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The box: 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter X baseball cards
Where to buy: Initially via Topps.com (BlowoutCards.com for hobby A&G)
Packs per box: 18
Cards per pack: 8
Cards in this box: 142
Base set completion:
113 of 300 (38 percent)
Duplicates: 0
Notables on base cards – Bryce Harper, Ken Griffey Jr., Clayton Kershaw, Laurie Hernandez, Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Albert Pujols, Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, Ryne Sandberg, Chipper Jones, Yu Darvish, Trevor Story, Ken Rosenthal, Gary Sanchez, Kris Bryant, Nolan Ryan, Don Mattingly, Stephen A. Smith
Rookie Cards (18) – Aaron Judge, Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman, Yoan Moncada, Andrew Benintendi, Tyler Glasnow, Matt Olson, Antonio Senzatela, Jharel Cotton, Jesse Winker, Yulieski Gurriel, Hunter Renfroe, Renato Nunez, Alex Reyes, Jose DeLeon, David Dahl, Jake Thompson, Ty Blach (SP)
Insert cards: 27 (most in gallery along with some base)
Short-prints (Nos. 301-350) (9) – Bartolo Colon, Warren Spahn, Adam Wainwright, Hanley Ramirez, Jordan Zimmermann, Marcell Ozuna, Dallas Keuchel, Yangervis Solarte, Ty Blach (RC)
Mini (12) – Matt Olson, Teoscar Hernandez, Mitch Haniger, Marcus Stroman, Sonny Gray, Justin Verlander, Lyle Thompson, Troy Tulowitzki, Billy Hamilton, Barry Larkin, Devon Travis, Andres Galarraga
Mini short-print (1) – Trey Mancini
Mini Brooklyn back (1) – Aaron Nola (/25)
World’s Dudes (2) – Farmhand Dude, Packer Dude
Required Reading (1) – On The Origin of Species
Magicians & Illusionists (1) – John Henry Anderson
Autographs: 2
Ginter X Framed Autographs (1) – Javier Baez
Allen & Ginter Full-Size Autographs (1) – Christian Arroyo
What’s Buzz-worthy: This simplified version of Topps’ Allen & Ginter release continues beyond its 10th anniversary (hence the X) as a blacked-out Topps.com exclusive that appears to be sold out already. It’s a smaller product (fewer inclusions) with a smaller box (18 packs), smaller (initial) price but in the case of this box it’s also one with a bigger bang. Each box guarantees an autograph and this one actually delivered two via a redemption card for a one in 1,018 Full-Size auto for Christian Arroyo atop of the framed Javier Baez. (Definitely could have done worse.) Also beyond the norm here was a Brooklyn mini (one in 170 packs; not blacked out) and two mini inserts that are not norms found in every box. Not found in this one were any of the Ginter X exclusives — Red (1:24) and Silver (1:117) minis — but several of this year’s notable rookies were found here and that Judge is a card that has sold for more than the price of a box in at least one early auction. The black cards do show some chipping here and there but it’s not a major drawback like it would be if the stock was skinnier. At their original price and with an autograph guaranteed, this one’s worth a rip for sure. At a higher price, this collector might opt for a standard hobby box because there’s a lot of stuff found there that’s not here and the base cards definitely look better in white. This one’s worth checking out for sure if you can land it at an affordable price — it can definitely deliver.
Product Grade: A-
Box Grade: A+
Fun Grade: A-
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