2017 Topps Now Card of the Month Checklist and Details
As the Topps Now program evolves, the card maker is adding new spins and incentives to help entice collectors to buy. A big one is the Topps Now Loyalty Program that offers discounts. Those who reach certain levels also receive the exclusive 2017 Topps Now Card of the Month.
And one of the first 2017 Topps Now Card of the Month is proving to be a popular one with those who weren’t able to take advantage.
As the name suggest, a new 2017 Topps Now Card of the Month comes out every four weeks or so. Those reaching the All-Star level of the Loyalty Program receive one card. Those achieving Hall of Fame status get one each month. They cannot be purchased from Topps. Instead, collectors will have to look to the secondary market to get them.
The first 2017 Topps Now Card of the Month highlights the surprising Eric Thames and his hot start to the season. It has 167 copies.
Next up was a New York Yankees dugout encounter between Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge before Number 2’s jersey was retired. A total of 198 copies were produced, which puts it in the lower end of all regular 2017 Topps Now Baseball cards. Many have smaller print runs but those generally feature players with limited hobby followings and play for smaller market teams.
But any Aaron Judge card is hot right now and Jeter is Jeter. Love them or hate them, the Yankees are the furthest thing from a small-market team.
The result?
Consistent sales on eBay approaching $200 with a couple going even higher.
2017 Topps Now Card of the Month cards are numbered differently from the main Topps Now set. There’s also a ‘COTM’ icon on the front.
Only time will tell if the momentum on this card will continue as well as other future 2017 Topps Now Card of the Month releases.
2017 Topps Now Card of the Month Checklist
Print runs for each card is noted. If you’re looking to buy a specific card, click on the links to see what’s currently available on eBay.
M-APR Eric Thames, Milwaukee Brewers – 2-HR Game Gives Him League-Leading 10 HRs (April 24) – 167
M-MAY Derek Jeter/Aaron Judge, New York Yankees – Legend Greets Star Before Number Retirement Ceremony (May 14) – 198
Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.
The first Card of the Month was in April, Eric Thames number M-APR, print run 167
Derek Jeters jersey number was 2. Number 3 was retired a long time ago as it belonged to Babe Ruth
The numbers are so low on these because Topps is flat out horrible at communication and explaining how to get them. I spent more than enough money on Topps Now last year, that I was automatically enrolled at the “Hall of Fame” rewards level… which when the program first came out, said you were automatically eligible for the Card of the Month. I didn’t receive the Thames because while I was automatically eligible, I didn’t know you had to literally request to be in the Card of the Month promotion. So in May, I submitted my points to be in the COTM promotion… but I didn’t get the Jeter/Judge, because I didn’t realize there was yet another step to the process. When I cashed in my points to be the COTM, I thought that was it. As I learned this month, it wasn’t. You have to use a special code you got when you cashed in your points, every month, and go through the order process on their website. I’ve got the hang of it now and I hope June will bring a good card… but without question, this is the most poorly executed Rewards/Loyalty program I’ve ever taken a part in. Topps automatically enrolls you at the “Hall of Fame” level… Topps said that level was automatically eligible for the COTM… yet you have to figure out on your own, after being left out for 2 months, that you have to jump through multiple hoops to actually get what they said you’ve “earned”. Very, very (and typical) poor execution by Topps.