As of this week, card enthusiasts are buzzing about the unveiling of the 2023 Topps Chrome Sapphire, made accessible to the masses through the official Topps website. Distinctly, this annual gem of a release harks back to traditional card collecting values, by letting the base cards shine without any diversions like autographs or memorabilia cards.
These Chrome Sapphire cards are undeniably a visual delight. Their distinct blue tint ensures they stand out prominently in any card collection. This, combined with the controlled nature of the release, has undoubtedly amplified its appeal amongst collectors.
However, there’s a caveat for those eager to secure these cards: even if you’re willing to purchase, there’s no absolute guarantee of ownership. In an interesting twist, Topps has collaborated with EQL to execute a raffle-style sale of the boxes. This innovative approach was conceived to tackle and prevent automated bots from monopolizing purchases. Potential buyers can anticipate a box containing eight packs, each with four cards. The pricing for these boxes stands at $229.99, marking a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
The Sapphire collection pays homage to its roots by maintaining a base set checklist that reflects the 600 cards presented in Topps’ Series 1 and 2. Collectors can anticipate rookie cards featuring the likes of Corbin Carroll, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Anthony Volpe, Josh Jung, Jordan Walker, and several others.
For those looking for a touch more exclusivity, Topps also offers multi-colored parallel versions of the base cards. Among these, the 1/1 Padparadscha editions are likely to be the most sought after due to their rarity.
Delving deeper into the collection, there are also exquisite image variations of the base cards to explore. A noteworthy inclusion is the Sapphire Selections – a limited ten-card insert set dedicated solely to the rookies.
When you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a box, expect to find at least 2 Sapphire parallels or image variations. A comprehensive checklist is available for enthusiasts who wish to ensure their collection is complete.
With its gleaming aesthetic, limited release, and dedication to pure card artistry, the 2023 Topps Chrome Sapphire is set to be a standout in any collector’s trove.