2021 Topps Series 1 Blake Snell #189 Blue Parallel
Blake Snell · Topps · Parallel (Blue)
Player
Blake Snell
Set
2021 Topps Series 1
Year
2021
Card #
189
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) - Centering appears slightly heavy on the right; bottom edge shows minor cardboard fuzz/wear indicative of a non-graded storage environment.
Category
Parallel (Blue)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate to Low. While Snell is an elite pitcher, his market is currently stable rather than 'hot'. Demand primarily comes from Snell player-collectors or those completing the 2021 Topps master parallel set.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $8-$12, PSA 9: $15-$22, PSA 10: $35-$50
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for this blue parallel range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 10 examples have historically sold for $30-45, but the cost of grading makes that a losing proposition for this specific unit given the visible corner wear/centering.
Description
This 2021 Topps Series 1 card features 2-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell in his Tampa Bay Rays jersey, though the design features the '75 Years of Baseball' stamp. This is the Blue border parallel, often found in retail 'hanger' boxes. The card features a clear action shot of Snell on the mound with the classic Topps 1952-inspired name bar design used for the 2021 set.
Key Features
Desirable 'Blue' retail parallel color-matched to the Dodgers/Rays blue; features a multi-time Cy Young Award winner; includes the '75 Years of Topps' anniversary logo in the upper left corner.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic. High confidence. The card stock depth, gloss, and specific '75 Years' logo foil stamping match 2021 Topps production standards. This card is not commonly counterfeited due to its status as a modern base-parallel.
Flaws to Note
The right side border appears slightly thinner than the left (60/40 centering). There is visible white chipping on the bottom right corner. Minor surface scratches may be present due to being pictured on a rough carpet surface without a protective sleeve or top loader.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer'), COMC for long-term consignment, or as part of a 'pick your card' team lot on Facebook Dodgers/Rays fan groups.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fee ($19+) significantly exceeds the raw value. Place the card in a penny sleeve and top loader immediately to prevent further edge wear. Use '2021 Topps Blake Snell #189 Blue Parallel' in the title. Ship via eBay Standard Envelope for $1.08 to keep costs low for the buyer.