Welcome back to Iconic Inserts, where we take a look at some of the most memorable inserts in the history of the hobby. This month we’re taking a look at one of the most iconic inserts of the late 90’s, making its return to the hobby this year, 25+ years after its (unfortunate) one and done release: the gorgeous Rock Stars insert line from Topps Chrome Basketball.
Debuting 26 years ago in 1997 Topps Chrome Basketball (and sadly, a one and done), the 20-card set featured the biggest names in the game (Sans Kobe…why Topps, why?). With it’s unique design, Rock Stars immediately became a hit with collectors ripping open the chromium stock cards.
A beautiful die-cut design with a “rocky” background, the insert immediately stood out from the rest of the set. The player is depicted doing one of their signature moves, with a die cut top spelling out the word “Rock” with, you guessed it, rocks. It really works and is a creative use of the die-cut style. A subtle rocky background pushes the player to the forefront. On the back we have an image of the player and surprisingly, STATS! We need more stats & less paragraphs on cards these days.
In addition to the base insert, a Refractor parallel was added into the mix. The rainbow finish really takes the cards to another level, making an already beautiful card pop that much more. Pictures don’t do these cards justice. Holding them in your hand you can see the fine intricacies, especially in the background, that make these cards so beautiful.
Jordan. KG. Shaq. Penny. Rock Stars lineup truly lived up to its name. But if you want one in your collection, they are surprisingly affordable. Outside of highly graded Refractors of the biggest names (looking at you Jordan), a raw Refractor can be had for under $100, some as low as $50-$60. If you’re looking for that awesome Jordan, you can still pick one up for under $1000 raw & around $2000 for a PSA 9. However, due to the rough printing of ‘97 Chrome, PSA 10 copies of any player command a rather large premium. If you’re looking for a base version, they can be had for as low as $5.
Rock Stars mysteriously disappeared from subsequent releases of Topps Chrome, never resurfacing before the end of Chrome Basketball in 2009. However, Topps announced last week that Rock Stars is RETURNING with the new 2024 Topps Chrome Basketball release! Which means we’re getting Wemby, Curry, (99.9% likely) LeBron & more of todays stars! Still no Kobe though. The cards will be sans-logos until the 2025 release when licenses transfer over as part of the Fanatics takeover, but the 2024 release is sure to be a hit with collectors. Awesome inclusion by Topps as they “start over” with basketball.
Not much is known about the new release outside of some promo photos showing Superfractor parallels (I’d expect many other parallels in the line), but Topps did an amazing job at paying tribute to the original while adding a modern touch (mostly to the background). Hopefully Topps treats them with the respect they deserve and give them the SSP treatment. Or at least keep them around this time. One things for sure: Rock Stars are back!
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