditioned Ultra Update cards up to $200-$400 over the past 5 years alone. The earlier you could identify and hold onto stars like Martinez, the better your returns would be as an investor over the long run.

Players who had short major league careers or didn’t pan out as expected don’t carry high values, as one would assume. Even lesser known names from the set that went on to have cup of coffee careers still attract interest from die-hard collectors looking to finish their Ultra Update sets. In lower mint grades, many of these “common” rookie cards can still fetch between $5-20 each online. While not valuable investments, it shows there is still demand for completing even the back-end players from historically regarded sets over 25 years later. For the true completists, it’s about preserving all the cards and stories from that particular year rather than just the stars.

When compared to flagship issues like Topps and Donruss from 1991, the Fleer Ultra Update stands out for focusing exclusively on rookies and star players through exciting full color headshot photography versus traditional uniform-featured base cards. This gave it pop and appeal beyond the standard base rookies found elsewhere. While production numbers were higher than modern issues, demand has increased availability over the years as the players featured had successful careers. Still, finding a complete set with multiple high-grade rookie hits of future Hall of Famers makes it a highly valuable set, especially to Braves, Mariners, and Red Sox enthusiasts targeting their franchise stars. For building a strong basketball portfolio focused on the early 1990s, the 1991 Fleer Ultra Update is an excellent foundation set to anchor a collection.

While individual cards may not be worth a fortune outside the true stars and key variations, the 1991 Fleer Ultra Update baseball card set as a whole has proven to stand the test of time. It successfully captured the incoming rookie classes and futures stars of that era in a unique photo-centered format. Many of those players went on to have standout careers that continued driving collector and investor demand for high-grade copies of their rookie cards decades later. For historians of the sport and traders seeking quality baseball memorabilia from the early 1990s, the Ultra Update remains an extremely interesting and worthwhile set to pursue.

TOPPS 2022 UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Update Series baseball card set was released by Topps on September 7th, 2022 as the latest edition in their annual Update Series product line. As with previous Topps Update releases, the 2022 version provided collectors the opportunity to obtain newly released rookie cards, updated stats and team changes from the current MLB season.

Containing a total of 330 base cards, the 2022 Topps Update set featured many of the top rookie players from the 2022 MLB season as well as stars from across the league with updated stats from after the regular 2022 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 sets were produced earlier in the year. Some of the top rookies included in the set were Miami Marlins pitcher Max Meyer, Kansas City Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr., Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. All of these players had breakout rookie campaigns and their rookie cards from the Update set started gaining popularity among collectors.

In addition to rookies, the 2022 Topps Update also showcased big name veterans who were having standout seasons or who changed teams. For example, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, who had a record-breaking home run season, was prominently featured. Other star players included Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo after being traded from the Miami Marlins and Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who was making his return from injury. Cardinals star Nolan Arenado also returned in a St. Louis uniform after being traded from the Colorado Rockies before the 2022 season began. These types of updated player and team changes are what make the Topps Update set a vital release each year for keeping collector’s complete sets up-to-date.

Along with the 330 base cards, the 2022 Topps Update also included several popular insert sets for collectors to hunt. Some of the top inserts included Gallery of Stars featuring historical event photographs of MLB greats, Flashback Friday highlighting past season performer, and Stars of the Topps Now social media insert set. Top prospects were also highlighted through the Topps Prospects card set. Autograph and memorabilia card inserts of current stars provided collectors exciting chase cards as well. Veteran stars featured in these inserts included Mike Trout, Ohtani, Soto and Acuna Jr. Parallels and variations of the base cards and inserts added to the appeal and chase for collectors as well.

Retail and hobby box configurations of the 2022 Update Series offered various options for collectors. The standard $120 jumbo hobby box contained 36 packs with 18 cards per pack. This provided collectors an average of around 6-7 base cards per pack along with inserts which average around 1 per pack or better. The $50 blaster box held 18 packs with 5-6 cards each offering a more affordable retail introduction. Loose packs were also widely available at $3.99-4.99 each depending on the retailer. With guaranteed rookies or prospects in every pack, loose packs from Update provided an exciting lotto style experience for collectors.

Although the release of the 2022 Topps Update Series added no new Hall of Fame cards, veterans checklists or autograph rookies relic sets compared to the previous year’s release, it remains an essential annual release for collectors seeking the latest rookie classes and season statistical updates. With a strong rookie class headlined by stars like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr., as well as new team switches like Nolan Arenado in Cardinals red, the 2022 Topps Update was able to breathe new life and collector interest into the traditional baseball card season that follows. Over the coming years, many of these players’ rookie cards could become highly sought after affordable options for collectors.

In summarization, despite sticking to the typical formula of its predecessors, the 2022 Topps Update Series baseball card set was another successful annual update that provided collectors the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest MLB season developments through newly released rookie cards, updated stats and team changes. With strong rookie classes and standout offensive seasons from stars like Judge driving interest, the 2022 Update will remain an essential reference set and affordable collecting option for years to come as the careers of players featured continue to develop.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer Update baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Originally released as a supplement to Fleer’s flagship 1987 baseball card release, the Update set featured rookie cards and new photos of stars who had breakout seasons the previous year. Several of the cards from the 87 Update set have now become enormously valuable pieces of collectible memorabilia sought after by serious card collectors. Below is an in-depth examination of some of the most valuable and iconic cards from the 1987 Fleer Update set.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable card from the 1987 Update set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins, establishing himself as one of the best all-around players of the 1980s and 90s. As Puckett’s sole rookie card and one of the most recognizable from the entire decade, his 87 Update card is arguably the most iconic card in the entire set. In near-mint condition a Puckett rookie will fetch prices well over $1000 today. A gem mint copy in a PSA 10 holder could sell for upwards of $10,000 or more depending on the market. Such high values reflect Puckett’s legendary career and status as one of the most accomplished players from the late 80s/early 90s baseball era.

Another extremely valuable rook from the ’87 Update set belongs to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Danny Jackson. As the National League Rookie of the Year in 1987 while posting a 18-6 record and 2.49 ERA, Jackson’s sole rookie card from this set is hugely sought after. High grade Jackson rookies currently sell for $500-1500 depending on condition. Like Puckett, Jackson went on to a long successful career mostly in the National Leagues which has maintained strong demand for this card long after its original printing. A PSA 10 gem mint copy would probably bring $5,000+ at auction reflecting Jackson’s accomplishments and the rarity of a true pristine mint example.

The 1987 Fleer Update also featured the rookie card of Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs. While Boggs had previously appeared in fleer and topps sets in previous years, this was considered his true transitional “rookie” as he broke out with a .361 batting average in 1987. Boggs went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Red Sox and Yankees establishing himself as one of the best right handed hitters in baseball history. His 87 Update rookie is an icon for Boston fans and Red Sox collectors alike. Near mint copies sell for $300-700 today depending on exact condition details. A BGS or PSA graded gem mint 10 could garner $2,000+ reflecting Boggs’ achievements and the high grading standards.

Several other star players from the late 1980s have valuable rookie or seminal cards in the 1987 Fleer Update set as well. San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn has a widely sought after card valued around $100-300 in top condition due to his career .338 batting average and 8 batting titles. St. Louis Cardinals legendary manager Tony La Russa has his managerial rookie card, which reaches up to $150 for pristine copies given his Hall of Fame success. Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser’s pre-breakout card can sell for $50-150 leading up to his record breaking 1988 season. And Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg has an action poses card that fetches $75-200 due to his immense success primarily in Chicago.

Beyond just rookie cards, there are also several valuable starring/highlight cards of established superstars in the 1987 Fleer Update set as well. Perhaps most prominent is the Nolan Ryan card featuring him just after recording his 5,000th career strikeout. As one of the most accomplished and revered pitchers in history, high grade versions of this milestone Ryan card reach prices up to $400 today. Another Texas Rangers legend, slugger Rafael Palmeiro, has an action image used mainly in Texas that sells for $100-250. And New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden, still near the peak of his abilities in 1987, has an iconic card that reaches $150 for pristine copies before injuries derailed his Hall of Fame potential.

Overall condition and grading vastly impacts the potential value of all the key cards from the 1987 Fleer Update set discussed. Near mint to mint copies typically sell in the $50-300 range depending on the particular player depicted. But obtaining a true pristine mint gem grade of BGS/PSA 10 can exponentially increase values up into the thousands of dollars due to strong collector demand, the recognized greatness of many featured players, and scarcity of perfect specimens enduring from the original release over 30 years ago. The 1987 Fleer Update remains both an iconic vintage release chronicling stars of the late 80s baseball era as well as an extremely worthwhile set for serious collectors to pursue high end gem copies from.

The 1987 Fleer Update baseball card set stands out both for its memorable rookie cards like Kirby Puckett and Danny Jackson as well as seminal images of all-time greats like Nolan Ryan and Dwight Gooden. Fueled by the success and notoriety of many featured players over the decades, key cards from this set like Puckett, Jackson, Wade Boggs, and Ryan in particular command prices well into the thousands of dollars today for true perfect mint condition specimens. Both the historical significance and scarcity of pristine examples continue to make the 1987 Fleer Update one of the most valuable and sought after releases from the height of the 1980s sports card boom era. Serious vintage collectors would be hard pressed to find a more rewarding yet challenging set from that decade to pursue in top grades.

1990 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1990 Fleer Update baseball card set holds considerable nostalgic value for many collectors and fans of the late 80s and early 90s baseball era. Originally released as a supplement to Fleer’s flagship full-sized 1990 card issues in July 1990, the Update set featured photographic and statistical updates for many of the game’s top players from the first half of that MLB season. While not one of the larger or more iconic vintage card releases, the 1990 Fleer Update does feature some interesting variations and chase cards that continue to attract attention from collectors today.

The 1990 Fleer Update set contains just 36 total cards but includes photographic or statistical updates on many of baseball’s biggest stars at the time like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Jose Canseco, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs. The photo and stats are updated to reflect the players’ performances through around the All-Star break of the 1990 season. The set also featured Chicago Cubs rookie sensation Jerome Walton on the front which captured the excitement around his fast start that year before injuring his leg and never fully realizing his early potential.

Generally speaking, the most basic common cards from the 1990 Fleer Update set in near mint to mint condition can be acquired fairly inexpensively today, with PSA/BGS graded versions often selling in the $5-15 range. There are a few notable exceptions and chase cards that command significantly higher prices. For example, the Griffey Jr. and Ryan cards are almost always in higher demand due to their star power and typically sell in the $30-50 range even for common versions. The Jose Canseco ‘Bash Brother’ era Athletics are also perennial fan favorites.

Some key higher value variations and chase cards to watch out for in the 1990 Fleer Update set include:

Parallels and Printing Plates: The set included parallel issues like ‘Gold Sharpie Signature’ parallel cards signed by the player pictured and limited serial numbered printing plates that are highly coveted by advanced collectors.

Error Cards: A manufacturing error led to one Ricky Jordan card being accidently printed with Juan Samuel’s biography on the back. This is an extremely rare error that has sold for over $1,000 in the past.

Auto or Memorabilia Patch Cards: Special “StarSticker” and “Diamond Kings” parallel subsets featured autographs or memorabilia swatches of the biggest stars that command four-figure prices.

Walton Stampede Promo: Issued as a giveaway to promote Walton, it features a different photo and is very scarce, grading a PSA 10 sold for over $500.

Missing Signed Parallel: A Wade Boggs ‘Gold Sharpie Signature’ parallel is known but rumored to only one was ever produced making it the holy grail for collectors.

Superstar Rookies: The 1990 Update was the first released card for players like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and David Justice. Finding their rookie cards from this set in pristine condition is highly sought after.

In addition to the scarcer parallel and error cards, iconic rookie cards or particularly well-centered, sharp examples of the main stars can also push values higher for this set. A PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 graded 1990 Fleer Update Ken Griffey Jr. regular base card in the $100-200 range isn’t unreasonable. And a true perfect black label PSA 10 of his rookie could realistic bring a few thousand due to his legendary status.

While not among the most expensive vintage sets to collect, there remains strong nostalgia and collector interest in the 1990 Fleer Update issue due to the stars and moments it captured from that baseball season. For those looking to add a set with true scarce variations, fun player lots, or iconic young star rookies to their vintage baseball card portfolio – the 1990 Fleer Update provides affordable options with solid long-term holding potential. With smart shopping and a little patience, a complete common base set can usually be acquired for well under $100 total. And the thrill of the chase for the rarer parallel and error cards makes exploring this 1930s release a engaging collecting experience for many.

Three decades later the 1990 Fleer Update baseball card set continues attracting collectors both casual fans and serious investors due its affordable prices, nostalgia factors, and potential to house valuable variations. While the everydaycommon cards can be acquired for under $10-20 each, this 36-card issue diversifies portfolios well with options across varying price points – from budget stars to true high-end scarce chase cards. As interest grows around the players and teams featured, values on whole sets and particularly sharp graded examples appear well-positioned to appreciate steadily for years to come.