Kirby Puckett was one of baseball’s biggest stars during the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping lead the Minnesota Twins to two World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. As one of the faces of baseball during his playing career, Puckett appeared on many baseball cards throughout the 1980s and 1990s that are still highly collected today. With Puckett’s career tragically ending prematurely due to glaucoma that caused blindness in one eye, there is still demand for his cards from longtime fans and collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Kirby Puckett’s most notable baseball cards and their estimated prices depending on condition:
1984 Donruss #123 Rookie Card: Considered Puckett’s true rookie card, his 1984 Donruss is one of the key rookie cards for collectors to chase. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, examples have sold for over $13,000 at auction. In near mint to excellent condition, prices generally range between $500-$1,500 depending on centering and corners. A good conditioned copy could sell for $200-$400.
1985 Topps #123: Puckett’s first Topps card is also highly sought after. PSA 10 examples have commanded upwards of $7,000 at auction. From PSA 9 down to near mint 7 condition, prices span $400-$2,000. Lightly played to excellent conditioned copies fall in the $150-$400 bracket.
1987 Topps Traded #3T: This famous “pointing” card saw a major increase in demand and prices a few years ago. PSA 10 examples will fetch $4,000+. From PSA 9 down to near mint, $1,000-$2,000 is a common price range. Excellent to very good conditioned copies sell for $300-$700.
1991 Topps #1: As Puckett helped lead the Twins to a World Series title this year, his 1991 Topps flagship card gained prestige. Pristine PSA 10 examples have sold for over $3,000. Near mint to excellent conditioned copies trade hands between $300-$1,000 depending on centering, edges and corners. Lightly played copies are around $150-300.
1993 Topps Gold #1: The gold parallel version of Puckett’s final Topps card before his eye injury gained scarcity over the years. Pristine PSA 10 versions command $1,500+. From excellent 9 down to near mint 8, prices range from $400-$900. Lightly played to very good conditioned copies are approximately $150-$400.
1987 Fleer Update #U10 – Gold Border: This special gold border parallel from Fleer Update saw very limited production. Pristine PSA 10 copies have crossed the $2,000 auction price barrier. Near mint to excellent conditioned copies typically sell in the $400-$1,000 range. Lightly played gold borders can sell between $150-$400.
1992 Studio #255 – RBI Leader: This insert card from Studio highlighted Puckett’s American League RBI title in 1991. PSA 10 specimens have reached $800 while near mint to excellent range from $150-$500 depending on centering, edges and corners. Lightly played copies fall in the $50-$150 area.
1987 Topps Traded Tiffany #T16: As one of the premium “Tiffany” parallels inserted one per pack back in the day, Puckett’s Tiffany card holds great allure. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,500 auction. Near mint to excellent Tiffanys trade between $400-900. Lightly played examples are around $150-$300.
1986 Topps Traded #T9 – Glossy: This early Topps Traded parallel saw a limited production run at the time with a glossy finish. Pristine PSA 10 Glossy Tiffanys demand $1,000+. From PSA 9 to excellent, prices range $300-$700. Lightly played to very good Glossy Tiffanys sell for $100-$300.
1994 Upper Deck #248 – Final Card: Puckett’s final regular baseball card captured before his eye injury and retirement. Pristine PSA 10 examples will fetch $500+. Near mint to excellent conditioned copies sell between $150-$350. Lightly played ’94 Upper Decks can sell for $50-150.
1993 Fleer #436 – Gold Alternate: The unique gold parallel version of Puckett’s 1993 Fleer regular card stands out. Pristine PSA 10 gold inserts have sold for $400+. Near mint to excellent golds trade hands between $150-300. Lightly played gold inserts fall in the $50-150 range.
As one of baseball’s most charismatic stars throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kirby Puckett’s collectible card prices remain strong due to his World Series heroics, plus the tragic shortening of his career. Even in lower grades, Puckett’s key rookie cards and quality league leader/parallel inserts from his playing days hold value for longtime fans and Twins collectors. With the baseball card market experiencing renewed strength in recent years, iconic Puckett cards will likely retain and potentially increase in value moving forward.