Kobe Finest RC Refractors Overrated or Underrated

CardmanDan · 01-11-2021, 01:55 AM

PSA 9’s are well over 10k now. Where do you think these can go on Kobe Bryant Day AKA his Hall of Fame Induction? PSA 9 Topps Chrome Refractors are 42-50k, I heard his Finest Refractors are rarer & the packs were more expensive upon its release in 1996. Let’s discuss

regularp · 01-11-2021, 02:28 AM

Underrated. Not a lot of them out there and not easy grades either. The Bronze ones in particular are brutal because of centering.

Totalpackage · 01-11-2021, 06:53 AM

Of course they are underrated. Both the gold and bronze refractors are much more hard to find especially in top grades, but the Topps Chrome refractors are more iconic, so it depends on what goal you are looking for; both of them are must have for Kobe collectors if the financial isn't an issue.

2010GBPackers · 01-11-2021, 07:59 AM

There are a lot of collectors (and investors, frankly) who are moving away from the Topps Chrome refractors and into the Finest Bronze and Gold Kobe refractors due to the greening on the TC. The Finest cards can green as well, but it is less prevalent and to much less of a degree. Plus, the Finest Gold is one of the most visually appealing cards of all-time and is ultra rare, especially in Mint and Gem Mint condition. I envision the Finest Gold outselling the Topps Chrome refractor in 5-10 years.

Hellcat · 01-11-2021, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010GBPackers

There are a lot of collectors (and investors, frankly) who are moving away from the Topps Chrome refractors and into the Finest Bronze and Gold Kobe refractors due to the greening on the TC. The Finest cards can green as well, but it is less prevalent and to much less of a degree. Plus, the Finest Gold is one of the most visually appealing cards of all-time and is ultra rare, especially in Mint and Gem Mint condition. I envision the Finest Gold outselling the Topps Chrome refractor in 5-10 years.

Again a pipe dream and you obviously don’t have the chrome refractor and the less valuable Finest refractors. I won’t sell my pristine PSA 9 chrome refractor for under 100k. There’s a handful of us left mine has stayed in a safety deposit box since I bought it in 1997.

sebreg · 01-11-2021, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010GBPackers

There are a lot of collectors (and investors, frankly) who are moving away from the Topps Chrome refractors and into the Finest Bronze and Gold Kobe refractors due to the greening on the TC. The Finest cards can green as well, but it is less prevalent and to much less of a degree. Plus, the Finest Gold is one of the most visually appealing cards of all-time and is ultra rare, especially in Mint and Gem Mint condition. I envision the Finest Gold outselling the Topps Chrome refractor in 5-10 years.

I'm on team Finest Gold

Regarding valuations I have no clue, but if I had a boatload of money I'd park it into the Gold refractor not the TC refractor. Better pop and better aesthetics (imo). Can be problematic with both but a slight edge regarding potential greening issues as well.

Totalpackage · 01-11-2021, 08:55 AM

The high graded Topps Chrome Refractors are indeed the most valued Kobe rookie cards, but the Finest Gold and Bronze Refractors are also quite underrated comparing to what they used to sell a few years ago. Like I said in my previous message, the Topps Chrome Refractors are the most iconic ones but the Finest Refractors are more rarer. I am actually selling my house for both cards right now... lol...

2010GBPackers · 01-11-2021, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellcat

Again a pipe dream and you obviously don’t have the chrome refractor and the less valuable Finest refractors. I won’t sell my pristine PSA 9 chrome refractor for under 100k. There’s a handful of us left mine has stayed in a safety deposit box since I bought it in 1997.

You're one of kind, Hellcat. I'll quote you so people can see your post since most have you blocked. Anyway, PSA 9's aren't "Pristine", you'd need to cross that to a BGS 10 for that. Also, there's not a handful of you left - there are 286 PSA 9's, so 286 of you left (270ish if you account for failed crossover attempts).

The gap has closed substantially in the past 2 years. The TC refractor was outselling the Finest Gold by appro. 5x. Now it's 2x or less.

Totalpackage · 01-11-2021, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010GBPackers

You're one of kind, Hellcat. I'll quote you so people can see your post since most have you blocked. Anyway, PSA 9's aren't "Pristine", you'd need to cross that to a BGS 10 for that. Also, there's not a handful of you left - there are 286 PSA 9's, so 286 of you left (270ish if you account for failed crossover attempts).

The gap has closed substantially in the past 2 years. The TC refractor was outselling the Finest Gold by appro. 5x. Now it's 2x or less.

Yes, the information for both cards' pricing are correct. I remember about few years ago, the Topps Chrome Refractors BGS 9.5 used to sell around 5k while the Finest Gold Refractors BGS 9.5 were a little bit over 1k. I think the pricing gap will eventually become even since there are many positive factors for the Finest Refractors.

Hellcat · 01-11-2021, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010GBPackers

You're one of kind, Hellcat. I'll quote you so people can see your post since most have you blocked. Anyway, PSA 9's aren't "Pristine", you'd need to cross that to a BGS 10 for that. Also, there's not a handful of you left - there are 286 PSA 9's, so 286 of you left (270ish if you account for failed crossover attempts).

The gap has closed substantially in the past 2 years. The TC refractor was outselling the Finest Gold by appro. 5x. Now it's 2x or less.

Pristine color as in no greening! You’ve seen the pics how many are like that in existence very few! So my copy blows all your other stats away that you can throw at me. It will cross to a.BGS 9.5 which I will do at our next national.

Beavers98 · 01-11-2021, 10:30 AM

I own a few of the reg/base cards and none of the RC refractors so no bias here.

I can see the Gold Refractor gaining some ground, but it's not really comparing like items. I mean if Chrome had a Gold refractor that year I'm sure it would be through the roof/ highest card. It doesn't so Finest Gold Refractor is the next best thing or only real option for Gold Refractors.

So again I can see the Finest Gold Refractor closing the percentage gap on T.Chrome Refractors, but compare base cards and base refractors (T.Chrome vs Bronze RC) and I'm sure they percentage multiplier won't move a ton, but both will increase together. If that makes sense.

mc1 · 01-11-2021, 11:32 AM

Gold Refractor isnt a rookie card.

Keep pumping guys.

Adam85 · 01-11-2021, 11:41 AM

I'll just sit quietly in the corner with my Bowman's Best refractor.

biggieruth · 01-11-2021, 11:42 AM

I like Topps 50th anniversary rookie looks just like the Chrome with out the greening.

Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

CardWizard · 01-11-2021, 11:43 AM

Love it

mglevy125 · 01-11-2021, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc1

Gold Refractor isnt a rookie card.

Keep pumping guys.

What are you talking about? The finest Gold refractor is 1996-97. That makes it a rookie card....

LincecumPC · 01-11-2021, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam85

I'll just sit quietly in the corner with my Bowman's Best refractor.

Lol don’t sell yourself short. That’s a nice card as well.

Kobefan · 01-11-2021, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglevy125

What are you talking about? The finest Gold refractor is 1996-97. That makes it a rookie card....

It’s in a finest series 2 set, while finest series 1 already have Kobe rc card. It was never considered a true rookie card, but simply a card in a rookie year.

Chris P · 01-11-2021, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc1

Gold Refractor isnt a rookie card.

Keep pumping guys.

I mean the chrome refractor isnt either right?

Chris P · 01-11-2021, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglevy125

What are you talking about? The finest Gold refractor is 1996-97. That makes it a rookie card....

You're going to have different people call it different things..its not a "true" rc just like the chrome refractor isn't a true rc bc they both have base versions...in the case of the finest it has a bronze which is considered the true rc..everything else in finest is rookie year cards or rookie card parallels

Totalpackage · 01-11-2021, 01:19 PM

I would take it as a rookie card since it was released in 1996.

mc1 · 01-11-2021, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Totalpackage

I would take it as a rookie card since it was released in 1996.

Series 1 has a copyright of 1996
Series 2 has a copyright of 1997

One was released before the other

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris P

I mean the chrome refractor isnt either right?

Its rookie year card

Base is always the true rc.

2010GBPackers · 01-11-2021, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc1

Gold Refractor isnt a rookie card.

Keep pumping guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglevy125

What are you talking about? The finest Gold refractor is 1996-97. That makes it a rookie card....

This is just what he does. mc1 thinks people really care about the card he identifies as the "true rookie". Back to the topic.

Great, so we've concluded the Finest Gold is gaining on the TC refractor. It's a matter of preference really. I love both cards, but I'm in love with one of them.

Chris P · 01-11-2021, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010GBPackers

This is just what he does. mc1 thinks people really care about the card he identifies as the "true rookie". Back to the topic.

Great, so we've concluded the Finest Gold is gaining on the TC refractor. It's a matter of preference really. I love both cards, but I'm in love with one of them.

When I got back in the hobby in 2016, the one card I targeted was originally just the Gold Base Finest Rookie..then I saw a PSA 9 refractor no peel and decided to splurge on that one. I just love everything about it. It's not only my favorite Kobe in my collection but my favorite card in my entire collection

danimal875 · 01-11-2021, 02:54 PM

Just ignore RC card trolls, let them have their moment, its obviously the only thing going on in their lives.

01-11-2021, 01:55 AM	#1
CardmanDan Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Southern California Posts: 57	Kobe Finest RC Refractors Overrated or Underrated PSA 9’s are well over 10k now. Where do you think these can go on Kobe Bryant Day AKA his Hall of Fame Induction? PSA 9 Topps Chrome Refractors are 42-50k, I heard his Finest Refractors are rarer & the packs were more expensive upon its release in 1996. Let’s discuss

01-11-2021, 07:59 AM	#4
2010GBPackers Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 4,565	There are a lot of collectors (and investors, frankly) who are moving away from the Topps Chrome refractors and into the Finest Bronze and Gold Kobe refractors due to the greening on the TC. The Finest cards can green as well, but it is less prevalent and to much less of a degree. Plus, the Finest Gold is one of the most visually appealing cards of all-time and is ultra rare, especially in Mint and Gem Mint condition. I envision the Finest Gold outselling the Topps Chrome refractor in 5-10 years. __________________ "And more and more and more and more And more of less than ever before It's just too much more for your mind to absorb" - Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Instagram: 2010gbpackers

01-11-2021, 11:32 AM	#12
mc1 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11,208	Gold Refractor isnt a rookie card. Keep pumping guys. __________________ B.I.D.

01-11-2021, 11:43 AM	#15
CardWizard Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 181 thecardwizard thecardwizard	Love it Last edited by CardWizard; 01-11-2021 at 12:27 PM.

01-11-2021, 02:28 AM	#2
regularp Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 7,177	Underrated. Not a lot of them out there and not easy grades either. The Bronze ones in particular are brutal because of centering.

01-11-2021, 06:53 AM	#3
Totalpackage Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: California Posts: 1,113 totalpackage	Of course they are underrated. Both the gold and bronze refractors are much more hard to find especially in top grades, but the Topps Chrome refractors are more iconic, so it depends on what goal you are looking for; both of them are must have for Kobe collectors if the financial isn't an issue.

01-11-2021, 08:55 AM	#7
Totalpackage Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: California Posts: 1,113 totalpackage	The high graded Topps Chrome Refractors are indeed the most valued Kobe rookie cards, but the Finest Gold and Bronze Refractors are also quite underrated comparing to what they used to sell a few years ago. Like I said in my previous message, the Topps Chrome Refractors are the most iconic ones but the Finest Refractors are more rarer. I am actually selling my house for both cards right now... lol...

01-11-2021, 10:30 AM	#11
Beavers98 Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 11,101 beavers98	I own a few of the reg/base cards and none of the RC refractors so no bias here. I can see the Gold Refractor gaining some ground, but it's not really comparing like items. I mean if Chrome had a Gold refractor that year I'm sure it would be through the roof/ highest card. It doesn't so Finest Gold Refractor is the next best thing or only real option for Gold Refractors. So again I can see the Finest Gold Refractor closing the percentage gap on T.Chrome Refractors, but compare base cards and base refractors (T.Chrome vs Bronze RC) and I'm sure they percentage multiplier won't move a ton, but both will increase together. If that makes sense.

01-11-2021, 11:41 AM	#13
Adam85 Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: USA Posts: 356	I'll just sit quietly in the corner with my Bowman's Best refractor.

01-11-2021, 11:42 AM	#14
biggieruth Banned Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Raleigh N.C. Posts: 1,720 dolomitebiggie biggieruth	I like Topps 50th anniversary rookie looks just like the Chrome with out the greening. Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

01-11-2021, 01:19 PM	#21
Totalpackage Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: California Posts: 1,113 totalpackage	I would take it as a rookie card since it was released in 1996.

01-11-2021, 02:54 PM	#25
danimal875 Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 4,929 thunder_cards thundercards	Just ignore RC card trolls, let them have their moment, its obviously the only thing going on in their lives.