The Highest Sales from Topps Opening Day

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For years, Topps Opening Day arrived just before the MLB season as one of the most accessible products on the market. It was built for volume, affordability, and the experience of opening packs rather than chasing high-end value.

Following Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps and the MLB license, several products were phased out. Opening Day was among them, later replaced by Celebration, which carries a similar seasonal concept in a different format.

While Opening Day was never intended to compete with flagship or premium releases, a small number of cards have still reached notable price levels. These outliers are tied to a consistent set of factors: elite players, limited variations, and strong collector demand.

Aaron Judge 2017 Opening Day Rookie Variation

Aaron Judge’s presence on this list is driven by his rookie-year cards, which continue to be a hobby favorite.

The 2017 Topps Opening Day Aaron Judge Image Variation Rookie features a straightforward portrait-style image, with Judge holding a bat and facing the camera.

This card sold for $4,875 back in December of 2025.

The odds for pulling an image variation in 2017 were approximately 1 in every 256 packs.

The value of this card is supported by:

• Rookie card designation
• Variation status within the set
• Continued demand for Judge in the market

Among Opening Day cards, this is one of the clearest examples of how a rookie variation can elevate a card well beyond the typical expectations of the product.

Shohei Ohtani 2020 Opening Day Auto Variation

Shohei Ohtani continues to be the most collectible player across all sports in modern history, and in Topps Opening Day, that is no exception as well.

The 2020 Topps Opening Day Shohei Ohtani Image Variation Autograph presents a quieter moment, with Ohtani walking near the batting cage.

This card last sold on November 20, 2025 for $5,317.

With a tiny autograph lineup in 2020 Topps Opening Day, supply is naturally lower. When that is paired with one of the most widely collected players in the game, even a product like Opening Day can produce a result at this level.

Mike Trout 2015 Opening Day SSP

By the mid-2010s, Mike Trout had already separated himself as the most dominant player in the game. Entering 2015, he had multiple All-Star appearances and an MVP award, with supposed continued success ahead (we all know how that panned out).

One of the most significant cards from that year’s set is the 2015 Topps Opening Day Mike Trout Back Variation. The image shows Trout waiting in the on-deck circle, offering a more candid, in-game moment compared to standard base photography.

A PSA 10 example of this card sold for $5,328 on April 2, 2022.

With the card being difficult to hit, strong photography, and an iconic All-American player, you have a recipe for a high-dollar sale.

Best Way to Present Opening Day Cards

One detail that often gets overlooked with raw cards is how they are presented, especially when sharing or selling.

Because many of the notable Opening Day cards, particularly variations and lower-print autos, surface ungraded, having consistent, high-quality images matters. Clean lighting and sharp detail can make a meaningful difference in how a card is perceived.

Tools like the Ludex Light Box are designed specifically for raw cards, helping collectors capture clear, evenly lit photos without shadows or glare. For collectors who frequently buy, sell, or catalog cards from products like Opening Day, having a reliable setup can improve both documentation and presentation.

The Ludex app is here to help you track and manage your trading card collection. Click HERE to download the Ludex mobile app for FREE!

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