Bowman chrome week, and it’s kinda large and in charge. I watched about 5 cases being broke at the store and it was pretty intense. Seems like they got the production problems of the past handled as this set seems to have fewer errors in it than most that I can think of off hand. Some of the signatures kinda suck, that means 10 autograph grades will be tough to come by. I think Jon Singleton used the same pen on every one of his signatures as it’s bold on the parallels and then streaky on every thing else.
During this 5 case rip at the shop there is a moment where all of the breakers erupt in a celebration at once. It’s because they hit an orange refractor autograph of the big hit in the set and this weeks hot list #1 Jorge Soler. But hey, some times betting goes your way.
#1 Jorge Soler Bowman Chrome Auto
Chrome is out and it’s still king. This is the best autograph you can hit in the new bowman chrome so that is an easy formula for making it #1 on this weeks hot list.
The refractors hit $150 out of the gate and some of the larger parallels are being held for a kings ransom.
I would still rather buy Miguel Sano who is probably closer to seeing big league action. I guess Soler playing for the Cubs gives him a bump because they have to have SOMETHING to look forward to.
#2 Russell Wilson Finest Patch Autos
One week he upsets the Patriots. The next week he lays an egg vs division rival San Fransisco.
All in all he’s put together an impressive rookie season and the base version of this Topps finest patch auto went up to $50 from $30.
#3 Billy Hamilton Bowman Chrome Auto
There is always room for a solid #2 right? Every Batman needs a Robin, every Captain America needs a Bucky, and every big monster bowman chrome autograph needs a second card that isn’t quite as big but still very nice. Speedster Billy Hamilton fills that role for Soler.
Man, reading that makes me realize that I spend WAY too much time in a comic book shop. Hamilton’s entered the market at about 7 Alexanders, but will likely drop a bit soon much like the other big hits. Sell em now folks.
# 4 Nick Castellanos Bowman Chrome Auto
One of the interesting sub plots in this product is watching two cards of two people competing for a position in the same organization going head to head. Nick Castellanos and Avisal Garcia are both big bats in the Detroit Tigers system who will eventually compete for playing time.
Right now they are competing on the hot list as Nick edges out Avisal for the #3 spot. His chrome autographs debuted at $45 while Avisail is a bit behind. Cheer up Garcia you are clearly Tim McCarver’s pick for the job.
Nick’s cards probably got the edge because of his familiarity with collectors. There are already people collecting his cards and they were waiting for this one.
#5 Tyler Austin Bowman Chrome Autos
Sometimes in a chrome set you have top prospect and then you have top Yankee. Sometimes top Yankee can be more valuable than top prospect. In this case it isn’t that extreme as Tyler’s bowman chrome refractors are about half what a George Soler is at $75
He’s a big kid with a big bat in a big system. Seems like we have heard this story a thousand times. It can be a dream come true for people holding cards when a prospect pops. Just ask anyone holding Jesus Montero when he got the prospect evaluator love. Once these settle down there could be some prospecting to do.
#6 Robert Griffin III Anything
Greatness with consistency is the winning formula for anything anyone will ever do. Take this list for example. One of the best things about it when Phil Mason does it is the consistency of the writing style combined with the greatness of the writing style. Don’t worry guys, he will be back soon.
RG3 has been the embodiment of greatness and consistency. He got knocked out in the Falcons game, but has bounced back nicely. This Finest red /25 sold for $425 this week and that is up from it’s previous sale of $350.
#7 2011-12 UD Exquisite Basketball
It’s another step forward in NCAA basketball cards as UD continues to test the market and expand college collectible sports cards into a real high end market.
They certainly did their part with this release with the look of the cards in this set. While I am not a fan of the use of the word “bling” because I am a crabby old man who wants these kids off my lawn, I have to respect the overall look of the card. That gold holofoil really pops in hand.
#8 Avisail Garcia Bowman Chrome Auto
Showing maturity in 23 late season at bats for a contender can set you up with all sports of possibilities. For Avisail it was a spot on the post season roster.
Any team in baseball will take a .368 on base percentage from their 8 spot in the line up. Tigers fans are now looking to the future with this guy. He still has Nick Castellanos to compete with, so this could get fun down the road.
His chrome autos debuted at $30 making him the fourth best pull in 2012 Bowman Chrome Baseball.