Topps Black cards, long term value?

corockies · 09-15-2017, 02:29 AM

Topps RC / Topps Update RC of certain players have really taken off this year, and their Topps Black counterparts have seen some big time sales. The Jose Altuve 2011 Topps Update Black #27/60 is on eBay for $14,500 OBO currently (www.ebay.com/itm/2011-TOPPS-UPDATE-BLACK-US132-JOSE-ALTUVE-RC-BGS-9-5-Gem-Mint-Jersey-27-60-/182765535218), as is the Bryce Harper 2012 Topps Update Black rookie debut #34/61 for $1,999.00 OBO (www.ebay.com/itm/1-1-BRYCE-HARPER-2012-TOPPS-BLACK-BORDER-PARALLEL-ROOKIE-CARD-JERSEY-D-34-61-/131224718988).

I own the 2013 Topps Update Black Nolan Arenado #28/62. With a low print run on the Blacks, I see continuous upticks on these cards the next 15-20 years, especially once some of these players careers conclude with HOF credentials. What do you all think?

bobthewondercat · 09-15-2017, 03:34 AM

Too many parallels now, blacks aren't special anymore. 2003-2010 or so I think it has more lasting value. In 2013 you had camos, pinks, 3 retail colors, etc...

DSizzle31 · 09-15-2017, 03:42 AM

I'm not so sure. I think part of the allure of the Topps RC is that they appeal to people who are priced out of the Bowman Chrome auto. In the case of someone like Arenado, once you start talking about thousands of dollars, you can buy a 2010 gold Refractor auto. I'm not sure how many people would choose to buy a black Update over a gold Bowman auto.

Altuve is a special case because he doesn't have a Bowman Chrome prospect auto.

I'm not saying that the blacks aren't awesome cards, but outside of Trout and Altuve, I'm not sure they're the gold mine you might think they are.

jewcer2k5 · 09-15-2017, 03:54 AM

Nope. Sell it to me cheap.

Neo · 09-15-2017, 06:16 AM

UPDATES.

So hot right now. I like it.

whitesoxfan3579 · 09-15-2017, 06:22 AM

Anyone can ask for the moon.

Sportnut08 · 09-15-2017, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitesoxfan3579

Anyone can ask for the moon.

Exactly. Until it sells, that numbers means nothing. Someone had a PSA 10 Stanton Black BIN for $11,499. They moved it to auction and it's sitting around $500...

smapdi · 09-15-2017, 08:57 AM

Blacks are good. Numbered, and they've been around a long time now, and consistency is appreciated.

Is there still a madman running around screwing up the market for these, hitting BINs and winning auctions without paying, then changing his ebay id to prevent people blocking him?

Hollywood42 · 09-15-2017, 09:50 AM

I disagree. Blacks have been one of the few constants in parallels for, what, over 15 years now? The lower numbering helps as well. If anything, I think the wide range of other colored parallels helps increase prices for the blacks, since that's something that is familiar to a collector

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthewondercat

Too many parallels now, blacks aren't special anymore. 2003-2010 or so I think it has more lasting value. In 2013 you had camos, pinks, 3 retail colors, etc...

nera20 · 09-15-2017, 09:54 AM

Blacks are a staple they are nice looking also probably my favorite parallel. I personally like the black parallels and base card

no10pin · 09-15-2017, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthewondercat

Too many parallels now, blacks aren't special anymore. 2003-2010 or so I think it has more lasting value. In 2013 you had camos, pinks, 3 retail colors, etc...

I know there are a ton of parallels, but the black parallel is kinda like a gold refractor. No matter how many they throw out there, it's still going to be the go-to for many people.

base set · 09-15-2017, 10:09 AM

I liked the Heritage ones that came in retail blister packs for a couple years. Though blue was a good choice for this year.

The years of Flagship with a solid border look good in black too. I'm sure a set of those would be nice to behold and I would think at least a few have been completed, though the bulk of these cards go to Player Collections / Rainbow efforts. The years with 'full-bleed' cards make these superfluous to say the least.

In 2013, certain combinations of the parallels and team colors are outstanding. I am always on the hunt for the black parallel for the cards from the Pirates - if you want to let go of any, let me know. However the black cards for the Rockies don't have anywhere near the color pop that some other combos do and I don't target those.

As for Arenado rookies and the long-term, I would think a lot will depend on his mid-career contract choice a few years from now. I own the pink version and will probably move it this winter. I think my purple version of the non-auto Chrome RC is probably a very good card to have also.

LVDan · 09-15-2017, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no10pin

I know there are a ton of parallels, but the black parallel is kinda like a gold refractor. No matter how many they throw out there, it's still going to be the go-to for many people.

This defines my attitude on these. Great combination of flagship branding, a fair amount of recent history,rarity and condition sensitivity.
I dig topps black RCs and love picking up even cards of minor/semi stars for less than $10. A super important card for any player collector too.

JDubs80 · 09-15-2017, 02:15 PM

About time to sell my Gem Altuve Black! Wonder what that thing could fetch?!?

Bhenry4 · 09-15-2017, 02:22 PM

I don't get why it has to be update and black. Part of the hype with update is that they don't come in factory sets, so there are less available. Well, regardless of S1, S2 or update, all of the blacks are the same serial numbers. Just cause a S1 black RC is 50X the base (I'm going to use Manny as an example, shocking). His black can be had for $75-100, while a base is only a couple bucks. If an Arenado base is $10 just cause it's in Update (which is crazy to me, cause 2013 Update was made by the truckload, cases were available on here for $250 for the longest time), that doesn't mean the same multiplier should apply.

LVDan · 09-15-2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhenry4

I don't get why it has to be update and black. Part of the hype with update is that they don't come in factory sets, so there are less available. Well, regardless of S1, S2 or update, all of the blacks are the same serial numbers. Just cause a S1 black RC is 50X the base (I'm going to use Manny as an example, shocking). His black can be had for $75-100, while a base is only a couple bucks. If an Arenado base is $10 just cause it's in Update (which is crazy to me, cause 2013 Update was made by the truckload, cases were available on here for $250 for the longest time), that doesn't mean the same multiplier should apply.

Agreed, that multiplier is screwy but I think reg ser 1/2 blacks are just as desirable to me.
And Manny for $75-100 bucks is very affordable IMO

corockies · 09-15-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhenry4

I don't get why it has to be update and black. Part of the hype with update is that they don't come in factory sets, so there are less available. Well, regardless of S1, S2 or update, all of the blacks are the same serial numbers. Just cause a S1 black RC is 50X the base (I'm going to use Manny as an example, shocking). His black can be had for $75-100, while a base is only a couple bucks. If an Arenado base is $10 just cause it's in Update (which is crazy to me, cause 2013 Update was made by the truckload, cases were available on here for $250 for the longest time), that doesn't mean the same multiplier should apply.

I didn't mean to specifically target Update Blacks, it just seems like a lot of the go to RCs for players seem to be in Update over the past few years. I totally agree that S1, S2, and Update Blacks carry the same weight regardless.

Good conversation so far, anyone else have some input on this?

BigSeph · 09-15-2017, 11:58 PM

I think they're still underrated.

Condition sensitive, hard to get BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 on because of white showing on edges/corners.

Limited print run and serial #d

Flagship product

Picked this up a couple weeks ago, paid way more than I wanted to, but if I see a nice 9.5 black Topps RC from a prominent player, I'm game.

I like the long-term potential of the black border Topps RCs.

Keyser Soze · 09-16-2017, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no10pin

I know there are a ton of parallels, but the black parallel is kinda like a gold refractor. No matter how many they throw out there, it's still going to be the go-to for many people.

+1. Here's my fave

bradical · 09-16-2017, 08:10 AM

My favorite Topps Black card that I own:

Skipscards · 09-16-2017, 11:30 AM

My favorite blacks are the minis /5.

Bhenry4 · 09-16-2017, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skipscards

My favorite blacks are the minis /5.

Something for everyone.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LVDan · 09-16-2017, 12:33 PM

I've only gotten back into cards the last 3 months and on a VERY limited budget with a baby boy due soon. This is currently the best card in my collection.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ottomatic · 09-16-2017, 12:37 PM

Can't go wrong with flagship parallels IMO.

Skipscards · 09-17-2017, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhenry4

Something for everyone.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-15-2017, 02:29 AM	#1
corockies Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 3,105 corockies corockies	Topps Black cards, long term value? Topps RC / Topps Update RC of certain players have really taken off this year, and their Topps Black counterparts have seen some big time sales. The Jose Altuve 2011 Topps Update Black #27/60 is on eBay for $14,500 OBO currently (www.ebay.com/itm/2011-TOPPS-UPDATE-BLACK-US132-JOSE-ALTUVE-RC-BGS-9-5-Gem-Mint-Jersey-27-60-/182765535218), as is the Bryce Harper 2012 Topps Update Black rookie debut #34/61 for $1,999.00 OBO (www.ebay.com/itm/1-1-BRYCE-HARPER-2012-TOPPS-BLACK-BORDER-PARALLEL-ROOKIE-CARD-JERSEY-D-34-61-/131224718988). I own the 2013 Topps Update Black Nolan Arenado #28/62. With a low print run on the Blacks, I see continuous upticks on these cards the next 15-20 years, especially once some of these players careers conclude with HOF credentials. What do you all think?

09-15-2017, 03:54 AM	#4
jewcer2k5 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NY, NY Posts: 37,538 pc_sportscards	Nope. Sell it to me cheap. __________________ If you have a PC Sportscards Customer Service question please reach out to litehouse17 on here and Kevin can help! PSA subs - If you are a vet can you help the new guys? Sometimes I don’t have time to reply

09-15-2017, 06:16 AM	#5
Neo Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Canada Posts: 2,178	UPDATES. So hot right now. I like it. __________________ I found my dream card, and thus am finally NO LONGER looking for: 1997 Bowman Certified Gold Ink Autographs #CA35 Roy Halladay Hate your enemies//Save, save your friends//Find, find your place//Speak, speak the truth

09-15-2017, 09:54 AM	#10
nera20 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 35,247	Blacks are a staple they are nice looking also probably my favorite parallel. I personally like the black parallels and base card __________________ USA SHIPPING ONLY

09-15-2017, 02:22 PM	#15
Bhenry4 Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Charm City Posts: 13,992 bhendu1	I don't get why it has to be update and black. Part of the hype with update is that they don't come in factory sets, so there are less available. Well, regardless of S1, S2 or update, all of the blacks are the same serial numbers. Just cause a S1 black RC is 50X the base (I'm going to use Manny as an example, shocking). His black can be had for $75-100, while a base is only a couple bucks. If an Arenado base is $10 just cause it's in Update (which is crazy to me, cause 2013 Update was made by the truckload, cases were available on here for $250 for the longest time), that doesn't mean the same multiplier should apply. __________________ Viva John Ryno

09-15-2017, 03:34 AM	#2
bobthewondercat Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Reno / Tahoe Posts: 2,397 adam-benjamin bobthewondercat	Too many parallels now, blacks aren't special anymore. 2003-2010 or so I think it has more lasting value. In 2013 you had camos, pinks, 3 retail colors, etc... __________________ No Big Whoop

09-15-2017, 03:42 AM	#3
DSizzle31 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,490 red51931	I'm not so sure. I think part of the allure of the Topps RC is that they appeal to people who are priced out of the Bowman Chrome auto. In the case of someone like Arenado, once you start talking about thousands of dollars, you can buy a 2010 gold Refractor auto. I'm not sure how many people would choose to buy a black Update over a gold Bowman auto. Altuve is a special case because he doesn't have a Bowman Chrome prospect auto. I'm not saying that the blacks aren't awesome cards, but outside of Trout and Altuve, I'm not sure they're the gold mine you might think they are. __________________ "See you around kid.” -Luke Skywalker

09-15-2017, 06:22 AM	#6
whitesoxfan3579 Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 2,007 alaa6385-53jvwf	Anyone can ask for the moon.

09-15-2017, 08:57 AM	#8
smapdi Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 1,759 piledriver1	Blacks are good. Numbered, and they've been around a long time now, and consistency is appreciated. Is there still a madman running around screwing up the market for these, hitting BINs and winning auctions without paying, then changing his ebay id to prevent people blocking him?

09-15-2017, 10:09 AM	#12
base set Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NW Michigan Posts: 9,343	I liked the Heritage ones that came in retail blister packs for a couple years. Though blue was a good choice for this year. The years of Flagship with a solid border look good in black too. I'm sure a set of those would be nice to behold and I would think at least a few have been completed, though the bulk of these cards go to Player Collections / Rainbow efforts. The years with 'full-bleed' cards make these superfluous to say the least. In 2013, certain combinations of the parallels and team colors are outstanding. I am always on the hunt for the black parallel for the cards from the Pirates - if you want to let go of any, let me know. However the black cards for the Rockies don't have anywhere near the color pop that some other combos do and I don't target those. As for Arenado rookies and the long-term, I would think a lot will depend on his mid-career contract choice a few years from now. I own the pink version and will probably move it this winter. I think my purple version of the non-auto Chrome RC is probably a very good card to have also.

09-15-2017, 02:15 PM	#14
JDubs80 Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,203 mhs1998	About time to sell my Gem Altuve Black! Wonder what that thing could fetch?!?

09-15-2017, 11:58 PM	#18
BigSeph Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,772 BigSeph	I think they're still underrated. Condition sensitive, hard to get BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 on because of white showing on edges/corners. Limited print run and serial #d Flagship product Picked this up a couple weeks ago, paid way more than I wanted to, but if I see a nice 9.5 black Topps RC from a prominent player, I'm game. I like the long-term potential of the black border Topps RCs.

09-16-2017, 08:10 AM	#20
bradical Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 8,407	My favorite Topps Black card that I own: __________________ :turkey: :turkey: :turkey:

09-16-2017, 11:30 AM	#21
Skipscards Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: In Tribute To The Great Ryno Posts: 29,807 jlankf2 jmp4	My favorite blacks are the minis /5. __________________ Go Royals!! #RoyalsIn2015 <---It Happened!! #TEAMZinck Sometimes it is astounding that we are able to persist in a world so full of morons.

09-16-2017, 12:33 PM	#23
LVDan Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 17,422	I've only gotten back into cards the last 3 months and on a VERY limited budget with a baby boy due soon. This is currently the best card in my collection. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ So we cheated and we lied and we tested. And we never failed to fail; it was the easiest thing to do.

09-16-2017, 12:37 PM	#24
Ottomatic Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 4,141 Ottomatic	Can't go wrong with flagship parallels IMO.