2021 Topps Chrome Card Value Guide

Baseball

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 2021 Topps Chrome | Baseball Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025) The 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball set has emerged as a quintessential part of modern baseball card collecting. Known for its sleek, chromium finish and a robust checklist of rookies, veterans, and inserts, this flagship release by Topps continues to captivate collectors. As of July 2025, its cards remain highly sought after due to both their aesthetic appeal and investment potential.

Set Overview

The 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball set stands out with its signature polished design, featuring a reflective chrome finish that enhances the visual appeal of each card. This set includes a 220-card base checklist, supplemented by numerous parallels, autographs, and inserts. Notably, the set features key rookies from the 2021 season, such as Ke'Bryan Hayes, Dylan Carlson, and Alec Bohm, whose performances have significantly impacted market values. From a historical perspective, Topps Chrome has been a staple in the hobby since its inception in the mid-1990s, consistently offering a premium alternative to the flagship Topps set. Collectors appreciate the 2021 version for its vibrant refractors and the inclusion of limited-edition autographs. Today, this set is viewed as a must-have for both novice collectors and seasoned investors.

Quick-Stats Panel

In 2025, the market for 2021 Topps Chrome remains robust, with demand driven by both player performance and collector enthusiasm. Recent sales data from eBay, Goldin, and PWCC indicate that PSA 10-graded cards are fetching premium prices, often doubling or tripling the value of their raw counterparts. Grading trends show a preference for PSA, with a noticeable increase in submissions to capitalize on the strong market. Wax box scarcity has become a significant factor, with unopened boxes commanding a premium due to the potential for pulling high-value cards. Demand remains high across base cards, parallels, and particularly autographs, which are highly coveted for their rarity and player significance.

Price Table

Here’s a snapshot of average 30-day sale prices for key cards in the set, showcasing differences in condition and grading:

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	Raw
Ke'Bryan Hayes RC #86	$250	$150	$50
Dylan Carlson RC #110	$200	$120	$40
Shohei Ohtani #150	$300	$180	$70
Mike Trout #27	$350	$200	$80
Alec Bohm RC #30	$180	$100	$30

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 2021 Topps Chrome set has experienced significant market movement. Early in the year, a resurgence in interest was sparked by breakout performances from key rookies like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Alec Bohm. Influencer attention, particularly on social media platforms, further fueled demand. Significant sales, such as a rare parallel of Shohei Ohtani fetching a record price, highlighted the set's investment potential.

Chase Cards to Know

The chase cards from the 2021 Topps Chrome set include:

Ke'Bryan Hayes RC Auto:

His strong debut season has made this card a top target for collectors.

Dylan Carlson RC Refractor:

Limited run and excellent performance put this card on many wish lists.

Shohei Ohtani Red Refractor /5:

Ultra-rare parallel with high collector demand.

Mike Trout SP Image Variation:

Always a sought-after player, this short print variation is a collector favorite.

Alec Bohm RC Gold Refractor /50:

Combines rarity with rookie appeal, driving high auction prices.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

PSA's population report reveals that certain cards in the set have relatively low gem mint populations, indicating grading difficulty and potential long-term scarcity. For example, the Ke'Bryan Hayes RC in PSA 10 condition has fewer than 500 copies graded gem mint, underscoring its investment potential. Similarly, rare refractors and autographed cards show low submission numbers due to their scarcity in packs.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

The appeal of breaking 2021 Topps Chrome boxes remains high, thanks to the potential to unearth valuable parallels and autographs. Current market prices for sealed hobby boxes average around $450, reflecting their scarcity and hit potential. Breakers favor this set for its consistent demand, with popular configurations including hobby boxes promising two autographs per box, adding to the excitement.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For investors, 2021 Topps Chrome offers a balanced mix of short-term flipping opportunities and long-term holds. Sealed boxes are recommended as holds, given their appreciating value and potential for significant returns. Collectors should consider buying key singles, particularly those of emerging stars, to capitalize on future market spikes. Grading cards in excellent condition can also yield substantial returns. ---

# Common User Questions

Here's a set of frequently asked questions and answers:

FAQs

Is 2021 Topps Chrome | Baseball a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Dylan Carlson.

What are the most valuable cards in the 2021 Topps Chrome | Baseball set?

The Ke'Bryan Hayes RC Auto, Shohei Ohtani Red Refractor, and Mike Trout SP Image Variation 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 2021 Topps Chrome | Baseball?

Sealed boxes are increasingly rare and highly valuable due to their investment potential.

What are the hit odds for autographs in hobby boxes?

Hobby boxes guarantee two autographs, making them a favorite among collectors.

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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