Monty Sheldon’s 2017 Topps Transcendent MLB Artballs

For a mere $27,000 you could own and open a hand-crafted wooden box of 2017 Topps Transcendent.  It doesn’t get much more high-end than this.  When you’re spending that kind of money there really isn’t a bad box.  What can you pull from a box that costs as much as a new car?  According to the sales sheet every box will contain the following:

• (1) complete set of Transcendent Icons Base Cards
• (1) complete set of Transcendent MLB Moments Sketch Card Reproductions
• (50) Transcendent Collection Autograph Cards – numbered to (25) or less
• (1) Aaron Judge Topps History Autograph Card #’ed 1/1
• (1) MVP Cut Signature or MVP Autograph or MVP Dual Autograph #’ed 1/1
• (1) Transcendent Moments Sketch Card or Authentic MLB Baseball Sketch #’ed 1/1
• (1) Oversized Cut Signature Card #’ed 1/1
• (1) Hank Aaron VIP Experience Invitation

1987 Topps Baseball has a heavy presence through the entire set.  The wood grain design is somehow incorporated into almost all of the cards.  Only (87) boxes will be produced.  That’s up from (65) last year.

Everything about this product looks awesome.  But what impresses me the most is the artwork.  Artist Dan Bergren did the sketch cards, while Mayumi Seto and Monty Sheldon created the baseballs.

Monty Sheldon has been making his world famous Artballs for awhile, but this is the first time any of them have been included within a product.  These just aren’t regular baseballs either.  They’re actual game-used baseballs, and come with certification from Major League Baseball.  Mayumi Seto and Monty Sheldon both did (10) baseballs each.  That leaves (67) sketch cards from Dan Bergren.

The baseballs Monty Sheldon did include Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Adrian Beltre, Clayton Kershaw, Manny Machado, Yu Darvish, Bryce Harper, Anthony Rizzo, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Trout.  Both the Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger baseballs come affixed with the official “RC” logo.  The sweet spot was even left blank just in case you’re ever able to get that player’s autograph.  Talk about a truly unique collectible.

Monty Sheldon’s 2016 Topps MLS Sketch Patch Card Gallery

Hand-drawn sketch cards, especially ones containing a multi-colored swatch, are some of my favorite modern day cards.  In addition to Gypsy Queen this year, sports artist Monty Sheldon contributed his talent to 2016 Topps Major League Soccer too.  There are (10) sketch patch cards inserted within ’16 Topps MLS, and Monty Sheldon drew all of them.  Each card is numbered “1 of 1” and is incredibly difficult to pull.  I think they look absolutely stunning.  I like how the patch seems to be shinning a beam of light on the player.  Even though this product was released in April, I’ve only seen two of these cards arrive on the secondary market – Obafemi Martins and Federico Higuain.

Monty Sheldon’s 2016 Topps Gypsy Queen Original Art Patch Card Gallery

When Topps revived the Gypsy Queen brand in 2011, they introduced collectors to the Original Art Patch Card.  These are by far some of the nicest looking modern day cards.  I always enjoy hand-drawn cards the most, and these come with a multi-colored patch.  Its definitely not something you see done all the time.  Maybe once a year at the most.

With 2016 Gypsy Queen releasing on 4/6, I’d like to show you all (37) Original Art Patch Cards that you’ll have the chance to pull.  Every single card was drawn by sports artist Monty Sheldon.  They look great!  Monty has really outdone himself this time.  Any of these cards could easily be considered the centerpiece of someone’s collection.  Each card is a one-of-one, and is incredibly difficult to pull.  Congrats to anyone that gets one.

According to Topps, many of these masterpieces have been shipped out within the product.  A few of them might come as a redemption.  Either way it doesn’t really matter.  Topps has them already, and are ready to ship.  They shouldn’t take long to arrive.

The checklist this year includes top guys like Ken Griffey, Jr., Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, and Maikel Franco.  Click on each image for a closer look.

Monty Sheldon’s 2014 Gypsy Queen Art Patch Card Gallery

If I were a dedicated set collector, I would focus on either Topps Heritage or Gypsy Queen.  Most likely I’d probably settle on Gypsy Queen though.  It has always been a fine looking product.  The high-end “hits” are some of the nicest in the hobby.  Especially when it comes to the hand-drawn 1/1 art patch cards.  These are top notch museum quality pieces any collector would like to add to their collection.

Sports artist Monty Sheldon has been one of the key elements behind these cards, and he’s returned for 2014 Gypsy Queen.  With the release of 2014 Gypsy Queen yesterday, its only a matter of time before a few lucky collectors start pulling these.

Alright, that’s enough talk.  Take a look at the goods!

Mauer, Longoria, & Stargell Highlight Monty Sheldon’s ’12 Gypsy Queen Art Patches

One of the best things that came out of Gypsy Queen last year were the hand-drawn colorful patch relics created by sports artist Monty Sheldon.  Collectors can look for more of his artwork in the 2012 version of Gypsy Queen.  Here are a few closeups of what you can look forward to pulling.