Bryce Harper pitches at Chase Field in Arizona in 2017 (Photo by Keeton Gale on Shutterstock)
Bryce Harper has become a megastar in baseball. Since signing with the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2019 season, Harper has won National League MVP and National League Championship Series MVP and led the team to the postseason twice, including the 2022 World Series. In addition, he became the fastest in Major League Baseball history to recover from Tommy John surgery earlier this season and still finished the season with 21 home runs and a .900 OPS. For these reasons, Harper’s cards have skyrocketed in the market, making them a must-have for any collector. To help collectors, StudyFinds has compiled a list of the best Harper cards to have.
Harper was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 MLB Draft and made his debut with the Nats just two years later. During his seven seasons there, Harper was named NL Rookie of the Year and NL MVP. He was also a six-time All-Star and led the Nats to the postseason four times, but they never advanced past the National League Division Series. Harper then signed a historic 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies during free agency following the 2018 season. Ready to add some cards to your collection? StudyFinds has compiled a list of the top five Bryce Harper cards every collector must have, based on reviews from 10 expert sources. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus recommendations featured on credible review sites. Our goal is to bring you the most important findings of consumer research by bringing together expert reviews in one place.
The list: The best Bryce Harper cards according to experts
1. 2012 Topps #661 rookie card
Topping the list of Bryce Harper cards is his 2012 Topps #661 rookie card. The most popular thing about this card is the many variations, including his screaming and the image of him hitting with his red helmet, which is the most expensive and rarest. According to Beckett, this card was printed in a very short time, as it was not added to the Topps Series 2 production until after Harper’s debut.
MoneyMade calls Harper’s 2012 Topps rookie card its flagship card, which shows him in action. If you can’t afford the short-print card with the red helmet, collectors can get the card with his screaming, notes Sports Card Investor.
Bryce Harper’s first Bowman autograph card is a must-have for any collector. Sports Card Specialist calls it the “pinnacle” of all Harper cards. There is also an unsigned version available in case collectors can’t afford the signed card.
According to Sports Card Research, this is one of Harper’s most expensive cards due to the autograph on the card and the rarity. Sports Cards Rock is also a fan of the Bowman Chrome design on Harper’s card. First Bowman autographs can be worth more than a player’s actual rookie card.
Harper’s rookie card from the 2012 Topps Chrome is coveted because it has so many parallels. According to Beckett, one of the more difficult variations to track is the one where Harper does a headfirst slide. Harper also has autographed cards from the 2012 Topps Chrome that are coveted by collectors.
One of the most popular variants is the Topps Chrome Blue Refractor, which features Harper batting, says MoneyMade. The site also notes that there are only 20 PSA 10 cards of this version.
Another favorite from the Topps Chrome set is Harper’s signed rookie card, says Sports Card Investor. Harper’s action shot on the card is popular with collectors.
The 2012 Topps Update set also includes coveted rookie cards from Bryce Harper. According to Sports Card Research, this is one of the most popular Harper rookie cards on the market. According to Sports Cards Rock, Harper’s Topps Update rookie card was one of the hottest at the time. Although it didn’t have a small print run, it is a must-have for collectors.
According to Beckett, Harper’s rookie card contributed to the popularity of Topps Update, even if it didn’t match Mike Trout’s rookie card from 2011.
Rounding out the top five is Bryce Harper’s 2012 Topps Triple Thread Jersey Autograph rookie card. The Cardboard Connection points out that this is the only rookie card signed by Harper that is part of the main set, as the rest of the cards are either inserts or parallels.
According to Sports Card Specialist, Harper’s cards include autographs and relic pieces in the 2012 Topps Triple Threads. His rookie patch autograph card is numbered to /99 and has several parallels. Sports Card Research is a fan of this Harper rookie, calling it a “unique card” compared to others.
How to determine the quality of baseball cards:
Unearthing a hidden treasure in a dusty attic or making a great find at a flea market – the thrill of the hunt is ever-present in the world of baseball cards. But before you get too excited, you need to do some detective work. Here’s how to spot a baseball card that collectors consider worthy of being in their binder:
The four Cs: cornerstones of quality
Just like real estate, condition is crucial when it comes to baseball cards (or in this case, Mickey Mantle). Collectors look for four important aspects:
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Centering: Think of it like a bullseye – the player’s image on the front and the text on the back should be perfectly balanced within the card’s edges. Even slight deviations from the center can significantly affect the value.
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Corners: These delicate points are particularly susceptible to damage. Collectors look for cards with sharp, clean corners, free of bends, dents or roundings
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Edge: Similar to the corners, the edges of the card should be clean and free of nicks, fraying, or bumps. Even small imperfections can affect the overall quality of the card.
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Surface: This is where you become a card detective. Hold the card up to the light and examine the surface for scratches, printing errors or stains. Even a seemingly small flaw can be a deal breaker for a serious collector.
Beyond the basics: investigate and investigate
While the four Cs are important, there is more to it than that. Here are some additional factors to consider:
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Does it pass the eye test? Does the card look fresh and clean? Fading, discoloration, or warping are all signs that the card has seen better days.
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Know your story: Certain sets and players are inherently more valuable. Research the card to determine its potential collectible value.
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Signs of manipulation: Beware of alterations! Look for signs of re-gluing, trimming or color restoration. These are warning signs for every collector
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The verdict: raw or ready for grading?
There are two schools of thought: Some collectors value “raw” cards and appreciate them in their natural state. Others prefer professionally graded cards, where a trusted company assigns a numerical grade based on condition. While grading can increase value and authenticity, it also comes with additional costs. Ultimately, the decision depends on your collecting goals and budget.
Remember, the key to becoming a map buff is practice. The more maps you examine, the better you’ll get at spotting a true collector’s item. So grab your magnifying glass (figuratively or literally!) and happy hunting!
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