The Topps Company, Inc., a division of Fanatics Collectibles and next-gen physical and digital trading card company, is set to release the 2022 Topps Pristine Baseball NFT Collection on ToppsNFTs.com, a brand new officially licensed MLB NFT collection based on the popular Topps physical set. The collection features subsets such as facsimile signatures, Fresh Faces, Pure Power, Popular Demand, and for the first time as Topps NFTs – all new slab variants.Reserved for those who collect the entire Pristine set by Thursday, October 6th at 3 p.m. ET, are rare and exclusive Pristine NFT subsets– Fresh Faces Facsimile Signatures and Pure Power Facsimile Signatures. Additional Challenges task collectors with chasing multiple rarities of future 2022 MLB Regular Season and Playoff MVPs; World Series MVP; Rookies of the Year; and Cy Young Award winners – all of which will yield rewards in the form of NFT-exclusive original artwork digital collectibles.
What cards are in the 2022 Topps Series 1?
2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball Checklist Overview The 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball base set is 330 cards, the same as the past couple of years. Traditional player cards make up the majority of the checklist but team cards, Future Stars and League Leaders are there as well.
“With Topps Pristine being a very popular product among the collecting community for quite some time, we felt it was the perfect set to reimagine as an NFT collecting experience,” said Tobin Lent, VP & Global General Manager of Topps Digital. “The collection includes a variety of collectible types including a very unique opportunity to offer cards in slabs as NFTs which further elevates how fans can showcase their prized possessions.”The 2022 Topps Pristine Baseball NFT Collection features both slab and non-slab offerings, with marquee subsets giving fans a chance to collect and invest in the game’s brightest young stars, biggest hitters, and flamethrowing hurlers. Packs will be available for purchase on Thursday, September 15th at 1 p.m. ET exclusively on ToppsNFTs.com.
Turn your card over so the stats are facing you. Look very bottom of the card in the center. Here you will find in bold CODE# and a series of numbers. The last THREE digits in this code will indicate whether you have a base card, short print, or super short print. Take a close look as these codes are in tiny print!
The 2022 Topps Update series baseball cards are finally here! If you ripped packs of the flagship release this weekend and you’re not quite sure if you’ve landed a short print (SP) or super short print (SSP), we have a guide to identifying those coveted inserts.
What is the best card to pull from Topps 2022?
Without further ado, here are the eight top 2022 Topps Series one cards that will add value to your collection.Wander Franco cards. … Brandon Marsh 2022 Topps Chrome Purple Refractor. … Shohei Ohtani limited-edition 2022 Topps SSP. … Oneil Cruz 2022 Topps Base Chrome. … Mike Trout 2022 Topps Series 1 Base Gold.
The rookie card collectors are chasing – here is the BASE version of the Julio Rodriguez 2022 Topps Update series card in the picture above. J-Rod looking smooth in this pose, rocking the shades as he looks up towards the rookie logo, bat in-hand. Maybe J-Rod just mashed a home run in the picture you see on this card and in the main image. We mentioned this is a BASE card, but how do we know this for certain? Let’s review how you can spot the short prints in 2022 Topps Update.A Vintage Breaks, we have our main breaking show in New Jersey (The North), to go with our night owls in the South (Georgia), and the West (Arizona). You can always check our CALENDAR to see when we’re breaking.We have 2022 Topps Update series card breaks on the site for you now! A Jumbo box contains 10 packs, 1 autograph, and 2 relic cards. You can see Max Scherzer and Pete Alonso gracing the cover of this Jumbo box. Whether you want to chase the Mets or the World Series teams in the Phillies and Astros, the hot rookies, or your favorite team, we have spots available! If you have sealed wax, vintage or modern, that you are considering selling, contact us today to discuss or get our industry-leading purchase offer. We’re always interested in both sealed product of both sport and non-sport. Whether you have that pack of 1977 Star Wars, that rare 1955 Bowman cello pack, a wax box of 1984 Topps football, Pokémon, or 2019 Panini National Treasures basketball you’d like to sell, we’d love to hear from you! When you check out for a spot on the site, the price you see is the price you pay. Taxes and shipping are included! Your cards always come protected in holders. The last time you mailed a package out had to have set you back more than three bucks, right? If you buy a $3.00 spot, you get your card holdered and shipped for that price.We have been pulling MONSTER cards in baseball card breaks like Derek Jeter autographs, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig patch cards, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani autos, and of course vintage pulls like this 1947-1966 Exhibits Willie Mays! We’d love to pull YOU the next big card here at Vintage Breaks.Here is the back of the Julio Rodriguez card. In the first photo you can see where the code is at the bottom of the card. In the second photo you can see a close-up of the actual code, which ends in 241.FUN! Cards are our passion! Isn’t is just more fun to chat with other collectors? Come hang with us and other collectors just like you during our breaks!
Topps JUST released 2022 Update cards on Friday, and kept their tradition of including short prints and super short prints in the packs. We know you’re eyeing down SP rookies like Julio Rodriguez, as well as hits of legendary players like Babe Ruth. How can you tell if you pulled a variation card, though? The easiest way is to check the back of the card.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.In 2020, the card sold for only $1.25. But in 2023, the star’s card sells for upwards of eight dollars. It’s a great investment opportunity, and as more and more people invest in Gavin Sheets’ career, so will collectors in his cards. Though his future is uncertain, Gavin’s 2022 Topps Royal Blue card will always be a reminder of his incredible talent.
Vidal Brujan’s 2022 Topps Base card features an advanced stats collection that gives an insight into his accomplishments and future potential. It highlights all his strengths and weaknesses, including ground ball percentage, batting average, and bases stolen.
Wander Franco has attracted a huge amount of attention due to his stellar 2021 performance, with a triple slash of .288/.347/.463, seven home runs, and two stolen bases. His 2022 Topps Series 1 RC could make him an instant superstar and prove to be a valuable asset for investors in the future.Don’t miss out on your chance to get one of these special cards in your collection. Who knows, your lucky find might unlock awesome value in the future. His incredible performance over the next three years earned him a spot on the Angels’ 40-man roster, and eventually got the chance to play in the big league in 2022. After a successful stint in Los Angeles, the Phillies swooped in and traded for the star outfielder in August of that year. All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the Site constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. MoneyMade is not a fiduciary by virtue of any person’s use of or access to the Site or Content. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other Content on the Site before making any decisions based on such information or other Content.
What are the odds of getting a 2022 Topps Pro Debut Pack?
Featuring limited and unique designs, these cards are filled with detail and real game-used materials like game-worn jerseys, field dirt, bases, and more. Plus, some bear autographs of star sluggers.With such potential and talent featured in the Topps Series 1, collectors are eager to turn a profit on these cards in the next couple of years. With the 2022 season wrapped and 2023 on the horizon, investing in any of these cards could be incredibly rewarding.
These Short Prints or variations are some of the rarest cards ever as they’re printed in much fewer quantities than all the other cards in the set. You might find regular cards in almost every pack, but SPs much harder to find because they’re only available in one of every 42 hobby or blasters packs and one in every 13 hobby jumbo packs.
Collecting a Topps Series 1 2022 baseball card relic is an investment that you can be proud of. If you ever get your hands on one, you just scored a valuable item that’s potentially a highly sought-after collectible.These celebrities’ acquisitions have brought extra attention to the sports card collecting hobby—meaning the significance Topps cards will likely continue to rise.
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Brandon Marsh is one of the hottest baseball prospects in recent memory. The former Los Angeles Angels player has made waves in the baseball world through his natural gifts on the diamond and the sheer potential of his career. His cards are among the most sought-after collectibles in circulation, boasting over 2097 editions from various sets and brands.
There’s no telling how much the card will be worth a few years down the road. For now, however, it’s definitely worth collecting if you have the chance, as it could end up being an incredible addition to your collection.
Franco’s cards could take a hit if he gets injured or dips out from playing in the American League East. Yet, the future looks bright for Wander Franco’s cards and investors have the potential to see strong short term returns.For those looking to make a statement, investing in this limited edition card will certainly do the trick. If you’re hesitant about investing in a high-end card like the Oneil Cruz, there are a few online sites that offer discounts.
Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout are two established players whose cards can also be found in this set. Ohtani’s 2022 Topps SSP Variation is one of the hottest cards currently on the market, with prices hitting as high as $750. Mike Trout cards could be just as valuable but have recently been selling for bargain prices.
MoneyMade is not a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser. The investments identified on the MoneyMade website may not be purchased through MoneyMade; rather, all transactions will be directly between you and the third-party platform hosting the applicable investment. The information contained herein regarding available investments is obtained from third party sources. While MoneyMade generally considers such sources to be reliable, MoneyMade does not represent that such information is accurate or complete, and MoneyMade has not undertaken any independent review of such information.Shohei Ohtani’s SP variations are so valuable because of its rarity and excellent design, which elevated its status among collectors. Featuring a perfect vertical shot of the athlete above a minimalistic logo, it’s the perfect combination of classic baseball card design and a notorious player.
Regardless of your card collecting experience, Brandon Marsh cards provide something unique for all types of collectors. His most notorious card is the 2022 Topps Gold, which is one of 137 cards in the collection. This premier set is jam-packed with rookie cards of up-and-coming stars. Cards from the Topps Series 1 collection offer a potential return for diamond-hand investors. Iconic players like Mike Trout and Vidal Brujan are featured in the set, and big names can mean big profits if you know your way around the collectibles market. Gavin Sheets and Spencer Strider’s cards are also worth keeping an eye on, with Sheets’ 2022 Topps card up to six dollars and Strider’s 2022 Topps SP Variation card hitting $499 in January 2023.The standardized performance presented herein has been calculated by MoneyMade based on data obtained from the third-party platform hosting the investment and is subject to change. No representation or warranty is made as to the reasonableness of the methodology used to calculate such performance. Changes in the methodology used may have a material impact on the returns presented. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In exchange for using the Site, you agree not to hold MoneyMade, its affiliates or any third party service provider liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decision you make based on information or other Content made available to you through the Site. This card is a great conversation starter as it’s a scarce piece of memorabilia. With a combination of solid stats, a 20-homer season on the horizon, and an impressive card value, it looks like a Gavin Sheets card could prove to be a solid pick. So don’t wait—invest in players who are underrated today and profit tomorrow. The limited edition 2022 Topps Series One Baseball Cards is the ultimate sports card pack to invest in this year. Players like Wander Franco, Brandon Marsh, and Mike Trout are sure to bring out-of-the-park returns.
These factors make SP variations of 2022 Topps Shohei Ohtani cards coveted items. Retailers—both local and online—have reported a dramatic surge in sales of the card, and it’s widely regarded as one of the most desirable pieces in the sport.
The rarer varieties of his card are even pricier, ranging from the scarce Royal Blue, Green Foil, and Vintage Stock to the limited-edition Father’s Day Powder Blue, Platinum, and Gold Foil. In some cases, you could find these cards for $50, but even raw versions can be quite expensive.With Topps Series 1’s expected to release in February 2023, Wander Franco, Brandon Marsh, Shohei Ohtani, Oneil Cruz, Mike Trout, and Vidal Brujan are just a few of the big names in this stunning set.Now, imagine how much more exciting it would be to own not just a regular card, but a unique and highly valuable one. You might get that feeling when you pull a Short Print card (SP) from the 2022 Topps Update Series Baseball Variations.
Investing in Mike Trout’s 2022 cards can be highly profitable due to their resale value. A good reference point is the record sale of his rare signed 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Rookie card which fetched $3.93 million, and his lesser-graded counterpart which sold for $922,500.
The highest price for the card is $200 while the lowest is around $12, including variations such as Platinum, Father’s Day Powder Blue, Green Foil, and Vintage Stock. These cards are some of the most desired designs, coupled with his unique position as one of the top prospects in the MLB, these cards are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
What is the most valuable baseball card set in 2022?
The most valuable card of 2022 Topps is currently 2022 Topps #215d Wander Franco PSA 10 with a worth of approx. $936.09. The most traded card of 2022 Topps in the past 30 days on eBay was for 2022 Topps Home Field Advantage #HA-2 Ronald Acuna Jr. with 23 trades and an average price of $24.34.
Gavin Sheets first began playing for the Chicago White Sox during the 2021 season and has been a fan favorite ever since. With an impressive batting average of .295 and eighty-three runs batted in, his style of play has fans cheering from the stands.The Content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our Site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by MoneyMade or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in this or in in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Any references to past performance, regarding financial markets or otherwise, do not indicate or guarantee future results. Forward-looking statements, including without limitations investment outcomes and projections, are hypothetical and educational in nature. The results of any hypothetical projections can and may differ from actual investment results had the strategies been deployed in actual securities accounts. The list never ends, with cards of baseball players from the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Fransisco Giants, and Cleveland Guardians all up for grabs. The appeal of this card goes beyond aesthetics, though. According to FanGraphs, Brujan has been named the Rays’ new No. 1 and ranks as No. 12 among all Major League Baseball players. This underscores his potential to be an all-star, even drawing comparisons to Philadelphia Phillies’ Ketel Marte.
Not only are the variations of Topps series 1 hard to come by, but they’re just as unique and valuable as short prints, if not more. Each and every card could have a different CODE#CMP number, and with the thrill of the hunt comes the potential of finding a card that could be worth a fortune.
Vidal was later selected to play in MLB’s 2021 All-Star Futures Game, leading to his call up to the major leagues for the first time on July 7, 2021. Since then, he’s been a delight to watch, achieving his first career hit and a home run, and setting the field ablaze with 55 stolen bases in 2018.Spencer’s most expensive card is the 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Gold #BD-20 Spencer Strider PSA 10—it’s worth over $3,500 and could make any collector drool. You’ll need to part with five dollars to own a 2022 Topps Strider. His cards also have some stunning designs with intricate detail and vibrant colors. Spencer’s cards look great in any collection. Plus, with limited copies of his 2022 Topps #509 Rookie card up for grabs, it’s sure to be a collector’s grail for 2023. It’s impossible to ignore iconic players, like baseball rookie phenom Wander Franco, Shohei Ohtani, Vidal Brujan, Hank Aaron, and of course, three-time American League MVP Mike Trout. The best names in baseball also make for some of the best baseball cards to collect. Investing in sports cards requires endurance, a sharp eye, and a dash of luck. Diversification is key—all it takes is one big win to recover from all your losses. Cards from a Topps collection can be a smart investment if you’re willing to take the chance, so grab as many as you can before prices soar.As such, expect the demand for his cards to stay high, and for his card values to remain stable, or increase over the next year. The one caveat for investors is to recognize that Franco’s card values could undergo fluctuations and corrections like many other prospects over the past 12 months.
Brandon Marsh is another exciting prospect, who had been projected to have a .248/.323/.384 triple slash with ten home runs and ten stolen bases for the 2022 season. With over 2097 cards from a range of sets and brands, Marsh’s rookie card could be worth a pretty penny in the near future.
The Wander Franco Bowman Chrome Auto PSA 10 red refractor card sold for a record-setting $198,000 in 2021, making it the highest sale ever for any card featuring a player with no MLB experience.
Are on card autographs worth more?
On-card autos are usually limited to more expensive sets or lower print runs, so they demand a higher price as is.
The 2022 series includes a 1987 Topps set for die-hard old-schoolers. If you’re looking for a great way to relive baseball glory while making a nice return, Topps Series 1 Baseball is where it’s at.
Cruz was added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster following the 2019 season and split the 2021 minor league season between Altoona and Indianapolis. That same year in October, he was promoted to the active roster to make his MLB debut and hit his first career home run in Pittsburgh.
His 2022 Topps Series 1 card is on track to be the cornerstone of his growing Rookie Card collection, featuring all of his stellar stats. This card, along with his other cards is available in at least 21 sets and has been skyrocketing in value, with the highest price currently clocked in at $232. You can also find Wander Franco in different variations, such as Rainbow Foil, Gold and Gold Foil, Home Field Advantage, and SP.
Short prints are usually printed in landscape formats and in much lower quantities than base cards. They’re a valuable addition to any trading card set as you can often find Hall of Famers and rookies. Most baseball fans know the thrill of collecting exotic sports cards.
Rapper Drake dropped over $200,000 to get a Triple Logoman card from Panini, and DJ Steve Aoki spent around a million dollars on a variety of these cards. Even Rob Kardashian got into the game, collecting a rare Honus Wagner card.More parallels to chase, more autographs to hunt for, and more insert sets to collect – all wrapped in a pack within a pack within a pack! Find one encased autograph or encased base card pristine parallel, two base card parallels or one autograph relic card, and two base cards per pack.Making its long-awaited return to stores in FEBRUARY 2022, Topps Pristine Baseball delivers a truly unique breaking experience. Each box will contain:
More parallels to chase, more autographs to hunt for, and more insert sets to collect – all wrapped in a pack within a pack within a pack! Find one encased autograph or encased base card pristine parallel, two base card parallels or one autograph relic card, and two base cards per pack.
What cards to look for in 2022 Topps opening day?
The most valuable card of 2022 Topps Opening Day is currently 2022 Topps Opening Day #208b Wander Franco with a worth of approx. $152.50. The most traded card of 2022 Topps Opening Day in the past 30 days on eBay was for 2022 Topps Opening Day #208 Wander Franco with 8 trades and an average price of $1.16.
Jackson had a long and successful career, starting with the Oakland A’s through his time with the New York Yankees. He’s considered one of the best players of all time, so his cards are undoubtedly highly sought-after and valued by collectors.
The 1963 Topps Rookie Stars card is a timeless piece of baseball’s greatest plays and most exciting moments—not even the print defects, lousy centering, and the occasional counterfeits can ruin that.
Also, the sports card industry has seen a surge in interest after the pandemic, with Yahoo! News reporting that seven of the ten most expensive sports cards in history were sold during lockdown. Similarly, eBay hosted four million more trading card transactions in 2020 than in 2019—a 142% growth rate.
This valuable Rookie Stars card, with a stained blue shelf along the top that’s susceptible to chipping, features four of the most iconic players to ever grace the diamond.
This baseball card is prone to tilt or diamond cuts and centering problems, but that hasn’t stopped Mays fans from investing in one. Willie Mays was an incredible player and his 1952 Topps card does his career justice. A PSA 9 grade is ultra rare and can set you back by up to six figures, with the average price of one currently sitting at around $245,000. But if your pockets aren’t that deep, you could still find lesser-graded cards for as low as $1,000. Versions of the 2011 Mike Trout update have fetched the highest price ever for a post-1960 Topps flagship baseball card, making it a must-have for serious baseball card collectors. The Red Border version is definitely the winner of the bunch, having matched its color scheme with the Angels logo.
Ken McMullen rounds out the quartet. The former California Angels third baseman played for six different teams in his 18-year career and was known more for his glove than for his bat. His .248 lifetime slugging average is not as impressive as the other three, but his 568 career runs and 606 RBI are nothing to sniff at.With its precarious border and uneasy history, this baseball card will remain inextricably linked with these four great and powerful players. In August 2016, a PSA 10-graded card fetched $717,000 after going for just $157,000 at an auction four years prior.Many investors diversify their valuable card collections by trading in rookie cards, cards with printing errors, autographed cards, and cards from different sports, players, and series, and generations should all be considered.
How can you tell if a 2022 Topps card is a short print?
Look very bottom of the card in the center. Here you will find in bold CODE# and a series of numbers. The last THREE digits in this code will indicate whether you have a base card, short print, or super short print.
The 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson card is a perfect keepsake of the start of Jackson’s stellar career, which makes it a particularly desirable item for baseball memorabilia collectors. The fact that it’s in perfect condition would only add to its value.
With only one PSA 10 in existence, this baseball card is expected to fetch even higher sums in the future. So if you’re a fan of the great Roberto Clemente and enjoy investing in quality cards, this is one you should most definitely have your eye on.Fanatics’s acquisition of Topps’ name, sports, and entertainment division for $500 million will give them exclusive rights with MLB. That could mean that the Topps name could be retired or transformed into a Fanatics sub-brand. Whatever the case may be, Topps cards are sure to maintain their legacy as the ideal collectors cardboard, both within and outside of sports.
Are there autographs in Topps 2022 Series 1?
Every Series 1 Hobby Box contains One Autograph or Relic Card and One Silver Pack! Look for Wander Franco Rookie Cards!
From Andy Pafko in 1952 to Mike Trout in 2020, the lead-off card in their flagship set has featured some of baseball’s greatest greats. This has resulted in collectors having a visual history from the first Topps baseball card in every set to the most recent.But the 1952 Topps set is also famously known for “The Find” of 1986 when a massive collection of high numbered cards were discovered in a New England home. With up to 75 Mickey Mantle rookie cards in gem mint condition, these cards are now in PSA sleeves and are arguably the most coveted modern sports cards.
With Mays being one of the few players in history to have eight consecutive seasons of topping the 100-RBI mark, it’s easy to see why this card has gone on to become one of the cornerstones of post-war baseball card collections. This rare baseball card is not only valuable because of its limited quantity—with only a handful in PSA 9 condition—but also due to its representation of the legendary Yankees outfielder, who earned seven World Championships, three American League MVP Awards, and the 1956 Triple Crown. Though their careers took them on different paths, the two dominant players undoubtedly had a powerful impact on baseball. The pairing was prophetic, and the 1968 Topps card featuring both Ryan and Koosman has become a cherished item in the hearts of not just Mets fans, but baseball fans everywhere.If you want to be the envy of your friends, it’s time to search for that elusive Mickey Mantle rookie card. Mantle’s 1952 Topps #311 baseball card is the undeniable poster child of sports memorabilia collecting.
As such, baseball cards can be a lucrative investment, with some of the highest sales in history happening in the past two and some-odd years. Baseball cards also have nostalgic value, with many sports fans returning to the hobby as a way to get their kick.
The importance of baseball cards is evidenced by the surge in interest and record-breaking sales during the pandemic. Collecting Topps trading cards has been a national pastime for 75 years and, with its recent acquisition by Fanatics, the brand is set to continue to be a permanent fixture in the baseball world.What’s even more impressive is that—when you find this baseball card with all the centering and color elements intact—it’s a real testament to who Mr. October was, a player that could perform on the biggest stage of them all.
Mays was a 24-time All-Star, two-time NL Most Valuable Player, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and 1951 Rookie of the Year. He also made one of the most memorable plays in baseball history in 1954 known today as “the catch.”In March 2021, a PSA 9 card sold for $1,050,000 at an auction. For those who know their cards, that auction marked the second time a card from Clemente had ever sold for more than seven figures. No one can resist a piece of baseball history and amazing art, but what makes the 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie card so valuable is its rareness and proud history. Jackie Robinson’s 1952 Topps card stands as a tribute to a man who changed the game for the better. He found a way to smile through the hate and, with this gorgeous card, fans can still appreciate his contributions. Mike has tallied an impressive 382 hits, 134 RBIs, 129 runs, and 49 stolen bases, as well as 36 home runs, 111 RBIs, and 115 runs in 2014 alone. With even more awards and achievements under his belt, Mike Trout is truly a force to be reckoned with, and it’s no wonder why he’s one of the biggest stars in the MLB.
It’s important to get an expert opinion to determine the value of your card collection. The condition of the cards also affects the value, with near-mint or mint condition cards being the most valuable. Autographed cards are also more valuable, but it’s crucial to get signatures authenticated.
To honor Robinson’s legacy and impact, MLB retired his number 42 in 1997, and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. The value of the 1952 Topps Robinson baseball card has no doubt been bolstered by the player’s remarkable achievements.
Topps cards are highly sought-after due to their rarity, iconic imagery, and collectability, with the most expensive being the 1952 Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $2.88 million in 2018.
His stats tell us he was really something special, with a .308 batting average, 19 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and a remarkable .440 OBP to set a league-high. His bat control was also legendary—despite 5,000 at-bats in his career, Robinson struck out only 291 times—an awe-inspiring feat.When Roberto died in 1971, the Hall of Fame waived a rule in order to induct him. Plus, in 2022, this baseball card was used to celebrate the 21st annual Roberto Clemente Day—that tells you something. Collectors have recognized the rarity and significance of the card. The Jackson card attests to the surge in interest seen in the hobby during the pandemic, with long-time collectors rediscovering their beloved hobby and an influx of new buyers investing in the market. Roberto Clemente’s 1955 Topps rookie cards are the perfect centerpiece for any collection. It stands out among other cards and carries a history of rarety, reverence, and nostalgia through its vibrant colors and detailed card back. Not only that, it provides a great investment opportunity for collectors.
After Bowman Gum Company paved the way in 1951 by marketing baseball and football card premiums, Topps followed suit and debuted two 52-card sets in jest. Little did scoffers know, Topps’s cards would go on to become a multi-million dollar industry.
Not only does it feature a beautiful design—it’s also one of the rarest rookie cards in the Topps set, with a base production of just 22. Roberto Clemente was a 15-time All-Star and four-time batting champ, solidifying his status as a Hall of Fame outfielder.
However, Heritage VP of Sports Dan Imler warns that the market is a bit suspect from a stability standpoint because investors may sell when things pull back a little. As such, the hobby needs to be sustained.In 1956, Topps acquired Bowman Gum Company before finalizing the standard 2.5″ x 3.5″ card size the following year each featuring an illustrative athlete portrait and full history and stat details.
Also featured is Al Weis, a journeyman centerfielder who made a name for himself during the Mets’s 1969 season thanks to his ninth-inning single in Game 2 of the World Series and a seventh-inning home run in Game 5. His 346 career hits are an impressive feat, yet nowhere close to that of Rose.
Topps baseball cards have been some of the most valuable pieces of sports memorabilia. Starting as a small family business, the recent Fanatics acquisition of the Topps brand signals the company’s prosperous future.
Despite his controversial post-career scandal and banishment from the game, Rose’s career achievements are impossible to deny. He was a 17-time All-Star, NL MVP in 1973, and also won two World Series titles. Although his .303 career batting average pales in comparison to the other three players on the card, his 2,165 runs, 160 home runs, and 4,256 hits make him one of the most prolific offensive players of all time.
Topps baseball cards in particular have been the leading baseball card company for the past six decades and have featured some of baseball’s greatest stars. As a result, collectors now have a visual history of the first Topps baseball card in every set from 1952 to 2023.
The Mike Trout Topps Update card is an incredibly sought-after item among investors and sports collectors. For example, an ultra-rare 2011 Topps Mike Trout Platinum card sale made waves in the sports collectible world when it fetched over $1 million in a private sale. Collecting baseball cards isn’t just a hobby, but also a popular form of alternative investing. And with Topps now owned by Fanatics, their trading cards are set to remain a stalwart of baseball. The card showcases the faces of two of the greatest Mets of all time—Ryan’s eight-time All-Star selection, 11 league-leading strikeout titles, and 324 wins are enough to make any collector drool. Not to be overshadowed, Koosman provided a superb crusade of his own with an impressive 17-9 record, 2.28 ERA, and 180 strikeouts in the same year. The others on the card are no less impressive, with Al Weis coming through with his clutch hits in the 1969 World Series, Pedro Gonzalez providing powerful home runs, and Ken McMullen getting it done with the glove. As mentioned, stickers are quicker to sign, and most athletes don’t love signing their name ten-thousand times on repeat, so they prefer something more convenient and simple.
Are Topps cards worth buying?
Why are Topps sports cards so valuable? Topps baseball cards are still highly sought-after collectibles as evidenced by the $500 million acquisition of Topps’s name and sports and entertainment division by U.S. sports merchandise retailer Fanatics.
To be fair, Panini knows the stigma against stickers and does everything in its power to keep the sticker as undetectable as possible. It’s clear and intentionally minimalist so as not to take away from the rest of the card in any way.Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.Still, many collectors think of the stickers as an eyesore. The other common issue with them is the athlete’s signature going off the sticker, which leaves it looking sad and incomplete.
But most collectors find value in a Trever Lawrence autograph, whether it’s on-card or not, and there’s still a personal connection to be found even through sticker autographs.
That said, it’s also a lot more rewarding for the collector. Personally, I have an on-card Luka rookie auto, and I’ve never graded it because of a couple of indentions on the surface of the card. They look like fingernail imprints—but hey, if they’re Luka’s fingernail imprints, then it’s totally fine by me.
What is the difference between Topps 2022 Series 1 and 2?
Series 2 follows the same base card design as Series 1. Topps carries some insert sets over while introducing new lines. There’s always a ton of short prints, autographs, and memorabilia cards. This Bo Bichette is a Series 2 beauty.
But even in brands such as Optic, Panini shows an awareness of the value of on-card autos and always includes some on-card autos of the top-talent on low-numbered cards. For a brand like Contenders, many of the top picks are asked to sign on-card.Some collectors can be snobbish about sticker autos and prefer not to collect them at all. If that’s you, embrace it. Chase the on-card version, the parallels, or whatever suits your interests.
Don’t worry about the ongoing sticker vs. on-card autograph debate. Chase the cards that inspire you, whether their stickers, on-card, or anything else.
For one, it’s easier to send out sticker sheets than it is to do with cards, especially given how particular collectors are about the condition of the cards as they come out of packs.There’s no set rule for determining if the autographs are on-card or sticker, and some brands have a mix of both: including Contenders, Optic, Prizm, Select, and more. The general rule of thumb is that on-card autos are associated with higher-end brands.
If you need further proof of collector’s opinions on attractiveness, search “sticker auto” on eBay and see how many listings advertise a sticker auto. Then, do the same search for “on-card auto.” As you’ll see, only the latter is used as a selling point.
On the other hand, on-card autos visually pop and seem much more flowing and natural. The athlete has a bit more say of where he/she wants to sign, and this leads to a more organic feel.As a collector, you’re the only one who can determine your personal tastes. Of course, the market value might influence you, but don’t make that the only reason you collect.
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but these numbers show you’ll be able to more for an on-card auto than a sticker. How much more, though, is hard to say. My advice? If you have an on-card autograph that’s /25, comp a similar sticker auto of the same player /25, then add 50% and wait for offers—you never want to undersell a big hit!
It’s difficult to compare sticker vs. on-card autograph value on a level playing field. On-card autos are usually limited to more expensive sets or lower print runs, so they demand a higher price as is.
One of the biggest annoyances that plague the card collecting community is sticker autographs. The reaction to the two seems like college-jersey cards versus NFL-jersey cards. So, why is the sticker vs. on-card autograph debate such a big deal?
It’s also difficult to compare brands, which is what this comparison makes you do: a Joe Borrow Legacy sticker auto is going to be less than an on-card auto of a more high-end brand.
