2016 Bowman Chrome Card Value Guide

Baseball

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 2016 Bowman Chrome | Baseball Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 2016 Bowman Chrome Baseball set holds a special place in the hearts of baseball card collectors and investors alike. Known predominantly for featuring the highly-coveted 1st Bowman card of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., this set has become a staple in modern baseball card collecting. The design of the 2016 Bowman Chrome is emblematic of the mid-2010s era—a bold chrome finish with vibrant color parallels that catch the eye. This set is historically significant as it marked a new wave of talented rookies entering Major League Baseball. Alongside Vlad Jr., there are key rookies such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bo Bichette, whose presence has only added to the allure of this release. Collectors today revere the 2016 Bowman Chrome for its unique design elements and the potential for significant financial returns.

Quick-Stats Panel

As of July 2025, the market for the 2016 Bowman Chrome Baseball set remains robust. A quick survey of recent sales from platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC reveals the following insights: -

Average Values:

Guerrero Jr.'s 1st Bowman Chrome autos in PSA 10 condition average around $5,000, while ungraded versions hover around $1,500. -

Grading Trends:

PSA continues to dominate grading submissions, with a notable number of BGS submissions as well. High-grade autos (PSA 10/BGS 9.5) command premium prices. -

Wax Box Scarcity and Demand:

Sealed hobby boxes are scarce, often commanding prices north of $1,000 due to high demand from both breakers and collectors. -

Parallels and Autos:

Popular parallels such as the Gold Refractor (/50) and Red Refractor (/5) for key rookies see significant auction action, with prices reaching into the high four-figures for high-grade examples.

Price Table

Card	Grade	Average 30-Day Price
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1st Bowman Auto	PSA 10	$5,000
Fernando Tatis Jr. 1st Bowman	PSA 9	$1,200
Bo Bichette 1st Bowman Auto	PSA 10	$3,000
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1st Bowman Refractor	PSA 9	$2,500
Gleyber Torres 1st Bowman Auto	PSA 8	$750

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 2016 Bowman Chrome set has experienced steady appreciation. Notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s MVP-caliber performances have led to spikes in demand for his cards. Social media influencers and sports personalities have highlighted the set, generating buzz among younger collectors. High-profile auctions, such as a Gold Refractor Guerrero Jr. selling for over $10,000, have further fueled interest.

Chase Cards to Know

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1st Bowman Auto:

The crown jewel of the set, with tremendous value and desirability.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 1st Bowman:

Another top rookie card, which continues to appreciate as Tatis establishes his legacy.

Bo Bichette 1st Bowman Auto:

A card that has gained traction as Bichette has become a fan favorite.

Gold Refractor Vladimir Guerrero Jr.:

With only 50 copies, this parallel is a premium collector's item.

Red Refractor Fernando Tatis Jr.:

Extremely limited with just 5 copies, making it a high-end collector’s dream.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

According to PSA and SGC population data, the top cards in the 2016 Bowman Chrome set have seen significant submissions: -

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1st Bowman Auto:

PSA 10 population is around 300, indicating moderate scarcity at this grade. -

Fernando Tatis Jr. 1st Bowman:

A higher number in PSA 9, showing grading difficulty or condition issues common with this card. -

Bo Bichette 1st Bowman Auto:

Similar to Guerrero Jr., with a PSA 10 population that underscores its investment potential. Scarcity, especially in higher grades, suggests strong long-term investment potential as demand continues to outpace supply.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

The sealed wax from 2016 Bowman Chrome remains highly sought after. Hobby boxes offer decent hit odds for key autos and parallels, with an ROI potential that attracts breakers looking for big pulls. Box configurations typically feature 2 mini boxes per hobby box with one autograph per mini, ensuring ample opportunity for significant hits.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For investors, the 2016 Bowman Chrome Baseball set presents a compelling case: -

Buy:

Key singles of Guerrero Jr., Tatis Jr., and Bichette are recommended for those looking to capitalize on their potential. -

Sell:

Consider selling mid-grade examples of less popular players or cards where the market has peaked. -

Hold:

Sealed boxes should be held as their scarcity will likely drive future value.

# Common User Questions

The 2016 Bowman Chrome Baseball set continues to be a cornerstone for collectors and investors, with key cards and sealed wax offering both nostalgia and potential for substantial financial return.

FAQs

Is 2016 Bowman Chrome | Baseball a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr.

What are the most valuable cards in the 2016 Bowman Chrome | Baseball set?

The Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1st Bowman Auto, Fernando Tatis Jr. 1st Bowman, and Bo Bichette 1st Bowman Auto lead the value charts.

Should I grade cards from this set?

Only cards in strong condition with high visual appeal are worth grading—especially stars and short prints.

How rare are unopened boxes of 2016 Bowman Chrome | Baseball?

Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.

What factors are driving the popularity of the 2016 Bowman Chrome set?

The combination of iconic rookies, influencer attention, and significant sales have contributed to its popularity.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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