If you were ripping packs of Topps Series 1 back in early 2019, you probably remember that feeling of finding "the Trout." It wasn't just a card; it was the card. Mike Trout was at the peak of his powers, fresh off yet another MVP-caliber season, and the hobby was just starting to enter that hyper-speed growth phase. But here’s the thing—now that we’ve had a few years to let the dust settle, the 2019 Topps Mike Trout (Card #100) has become a lot more complicated than just a piece of cardboard you'd find in a shoebox.
I’ve seen plenty of folks buy the base version for a couple of bucks thinking they struck gold, while others accidentally skip over variations that are actually worth hundreds. Honestly, it's a bit of a minefield if you don't know what you're looking for.
Why 2019 Topps Mike Trout Still Matters Today
Most people assume that "flagship" cards (the standard Series 1 and Series 2 stuff) are too common to be valuable. And look, with the base version of card #100, they're mostly right. There are thousands of them out there. But 2019 was a special year for Topps. It was the 150th Anniversary of Professional Baseball, and they went absolutely ham on the parallels and variations.
The base card features Trout in a classic "leaping at the wall" pose. It’s a great shot. It captures his athleticism perfectly. But if you’re looking at your collection and see that same image, don’t quit your day job just yet. You need to flip that card over or look closer at the foil.
The Variations You've Probably Missed
There is a world of difference between a $2 card and a $200 card, and in 2019, that difference was often hidden in a tiny code on the back.
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Basically, Topps used a "Short Print" (SP) and "Super Short Print" (SSP) system that drove everyone nuts. For Series 1, the base cards end in the code 910. If you see 967 on the back of your Trout, you’ve got the SP. If it ends in 968, you’ve hit the SSP jackpot.
The Image Variations
- The "In Suit" Variation: This one is a fan favorite. Instead of the leaping catch, Trout is dressed up in a suit (likely from an All-Star Game red carpet). It’s an SSP. A PSA 10 version of this card has recently fetched upwards of $125 or more on the secondary market.
- The Dugout Shot: There’s another variation where he’s just hanging out in the dugout. It feels more "human" than the action shots, which is why collectors love it.
- The All-Star Game (ASG) Red Carpet: This one often gets confused with the "In Suit" card, but it’s technically a separate image variation.
Then you've got the retail-exclusive parallels. If you bought your cards at Meijer, you might have the Purple parallel. If you were a Walgreens shopper, you were hunting for the Yellows. These aren't just different colors; they represent a specific slice of the 2019 production run that is significantly rarer than the stuff you’d find in a standard Hobby box.
Let's Talk Numbers: The Market Reality in 2026
I’ll be real with you—the market for modern "ultra-prospect" cards has cooled off since the 2020-2021 boom, but Trout is different. He’s a "blue-chip" player. Collectors treat a 2019 Topps Mike Trout like a stable stock.
| Variation Type | Raw Estimated Value | PSA 10 "Gem Mint" Value |
|---|---|---|
| Base (#100) | $1 - $3 | $20 - $35 |
| Rainbow Foil | $3 - $7 | $55 - $75 |
| Gold (Serial /2019) | $20 - $40 | $150 - $220 |
| Vintage Stock (/99) | $150+ | $500 - $800+ |
| Memorial Day Camo (/25) | $300+ | $1,000+ |
Numbers don't lie. A "Vintage Stock" parallel, which looks almost identical to the base card except for a different logo and a matte feel, is one of the "holy grails" of the 2019 flagship set. I’ve seen these go for massive premiums because they are so hard to find in good condition. The card stock is rougher, and the corners ding easily.
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The 150th Anniversary Factor
Since 2019 was the 150th-anniversary year, Topps included a "150th Anniversary" stamp on a ton of cards. For Trout, this creates yet another layer of "is this the one?" The foil stamp is silver and circular. While these aren't as rare as the Gold parallels (which are serial-numbered to 2019), they still carry a premium over the plain base card.
It’s also worth mentioning the 2019 Topps Chrome Mike Trout. The Chrome version (Card #200) is a different beast entirely. It uses the same "leaping" photo but on that shiny, metallic stock. Collectors generally prefer Chrome for long-term "investment" because the cards are more durable and, frankly, they just look cooler under a LED light.
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
One mistake I see all the time: people think the "Opening Day" version is the same as the "Series 1" version. It’s not.
Opening Day is a lower-end product. It’s meant for kids and casual fans. The card design looks almost identical, but the "Opening Day" logo is right there on the front. Generally, these are worth about 50% less than the flagship Series 1 counterpart.
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Another one? The "Big League" set. Again, it’s a fun set, but it’s not the one that serious Trout collectors are fighting over in auctions. If you’re looking for value, stick to Series 1, Series 2, or Chrome.
How to Protect and Grade Your 2019 Trout
If you find a 150th Anniversary or a Gold parallel in a box, please, for the love of the game, put it in a penny sleeve immediately. Then put it in a top-loader.
Grading is a big topic right now. Is it worth sending a 2019 Topps Mike Trout to PSA or SGC?
If it’s a base card, probably not. The cost of grading (around $15-$25 depending on the service) will be more than the card is worth.
However, if you have a Gold /2019 or any Short Print, and the corners look sharp enough to cut paper, get it graded. A PSA 10 "Gem Mint" grade can triple the value of a Trout variation overnight.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
- Check the Codes: Go through your 2019 stacks. Look at the back of every Trout card #100. If the last three digits are 967 or 968, you’ve found a winner.
- Verify the Parallel: Check the foil colors. Is it a "Rainbow Foil"? Does it have a serial number on the back like "0452/2019"? That serial number is the easiest way to confirm you have a "Gold" parallel.
- Inspect the Surface: 2019 Topps was notorious for "surface dimples"—tiny little circular indentations in the gloss. If you’re thinking about grading, hold the card at an angle under a bright lamp to check for these flaws.
- Watch the "Leaping" PSA 10s: If you’re a buyer, wait for the off-season. Trout prices tend to dip slightly in the winter and spike again during Spring Training.
Whether you’re holding a basic base card or a rare 1-of-1 "Platinum" parallel, the 2019 Topps Mike Trout remains a cornerstone of modern baseball card history. It’s the perfect bridge between the old-school paper sets and the high-end "chase" cards we see today. Keep an eye on those codes, keep those corners sharp, and happy hunting.