2023 Topps Chrome Update Series Ronald Acuña Jr. 1988 Topps 35th Anniversary Red Refractor #88CU-2 /5
Ronald Acuña Jr. · Topps (under Fanatics) · Insert, Parallel, Red Refractor, Serial Numbered /5
Player
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Set
2023 Topps Chrome Update Series - 1988 Topps 35th Anniversary Inserts
Year
2023
Card #
#88CU-2
Condition Grade
PSA 9 (Mint). Centering appears slightly heavy on the right (approx 60/40), corners and edges look sharp through the top-loader, and surface shows standard Chrome gloss.
Category
Insert, Parallel, Red Refractor, Serial Numbered /5
Manufacturer
Topps (under Fanatics)
Demand Level
Strong. Acuña is a hobby titan. While he suffered an injury in 2024, his market remains liquid, and /5 parallels of top-tier stars are always in high demand by high-end registries.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$400.00 - $650.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $350-$450, PSA 9: $600-$800, PSA 10: $1,500-$2,000+
Comparable Sales
Recent 2023 Chrome Update Red Refractors (/5) of comparable stars have sold in the $500-$900 range raw. A PSA 10 of a similar Acuña insert reached over $1,800 during the 2023 season. Market is currently stable/slightly down due to injury.
Description
This is a stunning 2023 Topps Chrome Update Series Red Refractor of Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. It features the iconic 1988 Topps set design, celebrated on its 35th anniversary. The card boasts a high-gloss finish with a deep red refractive border. Acuña is pictured in his Braves City Connect uniform with dirt on his jersey, capturing high-energy play. The back is serial numbered to 5, making this an extremely rare 'True Red' chase card.
Key Features
Rare Red Refractor parallel serial numbered to just 5 copies. Features an MVP award winner in a popular retro design (1988). Low-population status makes this a 'whale' card for Acuña player collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The card displays the correct pixelated refractive pattern unique to Topps Chrome and the distinct '35th Anniversary' logo. The serial numbering stamp should be indented. Chrome stock is rigid and has a distinct weight.
Flaws to Note
A slight right-heavy centering shift on the front. Possible surface micro-scratches which are common in Chrome Update sets. Small white specking possible on back edges, common with the thicker stock used for these inserts.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Auction with a high reserve or high Buy-It-Now/Best Offer) or specialized auction houses like Goldin or Heritage. PSA's vaulted marketplace is also a strong option if graded.
Selling Tips
Grading is highly recommended for a /5 card. A PSA 10 grade would exponentially increase the value. When photographing for sale, remove from the top-loader (carefully) to show the refractive scan without glare. Use keywords: 'Red Refractor', 'SSP', 'Serial Numbered', 'MVP', and 'Case Hit'.