[INFO] Topps Allen & Ginter Reference Thread

[hybridsole]

Topps Allen & Ginter Reference Thread

Last Updated: Sept 21, 2019

This reference thread is intended to contain information about all versions of cryptocurrency cards found in the Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card series.  Some have referred to this card as Bitcoin's "Rookie Card" because it is the first time a mainstream collectible card series has recognized bitcoin or cryptocurrency.  Topps released this card as part of the 2018 Allen and Ginter baseball card series, and it is numbered 83 out of 300 within the base set.  

Allen and Ginter was the Richmond, Virginia, tobacco manufacturing firm formed in 1865, and created and marketed the first cigarette cards for collecting and trading.  In 2006 Topps revived the brand and began issuing Allen and Ginter cards as part of their product lineup.  The Allen and Ginter cards are known for featuring hand painted cards of current baseball players, as well as various insert sets featuring standout athletes in other sports, pop culture icons, and historical figures.  

The 2018 Allen and Ginter series was released on the week of July 18th, 2018.  Following the release of the regular 2018 Allen and Ginter series, Topps released the more limited 2018 Ginter X series boxes a few weeks later on August 8th, 2018.  The X series feature cards which have a black or dark background.  

The various versions of #83 cards are listed below, and are grouped by which type of packs or boxes the cards were found.  In total, there are 25 varieties of the #83 Cryptocurrency card documented in this thread.  23 of the 25 types of cards have been identified and photographed.


References

Company:    Topps, Inc.
Regular Series Sales Site:    https://www.topps.com/2018-allen-and-ginter-baseball-hobby.html
X Series Sales Site:    https://www.topps.com/collectibles/trading-cards/trading-cards-by-sport/online-exclusives/2018-ginter-x-hobby-box.html
2018 Topps Checklist:    https://www.topps.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-Allen-Ginter-BB-Checklist.pdf
Sell Sheet / PDF Brochure:    https://gogts.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Topps-Allen-and-Ginter-Baseball-Cards-Sell-Sheet.pdf

Where to buy (Still on sale as of Sept-2019):    https://www.blowoutcards.com/sports-cards/baseball-cards/2018.html?dir=asc&manufacturer=17&order=name

[ARTICLE] Allen & Ginter Unannounced Curiosities and Other Things to Watch for 2018    https://www.beckett.com/news/2018-allen-ginter-surprises/
[ARTICLE] Ginter X Baseball Arrives as Online Only Product    https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/2018-ginter-x-baseball-arrives-as-online-only-product/

[CHECKLIST] Regular Series - Baseball Cardpedia    http://baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/2018_Topps_Allen_%26_Ginter
[CHECKLIST] Regular Series - Beckett    https://www.beckett.com/news/2018-topps-allen-ginter-baseball/
[CHECKLIST] Regular Series - Break Ninja    http://www.breakninja.com/2018-Topps-Allen-And-Ginter-Baseball-checklist-no-team.html
[CHECKLIST] Regular Series - Cardboard Connection    https://www.cardboardconnection.com/2018-topps-allen-ginter-baseball-cards
[CHECKLIST] Regular Series - GoGTS    https://gogts.net/2018-topps-allen-ginter-baseball-cards/
[CHECKLIST] X Series - Cardboard Connection    https://www.cardboardconnection.com/2018-topps-allen-ginter-x-baseball-cards

[FORUM MEGATHREADS]  First Buzz: 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards    https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1188598
[FORUM MEGATHREADS]  2018 Allen & Ginter X Speculations Thread    https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1227187

[VIDEO] Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Rookie Card?    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2UXfeiOYNk
[VIDEO] Hobby Box Unboxing (aka "box break")      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvfnB1vmU6k
[VIDEO] Finding a HOT hobby box with the glossy/silver cards    https://youtu.be/Otj9O-_Kkiw?t=2527


Retail Packaging Guide

Blaster Box                                               Hobby Box
8 packs per box. 6 cards per pack.                              24 packs per box. 8 cards per pack.
         


Retail Box                                              Value Packs
24 packs per box. 6 cards per pack.                         3 packs of 6 cards + 3 gold cards. 14 card hot pack
           


Found in all Blaster Boxes, Hobby Boxes, Retail Boxes, and Value Packs:


Base Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Standard 2.5" x 3.5" trading card size, White background
• The most common card available.
• Odds of finding a #83 base crypto card: 1:40-50 packs. (Note: Packs typically contain 7 base cards + 1 mini card or 5 base cards + 1 mini card.)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 6 - 1
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 8 - 15
   Grade 9 - 86
   Grade 10 - 265

   Prior Sales Info
   $2 - $10 - $50 Graded 9.5 (Source: Nah-256)
   $10 - eBay PSA 9 MINT - December 7, 2018


   Mini Cryptocurrency Card

          

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• The most common mini card available.
• Odds of finding a mini card: 1 per pack (note: #83 specifically would be 1:300-350 packs).
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, White background

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 7 - 2
   Grade 9 - 16
   Grade 10 - 78

   Prior Sales Info
   $5.50 8/20/18 - $6.50 9/8/18 - $18 9/3/18 - $19 8/30/18 - $23.50 8/25/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $71 - eBay PSA 10 GEM MINT - December 7, 2018
   $29 - eBay PSA 9 MINT - December 7, 2018


   Mini Allen & Ginter Logo Back Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• The second most common mini card available.
• Odds of finding any mini A&G logo back card: 1:5 packs (1:~1500 packs for #83 specifically)
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, White background (front), dark B&W logo printed on back

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 9 - 6
   Grade 10 - 58

   Prior Sales Info
   $5 8/7/18 - $13 9/1/18 - $17.50 9/26/18 - $20 9/11/18 - $45 8/26/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $75 (best offer accepted) - eBay PSA 10 Gem Mint - September 17, 2019


   Mini Black Bordered Cryptocurrency Card

          

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Odds of finding any mini black bordered card: 1:10 packs (1:~3000 packs for #83 specifically)
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card size, Black border (front)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 5 - 1
   Grade 9 - 2
   Grade 10 - 41

   Prior Sales Info
   $1 9/19/18 - $21.50 8/19/18 - $31 8/31/18 - $61 8/25/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $48 - eBay ungraded - August 20, 2019


   Mini Glow in the Dark Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• Front border glows in the dark and has a transparent glossy pattern noticeable to the eye
• Extremely rare. Total # unknown.
• Backside has a felt texture and also glows in the dark
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card size
• May also be found in the Ginter X packs

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Not specified

   Prior Sales Info
   $650 9/2/18 - $1,000 9/2/18  (Source: Nah-256)
   $900 - eBay October 17, 2018 (Source: https://ebay.us/fbNteB)


   Mini No Number Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• Limited to 50 - Very rare
• No number printed on back
• Otherwise similar to the Allen & Ginter Logo Back mini
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card
• May also be found in the Ginter X packs

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 9 - 2
   Grade 10 - 4

   Prior Sales Info
   $10 7/25/18 - $290 8/30/18 - $360 8/25/18  (Source: Nah-256)
   $515 9/20/18 (Source: https://ebay.us/rSwyyo)
   $1225 PSA 10 GEM PWCC 12/13/18 (Source: https://ebay.us/qAl7p8)
   $1295 (best offer accepted) - eBay ungraded - Sept 6, 2019


   Mini Brooklyn Logo Back Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• Also referred to as red back
• Hand numbered to 25 - Very rare
• Retail pack odds of finding a Brooklyn logo mini: 1:330 packs (1:~100,000 packs for #83 specifically)
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, White background (front), red B&W logo printed on back
• May also be found in the Ginter X packs

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 10 - 2

   Prior Sales Info
   $8.75 7/22/18 - $23.50 7/24/18 - $230 9/1/18 - $500 8/26/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $6500 - eBay PSA 10 - Jan 12, 2019 (Source: https://ebay.us/RsRx5d)
   $1425 - eBay ungraded - July 29, 2019
   $1451 - eBay ungraded - August 19, 2019


   Glossy 1-of-1 Cryptocurrency Card


                                                  Photo credit: bucksbuck
   Description

• Printed on High-Gloss Card Stock
• Numbered 1-of-1
• Standard 2.5" x 3.5" trading card size, White background (front), glossy finish
• Retail pack odds of finding a Glossy mini: 1:8,086 packs (1:~2,400,000 packs for #83 specifically)
• Discovered by user bucksbuck and posted here 08/2020; Graded PSA 9.

   Mini Glossy 1-of-1 Cryptocurrency Card

      
                                                  Photo credit: Luckysoab2121
   Description

• Printed on High-Gloss Card Stock
• Hand numbered 1-of-1
• Retail pack odds of finding a Glossy mini: 1:8,086 packs (1:~2,400,000 packs for #83 specifically)
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, White background (front), glossy finish
• Discovered Nov 2018 by bitcointalk forum user Luckysoab2121 in a retail blaster pack purchased on Amazon.  Sold for over $2,000 on eBay a few days later.

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 9 - 1

   Prior Sales Info
   $2,000 eBay  (Source: https://ebay.us/IQQuhZ) - November 19, 2018


   Found only in Topps Allen & Ginter Retail Value Packs:

          


   Mini Gold Bordered Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Gold bordered mini found only in retail "value" packs, sometimes referred to as "hanger" packs. Each 3-pack value pack contains a separately sealed pack of 3 mini gold bordered cards. The single "hot" retail value pack contains 1 gold bordered mini per 14 card pack.
• Odds of finding mini gold bordered #83 card: 1:~100 value packs
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, Gold border (front)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 8 - 1
   Grade 9 - 3
   Grade 10 - 22

   Prior Sales Info
   $3 7/31/18 - $25 9/6/18 - $43 9/11/18 - $76 9/3/18 - $204 8/22/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $59 - eBay ungraded - Sept 1, 2019


   Found only in Topps Allen and Ginter Hobby Boxes:

          


   Hot Box Silver Glossy Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• "Hot" hobby boxes are those which contain all Silver Glossy cards instead of base cards
• Odds of finding Hot Box: 1 hot hobby box per case of 12 hobby boxes
• Odds of finding a #83 Silver Glossy crypto card: 1:40-50 hot hobby box packs. (at 7 base cards per pack.)
• Standard 2.5" x 3.5" trading card size, Silver background and glossy finish

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 5 - 2
   Grade 8 - 3
   Grade 9 - 14
   Grade 10 - 56

   Prior Sales Info
   $2 8/2/19 - $5 8/29/18 - $18 8/30/18 - $50 8/19/19 - $68 8/17/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $69.00 - eBay PSA 10 GEM MINT - December 7, 2018
   $39 - eBay PSA 10 - July 28, 2019


   Mini Black Cryptocurrency Printing Plate

      

   Description

• Numbered 1-of-1
• This is the actual printing plate used to manufacture the card.
• Retail pack odds of finding a printing plate: 1:1,777 packs (~1:530,000 packs for #83 specifically)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   PSA Authenticated - 1

   Prior Sales Info
   $125 8/4/18 (Source: Nah-256)


   Mini Cyan Cryptocurrency Printing Plate

      

   Description

• Numbered 1-of-1
• This is the actual printing plate used to manufacture the card.
• Retail pack odds of finding a printing plate: 1:1,777 packs (~1:530,000 packs for #83 specifically)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   PSA Authenticated - 1

   Prior Sales Info
   Plate discovered, but sales/selling price unknown


   Mini Yellow Cryptocurrency Printing Plate

      

   Description

• Numbered 1-of-1
• This is the actual printing plate used to manufacture the card.
• Retail pack odds of finding a printing plate: 1:1,777 packs (~1:530,000 packs for #83 specifically)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   PSA Authenticated - 1

   Prior Sales Info
   $100 (Best Offer Accepted) 8/2/19 (Source: Nah-256)


   Mini Magenta Cryptocurrency Printing Plate

      

   Description

• Numbered 1-of-1
• This is the actual printing plate used to manufacture the card.
• Retail pack odds of finding a printing plate: 1:1,777 packs (~1:530,000 packs for #83 specifically)

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed

   Prior Sales Info
   $3,429 9/7/2018 (Source: Nah-256)


Found Only in Topps Allen and Ginter X Series Packs and Boxes:

          

Note: The Ginter X boxes also contain some of the more rare mini cards found in the normal AG packs, including the Brooklyn Mini ( /25), No-Number aka NNO Mini ( /50), and Glow-in-the-Dark Mini

   X Base Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Odds of finding a #83 X base crypto card: 1:40-50 X packs, or 1 per ~2.7 X hobby boxes . (at 8 base cards per pack. Note: X Packs contain 7 base X cards and 1 mini card.)
• Standard 2.5" x 3.5" trading card size, Black background
• Estimated that roughly 1,100 of these cards exist

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 5 - 1
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 8 - 13
   Grade 9 - 51
   Grade 10 - 22

   Prior Sales Info
   $2-$20  (Source: Nah-256)
   $20 - eBay ungraded - July 9, 2019
   $167 - eBay PSA 10 Gem Mint - Sept 18, 2019
   $174 - eBay PSA 10 Gem Mint - Sept 18, 2019


   X Mini Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card, Black background
• Odds of finding any X mini card: ~1 per pack (note: #83 specifically would be 1:300-350 X packs, or 1 per ~19 X hobby boxes).
• Per Blowout cards, less than 100 of these cards exist. Source: https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpost.php?p=13835248&postcount=946

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 7 - 2
   Grade 8 - 5
   Grade 9 - 22
   Grade 10 - 1

   Prior Sales Info
   $7 8/16/18 - $53 8/19/18 - $250 9/26/18 (Source: Nah-256)
   $599 11/28/18 (Source: https://ebay.us/zVF2Le)
   $356 - eBay ungraded - August 20, 2019
   $699 - eBay PSA 9 - August 29, 2019


   X Red Mini Cryptocurrency Card

      

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card size, Red background
• Hand numbered 5/5

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed

   Prior Sales Info
   $200 (Best Offer Accepted) 8/20/18 - $1000 8/24/18 (Source: Nah-256)


   X Silver Mini Cryptocurrency Card

   Description

• #83 of 300 - Cryptocurrency
• Miniature 1.5" x 2.75" trading card size, Silver background
• Limited to 1
• Not yet known to be found; Please post pictures or info if you have it.

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed / not yet found


Sold direct from Topps (Topps Vault on Topps.com or Official eBay store):

  


   Base Cryptocurrency Poster

          

                                                  Photo credit: Breadyfreddy
   Description

• Hand numbered to 99
• 10" x 14" printed on a rigid ultra-high gloss UV coated trading card stock
• Originally Sold for $24.99
• Topps.com Sales Info: https://www.topps.com/2018-topps-allen-and-ginter-cryptocurrency-base-poster-d-to-99.html

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed

   Prior Sales Info
   $500 8/30/18 - $599 8/31/18 (Source: Nah-256)


   Gold Edition Cryptocurrency Poster

          

                                                                                           Photo credit: Breadyfreddy
   Description

• Hand numbered to 1
• 10" x 14" printed on a rigid ultra-high gloss UV coated trading card stock
• Originally Sold for $99.99
• Topps.com Sales Info: https://www.topps.com/2018-topps-allen-and-ginter-cryptocurrency-gold-ed-poster-d-to-1.html

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed


   Oversized Complete Base Set - #'D to 10

        

   Description

• Foil numbered to 10
• Includes (350) 5x7 oversized trading cards (#83 cryptocurrency included)
• Originally Sold for $1,399.99
• Topps.com Sales Info: https://www.topps.com/2018-topps-allen-and-ginter-baseball-oversized-complete-base-set-d-to-10.html

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 10 - 4


   Oversized Complete Base Set - #'D to 49

      

   Description

• Foil numbered to 49
• Includes (350) 5x7 oversized trading cards (#83 cryptocurrency included)
• Originally Sold for $699.99
• Topps.com Sales Info: https://www.topps.com/2018-topps-allen-and-ginter-baseball-oversized-complete-base-set-d-to-49.html

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   Grade 6 - 1
   Grade 7 - 1
   Grade 8 - 1
   Grade 10 - 37


   Blank Back Cryptocurrency Card

          

   Description

• Sold direct from Topps Vault on eBay
• Hologram on reverse side numbered 1-of-1
• Serial # 053911
• Ebay sales link:  http://r.ebay.com/kU9SvT
• Sold by Topps on eBay for $2,475.00 on Aug 20, 2018

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed


   Blank Back 3-Card Mini Strip: Cryptocurrency

      

   Description

• Sold direct from Topps Vault on eBay.
• Uncut strip measures approximately 4 1/2" X 2 1/2" in size and overall.
• Hologram on reverse side numbered 1-of-1
• Sold by Topps on eBay for $610.00 on Nov 18, 2018

   PSA Population Report (updated Sept 2019)
   None listed

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[krogothmanhattan]

Goodjob Hybrid. Thankyou for doing this. 

[Fattcatt]

 Hybridsole, VERY nice job.    Also, excellent grab getting the #1 poster over at Topps    Congratulations!!!

[dolphriends]

The base posters at Topps are all sold out!!!

[hybridsole]

Hybridsole, VERY nice job.    Also, excellent grab getting the #1 poster over at Topps    Congratulations!!!

Thank you.  I only wish that was me... Breadyfreddy beat us to it, and I swiped his pics from the other thread. 

[pt]

Excellent Reference Thread!
Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[dolphriends]

Am really enjoying seeing all the different photos of these many rare cards produced by Topps.  Incredible 1/1 poster and of course the printing plates considered to be the holy grail of the bunch.  Very cool indeed

[Fattcatt]

The gold mini parallel cards come from the "retail" box's....the reason that we havent seen many of them yet, is because those box's are the cheapest, and collectors go for the most expensive box's first.....each box comes with 1 three card clear cellophane packet of the gold parallel's.

[dolphriends]

The gold mini parallel cards come from the "retail" box's....the reason that we havent seen many of them yet, is because those box's are the cheapest, and collectors go for the most expensive box's first.....each box comes with 1 three card clear cellophane packet of the gold parallel's.

Agree, spot on FC.  Collectors go for the most expensive cards possible first.

[hybridsole]

The gold mini parallel cards come from the "retail" box's....the reason that we havent seen many of them yet, is because those box's are the cheapest, and collectors go for the most expensive box's first.....each box comes with 1 three card clear cellophane packet of the gold parallel's.

Thanks, I updated the OP.  Do you know the odds of finding a gold mini bordered card within a retail pack? 

[AT101ET]

Well that's me out - Maybe I should consider myself lucky that they don't have something like this on my end of the pond. Great job compiling this @hybridsole. Given the way that this has turned out and how their 1/1 auction is proceeding I think we'll be seeing plenty more crypto related cards coming out of Topps HQ.
Are total printing numbers ever disclosed for something like this? (I'm talking the standard cards).

[Fattcatt]

eventually we will know the population of all of them, might take 2 or 3 years though...... .........is it just me, or have the sellers stopped listing #83? 

[hybridsole]

One of the Silver Glossy cards just sold  

[Fattcatt]

The price inflation begins......now we'll have to buy boxs because all the dealers see this, and will hold their cards unyil they see how this all works out. 

[dolphriends]

The price inflation begins......now we'll have to buy boxs because all the dealers see this, and will hold their cards unyil they see how this all works out.  

Again FC is correct on how this business works.  

[dolphriends]

eventually we will know the population of all of them, might take 2 or 3 years though...... .........is it just me, or have the sellers stopped listing #83? 

I read there were less than 200 cases made of the allen and ginter X.  No idea on the other.

[hybridsole]

A little backstory based on my observations collecting cards as a kid:

In the late 80's / early 90's, baseball cards (and sports cards overall) skyrocketed in popularity, which led to the period known as the "inflationary period" where the companies, to keep up with demand, printed themselves out of business.  The way they took advantage of their customers by over-saturating the market, along with a players strike which cut one of the seasons short, essentially killed the entire hobby of baseball card collecting (from a mainstream point of view) after the mid 90's.

Fast forward to 2018, the card companies that have managed to survive should understand very well the issues of "hyperinflation".  And they seem to be rewarding their remaining loyal customers at this point with more special inserts, along with lower mintages to keep pace with demand.  From what I understand reading the baseball card posts on reddit and elsewhere, the Allen and Ginter stuff is not very popular overall within the baseball card collectors, so it's a niche series within a niche hobby.  Although the sports card collecting market seems to be on the rebound overall.  It makes sense why A&G would take risks like this to bring in more collectors from different communities, especially by looking to something like cryptos which would attract the younger millennial baseball fans.  We will see how this all plays out, and I expect to see fully private-key-loaded baseball cards coming in 2019 or 2020.  This might be the beginning of something big, hence the reason I've put some effort to documenting it.

[Mrstacy]

Got a few 10x14s coming. What is the best way to display/protect these?  Simple picture frame?

I'm guessing if i don't open it, it'll appreciate more though, right?  can't have your cake and eat it too.

[Mrstacy]

Cool. Thanks.

Any appreciation potential for the 10x14.  I see the website says numbered to 99, but also mentions may be back in stock.  A bit confused.

[dolphriends]

Cool. Thanks.

Any appreciation potential for the 10x14.  I see the website says numbered to 99, but also mentions may be back in stock.  A bit confused.

This is a default part of their listing format. All their products would show this when sold out regardless if limited or not

You need the printing plates to make more and the plates are gone.