2011 Topps Update Mike Trout / Torii Hunter / Mark Trumbo (Angels) #US198
Mike Trout, Torii Hunter, Mark Trumbo · Topps · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Mike Trout, Torii Hunter, Mark Trumbo
Set
2011 Topps Update Series
Year
2011
Card #
#US198
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) - The centering appears slightly heavy toward the top-right border. The corners look relatively sharp from the image, but the surface and white borders of 2011 Topps are prone to minor chipping and print lines.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Strong - Mike Trout cards remain a staple of the hobby. While market prices have cooled from 2020 peaks, 2011 Update rookies remain 'Blue Chip' investments for baseball collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$40.00 - $65.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $75-100, PSA 9: $150-200, PSA 10: $650-800
Comparable Sales
Raw sales range from $45-$60 depending on condition. Recent PSA 9 sales have fluctuated between $155 and $190. PSA 10 copies frequently sell in the $700 range, making condition a massive factor in total value.
Description
This 2011 Topps Update rookie card features a horizontal layout showcasing three Los Angeles Angels stars: rookie Mike Trout (center, wearing #27), Torii Hunter (#48), and Mark Trumbo (#44). Part of the iconic 2011 Topps Update set, this is considered a Mike Trout rookie card, though it is often overshadowed by his solo #US175 rookie card. The design features a white border with a red-accented Angels logo nameplate on the left side.
Key Features
Features future Hall of Famer Mike Trout during his debut season. Part of the highly sought-after 2011 Topps Update set. This is a licensed Mike Trout rookie year product. Affordable alternative to the #US175 flagship rookie.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. Correct logo placement and font weight for the 2011 Topps brand. While the solo Trout #US175 is heavily counterfeited, the multi-player RC #US198 is rarely faked, though buyers should still check for proper card stock thickness and the 'halftone' print pattern under a loupe.
Flaws to Note
Slight top-to-bottom centering bias. Possible minor white corner wear (common in 2011 Topps). Horizontal cards are often prone to edge chipping along the long sides.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (for highest reach), MySlabs (for graded versions), or COMC for easy processing. Large auction houses like Goldin or Heritage usually only handle high-grade (PSA 10) examples for this specific card number.
Selling Tips
Always list with the keyword 'ROOKIE' and 'TROUT'. Given the high price jump between a PSA 9 and PSA 10, it is only worth grading if the card is perfectly centered and flawless under magnification. Ship in a penny sleeve and rigid top loader inside a bubble mailer with tracking.