Ken Griffey Jr. is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever play Major League Baseball. Throughout his impressive 22-year career primarily spent with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey put together statistically impressive numbers while also dazzling fans with his otherworldly athleticism in centerfield. With 13 All-Star appearances, 10 Gold Glove Awards and being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with over 99% of the vote in 2016, Griffey’s on-field legend is cemented.
Given his status as one of baseball’s most popular and talented stars throughout the late 1980s through the early 2000s, Griffey cards from his rookie season in 1989 through the late 1990s command big money in the collecting world when high-grade specimens come on the market. While common Griffey rookie cards in poor condition can be found for mere dollars, mint condition examples of his seminal rookie cards are some of the priciest investments in the modern baseball card landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the five most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards:
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10) – Widely considered the holy grail of Griffey rookie cards, the coveted Upper Deck issue from his true rookie season is the most desired by collectors. Upper Deck produced cards at a higher quality standard than competitors at the time so specimens that grade mint are exceedingly rare. Recently, PSA Gem Mint 10 graded versions have crossed the auction block for astronomical sums. In 2019, a PSA 10 Griffey Upper Deck rookie shattered records when it sold for $340,000, making it the highest price ever paid for a baseball card at that point. With mint 10 copies extremely scarce, don’t be surprised if another pristine example moves for seven figures down the line.
1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10) – As the legitimate flagship rookie card, the Bowman release is also in high demand but much more plentiful in top-notch condition than the ’89 Upper Deck issue. Even so, a perfectly graded Bowman rookie in a PSA 10 holder still demands premium prices, with recent auctions of six-figure sums being typical in today’s competitive market. For collectors not able to afford the rarest PSA 10 Upper Deck rookie, the Bowman serves as the next best option for Griffey’s true rookie.
1989 Fleer Update Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10) – Despite being an update issue from later in the ’89 season after Griffey’s MLB debut, the Fleer card has earned legendary status among collectors. Its rarity in pristine condition rivals the ultra-valuable Upper Deck rookie, making a PSA 10 example another ultra-premium trophy card. There are not many high-grade Fleer rookies in existence, so when one surfaces it usually sells for low-to-mid six figures. While not quite as coveted as the true Bowman or Upper Deck issues, the ’89 Fleer Update rookie still remains out of reach for all but the deepest-pocketed Griffey PC builders.
1992 Studio Ken Griffey Jr. (#91 Gold Refractor /100 PSA 10) – As one of the first ultra-short print refractors inserted in packs, the 1992 Studio Griffey Gold Refractor parallel to #91 copies holds a special place. Only 100 were produced, making any high-grade example exceedingly rare. Recently a flawless PSA 10 sold for over $350,000, showing the scarcity and demand for one of the earliest “hit” cards featuring the Mariners superstar. For those wanting an exclusive numbered parallel over a base rookie, this Studio refractor satisfies as one of Griffey’s most coveted baseball cards.
1997 Finest Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. (#275 /500 PSA 10) – While not his true rookie year, the 1997 Finest Refractor set contained some of the hobby’s earliest refractors and parallels. Griffey’s refractor to #275 is one of the brand’s most iconic “hits,” with its eye-catching colors adding to the allure. Only 500 were inserted, so a perfect 10 graded copy is rightly praised as one of the rarest modern Griffey cards in existence. Sold listings in the $200,000 range accurately reflect the 7-figure penny sleeve potential down the road for what is arguably collecting’s most prestigious ’90s Griffey card.
Regardless of which Griffey card a collector seeks – whether it be one of his true rookie cards or a coveted parallel from his playing career – mint condition copies will always demand top dollar. With Griffey as one of the most collectible athletes in trading card history, investments in high-grade specimens of the above five Griffey cards will undoubtedly retain and likely increase value over the long run. As a cornerstone of any collection, examples that cross the auction block in perfect grade will remain headline-grabbing record-setters for years to come.
