If you collect pop-culture cardboard with real nostalgia upside, the 2007 Topps Transformers Movie set deserves a look. And if you want an easy, actor-driven entry point, the Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky #19 in high grade checks a lot of boxes—iconic lead character, first-film heat, and a surprisingly thin graded population for certain numbers.
Card featured: Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky #19 — PSA 9
See it on eBay: (drop your link here)
Why this card matters
- Lead actor, first film: Card #19 captures LaBeouf in his breakout role from the 2007 blockbuster that relaunched the franchise for a new generation. Actor cards tied to franchise “reboots” often age better than you think. eBay
- Graded scarcity: The seller cites a PSA 9 pop of 2 for this specific card number at the time of listing—micro-population is exactly what can separate a fun novelty from a genuinely collectible piece. (Always verify current pop; PSA’s set report can shift as new subs roll in.) eBay+1
About the 2007 Topps Transformers Movie set
Topps built a 90-card base set around Michael Bay’s first film, then layered in inserts and hobby chases:
- Foil Inserts (1:6 packs) featuring Autobots/Decepticons.
- Movie Memorabilia (approx. 1:39 hobby) with costume swatches.
- Sketch Cards (approx. 1:72 hobby) from a roster of notable artists.
This mix gives the product legitimate chase without overwhelming the checklist. The Cardboard Connection
Key details at a glance
- Year: 2007
- Manufacturer: Topps
- Base Set: 90 cards
- Chase: Foil (1:6), Memorabilia (1:39 hobby), Sketch (1:72 hobby)
- Pop reports: Track by set and card number on PSA’s Pop Report. The Cardboard Connection+1
Collecting angles to consider
- Actor focus (LaBeouf/Fox): The set includes cards of the film’s leads; Megan Fox’s autograph is the headline chase, but actor base in high grade can be a quieter value path—especially on low-pop numbers like #19. The Cardboard Connection
- Character nostalgia: Optimus, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream—foil inserts let you stack fan-favorites without breaking the bank, and they’re seeded reasonably. The Cardboard Connection
- Sketch & memorabilia: True “one-of-one-ish” appeal lives in sketches (artist-dependent) and the memorabilia pair—small checklists that keep the chase concentrated. The Cardboard Connection
Pricing & availability snapshot
Raw base cards from the set are widely available (often a few dollars each depending on character and condition), with graded actor/lead cards commanding a premium. Inventory pops up regularly on marketplaces and COMC, but specific numbers in high grade—like #19 in PSA 9—can be sporadic. ComC
Buying tips (quick checklist)
- Verify current PSA pop for #19 before you buy—low pop is part of the thesis. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
- Centering & corners matter: 2000s glossy stock shows edge nicks; scrutinize scans.
- Actor vs. robot: Decide if you’re building an actor run (LaBeouf/Fox) or character run (Prime/Bumblebee/etc.).
- Consider grading: Clean copies of actor cards often justify a slab given the small graded census.
Final take
The 2007 Topps Transformers Movie set is a sweet spot for collectors who want recognizable IP, real chase, and affordable entry costs. The Shia LaBeouf #19 PSA 9 combines actor appeal with apparent graded scarcity—exactly the combo that can make a pop-culture card feel special over time.
Leave a Reply