1996 Topps Chrome Roberto Hernandez #113
Roberto Hernandez · Topps (under the Chrome brand) · Base
Player
Roberto Hernandez
Set
1996 Topps Chrome
Year
1996
Card #
113
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) Estimated. The card shows decent centering, but early Chrome sets are notorious for surface scuffing and greening/oxidation. The top-left corner shows slight wear.
Category
Base
Manufacturer
Topps (under the Chrome brand)
Demand Level
Low. While the 1996 Topps Chrome set is legendary, Hernandez is not a Hall of Famer, and base cards for non-stars from this era generally have a very niche market of team collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15 - $25, PSA 9: $35 - $50, PSA 10: $125 - $175 (Rare due to condition sensitivity of this set)
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for common players/non-HOFers from this set range from $0.99 to $2.50. Graded PSA 9 copies of similar caliber players from this set recently sold in the $30 range.
Description
Featured here is the 1996 Topps Chrome base card of Chicago White Sox closer Roberto Hernandez. A cornerstone of the first-ever Topps Chrome baseball set, this card features the iconic metallic finish and high-gloss surface. Hernandez is captured in a powerful pitching follow-through in his classic White Sox pinstripes. The card features the 'Topps Chrome' logo in the upper right and his name in a bronze/gold foil block at the bottom.
Key Features
This is from the inaugural year of Topps Chrome (1996), which is one of the most significant and collectible sets in modern hobby history. Roberto Hernandez was an elite closer during this era, making this a nostalgic piece for 90s baseball fans.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'Topps Chrome' logo has the correct embossed feel, and the card stock is thicker than the standard paper 1996 Topps issue. The pinstripes and Sox logo are crisp with no color bleeding.
Flaws to Note
The centering is slightly shifted toward the top-right. There are visible surface fingerprints and light smudges that may affect the 'Chrome' luster. Potentially prone to 'greening'—a chemical reaction common to 90s Chrome stock that turns the image slightly green over time.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform, specifically as part of a 'player lot' or 'team lot.' It could also sell on COMC where set builders look for specific singles to complete the 1996 Chrome set.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe it is a flawless PSA 10, as the grading fees will far exceed the value of the card. When listing, use keywords like 'Inaugural Year' and 'White Sox Closer' to attract specific collectors. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface before photography to remove fingerprints.