2007 Topps Black Border Cole Hamels / Russell Martin Classic Combo #348
Cole Hamels and Russell Martin · Topps · Parallel (Numbered /56)
Player
Cole Hamels and Russell Martin
Set
2007 Topps Series 1
Year
2007
Card #
#348
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT). The black borders of the 2007 Topps set are notoriously difficult to grade due to chipping and corner wear being highly visible. Centering appears slightly heavy toward the bottom.
Category
Parallel (Numbered /56)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Hamels and Martin are retired/semi-retired stars with loyal fanbases (Phillies and Dodgers), making this a highly sought-after parallel for player and team completionists.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $30-45, PSA 9: $65-100, PSA 10: $250+ (Pop 1 territory)
Comparable Sales
Standard base versions of this card sell for $1. The Gold border /2007 versions sell for $3-5. Black borders /56 typically sell at a 5x to 10x premium over Gold versions depending on condition.
Description
This is the rare Black Border parallel from the 2007 Topps set, numbered out of 56. The card features 'Classic Combo' Phillies ace Cole Hamels and Dodgers catcher Russell Martin. It features a stark black design, gold foil lettering for the player names, and facsimile autographs on the card surface.
Key Features
Extremely low print run serial numbered to /56. Early career 'star' pairing of Hamels and Martin. The black borders are highly sensitive, making high-grade copies very desirable for team collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The gold foil stamping for the player names and the high-quality gloss of the 2007 stock are consistent with authentic issues. Serial numbering on the back should match the card's specific print run of 56.
Flaws to Note
Visible white chipping on the bottom right corner and slight edge wear along the top. Black border cards from this era are prone to 'silvering' or edge chipping straight from the pack.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card to reach Phillies and Dodgers player collectors. COMC is a secondary option for long-term listing.
Selling Tips
Do not grade unless you are certain it is a PSA 9 or 10, as the cost of grading may exceed the value of an 8. Use keywords like 'Short Print', 'Numbered /56', and 'Rare' in the title. Ship in a bubble mailer (not an envelope) because of the card's rarity.