Whenever Bowman Sterling is released, I think it provides quite a dilemma. Although the cards usually have a very nice Chrome style design, the price point is such an absolute turn off that it is almost impossible to buy in. Even though I understand that Topps packages the sealed packs like individual boxes, it still doesn’t feel that way. Despite my objections, Sterling is back and it doesn’t look like anything has changed. At least the cards continue to look nice.

Here are some of my favorite Sterling cards from previous years of the product, and you can see that they are nice looking indeed.

2008 Bowman Sterling Tom Brady / Randy Moss Dual Auto Gold Refractor

2013 Bowman Sterling Peyton Manning Auto Black Refractor

2012 Bowman Sterling Andrew Luck Auto Patch Gold Refractor

2012 Bowman Sterling Robert Griffin III Auto Patch Gold Refractor

My biggest objection is that outside of box content being 6 autos and 6 relics per box, I don’t see the unique attraction that these Chrome style cards bring over a product like Finest. The 300 dollar price tag is almost worthy of a joke, as its clear that the previous versions of the autos from other sets are just as good if not better. IT MAKES NO SENSE why Sterling even exists at that point. Basically lost in the shuffle of Finest, Chrome, Platinum, and a myriad of other products that all have better value in the wax with similar content.

If a company is going to offer a 300 dollar box, it had better offer something that you cant get other places, let alone 4 other places. With group breaks taking hold, products like this have a new outlet, as it isn’t such a huge investment to buy into a group than you would on your own. To think that this product doesn’t even have on card autograph content is fucking bonkers, as the price tag alone should necessitate that kind of effort. Considering that there are 4-5 releases prior that all have hard signed content without paying this kind of money is a slap in the face.

Again, the cards look nice, which is the only saving grace of Sterling. Other than that, Im done. Here are the cards: