Insert Intensity

Topps Project 70

Although technically not an insert, Topps Project 70 is worth mentioning as it is a product that is artist driven and has a unique visual appeal.  To be fair, Topps Project 70 is rather notorious in the hobby.  A number of collectors over bought this print-to-demand product, along with Topps Project 2020, and now are stuck holding more of it than they could ever want.  As a result, most Project 70 cards are priced at less than $20 on eBay.  

This dynamic is enormously interesting to me as it could represent a low risk flip opportunity.  I’m not planning to go overboard buying these, and some of the art depicted is not my thing.  However, purchasing a few low-print cards of players or artists that you enjoy is not a bad option, if you have an extra $50 to spend.   Personally, I’ll be focusing on cards of current or future Hall of Famers with print runs of 1,000 or less.  Three of my favorite artists in the collection are Chuck Styles, Jacob Rochester, and Lauren Taylor.  I also love Sket One’s depiction of Ted Williams (pictured), which has a print run of 815 and usually sells for less than $15 at auction on eBay.

Topps Beam Team

Topps has released Beam Team cards in several waves and products over the years.  My favorite Beam Teams have always been the ones inserted into 1992 and 1993 Stadium Club Basketball.  Most of the big stars from the 1990s are included in these sets, and the 1992 Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal are especially popular with hobbyists.  A mint copy of the 1992 Jordan is usually priced at around $1,000.