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Mike Trout is a baseball. If he can win a title, his rookie cards will skyrocket into another stratosphere and be on par with the famous Honus Wagner T206. Get while the getting is good. Buy some Mike Trout today, and thank us later.
“Our top pick is the 2011 Mike Trout Topps Update Rookie Card. A gorgeous yet straightforward baseball card that offers a classic, crisp, iconic baseball action image with a brilliant RC logo that seems to embody the game of baseball. The pandemic forced a change in much of the world around us, but some things never change, and Mike Trout is one of those things.”
SHOP THE BEST MIKE TROUT ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
Despite having his worst season on record in 2020, the Millville Meteor continued his streak of being in the top five of MVP voting to a mind-blowing nine years.
Few players have matched the consistency and dominance for as long as Mike Trout has. He won Rookie of the Year in 2012 and has been on a career trajectory rivaled by a few of baseball’s greats.
From a sports card investment standpoint, Mike Trout’s rookie cards are similar to blue-chip stocks as they come with little risk and high returns.
Pro Tip: We recommended buying Mike Trout rookie cards PSA 10 grade, PSA 9, BGS 9.5, or SGC 10. Sometimes, you can make an exception when dealing with incredibly high-valued Mike Trout cards. For example, purchasing a Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Autograph rookie card at PSA 8 or PSA 7 grade would be acceptable, given the extreme value and rarity of the card.
They are expensive and don’t provide rapid movement up or down but rather a consistent slight increase in value annually, especially with Trout continuing to put up big numbers reliably.
The following are NOT associated with top value, design, brand name, or other sports card blogs’ ideas of the best Mike Trout cards.
We carefully selected the following Mike Trout rookie cards based on maximizing profits, including price stability and solid growth/ROI, to include options for all budgets.
Best Cards
2009 Bowman Chrome Autograph Mike Trout RC #BDPP89
The 2009 Bowman Chrome Auto is often considered the holy grail of modern baseball cards. With the combination of scarcity, brand recognition, and the iconic nature of the card, this is easily the best Trout card on the market.
While this card will cost you the price of a new car, it will provide the most excellent ROI over the next 20 years of any Trout card.
When it comes to his baseball cards, Trout’s rookie cards already demand a premium price point and have one of the best (if not the best) ROI regarding alternative investments in the last five years.
Since 1996 when they introduced the “1st” designation, Bowman has been the go-to brand for the first cards of a professional baseball player’s career.
These cards are often considered a player’s most desirable and valuable cards.
Trout does not have a base 1st, Bowman, in 2009 Bowman or Bowman Chrome. Only autographed versions of this card were produced.
Trout would not receive a base Bowman card until 2011.
2011 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Rookie Card #175
The first base Bowman Chrome card of Mike Trout is number two on this list. The card features the iconic Topps RC logo in the top left with a stunning Chrome finish.
Since Trout does not have a base Chrome rookie card, this Bowman Chrome is the second most desirable. While the price of this card is still high, it is much more affordable than the 2009 auto mentioned above.
The return on investment will still be great as this card’s pop count is significantly less than the following best option. The imagery on this card is excellent and displays Trout getting ready to launch the ball to the moon.
Combining the great image with the signature Bowman Chrome finish makes this card a beauty.
2011 Topps Update Mike Trout Rookie Card #US175
Mike Trout’s Topps Update rookie card is next on the list. This card is one of Topps’s most valuable and iconic base cards ever produced.
The Mike Trout Topps Update RC #US175 is one of our top picks for the top investment in all of the trading cards for the next ten years and maybe the best investment period (yes, including stocks, real estate, and bitcoin).
Featuring an image of Trout in Angel’s throwback uniform after ripping a line drive. This is one of Trout’s best cards and one of his most attainable.
Base cards of Hall of Fame rookies are always one of the best investment options for that player, and this is no exception.
It’s hard to believe that Trout was only 19 when he made his debut, considering what he could do that season.
Base Parallels: /2011 Gold, /60 Black, Printing Plates, 1/1 Platinum, Target Red, Walmart Blue.
Diamond Pararells: Platinum Diamond, Cognac Diamond, /60 Hope Diamond, 1/1 Canary Diamond.
2009 Bowman Sterling Prospects Auto Mike Trout RC #BSPMT
Bowman Sterling was Mike Trout’s other prospect autograph released before he made his major league debut.
This card features a sticker auto with a tremendous white card with the American League logo behind it and young Mike.
Due to the sticker auto, this card has not reached the value of his other prospect auto, but it is only one of two pre-MLB debut autos, meaning it will always be sought after and hold its value.
Sterling isn’t necessarily a mainstream setting, but with its low pop count and being a prospect auto, this is another excellent option for a long-term investment.
2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Mike Trout Auto RC #MTR
The 2012 Mike Trout Allen & Ginter Autograph rookie cards are pretty hard to get your hands on but can be accomplished for a surprisingly low price when considering the Trout autograph.
Fun Discussion: Will Mike Trout break Babe Ruth’s all-time Home Run records, and then will he go on to break Barry Bond’s home runs record? The answer to both questions is a yes. Let’s take a look at the table below:
While the Allen & Ginter set is a little more niche, the design and scarcity will make these an excellent long-term investment.
2011 Topps Finest Mike Trout Auto Rookie Card #84
2011 Finest comes in at five on our list. There is a base and autograph version of this card, each with its parallels.
The autograph card will be the better pickup of the two, but a base is still a good option for more budget-friendly collectors.
There are very few options for rookie autographs of Mike Trout, and this is one. The card has an excellent refractor sheen and a nice picture of Trout front and center.
This is a solid option for investment since any on-card rookie auto of Trout will increase in value over time.
2011 Bowman Sterling Mike Trout Rookie Card #19
In our opinion, this card is limited in production and is also one of the better-looking Mike Trout autograph cards. The color match and the refractor of the Bowman Sterling cards are a sight to behold and lock away for future generations. This solid card will stand the test of time and should be a safe place to invest your money.
2011 Bowman Sterling Auto Refractor Parallels: /199 Refractor, /50 Gold Refractors, /25 Black Refractors, /10 Purple Refractors, 1/1 Red Refractors, 1/1 Canary Diamond.
2011 eTopps Mike Trout Rookie Card /999 #35
Number four on our list is a card from a lesser-remembered set from Topps, Topps. This set of cards was all numbered and featured some of the game’s brightest stars at the time. Trout was one of them, and we are glad it was.
eTopps was a niche set that Topps produced from 2000 until 2012.
Much like its successor, Topps Now, each card was offered through an online website where collectors could purchase them for an allotted time. They would be stored in an online portfolio until the collector requested the physical card.
The set designs were super cool, and the idea of eTopps was interesting.
2011 Bowman Sterling Mike Trout Rookie Card #22
Similar to the 2011 Bowman Sterling Autograph Mike Trout card but without the autograph and as such, results in a card more affordable for the masses at high grades.
Fun Fact: At just age 29, Mike Trout already has three MVPs, eight Silver Slugger awards, eight All-Star appearances, a career batting average of .305, and the 75th-highest WAR all time.
Although affordable at base values, one can quickly up the ante by investing in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 refractors shown below.
2011 Bowman Sterling Rookie Parallels: /199 Refractor, /50 Gold, /25 Black, /10 Purple, 1/1 Red Refractors, 1/1 Canary Diamond.
2010 Bowman Platinum Prospect Auto Mike Trout RC #BPAMT
2010 would be the first time Trout would appear in Bowman Platinum. This refractor is one of Trout’s finest-looking prospect auto.
Although it’s not a true rookie since it’s not his first professional year, it still is one of the best Trout cards on the market pre-MLB days. The card features an excellent on-card auto next to a smaller version of the same image that also graces his Bowman Sterling card. The autos on this card are notorious for fading, requiring a little more care than most other cards.
This card would be a significant investment if a collector protects the auto from fading. There are very few of these that have autos in excellent condition.
So, if the card is taken care of, it should hold its value well down the line. The base version of this card is one of Trout’s most iconic and is also a great investment option.
2012 Topps Heritage Mike Trout Rookie Card #207
Mike Trout’s rookie cards don’t follow the traditional, modern baseball card mold. Usually, a player will have his 1st Bowman with an auto.
Then they will have a Heritage rookie and an Update rookie with auto parallels. However, Trout doesn’t have a heritage rookie from his rookie year.
This is considered Trout’s Heritage rookie card despite being from 2012. Although this is still considered a rookie card, it can be had for a meager price, primarily due to the lack of a rookie symbol.
If you’re on a very tight budget and want to get in on the fish-man, this is your ticket. This card is affordable, and since it is his first card in a famous set, it will hold its value.
2011 Tristar Obak Trout Limited Edition Mike Trout RC #MT1 #MT2 #M3
The 2011 Tristar Mike Trout Obak Rookie Cards fly well underneath the radar of the average collector and are one of our favorites in terms of bang for the buck (ROI).
These cards have a great price at top grades and are available in three beautiful photos, MT1, MT2, and MT3.
If you’re looking to snag a solid investment return without spending your kid’s college fund, the OBAK Mike Trout rookie cards are a reliable option.
2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Mike Trout RC #57
Our first non-licensed entry on the list comes from the 2009 Extra Edition Trout rookie auto-numbered to just 495.
There are plenty of rookie distinction tags on this card despite Mike only being a prospect. The on-card auto is what brings so much value to this card.
The card features Trout post swing in the same uniform featured on his 2009 Bowman card. The card itself could have a better design, but this is still a prospect auto of Trout.
As mentioned above, any on-card prospect auto will hold its value very well in the future, especially one that has a scarcity of this one, making it another excellent option for an investment.
2010 Pro Debut Mike Trout RC #181
Like the one below, the 2010 Mike Trout Topps Pro Debut Rookie Card is ideal for collectors looking to spend hundreds instead of thousands, even at high grades.
We feel the return on investment will be extra juicy for a Trout RC with such a low acquisition cost.
2010 Topps Pro Debut Parrelles: /259 Blue, /50 Gold, 1/1 Red, 1/1 Printing Plates
2011 Topps Pro Debut Mike Trout RC #263
The 2011 Topps Debut is another Trout rookie card that fails to make the headlines or any of the “Top Mike Trout Card List” and is undervalued.
From Topps and numbered #263, the image and the overall card aesthetic are decidedly simple with white, blue, red, and gold borders.
We take a liking to the blue border version, but all of the parallels should have a solid long-term ROI for such a cheap Mike Trout RC.
2011 Topps Pro Debut Parrelles: /199 Blue, /50 Gold, 1/1 Red, 1/1 Printing Plates
2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Mike Trout RC #BBP9
Last but not least on our list is this is 2011 Bowman’s Best. This is one of Trout’s last cards as a prospect before he gets the call to the big leagues. The card features a unique design with a big picture of Trout front and center.
The design on this card is unlike any other set. The lighting and gritty multi-color background make this card stand out and should be a part of any Mike Trout investor’s collection.
This card is another great option for people looking to get in on the Trout game at a price point that won’t upset your wife.
Values
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor RC
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Superfractor RC
- 2011 Topps Update Series Diamond Anniversary RC
The most valuable Mike Trout rookie card is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Auto Rookie Card #BDPP89 Superfractor 1/1, selling for a mind-numbing 3.9 million dollars on August 23rd, 2020, via Goldin Auctions.
If you would like a free Mike Trout card appraisal, please email value@goldcardauctions.com. Include relevant card information and two photos (back and front). Limit one request per month per email address/individual.
Most Affordable
Two clear choices come to mind regarding the most affordable Mike Trout rookie cards. The 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft #101 and the 2011 Topps Update RC #US175 are two of the most affordable Mike Trout rookie cards when factoring in the most bang for the buck.
- 2011 Topps Update RC #US175
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft #101
- 2012 Topps Heritage RC #207
- 2011 Topps Pro Debut RC #263
- 2011 Bowman’s Best RC #BBP9
Checklist
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Autograph Mike Trout RC #BDPP89
- 2009 Bowman Sterling Prospects Autograph Mike Trout RC #BSPMT
- 2009 Elite Extra Edition Autograph Mike Trout RC #57
- 2010 Bowman Platinum Prospect Autograph Mike Trout RC #BPAMT
- 2010 Pro Debut Mike Trout RC #181
- 2011 Tristar Obak Trout Limited Edition Mike Trout RC #MT1 #MT2 #M3
- 2011 Topps Pro Debut Mike Trout RC #263
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout RC #175
- 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout RC #US175
- 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Mike Trout RC #BBP9
- 2011 Topps Finest Autograph Mike Trout RC #84
- 2011 eTopps /999 Mike Trout RC #35
- 2011 Bowman’s Best Prospects Mike Trout RC #BBP9
- 2012 Topps Heritage Mike Trout RC #207
- 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Mike Trout RC Auto #MTR
Outlook
You’re probably wondering where you can get your hands on Mike Trout’s rookie cards. The answer is eBay.
Try avoiding the Buy It Now option as these tend to be overpriced to get buyers to pay more for the convenience of not having to wait for an auction to end.
Pro Tip: Don’t use Amazon to purchase Mike Trout baseball cards or any sports cards for that matter as they tend to also be overpriced with buy now offers only. Your best bets when buying a Mike Trout rookie card for sale online are eBay and Heritage Auctions.
If you’re looking to start researching prices on Trout rookie cards to ensure that you pay a fair price, there are resources such as 130point where you can search recent eBay sales to see a specific card’s price.
Mike Trout is already a wildly popular player and has cemented himself as one of the best baseball players of all time, showing similar stats through age 29 to Willie Mays. With no end in sight, Trout will still be the face of baseball for years to come.
- Investment Rating: Strongest Buy Possible (5 out of 5)
- Risk/Return Analysis: Very Low to Low Risk/Moderate to High Return
- Ownership Disclosure: None
While there is still lots for Trout to accomplish in terms of counting stats that is not the biggest concern that plagues the Fish Man’s career.
Postseason success often makes or breaks a player’s career in terms of their all-time status (see the Lebron vs. MJ debate).
Unfortunately, Trout plays for the Angels, who are notoriously average and have done a terrible job of getting the game’s biggest star onto the brightest stage.
Trout has only played in the postseason once, which was short-lived with a first-round exit. The only thing he misses on his resume is any championship.
The value of Mike Trout’s cards has already reached the higher end of its value, so there won’t be drastic price moves but rather a reliable slight increase in value each year.
Everyone knows Mike is a future Hall of Famer, so his cards won’t see the typical bump most players’ card values see when they are inducted since people are already paying an HoF premium on his cards.
There isn’t much that could cause a big jump on these cards other than postseason success.
These cards are a great and safe place to put your money that should yield nice dividends down the road.
Plus, the upside that his cards have should the Angels ever fix themselves, build a good team around Trout, and get him a World Series ring is massive.
There isn’t much downside either since even if Trout retired today, he would still be in an elite class of MLB players all time. Before investing, however, check out our 22 Sports Card Investing Tips.
What about mini’s?