Image sourced from eBay listings
Top 10 Most Valuable 2019 Topps Archives Sports Cards (2026)
This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The 2019 Topps Archives set remains a high-interest target for hobbyists in 2026, headlined by the Pete Alonso Blue variation at $289.99 raw and the Fernando Tatis Jr. Blue variation, which boasts an impressive 313.8% grading ROI when moving from raw to PSA 10. Focusing on these specific rarities provides the most reliable pathway to portfolio appreciation within this set.
Collectors keep asking about the long-term viability of the 2019 Topps Archives series. My honest take, based on 90-day sold data: most of you are chasing the wrong cards by ignoring the massive spread between raw and gem-mint graded copies. While casual collectors hunt for base cards, sophisticated buyers are prioritizing the high-upside parallels, specifically those with documented grading multipliers. Based on 90-day eBay sold data and PriceCharting comps, the top 10 2019 Topps Archives cards range from $69.99 to $289.99 raw. Here’s the investment-grade breakdown. Last updated: June 2026.
In This Article
-
The Top 10 2019 Topps Archives Market Data
-
Elite Rookie Chase Cards
-
The Grading ROI Play
-
Buying Strategy for 2026
-
Frequently Asked Questions
The Top 10 2019 Topps Archives Market Data
| # | Card | Set | PSA 10 | PSA 9 | Raw | Grading ROI | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pete Alonso [Blue] | 222 | — | — | $289.99 | — | — |
| 2 | Austin Riley [Blue] | 13 | — | — | $175.00 | — | — |
| 3 | Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] | 101 | $170.00 | — | $146.25 | -14.0% | — |
| 4 | Fernando Tatis Jr. [Blue] | 75 | $775.00 | — | $141.73 | 313.8% | — |
| 5 | Shohei Ohtani [Blue] | 101 | — | — | $89.63 | — | — |
| 6 | Lou Gehrig [1993 Topps Gold] | 281 | — | — | $80.00 | — | — |
| 7 | Fernando Tatis Jr. [Silver] | 75 | $549.95 | — | $76.00 | 393.2% | — |
| 8 | Shohei Ohtani [Gold] | 101 | — | — | $75.00 | — | — |
| 9 | Derek Jeter [Silver] | 1 | — | — | $74.66 | — | — |
| 10 | Thurman Munson [Gold] | 178 | — | — | $69.99 | — | — |
Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices. All figures as of June 2026.
1. Pete Alonso [Blue] (222)
The Pete Alonso Blue parallel holds the top spot on our list with a raw market value of $289.99 per recent eBay sold data. This card represents a premier chase for New York Mets collectors and those focused on high-upside rookie-era parallels. Because there is currently no median PSA 10 data available, this card presents a unique “information arbitrage” opportunity. If you can locate a clean, well-centered raw copy and successfully cross it into a PSA 10 slab, you are likely sitting on a high-value asset that has yet to be fully priced by market algorithms. We recommend holding this card in its raw state until more population data stabilizes.
Buy Pete Alonso [Blue] (222) on eBay (active listings) Check Pete Alonso [Blue] (222) sold comps on eBay
2. Austin Riley [Blue] (13)
Coming in at $175.00 raw, the Austin Riley Blue variation is a cornerstone for Atlanta Braves investors. Similar to the Alonso, the lack of PSA 10 pricing does not diminish the card’s stature; rather, it suggests a lack of liquidity in the graded market that skilled collectors can exploit. Given Riley’s consistent performance, this card remains a strong “hold” for those looking to diversify their 2019 portfolio. If you are learning how to evaluate condition, refer to our How to Spot Fake Sports Cards (2026 Guide) to ensure your investment is authentic.
Buy Austin Riley [Blue] (13) on eBay (active listings) Check Austin Riley [Blue] (13) sold comps on eBay
3. Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] (101)
![Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] #101](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/V5QAAeSwo4BqDILr/s-l800.jpg)
The Shohei Ohtani Pitching variation provides a rare look at the data where the PSA 10 median ($170.00) sits close to the raw price ($146.25). With a -14.0% grading ROI, this is a clear warning: do not submit this specific card for grading unless you are certain of a 10 grade. The cost of grading often eats the thin margin created by the premium for the slab. It is better to treat this as a “buy raw” specimen for a long-term personal collection rather than a flipping vehicle. For those new to the process, How to Submit Cards to PSA (2026 Guide) provides the necessary steps to avoid costly submission errors.
Buy Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] (101) on eBay (active listings) Check Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] (101) sold comps on eBay
4. Fernando Tatis Jr. [Blue] (75)
The Tatis Jr. Blue is a masterclass in grading potential. With a raw price of $141.73 and a PSA 10 median of $775.00, the 313.8% grading ROI makes this the single most attractive card for professional graders on this list. The math is simple: for a $141.73 investment plus roughly $20 in grading costs, the profit potential is north of $500 per card. If you find a raw copy with pristine corners and sharp centering, this is the definitive “grade and flip” target for 2026.
Buy Fernando Tatis Jr. [Blue] (75) on eBay (active listings) Check Fernando Tatis Jr. [Blue] (75) sold comps on eBay
5. Shohei Ohtani [Blue] (101)
Shohei Ohtani’s popularity keeps the Blue variation highly relevant, currently sitting at $89.63 raw. While it lacks the massive grading ROI of the Tatis parallels, the Ohtani Blue is a liquidity king. It is easier to move than most cards on this list, making it a perfect “filler” for a portfolio that needs stable, high-demand assets. Collectors should look to acquire this during market dips to maintain a healthy cost basis.
Buy Shohei Ohtani [Blue] (101) on eBay (active listings) Check Shohei Ohtani [Blue] (101) sold comps on eBay
6. Lou Gehrig [1993 Topps Gold] (281)
Historical legends like Lou Gehrig provide a floor for the 2019 Topps Archives set. At $80.00 raw, this 1993 Topps Gold throwback is a low-volatility hold. Unlike modern rookies, Gehrig’s legend status is cemented, ensuring the card doesn’t suffer from the same performance-based price swings as a Tatis or Alonso. It’s an ideal card for a collector looking to add prestige to their set.
Buy Lou Gehrig [1993 Topps Gold] (281) on eBay (active listings) Check Lou Gehrig [1993 Topps Gold] (281) sold comps on eBay
7. Fernando Tatis Jr. [Silver] (75)
![Fernando Tatis Jr. [Silver] #75](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pPgAAOSwfOxkIfRW/s-l800.jpg)
The Tatis Jr. Silver variation is the second highest ROI opportunity on our list, sporting a 393.2% grading ROI. With raw copies selling for $76.00 and PSA 10 slabs reaching $549.95, the profitability here is even higher than the Blue parallel. For those looking to master the art of the flip, Sports Card Flipping for Beginners (2026 Guide) outlines why targeting high-ROI silver parallels like this one is superior to chasing base cards.
Buy Fernando Tatis Jr. [Silver] (75) on eBay (active listings) Check Fernando Tatis Jr. [Silver] (75) sold comps on eBay
8. Shohei Ohtani [Gold] (101)
At $75.00 raw, the Shohei Ohtani Gold parallel serves as a secondary entry point for those priced out of the Blue or Pitching variations. Its gold aesthetic is a classic hobby favorite, often carrying a premium compared to the base cards. While data is thin for PSA 10s, its raw value remains robust. We recommend holding this for long-term growth as Ohtani’s global influence continues to expand.
Buy Shohei Ohtani [Gold] (101) on eBay (active listings) Check Shohei Ohtani [Gold] (101) sold comps on eBay
9. Derek Jeter [Silver] (1)
![Derek Jeter [Silver] #1](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3IYAAeSwTOpqH3bP/s-l800.jpg)
Card #1 in the set is almost always a target for set collectors. This Derek Jeter Silver, currently priced at $74.66 raw, is a sentimental and financial staple of the 2019 Topps Archives release. Jeter’s cards traditionally show long-term appreciation, and the Silver parallel adds just enough scarcity to make it worth the investment over the base edition.
Buy Derek Jeter [Silver] (1) on eBay (active listings) Check Derek Jeter [Silver] (1) sold comps on eBay
10. Thurman Munson [Gold] (178)
Rounding out our top 10, the Thurman Munson Gold at $69.99 raw is a fantastic value play. As a legendary Yankee, Munson remains a staple of collector demand. While it lacks the explosive volatility of modern rookies, its consistent price history makes it a safe addition for any collector looking to round out their 2019 set without significant risk.
Buy Thurman Munson [Gold] (178) on eBay (active listings) Check Thurman Munson [Gold] (178) sold comps on eBay
The Grading ROI Play
The numbers clearly favor the Fernando Tatis Jr. variations for grading. For the Silver parallel, your cost of entry is $76.00 plus a $20 grading fee. At a total cost of $96.00, your break-even point is incredibly low. With a PSA 10 median price of $549.95, you are looking at a potential profit of $377.46 after accounting for the initial purchase and fees.
The Blue parallel tells a similar story. With a $141.73 entry and a $20 fee, your total investment is $161.73. With a PSA 10 market price of $775.00, the grading ROI hits 313.8%. This is the “Gold Standard” of this set. Conversely, the Shohei Ohtani [Pitching] (101) shows that not all cards benefit from a slab. With an ROI of -14.0%, you actually lose $23.35 if you grade a raw copy purchased at market median. Always calculate your break-even point before sending any card to PSA.
Buying Strategy for 2026
| Card | Play | Why | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tatis Jr. [Blue] | Grade | 313.8% ROI potential | High (Condition Sensitive) |
| Tatis Jr. [Silver] | Grade | 393.2% ROI potential | Moderate |
| Ohtani [Pitching] | Buy Raw | Negative Grading ROI | Low |
| Pete Alonso [Blue] | Hold | High raw ceiling/unknown PSA | Moderate |
| Thurman Munson [Gold] | Buy | Consistent legend value | Low |
Pro Tip: When buying raw copies for grading, never rely on a seller’s “mint” description. Use your own assessment of centering and surface reflectivity. If the card shows any sign of edge whitening, avoid it for a PSA 10 play, as these archives sets are notoriously difficult to gem due to the throwback card stock used by Topps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Topps Archives set worth grading?
Yes, but only for specific cards. As shown by the Fernando Tatis Jr. Silver and Blue variations, grading can result in a massive ROI, reaching as high as 393.2%. However, cards like the Shohei Ohtani Pitching variation currently result in a negative grading ROI. Always compare the raw price against the known PSA 10 median before you incur the $20-per-card grading fee.
Why is there no PSA 10 data for some cards?
Some parallels, like the Pete Alonso Blue, have thin market volume in PSA 10 slabs. This usually indicates that either few copies have been submitted or they are held firmly in private collections. This creates a “gray market” where early adopters who do successfully gem-mint a copy can potentially dictate the initial price. It is an opportunity for risk-tolerant collectors.
How do I ensure my 2019 Topps Archives cards are authentic?
Focus on buying from high-feedback sellers and checking the card’s physical characteristics, such as the card stock texture and the sharpness of the print on the back. For specific guidance on identifying high-quality vs. counterfeit cards, refer to our How to Spot Fake Sports Cards (2026 Guide). If a price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
What is the best way to move these cards in 2026?
If you have a gem-mint 10, the best move is to list on eBay using a fixed-price format with “Best Offer” enabled to gauge the market’s current appetite. For raw copies that show high potential, consider holding until the player has a statistically significant “hot streak” in the MLB season, which often drives buyer intent and maximizes your returns.
Should I prioritize rookies or legends in this set?
This depends on your risk tolerance. Rookies like Tatis Jr. and Pete Alonso offer the highest growth potential but carry the most volatility based on their career performance. Legends like Lou Gehrig and Thurman Munson offer stability and historical retention. A balanced portfolio should include both the high-ROI rookie parallels and the steady, low-risk legends.
Investing in sports cards requires patience and a keen eye for data. By sticking to the established comps and following the grading trends outlined above, you can turn your collection into a strategic asset. For more insights on building your portfolio, explore our sports cards hub for the latest industry updates.