1998 Topps Chrome Alex Rodriguez #1
Alex Rodriguez · Topps / Topps Chrome · Base / Refractor-Style Plastic Stock
Player
Alex Rodriguez
Set
1998 Topps Chrome
Year
1998
Card #
#1
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) - Centering appears slightly heavy on the right; corners and edges look relatively sharp, but surface scratches are common on this vintage chrome stock.
Category
Base / Refractor-Style Plastic Stock
Manufacturer
Topps / Topps Chrome
Demand Level
Moderate. A-Rod's cards remain stable but lacked the hall-of-fame-induction-bump due to controversy. Collectors of 90s inserts and chrome sets maintain steady volume.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $10.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $20-30, PSA 9: $45-60, PSA 10: $250-300
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $3-$8 plus shipping. PSA 9 copies have recently sold in the $50 range, while PSA 10 copies command a premium over $250 due to the difficulty of find Gem Mint 90s Chrome.
Description
A beautiful 1998 Topps Chrome Alex Rodriguez card #1. The design features a dual-image layout with a close-up portrait of the smiling Seattle Mariners shortstop alongside an action shot of him running the bases. The signature is a printed part of the card design (facsimile autograph).
Key Features
Features an iconic Topps design from the late 90s, high-gloss Chrome finish, and iconic Seattle Mariners 'Teal' era uniform of a future 600-home run club member.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'Topps Chrome' logo in the bottom right and the specific metallic 'refracted' light play are difficult to replicate. Note the facsimile signature is part of the original print run and not hand-signed.
Flaws to Note
Centering is slightly off to the right (viewing the front). Some minor edge silvering is visible on the bottom-right corner. Chrome cards from this era are prone to 'greenish' tinting (hulkification) though this one looks clear.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best market for this card due to high traffic for player collectors. COMC is a good secondary option for those looking to flip without shipping themselves.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it is flawlessly centered and free of surface scratches, as values only spike significantly at the PSA 10 level. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader before shipping in a bubble mailer.