The best part about Ginter, which I believe is responsible for so much of the brand loyalty, is how there is something for everyone. Large sets for set collectors, lots of parallels for player collectors, and some huge high end hits for the thrill seekers. Some of the hits are so impressive that they are unparalleled by any other set available during the year. Ginter has a cult following and rabid collectors who will pay big for what they want. Here is a break down of some of the bigger elements.

Ichiro Content

To this point, Ichiro has been the one surefire HOFer that Topps was never able to get under their umbrella. He has signed for Upper Deck, Leaf and others, but never Topps, until now. His autographs being added LIVE to Ginter is a huge get for this product, and the prices reflect that collectability. Ichiro might be the first Japanese import player that qualifies for both Halls of Fame, and he international appeal makes his cards hugely expensive.

Check out the prices on these bad boys:

2015 Allen & Ginter Ichiro Suzuki Mariners Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Ichiro Suzuki Marlins Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Ichiro Suzuki Yankees Framed Autograph

Rocky Content

Even though Hulk Hogan’s recent racial tirade will decrease some value in his autograph, the whole motif is amazing. Stallone as Rocky might be one of the coolest non-sport autographs in the history of the set, and I know that if I had the money, I would be all over these. Stallone’s autograph isnt THAT rare, but when its presented like this, along side Lundgren and Hogan, things get a bit more interesting.

Here are the top ones:

2015 Allen & Ginter Stallone as Rocky Red Ink Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Stallone as Rocky Blue Ink Framed Autograph

2015 Allen & Ginter Lundgren As Ivan Drago Framed Autograph

NBA Rookie Autographs

There have been crossover autographs in Ginter before, and they have always been popular among the Ginter enthusiasts. This year, Topps was able to get a few of the first round draft picks, including March Madness standouts and top picks. Considering how many Rookies sign exclusive deals with Panini, this is something that definitely intrigues me. These have sold well for non-licensed rookie cards, but they are also some of the first autographs of the new players.

Here are some examples:

2015 Allen & Ginter Sam Dekker Framed Auto

2015 Allen & Ginter Justise WInslow Red Ink Framed Auto

Metal Minis

Topps has done printing on metal for Ginter before, and they have come back again this year with some very interesting uses of a material that is tough to use well. These cards are done in a way that makes them very chase worthy for player and team collectors, and they are extremely limited in the process. Although there are also wood printed 1/1s, these are 10 times as cool to me.

You can see these are actual metal:

2015 Allen & Ginter Joc Pederson Metal Mini RC /3

2015 Allen & Ginter Yasiel Puig Metal Mini RC /3

Giant Patch Box Loaders

I have always been on the lookout for these cards, as I think they are something that really doesnt exist other places. Card manufacturers rarely like to go big, as large scale cards rarely have the same impact as normal scale. Because these can feature almost a whole nameplate, and are not always redemptions, its a different story with these. They are very cool display pieces for those people who have their collections set up.

2015 Allen & Ginter Max Scherzer Giant Boxloader Patch 1/1

10th Anniversary Buyback Framed Mini Autos /10

I love buyback content in products with a ton of history. Ginter is definitely one of those products. The checklist is pretty strong as well, and these cards are only limited to 10 copies. I wish one of my guys that I collect was in this set, as it would be one of my top chases for the set. Great looking stuff with on card autos.

2015 Allen & Ginter David Wright Auto Framed Mini Buyback

2015 Allen & Ginter Adam Jones Auto Framed Mini Buyback

Ginter always sets a bar for retro sets that will come out during the year, and I have rarely seen any set come close. Content like this is a big reason for that.