2019 Topps WWE Holiday Shopping Guide

WOO!!!  That’s exactly what you’re going to say upon finding out you’re getting a box of WWE cards from Topps this holiday season.  Whether you’re a set collector or high-dollar risk taker, Topps has a WWE product configured and priced for your liking.

Here are my top Topps WWE products that came out this year.  Runner-up products include 2019 Topps WWE Road to WrestleMania, 2019 Topps WWE Raw, 2019 Topps WWE NXT, and 2019 Topps WWE Smackdown.  Each of those cater towards set collectors, and come with (2) hits in every Hobby box.

Dave & Adam’s Card World, Blowout Cards, Steel City Collectibles, Chicagoland Sports Cards, and Topps.com is where I’d shop.

2019 Topps WWE Money in the Bank

Wrestling fans I’m happy to announce that the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event has gotten it’s very own set.

The base set consists of 90-cards.  Parallels include Bronze (1 per pack), Green #’ed/99, Blue #’ed/50, Purple #’ed/25, Gold #’ed/10, Black #’ed/5, and Red #’ed 1/1.

A Hobby box consists of (12) packs split between two mini-boxes.  You should find (3) autographs, (1) additional autograph or relic, and (12) parallels.

Along with the Hobby box format, there is also a Retail configuration.  When browsing the card section at Walmart or Target, the Retail 2019 Topps Money in the Bank should stick out easily.  You’ll notice it comes in a tin shaped just like the Money in the Bank briefcase.  These tins have (4) packs.  Each tin has (4) parallels, and (1) autograph or relic.

I like the Money Cards.

Collector Type: High-end/Autograph/Relic

2019 Topps WWE Undisputed

The Undisputed brand has been a collector favorite since it arrived on the scene in 2015.  It’s 2019 incarnation sure has been a blast to watch collectors open.

Packaged inside each Hobby box are (10) packs.  Inside each pack you’ll find (1) autograph or relic.  Autographs continue to be the main focus as (8) out of your (10) hits will be an autograph.

Printed on thick card stock you have a 100-card set to piece together.  Names from Raw, Smackdown, NXT, 205 Live, and WWE Legends are all part of the base set.  Parallels include Orange #’ed/99, Green #’ed/50, Blue #’ed/25, Gold #’ed/10, Purple #’ed/5, Red #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.

Outside of the main base set and the hits, I really enjoy the look of the Rob Schamberger Portrait inserts.  This insert set contains (10) cards.

On-card autographs is what drives this high-end brand.  Wrestlers who don’t sign that much tend to show up in here which only draws in more fans.

Collector Type: Very High-end/Autograph/Relic

2019 Topps WWE Transcendent Collection

Its the most valuable wrestling product ever produced.  A single box/case can cost upwards of $13,000.  What do you get?

• (50) Autographs
• (1) One-of-One Autograph
• (1) Kiss Card Autograph
• (1) Cut Signature Card
• (1) Sketch Card
• (1) Autographed Replica Championship Belt

I should note that you’ll also receive (1) ticket to WrestleMania 35, and (1) WrestleMania 35 VIP Party Invitation.  Both of these events have already taken place.

On-card autographs are the huge focus here.  This is the first product ever to have Vince McMahon autographs.  Stone Cold Steve Austin makes his Topps autograph debut in here too.  Prior to Transcendent Collection, his only autograph came from 2001 Fleer WWE WrestleMania.  Each of the (50) autographs is numbered to (25) copies or less.  Parallels include Blue #’ed/15, Purple #’ed/10, Black #’ed/5, Gold #’ed 1/1, and Red #’ed 1/1.

Sketch Cards are done by artist Rob Schamberger.

Pairing a single card purchased on the secondary market with another Topps WWE box would make an excellent gift.

Collector Type: Mega-premium/Autograph/More money than you can count

2019 Topps WWE Women’s Division

What would the WWE be without it’s ladies?  2019 Topps WWE Women’s Division focuses strictly on the ladies of the WWE, and other WWE stars connected to their stories.

The base set consists of (100) cards.  There are (60) Roster cards from RAW, Smackdown Live, and NXT.  (40) 2018 Memorable Matches and Moments round out the rest of the set.  Parallels include Purple #’ed/99, Bronze #’ed/75, Orange #’ed/50, Blue #’ed/25, Gold #’ed/10, and Red #’ed 1/1.

A Hobby box comes with (24) packs.  Each one should have (1) autograph, and (1) additional autograph, relic, or commemorative relic.  Retail blasters come with (1) hit.

Collector Type: Set/Lady WWE fan

2019 Topps WWE SummerSlam

Its nice to see Topps producing more WWE products for these incredibly popular events.  Now SummerSlam has it’s own product.

(100) cards make up the base set.  (50) cards feature Superstars, while the remaining (50) cards highlight the matches leading up to SummerSlam 2019.  Parallels include Bronze (1:2 packs), Blue #’ed/99, Silver #’ed/25 (hobby only), Gold #’ed/10, Red #’ed 1/1, and Printing Plates #’ed 1/1.

A Hobby box comes with (24) packs.  Each one should have (1) autograph, and (1) additional autograph, relic, or manufactured relic.  Retail blasters come with (1) hit.

Collector Type: Set/SummerSlam fan

2019 Topps Star Wars Holiday Shopping Guide

Topps and Star Wars go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Its been that way since 1977.  Today’s Star Wars products made by Topps bring you closer than ever to your favorite characters, moments, and iconic scenes that have become so ingrained into pop-culture.

I’ve been a fan of Star Wars since I was little.  Its the first movie franchise I can remember watching where one film depended on another.  I had a bunch of Star Wars trading cards from the 90’s.  Most of them came packaged with those bendable action figures made by JusToys.  As a kid I fondly, remember those rubber figures taking a beating on the school playground.  I played with them a lot.

The Skywalker family story looks to be wrapping-up with December 20th’s release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.  Star Wars merchandise is always a popular holiday item.  Its even more popular when a new film is released right at the height of the holiday season.

These are my top Topps Star Wars products any aspiring Jedi or Sith Lord would enjoy ripping into.  Runner-up products include 2019 Topps Star Wars Black & White: The Empire Strikes Back, 2019 Topps Star Wars Journey to Episode 9, and 2019 Topps Star Wars Resistance Surprise Packs.  Dave & Adam’s Card World, Blowout Cards, Steel City Collectibles, Chicagoland Sports Cards, and Topps.com is where I’d shop.

The Mandalorian Topps NOW Cards & Photos

With the launch of the Disney+ streaming service Star Wars fans get to enjoy a new show called The Mandalorian.  The show takes place after Return of the Jedi, and 25 years before The Force Awakens.  It follows a Bounty Hunter who gets into all kinds of trouble.

After each episode a series of Topps NOW cards will be sold for a limited time over at Topps.com.  Each card set will highlight important parts of that episode.  Topps has already issued cards like this for The Mandalorian when it comes to Poster Cards and Trailer Sets.

Star Wars Authentics is where you can pickup both signed and unsigned photos from the show’s cast.  Autographed photos will start to appear on November 13th.  More will be added throughout the season.

Collector Type: Autograph/Set

2019 Topps Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

How could I not have this one on the list?  Due out the same day as the film, 2019 Topps Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker features a 100-card set.  Artwork, scenes, and characters from the film are the main subjects.

A Hobby box should yield (2) hits.  One is guaranteed to be an autograph or sketch card.  Autograph subjects include actors from the film.

(24) packs come in a Hobby box.  Every pack will have (1) parallel – Blue, Green (1:2 packs), Purple (1:4), Orange #’ed/99, Gold #’ed/25, Printing Plates #’ed 1/1, and Black #’ed 1/1.  Orange and Printing Plates are only in hobby packs.

Costume Relics make for some interesting pulls.  For the first time ever, relic cards of the Millennium Falcon can be pulled.  That’s correct.  Now you can own a piece of the ship that made the Kessel Run is less than twelve parsecs.

Collector Type: Set

2019 Topps Star Wars Authentics Autographs Series 1 & 2

Great photographs!  That’s the big draw when it comes to these two products.  Both Series 1 and Series 2 were released separately, but are configured similarly.

Packaged inside each blind pack is (1) autographed 8 x 10 photo, and (1) card.  Series 1 signed photos cover actors from the Classic Trilogy and Prequels, New Trilogy, Solo, Rogue One, The Clone Wars, and Star Wars Rebels.  You can also find some Multi-Signed photos.  Cards will be serial numbered to (75) or less.

Series 2 autographed photo subjects come from the Classic Saga, Prequels, New Trilogy, Resistance, Rogue One, The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Solo & Battlefront.  Multi-Signed photos are available in here too.  Cards are serial numbered to (99) or less.

If you don’t feel like taking the gamble, you can buy signed photos directly from Star Wars Authentics.

Collector Type: Autograph/Risk taker

2019 Topps Star Wars Chrome Legacy

Star Wars fans get to enjoy their cards get the chrome-treatment.

(200) cards make-up the base set.  Shiny parallels include Refractor, Blue #’ed/99, Green #’ed/50, Orange #’ed/25, Black #’ed/10, Red #’ed/5, and Superfractor #’ed 1/1.

A Hobby box consists of (2) mini-boxes.  Inside a full box you should find (2) hits.  One is guaranteed to be an autograph or sketch card.  Commemorative Medallions also count as hits.

Marvel Comic Book Covers, Posters, and Concept Art highlight the inserts.  I really like the Concept Art cards.

Collector Type: Chrome fan/Set

2019 Topps Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

This 100-card recap set covers the films and various shows.  Centering mainly on the Skywalker family and the surrounding characters.

A Hobby box should come with (2) hits.  One of those hits is guaranteed to be an autograph.

The Commemorative Blueprints cards are what catch my eye.  These feature famous vehicles from the Star Wars universe printed on see-thru acetate card stock.  Like an actual blueprint, the card points out lots of intricate details about that vehicle.  Very cool!  Best looking cards in the product!

Collector Type: Set

2019 Topps Star Wars Masterwork

Masterwork is configured just like the Museum Collection brand Topps uses for some of their sports products.  We’re now stepping away from the set collector stuff, and entering a higher-end realm.

(4) packs come in a Hobby box.  You’re guaranteed (2) autographs and (2) more additional hits that could be autographs, relics, Film Cel or Medallion Cards.

Printed on 72 pt. stock you have a 100-card set to put together.  Parallels include Blue, Green #’ed/99, Purple #’ed/50, Orange #’ed/10, Black #’ed/5, Printing Plates #’ed 1/1, and Gold #’ed 1/1.

New signers include Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), and Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo).  Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks) also makes a return.

Collector Type: High-end/Autograph/Relic seeker

2019 Topps Star Wars Stellar Signatures

For the ultimate Star Wars fan with deep pockets.  Stellar Signatures is the Transcendent of the Star Wars world.  A single box will run around $7,500.

What do you get with a product that carries that kind of price tag?  Well here you go:

• (36) Autographs
• (4) Dual Autographs
• (1) Over-Sized Sketch Card
• (1) 100-Card Sketch Card Reproduction Set

Because of the high price, a full box probably isn’t an option for everybody.  I’d check eBay for some single cards people are selling.  Purchasing one of those with another Star Wars box would make an excellent gift.

Collector Type: Ultra-premium/Autograph/You’re probably George Lucas

2019 Topps Baseball Holiday Shopping Guide

Wondering what to get that special baseball collector for the holidays?  A box of baseball cards can be one of the best gifts a collector can receive.  Its basically two gifts in one.  Upon ripping off the wrapping they get the initial surprise of a box.  Then they get to open that box which probably will have even more surprises in it.

Here are my top Topps baseball card products I believe any collector would enjoy.  Dave & Adam’s Card World, Blowout Cards, Steel City Collectibles, and Chicagoland Sports Cards is where I’d shop.

Not every single baseball product released by Topps in 2019 is listed here.  These are products I’m looking forward to, had a lot of luck with, and/or enjoy watching other collectors open.  Your list may differ, but this is mine.  A couple of runner-up products include 2019 Topps High Tek, 2019 Topps Gold Label, 2019 Topps Fire, and 2019 Bowman’s Best.

2019 Bowman Draft

Focusing heavily on rookies and prospects, 2019 Bowman Draft should scratch the itch of that collector who’s looking for that next big player.  The main draw is that it contains the first cards of players who were recently drafted by MLB teams over the summer.  Hobby boxes contain (12) packs, (3) autographs, and (24) refractors.  Super Jumbo boxes contain (5) packs, (5) autographs, and (40) refractors.  You can’t get much closer to the beginning of a player’s career than owning their 1st year prospect cards from a Bowman product.

Collector Type: Prospect/Rookie/Set

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Holiday Mega Box

This product is exclusively sold at Walmart.  It places a fun holiday spin to the traditional 2019 Topps flagship design.  The set features (200) cards with rookies of Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Keston Hiura, and Eloy Jimenez.  New for 2019 are the short print photo variations.  (10) packs per box.

Every box comes with (1) autograph, relic, or autograph relic.  Some of the more entertaining cards are the Faux Holiday Relics.  These are sure to be conversation starters.  Subjects include Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, Frosty the Snowman, and Ebenezer Scrooge.

Retail settings like Walmart and Target are sometimes the best option for card collectors.  If you’re at Walmart doing some holiday shopping, be sure to checkout their card section.  Various Topps products have retail versions.

Despite being sold exclusively at Walmart, these boxes are scooped-up fast.  eBay would be the best place to find them.

Collector Type: Set

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Update Series

When it comes to flagship sets, Update Series has it all.  Players in their recently traded uniforms, and rookie cards of those young prospects recently called-up to the big leagues.  Additional cards of top rookies can also be found.  Great for those collectors who enjoy putting sets together.

Tons of short print photo variations to pull.  Hobby boxes have (24) packs and come with (1) autograph or relic.  Hobby Jumbo boxes have (10) packs and come with (1) autograph and (2) relics.  (300) cards in the set.

Both Hobby and Jumbo boxes come with special Silver Packs.  Hobby (1) and Jumbo (2).  Cards found in these packs resemble 1984 Topps Baseball and are printed on chrome stock.  Parallels and autographs have been randomly inserted.

Collector Type: Set

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Chrome Update Series

Doing some holiday shopping at Target?  Then stop on over at their card section to see if they have any 2019 Topps Chrome Update Series.  Exclusively sold at Target, this product takes (100) cards from the regular Update Series and puts a chrome twist to it.

You can find this product in two different formats – Mega Boxes and Value Packs.  A Mega Box contains (7) packs, while Value Packs come with (3) packs plus an additional pack containing (2) pink refractors.  About 1:10 boxes has an autograph.

Just like the 2019 Topps Holiday Mega Box, Target shoppers will snatch them up.  Check eBay for them.

Collector Type: Set

2019 Topps Stadium Club

Known for it’s renowned photography, 2019 Topps Stadium Club is one of the most visually appealing products that you can open.

A Hobby box will yield (2) on-card autographs.  There are a lot of great autographs to pull, but the photos found on the base set will keep you entertained.  Even if you’re two autographs aren’t life altering, you are guaranteed to have so many nice looking cards once that box is finally opened.

Of all the Topps products, I actually believe this set could survive on it’s own without any autographs.  In today’s age of hit focused collectors, that’s saying quite a lot.

The photography makes every box a great one.

Collector Type: Set

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Archives

Coming in at (300) cards, this retro-inspired brand utilizes classic Topps designs from 1958, 1975, and 1993.

Housed inside each Hobby box are (2) on-card autographs.  Along with top rookies, well-known retired stars, and Hall of Famers, you’ll find autographs of what I call obscure retired players.  These are baseball players who had long and successful careers, but don’t have many autographed cards.

Collector Type: Set

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Clearly Authentic

Over the last few years the Clearly Authentic brand has become one of the more anticipated releases.  Housed inside every box is (1) encased on-card autograph acetate card.  The product has a mix of current players, retired stars, and Hall of Famers.  All on classic card designs.

The see-thru aspect has really connected with collectors.  Between the box I had, and some of the others I’ve seen opened, it seems to be quite the solid product.  A bit riskier given that only (1) card comes in a single box.

Collector Type: Autograph/Risk taker

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Museum Collection

Moving into some higher-end products we have 2019 Topps Museum Collection.  Every box comes with (4) mini-boxes.  Inside each mini-box you’ll find (1) hit.  (1) on-card autograph, (1) autograph relic, (1) quad relic, and (1) prime relic can be found in every master box.  A 100-card base set is there to put together.  It consists of a mixture of rookies, veterans, and Hall of Famers.

What’s always impressed me the most about Museum Collection are the metal-framed autographed cards signed in paint pen.  If you get really lucky, there are Canvas Collection Originals, Canvas Collection Original Player Autographs, and Canvas Collection Originals Shaped Sketches.

When I opened my box earlier this year I pulled a Juan Soto Auto/Patch #’ed/5, and a Pete Alonso RC #’ed/150 from the same pack.

Collector Type: High-end/Risk taker

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Triple Threads

A regular release since 2006, this high-end product comes with (2) mini-boxes per master box.  Inside each mini-box are (2) hits.  Despite relics and autographs being the main focus, there is a base set to collect.  The latest Triple Threads set consists of (100) cards.

What makes Triple Threads so recognizable are the windows housing many of the relics.  The relic windows tend to spell out funny, interesting, quirky, and historical tidbits about that player.

My box of 2019 Triple Threads really delivered some nice looking cards.  My big pull was a Lou Brock/Tim Raines/Rickey Henderson 150 Years of Baseball Triple Auto Relic #’ed/9.

Collector Type: High-end/Risk taker

Sports Card Info’s box break & review

2019 Topps Dynasty

Now we’re getting into the premium stuff.  Dynasty is one of the most entertaining products to watch people open.  You only get (1) card per box, but that card is guaranteed to be limited to 10-copies or less.  Most collectors will pull a card containing an on-card autograph teamed with a patch.  Both rookies, veterans, and Hall of Famers are represented.

2019 Topps Dynasty includes new Autographed Batting Glove cards #’ed/5.  Rare parallels will feature unique parts of the glove such as the Jumbo Logo and parts of the Wrist Strap.

Collector Type: Premium/Risk taker

2019 Topps Transcendent

Ok.  I’m about to go all Hammacher Schlemmer on you here.  Topps Transcendent is the poster child when it comes to ultra-premium products.  With a price tag of over $20,000 this product packs quite the punch.

Only (100) cases will be produced.  Inside each case you’ll find Transcendent Collection Autographs – 50 (two are #’ed 1/1), (1) Autograph Patch, Autograph Bat Knob or Autograph Nameplate Book Cards (#’ed 1/1), (1) Derek Jeter Autographs (#’ed 1/1), (1) 1953 Superfractor Autographs (#’ed 1/1), (1) Oversized Cut Signature or Letter Patch Autographs (#’ed 1/1), (1) Franchise Favorites Sketch Cards (#’ed 1/1), (1) 50-Card Base Set, (1) 100-Card Franchise Favorites Sketch Reproductions Set, and (1) Ken Griffey Jr. VIP Event Invitation.

If you’re able to attend the VIP Event, you’ll meet Ken Griffey Jr.  In addition to that, many more exclusive cards only available during this event will be waiting for you.

Collector Type: Ultra-premium/risk taker

Topps Custom Cards

Have you considered Topps Custom Cards?  This can make a truly unique gift.  Over on the Topps website you can create your very own trading cards.  Make that special collector in your life the subject of their very own card.  Simply choose your image, design the front and back, and then review/buy.

Shopping For That Special Collector This Holiday Season?

Where Will You Be Shopping Black Friday? $10.00 Discount From Atlanta Sports Cards

The holiday shopping season is upon us.  It seems to start sooner each year.  Black Friday is a great time for collectors to get some deals and exclusive promos.  If you plan to do some online shopping for that special collector this year, one place you need to check out is Atlanta Sports Cards.  Why?  Because if you spend $150.00 or more you can get $10.00 off your purchase when using the official Sports Card Info coupon code at checkout.  Simply enter SportsCardInfoCoup in the promo code box while checking out.  Its as easy as that.  Also be on the lookout for their 2012 Leaf Holiday Bonus Packs.  Each pack includes (1) card which is either an autograph, a quality memorabilia card or printing plate.

Other great places to shop include:

Blog Bat Around: My $50,000 eBay Loot

Fifty-thousand dollars is a lot of money.  It could easily be spent on one card or a ton of cards.  If I had 50k to spend on eBay and only 15 minutes to use it I would make a few purchases, but I probably wouldn’t even come close to spending it all.  Instead I would use a portion to help better The Hobby by removing fake cards from circulation.

Lets begin with what I would purchase for my personal collection.  I would amass the most complete Harry Kalas collection anyone could ever obtain.  The first cards I would go after would be his 2004 & 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot autographs.  The base versions sell for around $90.00 a piece.  These would then be followed by all the various ink/stitch color variations Upper Deck came up with between the two Sweet Spot sets.  Kalas has a total of about 11 cards for collectors to find.  Besides some of the Sweet Spot autographs, his most rare autograph comes from 2004 Fleer Greats of the Game.  It would be the dual autograph of Schmidt and Kalas which is limited to only 25 copies.  I have never seen one up for sale, but if one did surface I’m sure it would hit $400.00+.  In addition to the Harry Kalas cards, I’d like to throw in an Alexander Cartwright cut signature too.  Specifically the one found in 2007 Donruss/Playoff National Treasures.

I’m not that big of a vintage collector.  I usually prefer some of the more modern stuff.  With that being said, I would purchase some vintage cards.  I would like to add a Connie Mack 1887-90 Old Judge card to my collection.  Old Judge tobacco cards were some of the first mass produced baseball cards in history.  Being able to own any Old Judge card can be a cornerstone to a collection, but finding one of a HOF player is even better.  Depending on the condition, they can easily reach into the thousands.  Some of the other rare vintage cards I would add to my collection include a Cap Anson 1888 Goodwin Champions #2 and a Mike “King” Kelly 1887 Allen & Ginter tobacco insert.

If I had the 50k today, I’d probably just stick with baseball stuff.  I might pick up a Jake Scott 2002 Topps Ring of Honor autograph though.  All in all, I’m estimating my loot would cost around $30,000 to $35,0000.  That means I could possibly have $15,000 to $20,000 let over.  Do you want to know what I’d do with that money?  I would purchase as many counterfeit cards I could find on eBay just to take them out of circulation.  I know handing money over to a forger sounds terrible, but at least the cards would be destroyed where no other uneducated collector find out down the road that great card they bought isn’t real.  It would even be better if an organization could be formed after this to help remove all fakes from the marketplace.  Perhaps after obtaining each counterfeit card, that seller could be banned from eBay for life.