The 1999 Bowman Chrome set is still talked about all these years later, thanks to a strong class of rookie cards and various available refractor parallels.
Let’s dive into three standout 1999 Bowman Chrome Cards from this release (in my eyes, at least) — who are all Hall of Famers now! — and explore what they’re worth in today’s market, according to Sports Cards Pro data.
Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards? Here’s How to Do It Quickly & Easily
CC Sabathia’s Rookie Card (#344) Commands Serious Money
CC Sabathia’s rookie card from the 1999 Bowman Chrome set (#344) is one of the key chase cards from Series 2. The left-hander went on to post a 251-161 record with a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 strikeouts in 3,577.1 innings pitched during his stellar career. He was also a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award winner, and a 2009 World Series champion with the New York Yankees before getting enshrined at Cooperstown this past summer.
According to current SportsCardsPro data, an ungraded CC Sabathia #344 sells for $18.95 on average. The card features the distinctive blue and silver foil designation used for prospects in this set. Graded examples command significantly higher prices. A PSA 9 version currently fetches close to $50, while PSA 10 gems reach beyond $220. BGS 10 examples push even higher, averaging $296.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s Card (#52) Remains a Set Staple
The Kid needs no introduction to baseball card collectors. Ken Griffey Jr.’s card from 1999 Bowman Chrome showcases the Seattle Mariners superstar during his prime. Unlike Sabathia’s rookie card, Griffey’s version carries the red and silver foil stamp designating veteran stars.
According to Sports Cards Pro data, you can grab an ungraded version of this card for less than $5. But if you have a PSA 10 example, the price could creep up beyond $60.
The card’s appeal extends beyond just Griffey’s Hall of Fame status. The 1999 Bowman Chrome set captured him fresh off two straight seasons of 56 home runs, making him one of the game’s most legitimate power threats. It’s also worth noting that these cards caught Junior during his last season in Seattle before getting traded to the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the 2000 season.
Derek Jeter’s Card (#290) Anchors the Set
Derek Jeter’s presence in the 1999 Bowman Chrome set came during the Yankees’ late-1990s dynasty. By the start of 1999, Jeter had already won two World Series rings and established himself as baseball’s most marketable shortstop.
Like Griffey, Jeter’s card features the red and silver foil veteran designation. The card captures “The Captain” in his prime years and before he helped bring home three more World Series titles to the Bronx.
While not a rookie card, this chrome issue remains popular among collectors who appreciate the superior card stock. Sports Cards Pro data pegs the average PSA 10 sale at around $340. One of the examples sold on eBay on November 17 for $397. That’s the highest recorded sale price for a PSA 10 Jeter from the 1999 Bowman Chrome release since it went for $510 in 2021.
This Jeter card also has multiple parallel variations, including the Diamond Aces insert set (#DA13), where the Hall of Famer appears alongside other established stars. These inserts were randomly inserted at 1:21 packs in Series 1.
Other Notable 1999 Bowman Chrome Cards Worth Your Attention
Beyond our featured trio, the 1999 Bowman Chrome baseball set produced several other valuable cards. Alfonso Soriano’s rookie card (#350) has gained significant value, especially PSA 10 examples. Adam Dunn (#369) maintains a loyal following.
The set’s insert sets are also worth paying attention to. The 2000 ROY Favorites subset predicted future Rookie of the Year candidates, while the Impact insert set highlighted both established stars and rising prospects. Each insert set received Refractor parallel treatment.
Series 2 matters quite a bit for collectors pursuing complete sets. It contains the majority of key rookie cards, including Sabathia, Tim Hudson, Carl Crawford, and Josh Hamilton. So, Series 2 boxes are typically more expensive when sealed.
However, the 1999 Bowman Chrome set perfectly caught the shift toward premium chrome products, the emphasis on prospect cards, and the incorporation of multiple parallels. Whether you’re chasing that CC Sabathia rookie, adding another Griffey to your collection, or building your Jeter collection, this set delivers quality cards that still look great today.
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