This is where it happens. This is where High End becomes Dubai End. Topps went and built a box of cards that costs more than a brand new Honda Accord, and its kind of interesting because they sure didnt have much issue selling the whole run. Although the buyers looked to be more group breakers than regular collectors, its worth mentioning that this product has quite the checklist, and the invitation to hang with Kris Bryant is pretty cool.

Here are some of the cards so far:

2016 Topps Transcendent Collection Kris Bryant Retro Auto 1/1

2016 Topps Transcendent Vin Scully Auto /52

2016 Topps Transcendent Derek Jeter Auto 1/25

2016 Topps Transcendent Mike Trout Auto Inscription /52

Seeing Transcendent in action is a good representation of how far the group break phenomenon has penetrated the mindset of the product teams, as 10 years ago, this idea would have been laughed out of the building by every distributor in the market.

So, here is what you get for more than the yearly salary of 50% of Americans. A framed base set, 50 framed autos, a jumbo framed cut 1/1, a 1/1 Kris Bryant auto, an invitation to the Topps Kris Bryant party, a 1/1 sketch, and a set of serially numbered sketch cards. The signer checklist has pretty much everyone who is anyone on Topps’ roster, including John Boyega and Daisy Ridley. Jeter looks to be the best on the baseball side, although guys like Trout and A-rod have signed inscriptions on all cards they signed. Including that with guys like Aaron, Koufax, Harper and Bryant, and it becomes quite a bit of content that makes a group break pretty cool to participate in.

I think that the cards all look really nice, but its a little concerning that there isnt a single set in the product that has relics, which is disappointing. For 25k, you would expect at least a shot at an MLB logo auto or something per box. Dynasty is a better break at that end.

Personally, there isnt really much in this product that hasnt been offered before in some capacity, and although the cards look nice, I feel like the wow factor on the card side of things is missing. I really love the Bryant 1/1 set, and I love that most of the cards are framed, save the sketch set. Adding in the party invitation is a great perk as well, but again, I just feel like some of the content choices needed to be flushed out a bit more.

Regardless of how I feel about the content, I dont think Topps is having any issue moving the boxes, and I would guess that the people participating in the breaks and getting their hands on some of these cards feel pretty good too. I cant help but look at this for the full product, not seeing that most of these cards are sold as 160 dollar slots and someone is walking away with a windfall in just about every instance.

I think its a bold move to even try something like this, and I do give Topps credit for having the balls to release this without fear. However, I think there is room to go up from here, and to think that is pretty scary.