2013 Topps Chrome Update Set

Topps has tried out some new and "interesting" ways to distribute cards over the past few years.  There have been releases you can only get from Topps.com like Turkey Red and Topps Minis, there are some products that are hobby shop exclusive (typically high end sets) and there have been some cards you can only get by redemption like the Blue Sparkle Parallels or Spring Fever.

To me the most annoying is packaging 2 sets of cards together in a box and making you buy them both which came into play with 2013 Topps Chrome Update.  As I recall the boxes contained 2 packs totaling 8 cards of Chrome Update and 5 packs of Topps Update and called a value box.  That was the only way to get Chrome Update without going to the secondary market.  I was primarily annoyed because I had finished my Topps Update set after purchasing a Jumbo Box and most of my insert sets on the secondary market before the value boxes were released.  Therefore, I was basically spending $15 for 8 Chrome Update cards.

Despite that frustration, the set builder in me was drawn to these boxes.  I picked up 2 early and 3 more over the period of a few weeks.  My first 2 packs netted me both of the Puig cards and a couple other top rookies.  After getting the other boxes I realized that I had been lucky enough to pull zero dups and had most of the highest selling cards.  My set builder instincts went into high gear and I decided to go for the set.

I pulled off a couple trades then hit Sportlots.  With combined shipping I didn't have to spend too much and I just got the final card this past week (Gerrit Cole).  One interesting fact, for the first time ever I believe I put together a set without getting 1 duplicate (with the exception of the Buster Posey which I picked up for my Giants binder).  Since I am probably one of the only nuts out there that decided to complete the set, I thought I would show it off in all its 55 card glory.

I had to pick one card to show on its own so why not the only Giant!