Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball since debuting with the New York Yankees in 2016. The 6-foot-7 outfielder has established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters and his cards have taken off in the collectibles market. For fans and investors looking to add Aaron Judge cards to their collection, here is an in-depth guide on what to look for and how to buy:
Rookie Cards: Judge’s rookie cards from 2016 are highly sought after by collectors. His most valuable rookie is the 2016 Topps Chrome Refractor #152 card. Only 99 copies of this parallel exist and in gem mint condition it can fetch upwards of $20,000. Other top Judge rookies include the 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #58A, 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto #58, and 2016 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor #US266. These can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on condition and parallels. It’s important to thoroughly inspect the surface and edges of any valuable rookie cards under bright lighting before purchasing to check for flaws.
Autograph Cards: Signed cards from Aaron Judge hold a special appeal to collectors given his star power. Some of his top signed cards include 2016 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Auto #US266A (around $2,000), 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #58A ($1,500), and 2017 Topps Series 1 Auto Blue Refractor #153 ($800). When buying autograph cards, use a jeweler’s loupe to carefully examine the signature and compare it to his authenticated examples. Be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true. Reputable sellers like eBay, COMC, or Beckett Marketplace provide buyer protections against forgeries.
Game-Used Memorabilia Cards: For those looking to own a piece of Aaron Judge literally, game-used memorabilia cards provide swatches of jerseys, bats, or gloves he wore in MLB games. Some top examples are 2017 Topps Five Star Memorabilia Patch Auto #99 ($1,200), 2018 Topps High Tek #HT-AJ (bat piece for $500), and 2019 Topps Holiday #165 (jersey swatch for $300). As with autographs, use magnification to ensure the memorabilia is cut properly and not a fake reproduction. Stick with established sellers for guaranteed authenticity.
Rare Parallels: Judge fans seeking the rarest versions of his cards should target limited parallels and serial numbered products. Top options here include 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto #58A (only 5 printed), 2016 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor #US266 (limited to 99 copies), and 2017 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil Auto #153 (serial numbered to 25). These ultra-rare parallels can reach several thousand dollars or more depending on the specific parallel and condition. Make sure any card being purchased at such a high value has photo-matching certification from PSA, BGS, or SGC.
Graded Cards: For maximum value preservation, consider only buying Aaron Judge cards that have been professionally graded by authentication services like PSA, BGS, or SGC. This provides an impartial assessment of condition on a consistent 10-point scale. Top graded Judge cards include his 2016 Topps Chrome Refractor #152 rookie PSA 10 (over $15,000), 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #58A BGS 9.5 ($7,500), and 2017 Topps Series 1 Auto Blue Refractor #153 PSA 9 ($2,000). The higher the grade, the more valuable, so be prepared to pay a premium for pristine MT-9 or MT-10 examples.
Long-Term Investments: While Aaron Judge cards from his rookie season in 2016 will likely always hold strong value, considering purchases from recent years as long-term investments. His best cards from 2017, 2018, 2019, and beyond have potential to greatly appreciate as his career progresses if he continues performing at an elite level. Top investments here could be 2017 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil Auto #153, 2018 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Auto #US250, and 2019 Topps Update Blue Refractor #US399. Holding mint graded versions of these in a portfolio could yield strong returns 5-10 years down the line.
In summary, Aaron Judge’s prodigious power and popularity with Yankees fans has made his baseball cards a hot commodity. For those seeking to grow their collection or make shrewd investments, focus acquiring his highest quality rookies, rare parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards preferably through reputable sellers and in top grades. With continued on-field success, Judge’s cards hold tremendous potential to increase significantly in value for years to come.
