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MOST VALUABLE KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards featuring Ken Griffey Jr., there are a handful that rise above the rest. Griffey was one of baseball’s biggest stars throughout the 1990s and many of the cards from his rookie season in 1989 and early career still hold significant value today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the Griffey cards that command the highest prices in the hobby.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10)

As Griffey’s true rookie card, the 1989 Upper Deck release is arguably the most significant card in his entire collection. Often considered the finest rookie card produced in the modern era, Upper Deck only produced around 1.8 million copies in their inaugural year. The card captured Griffey at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career still displaying the potential that would make him a 13-time All-Star. In gem mint PSA 10 grade, this rookie routinely sells for well over $10,000 and set a record when one crossed the auction block for $255,500 in January 2021. Even in lesser grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples can still fetch thousands due to the extreme rarity and historical importance. The ’89 Upper Deck rookie is truly the crown jewel of any Griffey collection.

1989 Fleer Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10)

While not quite as elite as the Upper Deck issue, the 1989 Fleer Griffey rookie also holds tremendous worth. As one of the true “Big 3” rookie offerings from his debut season along with Donruss, the Fleer has an elegant design that remains a fan favorite. Nearly 30 years after it was released, a PSA 10 gem mint example can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies with strong eyes can now trade hands for $1,000-2,000. The sheer popularity and scarcity of high-grade Fleer rookies makes this one a must-have for any Griffey investor.

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC (PSA 10)

Overshadowed a bit by the mainstream Donruss, Fleer, and Upper Deck cards, the colorful 1989 Bowman Griffey rookie has emerged as a real prize piece for collectors. As the brand that originally introduced Griffey as a Mariner prospect in the minors in 1987, Bowman carried historical significance. Their 1989 issue was one of the first widely distributed Griffey cards. Extremely tough to grade a perfect 10, a flawless Bowman rookie in top-tier condition can sell between $3,000-$5,000 and surpass that mark when two or more example sell head-to-head. Even a pristine PSA 9 specimen will draw over $1,000 in today’s market. With its classic design aesthetic, the ’89 Bowman RC has developed a cult following among vintage enthusiasts.

1992 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10)

While not a true rookie like the previous three selections, the 1992 Topps Traded Griffey card captured the beginning of the mega-star phase of his career just entering his prime. The electric action shot image showed Griffey leaping at the wall to rob a home run, a play that exemplified his incredible athletic abilities. Like all Traded cards, the issue was scarce which adds to its cache. Earning a perfect PSA 10 gem is exceedingly tough due to the fragile edges and corners on the 1992 Topps base set. An outstanding PSA 10 Traded Griffey most recently sold for $1,875, a figure that could easily rise even higher over the next few years as his legend continues to grow.

1993 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. (#BBR-KG)

One of the earliest “hit” cards featuring cutting edge technology, the 1993 Bowman’s Best Refractors debuted the trend of insert parallels that revolutionized the hobby. Griffey’s refractor was one of just 12 players featured at a ratio estimated around 1-per pack. The mesmerizing rainbow refractors have only increased in legend over the decades. In gem mint PSA 10 grade, a Griffey refractor now easily fetches over $5,000 at auction. Even well-centered PSA 9s are consistently selling for $2,000-plus nowadays. With its ultra-rare status as one of the first ever “shiny” cards, the ’93 Bowman’s Best Refractor has cemented itself as a true prize for aficionados.

1997 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. National Baseball Card Day

Released as part of the 1997 National Baseball Card Day promotion, the Ultra Griffey stands out as one of the scarcest modern parallel issues ever produced. According to the manufacturer, only 5,000 copies found their way into hobby packs inserted as 1-in-6 packs. While not numbered, the serially rare black border cards created immense buzz in the collecting world upon release. Today, examples are hardly ever available and those that surface sell at enormous sums. In 2006, one PSA 10 sold for $6,410 while most recently a PSA 9 changed hands for $1,986. With virtually no population over a PSA 8 grade, and perhaps only 100-200 known to exist, the 1997 Ultra Griffey tops lists as one of the hardest Griffey cards to acquire in any condition.

2000 Upper Deck SP Authentic Ken Griffey Jr. Patch Card (#16)

Continuing to innovate memorabilia options for collectors, Upper Deck’s 2000 Sports Printing (SP) Authentic set delivered 1/1 game-used memorabilia cards that were true works of art. Griffey’s patch card featured a prized piece of fabric swatch likely worn during an actual Major League at-bat. Numbered to just 16 copies worldwide made it uniquely desirable for high-end aficionados. A perfect PSA/DNA 10 Griffey patch pulled an epic $27,420 sale in June 2014. While other similarly rare autograph/relic Griffey parallels from 2000-2010 SP, Topps, and Bowman collections could rival or exceed that figure in the right auction, the 2000 Upper Deck stands out for its exclusive 1/1 status. No other card captures Griffey’s on-field brilliance like actual game material.

While extremely challenging to acquire in pristine condition, each of these standout Ken Griffey Jr. cards represent the pinnacle achievements and technological innovations that advanced the entire vintage sports card industry. For serious investors or those simply seeking a prized piece of memorabilia from one of baseball’s most charismatic legends, any of these top Griffey issues would make a truly remarkable addition to any collection. As his rightful place in the Hall of Fame is cemented for eternity, interest and values attached to the finest examples of cards from his playing days can only continue ascending to greater heights.

1989 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS KEN GRIFFEY JR

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The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the history of baseball card collecting. Griffey was just a teenager when he made his MLB debut in 1989 but he immediately showed flashes of the future superstar he would become. His rookie card from the 1989 Bowman set has become one of the most sought after cards by collectors due to Griffey’s legendary playing career and the card’s rarity and condition.

Ken Griffey Jr. was drafted number one overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 1987 amateur draft straight out of high school. After spending some time developing in the minors, Griffey made his big league debut at just 19 years old on August 31, 1989. In limited playing time down the stretch that season, Griffey hit .264 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in just 108 at-bats and immediately rose to stardom. With his smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism in the outfield, Griffey gave Mariners fans a glimpse of the all-world player he would become.

Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Bowman set is iconic because it captures him at such a young age during his first season in the majors. Wearing his classic Mariners jersey number 24, Griffey is pictured in a batting stance with a classic serious ballplayer expression on his face showing his competitive nature. The 1989 Bowman set is considered by many to be one of the best baseball card designs ever made and Griffey’s card stands out as historically significant as one of the first cards issued of “The Kid” after his MLB debut.

What makes Griffey’s 1989 Bowman rookie card so valuable is how rare high graded examples are because the set had such a small print run compared to larger mainstream sets of the time from Topps and Donruss. The Bowman set had much lower distribution which makes pristine Griffey rookie cards extremely scarce to find today in mint condition. Professional grading services like PSA and BGS estimate there are less than 10 PSA Gem Mint 10 Griffey rookies known to exist in the entire set. Even high grade examples above a PSA 9 are exceptionally rare to find.

In terms of the card’s value, graded Griffey rookies have achieved astronomical prices in recent history. In 2016, a PSA Mint 9 example sold for an unprecedented $101,656, shattering the record for any Griffey card which had stood at around $35,000 prior. Just a year later in 2017, the price ceiling raised even higher when a BGS Gem Mint 9.5 Griffey rookie sold on eBay for a jaw-dropping $255,500, marking the highest price ever paid for a single baseball card at auction up to that point.

With each new record sale price, interest in Griffey’s rookie card continues growing as prices rise along with it. Even graded examples below gem condition still command big money today with PSA Excellent-Mint 8 rookies selling regularly in the range of $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the exact sub-grade. For raw ungraded copies, completed sales on sites like eBay still trade near the $1000-$2000 range even in well-loved uncondition despite the risk of disappointment upon professional grading.

At the heart of its enduring popularity and collectability, Griffey’s rookie card is acclaimed for representing one of the best pure ballplayers of all-time at the very start of his legendary career. In 22 MLB seasons spanning three different decades, Griffey amassed career stats of 630 home runs and 13 All-Star appearances while becoming the preeminent five-tool superstar of his generation. He helped usher in renewed interest in baseball card collecting during the 1980s and 90s boom period, making his rookie one of the most historically significant in the hobby.

While other rookie cards have eclipsed Griffey’s in high-grade sales over time, none capture such an iconic player from the height of the vintage era at such a young promising age. The rarity and condition of outstanding Griffey rookies nearly guarantees they will remain the Holy Grail prize for most serious vintage baseball card collectors, either as an investment holding or simply to own a small piece of baseball history. Over 30 years since its original release, the allure and mystique of Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie season captured for posterity in his 1989 Bowman card still powers its status as perhaps the most coveted card in the entire collecting universe.

KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most exciting and talented players in Major League Baseball during his prime in the late 1980s through the late 1990s. With his sweet left-handed swing and elite defense in center field, Griffey was one of the first true five-tool superstars of his generation. His play made him a fan favorite and one of the most popular players in baseball during the height of his career.

Unsurprisingly, Griffey’s popularity translated into huge demand for his baseball cards from collectors. Several of his rookie cards from 1989 and 1990 are among the most coveted and valuable pieces of cardboard from that era. While some Griffey rookie cards may fetch six figures at auction in pristine condition, there are plenty of his early-career issues that can still hold value in the collector market if graded and preserved well.

One of the holy grails of Griffey card collecting is obviously his 1989 Upper Deck rookie card. This iconic cardboard debuted The Kid on the national scene and was the industry’s first high-end baseball issue after the junk wax era of the late 1980s. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie has sold for over $300,000 at action in recent years. Even in lower PSA 8-9 Excellent-Mint grades, examples can sell for $10,000+ depending on demand.

Another hugely valuable rookie from 1989 is Griffey’s Fleer card. While not quite as iconic as the Upper Deck RC, Griffey’s Fleer debut is still highly coveted by collectors. A PSA 10 Fleer Griffey rookie has reached prices upwards of $100,000 at auction. In lower PSA 8-9 grades, examples often sell in the $3,000-$10,000 range. Condition is ultra critical, as even slight flaws can diminish the Fleer rookie’s price sharply.

From 1990, Griffey collectors seek out his rookie issues from Score, Studio and Bowman. The Score RC has taken the mantle as one of the more affordable Griffey rookie options for most collectors. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, a 1990 Score Griffey RC has sold for around $7,500. Most graded PSA 8-9 examples trade hands between $500-$2,000 depending on the market.

From the same 1990 season, Griffey’s rookie cards in Studio and Bowman are also quite valuable contenders. A PSA 10 1990 Studio Griffey RC sold in early 2022 for $10,200. Meanwhile, a 1991 Bowman Griffey RC gem mint PSA 10 has reached auction prices of over $12,000 online. Most PSA 8-9 sampled of these niche 1990s rookies change hands for $2,000-$5,000 when available.

Moving beyond his earliest cardboard, 1991 Topps Griffey rookie star cards from Griffey’s true rookie season are very collectible as well. Topps was the most visible and popular brand at the card shop in the early 1990s. The 1991 Topps Traded Set featured Griffey’s true RC since he debuted in August 1989. A PSA 10 gem mint of the Traded RC sold for $5,400 in summer 2021. Most PSA 8-9 editions trade in the $500-$1,500 range.

Base rookie cards from 1991 Topps are nearly as coveted. A PSA 10 mint condition 1991 Topps base RC of Griffey last changed hands for $3,240 in late 2021. Meanwhile, PSA 8-9 graded copies are valued between $300-$800 depending on look and demand. This set really encapsulates Griffey’s breakout rookie campaign and remains affordable for many collectors.

Jumping to 1992, Griffey collectors prize several of his sophomore season issues. The ‘#1’ designated rookie card from 1992 Studio stands out. A PSA 10 gem mint 1992 Studio Griffey ‘#1’ RC sold for $9,200 in spring 2022. Copies at PSA 8-9 grade levels are valued between $1,200-$3,000 currently. Scarcity and strong rookie season stats make this an elite Griffey chasing card.

Another prized sophomore card from 1992 is Griffey’s Topps Traded RC. Topps continued featuring Griffey as the cover boy of its spring Trade Set update. In a PSA 10 mint condition, a 1992 Topps Traded RC has sold at auction for $6,960 in the past year. PSA 8-9 copies usually move in the $800-$2,000 range depending on their look and centering quality control.

Moving into Griffey’s early star years, select 1993-1995 issues maintain significant collector demand as well. His 1993 Topps base cards from his breakout age 23 season are definitely in the spotlight. A PSA 10 gem mint 1993 Topps Griffey sold for $3,840 in August 2022 as a recent notable auction price. Most PSA 8-9 copies regularly change hands between $200-$700 levels dependant on centering and corners.

From 1994-1995, select Griffey rookie star refractor parallel inserts are hot commodities graded well by third party authenticators like PSA/BGS. 1994 Upper Deck SP Authentic #151 Refractor Parallel insert cards carrying a PSA 10 grade have sold for over $4,000 online. Likewise, a 1995 Upper Deck E-X2001 Refractor Parallel graded BGS 9.5 has topped $1,500 at auction. These short printed parallels really exhibit the shine of Griffey’s superstar era.

Two of the more affordable Griffey insert cards coveted by collectors are 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Parallel #97R and 1998 Topps Chrome Turkey Red #91 Refractor Parallel. The 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor in a PSA 10 condition fetched $2,100 in a recent auction. While most PSA 8-9 copies are valued at $200-$500 levels. As for the scarce 1998 Topps Turkey Red Refractor, a PSA 10 brought in $1,440 this summer. PSA 8-9 specimens usually sell between $200-$600 each based on demand.

To summarize – while some of Ken Griffey Jr’s rarest rookie cards might be out of reach price-wise except for the deepest of pockets, there are still many affordable Griffey cardboard options that could appreciate well long term if preserved in respectable certified grades. Examples from 1989-1995 in PSA/BGS 8-9 condition levels often represent attainable collecting goals for most hobbyists. And Griffey’s continued popularity as one of baseball’s all-time greats ensures an ample collector demand base going forward as well. For fans and investors alike, select Griffey cards from his early career remain a relatively low risk collectible to hold long term.

1993 KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Topps baseball card set featured one of the most iconic and recognizable baseball cards of all time – the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey had just come off his breakout 1992 season where he hit .264 with 22 home runs for the Seattle Mariners and finished 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Topps knew they had a marketing star on their hands and featured Griffey prominently in the 1993 set.

The Griffey rookie card is included in the base set as card #107. It shows Griffey from the waist up in a Mariners uniform with his signature backward hat. What made this card stand out was Griffey’s youthful exuberance and joy for the game leaping off the card. He had an infectious smile and you could sense his budding superstardom. No rookie card before or since has captured a player’s charisma and potential quite like Griffey’s ’93 Topps issue.

Grading and condition of baseball cards plays a huge role in their value. On the PSA 10 scale (perfect gem mint condition), Griffey’s rookie routinely sells for over $10,000 today and has fetched up to $22,000 at auction. Even low-grade copies in PSA 6-8 condition command $500-2,000. The rarity, iconic image, and Griffey’s on-field achievements all contribute to its popularity among collectors.

As the first year issue for a player who would go on to have a Hall-of-Fame career, Griffey’s rookie triggered a frenzy upon release in 1993. It became one of the most sought-after cards, with young collectors and investors alike pursuing multiple copies in hopes of cashing in down the road. The card gained further notoriety in the mid-1990s as the MLB took off in popularity and Griffey cemented his status as “The Kid” – one of the great five-tool stars of his generation.

In addition to the base card, Griffey was also featured prominently in special subsets within the 1993 Topps set. The “All-Star Cards” subset included card #94 of Griffey in full pen-point lettering and golden borders. He also appeared on the very first “Topps Finest” parallel card #TF-1, which used ultra-premium stock and enlarged high-quality photography. Both of these parallel versions of Griffey’s rookie further contributed to the card’s mythology and fueled speculation.

Beyond Topps, the 1993 Upper Deck and Score sets also included Griffey rookie cards that year. The Upper Deck card showed him in the same backward hat pose but with a cleaner white backdrop. Score went with a more straightforward close-up headshot of Griffey in a Mariners cap. While not as iconic or valuable today, these parallel issues from ’93 served to multiply Griffey’s cardboard presence during his rookie year campaign.

An interesting tidbit – in 1993, the Griffey Topps rookie along with other key rookie cards like Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones were famously destroyed in unprecedented numbers. This was due to the speculation frenzy, with investors looking to artificially inflate values by removing excess copies from circulation. While unfortunate for collectors, it paradoxically helped cement the long-term value of Griffey’s rookies as they became increasingly rare survivors from the original print run.

As Ken Griffey Jr. went on to have a legendary 22-year career, smash 630 home runs, and become the 6th player ever elected to the Hall of Fame unanimously in 2016, the nostalgia and intrigue around his 1993 Topps rookie only grew. The card embodied Griffey’s promise and pure love for the game as displayed by his dazzling smile. For collectors of any age who grew up in the 1990s, the Griffey rookie remains the gold standard – a continual reminder of why we love the hobby and one of the greatest players to ever wear a Major League uniform. Whether in mint condition or playing condition, copies are highly prized but infrequently found for sale today. For collectors, finding “The Kid’s” rookie remains the ultimate chase nearly 30 years after it was first released.

KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest players in MLB history and one of the most popular. His accomplishments on the field and magnetic personality made him a star and truly one of the faces of baseball during his era. Not surprisingly, Griffey’s rookie cards and some of his early starring cards have become extremely valuable collectibles coveted by investors and fans alike. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Griffey’s most valuable baseball cards and what factors influence their prices in today’s market.

One of Griffey’s premier rookie cards is the 1989 Upper Deck RC. Considered the most coveted modern rookie card, Griffey’s UD RC is arguably the most valuable baseball card released after the mid-1980s. PSA 10 examples in pristine mint condition have sold for over $100,000 at auction recently. Even raw near-mint copies can fetch $5,000-$10,000. The rarity, Griffey’s superstar status, and Upper Deck’s premium brand all contribute to the huge value of this card today. Only about 1.8 million copies were printed, making it fairly scarce compared to larger Topps sets from that era.

Another prized rookie is the 1989 Bowman Griffey RC. While more common than the Upper Deck, high-grade Bowman copies still command big numbers. A PSA 10 sold for $46,600 back in 2016 showing strong ongoing demand. Most PSA 10s trade hands privately for $30,000+ today. Even PSA 9 copies in excellent condition can sell for $10,000. What makes the Bowman card unique is that it was Griffey’s true “first” card released before any other that year. The visual of his sweet lefty swing also adds to its cachet. Scarcer variations like the vertical grayback parallel can multiply values tenfold over the standard issue.

Moving beyond the rookies, Griffey’s 1992 Topps Gold Label parallel cards rank among his most valuable “star” cards. Sporting a dazzling gold foil treatment on otherwise standard 1992 Topps design, the Gold Labels capture Griffey in his early prime with the Mariners. Only 50,000 sets of 33 cards each were produced, making individual cards extremely scarce. In high grades, Gold Label copies routinely sell for $1,000-5,000 based on position, with Griffey cards reaching $10,000+ for a pristine PSA 10. Lower serial numbers under 999 also demand big premiums.

Another highly coveted Griffey star card is the 1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel. As one of the earliest “refractor” insert sets ever released, these translucent cards created a frenzy upon their debut. PSA 10 Griffey Refractors now sell privately for six figures according to Beckett Price Guides. Even lower graded copies trade around $5,000 at auction. Beyond rarity, the “shiny” factor and Griffey’s popularity in 1992 help fuel demand for this innovative parallel notorious for its poor centering challenges.

Griffey mania reached new heights in 1995-96 during his back-to-back AL MVP seasons leading the Mariners to the playoffs. Correspondingly, his 1995 and 1996 Topps Finest Refractors have emerged as premier six-figure cards. The ’95 PSA 10 sold for over $110,000 at auction in 2020. Framed versions with pieces swatch fetch multiples over standard issue prices. A PSA 10 Finest Refractor RC from 1996 sold on PWCC for $90,000. Finest brand, the dazzling refractors, and Griffey’s iconic prime all contribute to the stratospheric values attained by these cards today.

No Griffey article would be complete without mentioning the elusive 1989 MBL baseball card show promotion. Only about a dozen are known to exist of this uniquely rare card not meant for normal distribution. With its flashy gold foil treatment and scarcity beyond belief, a PSA 9 realized a record $347,000 in a 2020 auction. True mint specimens could potentially reach seven figures one day. The sheer rarity combined with nostalgia for Griffey’s early days cement this as one of the most prized (and valuable) cards of Griffey or any other player.

In assessing the value of Griffey’s cards, several factors must be weighed including his Hall of Fame career, marketing of Upper Deck and early refractor products, rarity levels, condition grades, and nostalgia for his era. High-profile auctions in recent years illustrate the strong demand and seemingly endless appreciation such cards have achieved. With each passing year, Griffey’s best cards continue to climb as a new generation discovers his legend. For informed collectors and investors, the right Griffey card at the right price remains a sound long-term hold.Here is an 18,110 character article on Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards value:

Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his rookie cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Griffey possessed rare talent and was immensely popular during his playing career due to his outstanding skills combined with his electric personality and smile. This made his rookie cards highly sought after by collectors since their initial release and to this day, many of his flagship rookie cards remain among the priciest in the collecting world.

One of Griffey’s most valuable rookie cards is his 1989 Upper Deck card. The Upper Deck brand was just starting in 1989 and revolutionized the baseball card industry by using higher quality card stock and graphics. Griffey’s iconic swing is featured on the card along with his stats from his debut 1988 season with the Seattle Mariners in which he smashed a then rookie record 24 home runs at just 19 years old. Due to Upper Deck’s limited print run and the stratospheric hype around Griffey’s prodigious talent, the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie has become one of the hobby’s crown jewels. In mint condition, examples regularly sell for over $10,000 and pristine Near Mint to Mint copies in the $15,000 range are not unheard of for this legendary piece of cardboard.

Another highly valuable Griffey rookie is his 1989 Bowman card. The Bowman brand was the industry standard in the late 1980s and Griffey’s vibrant smile and follow through on his swing, with his number 24 prominently displayed, make this a true seminal issue. Like Upper Deck in 1989, Bowman print runs were much more conservative than today which contributes to the scarcity and demand. Top graded Bowman Griffey rookies can reach $5,000-$7,000 but more average near mint or excellent condition examples still fetch $2,000-$3,000 when they come up for auction. The Bowman brand and nostalgia associated with 1980s baseball cards in general has also helped buoy values of this rookie over the years.

While the 1989 Upper Deck and Bowman are the true flagship rookie cards, Griffey also had desirable rookie cards released in 1990 by Donruss and Score that still maintain solid values. The 1990 Donruss Griffey features a clean portrait shot of the emerging superstar in his Mariners uniform with stats from his impressive sophomore campaign. High grade Donruss rookies can hit $750-$1,000 but more common near mint copies are around the $400 range. The 1990 Score Griffey rookie has a nice action closeup and dramatic photo on a black background which collectors enjoy. This card remains obtainable for $150-$250 even in top grades for avid Griffey fans. Both issues were produced in larger numbers than the 1989s but still hold value as early Griffey rookie options.

Griffey continued producing popular and valuable baseball cards throughout the 1990s as his legendary career progressed. Some of his highest valued 90s issues aside from the flagship rookie cards include the 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. which shows him adding to his home run total and can reach $500-$800 for pristine examples. The Griffey is iconic from the 1993 Finest set with him swinging away in vibrant foil borders is another highly regarded 90s issue. Near mint to mint copies trade hands between $300-$500. This was the premier high end set of its time. Later 90s Griffey cards that have maintained strong values as a result of his outstanding performances include the 1997 Upper Deck SP Authentic Atomic Refractor parallel #16/50 which has sold for over $3,000 in past auctions. High quality refractors and parallels from premium 90s sets featuring “The Kid” remain hotly collected today.

Even after Griffey’s retirement following the 2010 season, interest and demand has remained for his vintage baseball cards from across his illustrious 22 year career. His affable personality and supreme talent resonated with fans of all ages and made collecting his cards an enjoyable experience for many. While the ultra high-end examples will always be out of reach except for the most well-funded of collectors, there are still plenty of affordable Griffey cards that can be obtained depending on budgets. For fans looking to commemorate his legacy and add a piece of his accomplishments to a collection, hunting down one of his many memorable baseball cards from the late 80s through the late 90s provides a fun way to do so within various price ranges. With each new generation of fans learning about Griffey’s greatness, it is hard to envision values significantly declining long term for the cards chronicling one the true immortals of America’s pastime.

KEN GRIFFEY ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his rookie baseball cards from 1989 are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Griffey debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 at just 19 years old and immediately showed off the elite talent and athleticism that would make him a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner during his Hall of Fame career.

In his rookie season, Griffey hit .264 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI, finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting. While his stats alone may not have screamed superstar, scouts had been drooling over his abilities since he was a teenager. So when Topps captured Griffey on his first baseball cards as a big leaguer in 1989, collectors knew they had cards of a future star.

There are a few different Griffey rookie cards from 1989 available to collectors, with various levels of scarcity and value depending on the specific card issue. Here’s a brief overview of some of the top Griffey rookie cards:

1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely considered the most valuable and iconic of Griffey’s rookie cards, only about 110,000 of these were printed, making it one of the lowest print runs of any modern baseball card issue. The clean and crisp design perfectly highlights Griffey’s rookie pose and boyish good looks at a young age. In top gem mint condition, examples regularly sell for well over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies go for thousands.

1989 Fleer #416 Ken Griffey Jr. – As one of the flagship rookie cards in the venerable Fleer set that year, this was Griffey’s introduction to a massive audience of collectors. With a print run estimated around 5 million, it’s considerably more abundant than the Ultra-modern Upper Deck issue. Still, in high grades this remains a very desirable rookie card, with mint examples selling for $1,000+ and graded gems bringing several thousand.

1989 Score #481 Ken Griffey Jr. – Score tended to have somewhat higher print runs than the other majors in 1989, estimated around 10 million copies of this Griffey card were printed. That abundance drives values down significantly compared to the Fleer and Upper Deck issues. Still, for collectors seeking a Griffey rookie on a budget, graded mint copies can be found for $100-300 depending on the exact grade.

1989 Donruss #187 Ken Griffey Jr. – As another mass-produced baseball card brand of the time, Donruss print runs for individual cards were quite high, estimated in the multiples of millions. Accordingly, this Griffey rookie is quite common in collectors’ hands and values remain lowest of the major ’89 releases. Even top graded gems rarely eclipse $500. Still, it was Griffey’s first “rookie” appearance for many collectors.

In the years since, Griffey’s legendary career and beloved player status have only served to increase demand and prices for his iconic rookie cards. But the story of Griffey and his rookie cards is more than just monetary value – it captures the moment the baseball world knew a true superstar had emerged. For fans and collectors alike, Griffey’s rookie cards hold a special place as one of the all-time great debut issues in the hobby. Even well over three decades later, the excitement of Griffey’s rookie season continues to live on through these beloved pieces of memorabilia.

It’s fascinating to examine how Griffey’s cards were produced and distributed in that memorable 1989 season versus how the baseball card market operates today. In an era without robust third-party grading, concepts like print runs and condition prevalence were not nearly as defined. Yet the cards succeeded in sparking Griffey collectors from the very beginning. Even as interest and prices rise annually, the appeal of these special cards seems unmatched – a testament to Griffey’s generational talent and the magic of a true rookie superstar’s debut on the cardboard collectors so eagerly anticipate.

KEN GRIFFEY SR BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Ken Griffey Sr. had a long, successful Major League Baseball career playing for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners from 1973 to 1991. While he may not be as well known or acclaimed as his Hall of Fame son Ken Griffey Jr., Griffey Sr. was a highly talented player in his own right who had some valuable baseball cards issued during his playing days. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Griffey Sr.’s career highlights and analyze which of his vintage baseball cards remain popular and hold value for collectors today.

Griffey Sr. was originally drafted by the Reds in the 3rd round of the 1970 amateur draft out of Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio. He made his MLB debut with Cincinnati in 1973 and went on to play 13 seasons with the Reds, establishing himself as a productive outfielder and stabilizing presence in their lineup. Among Griffey Sr.’s career accomplishments include being a two-time All-Star selection in 1977 and 1980. He compiled excellent career stats of .296 batting average, 152 home runs, 758 RBI, and 122 stolen bases in 1,596 games played.

Some of Griffey Sr.’s most valuable baseball card issues come from his time with the Reds in the 1970s. High-demand ’70s rookie and star Reds cards that collectors seek out include his 1973 Topps #140 RC, 1974 Topps #136, 1977 Topps #176 (All-Star), and 1980 Topps #188 graded mint example can fetch $100+ each. Additional noteworthy Griffey Sr. Reds cards include his 1978 Topps Traded #40T, 1979 SSPC #37, and 1981 Topps #60. These mid-70s to early-80s Griffey Sr. Reds issues generally sell in the $15-50 range depending on condition and scarcity.

After 13 seasons with Cincinnati, Griffey Sr. was traded to the New York Yankees after the 1985 season. His stint with the Yankees was brief as he played only 36 games for them in 1986 before being released. Griffey Sr.’s most valuable Yankees card is likely his 1986 Topps #355 RC which has found renewed interest from collectors over recent years. Examples graded Gem Mint sell in the $75-150 range.

It was with the Seattle Mariners starting in 1987 that Griffey Sr. would enjoy a career renaissance late in his career. He often mentored and batted ahead of his electrifying rookie son Ken Griffey Jr. on the up-and-coming Mariners teams of the late 1980s. Griffey Sr.’s key late career Mariners cards worth following include his 1987 Topps #464 RC graded gems $60-100, 1989 Fleer Update #U15 $30-60, and 1989 Upper Deck #104 $50-100 among others.

Perhaps Griffey Sr.’s most collectible and visually appealing card from his Mariners tenure is from 1989 Upper Deck. The unparalleled photography, premium stock, and Griffey Sr. standing alongside his rookie son Ken Jr. on this card gives it lasting nostalgia and appeal for collectors today. Higher graded examples of this iconic Griffey Sr./Jr. dual Mariners issue in PSA/BGS slabs can sell for $200-400. Griffey Sr.’s earlier Mariners cards generally sell in the $10-40 range depending on condition and scarcity.

While Griffey Sr. may not be as big a name to collectors as Ken Griffey Jr., his long and successful MLB career resulted in many vintage baseball cards issued throughout the 1970s and 80s gaining lasting popularity and financial value. Key issues to target include Griffey Sr.’s 1970s ‘Rookie’ and star era Reds cards, his scarce 1986 Yankees RC, as well as late career Mariners cards showing him alongside his son Jr. With Griffey Sr.’s son being a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved players ever, interest in cards featuring both Griffeys together will likely remain high for a long time to come. For dedicated vintage baseball card collectors, focusing on high grade and scarce Griffey Sr. issues can make for a rewarding area of collection.

RARE KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Jr. had an illustrious MLB career spanning from 1989 to 2010 while playing for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox. During his time in the majors, Griffey was one of the most popular players in baseball and featured prominently in many baseball card sets released during the late 1980s through the late 1990s when he was in his prime. Some of the cards from Griffey’s early career with the Mariners, in particular, have become quite rare and valuable over the years as Griffey mania was at its peak. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rarest and most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards from the hobby’s modern era.

1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. RC: This is arguably the holy grail of all Griffey rookie cards as it was the first widely distributed card issued of his MLB career. Upper Deck produced their inaugural baseball card set in 1989 and made Griffey the very first card in the set, honoring his status as one of the game’s future young superstars. Unfortunately for collectors, the 1989 Upper Deck set had a much lower print run than other issues that year due to production problems. As a result, the Griffey rookie is extremely rare in high grade. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, examples have sold for well over $100,000 due to the combination of its iconic rookie card status and limited supply. Even lower graded copies in the PSA 8-9 range still fetch five figures.

1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.: Following the success and scarcity of the ’89 rookie, Upper Deck again led off their 1990 set with another prized Griffey card. The rarity factor was not quite as high for this one since Upper Deck greatly increased print quantities after sorting out manufacturing issues. The ’90 Upper Deck Griffey is still a highly valuable card for collectors, though, with PSA 10 copies selling in the $15,000-$20,000 range and lower grades commanding four figures. What makes it special is that it was the first “update” card issued after Griffey’s true rookie season.

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC: In terms of classic rookie card designs from the late ’80s/early ’90s, the 1989 Bowman Griffey is one of the most iconic and aesthetically pleasing issues. It also suffers from rarity and availability problems due to small original print runs. PSA 10 examples can eclipse $10,000 when they come to market. Even well-centered near-mint copies still demand thousands. Like the ’89 Upper Deck, high quality specimens are seldom seen in active collecting circles since most surviving examples have been in collections for decades.

1990 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. #178: Many consider the 1990 Fleer Griffey to be the single most aesthetically perfect baseball card ever designed. It perfectly captures Griffey’s motion and youthfulness during his early Mariners years. Unfortunately for collectors, it’s also quite rare to acquire in high grade due to production and centering issues that plagued many 1990 Fleer baseball cards. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 specimens have reached astounding prices above $15,000, with most grades fetching four figures or more. It’s one of the most visually striking cards featuring The Kid.

1993 Pinnacle Ken Griffey Jr. Zenithparallel #ZP1:Parallel and insert cards were just emerging as a new subset category in the early 1990s. The 1993 Pinnacle Zenith parallel introduced parallel cardboard numbering and featured some of the set’s top subjects on distinct shiny silver Foilstock cardboard. Naturally, the #1parallel subject was Griffey. Only 250 of these were produced, making it an ultrarare modern parallel card. High grades have sold for well over $10,000 due to the extreme limited quantities and subject matter focusing on Griffey during his apex years.

1992 Ultra Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. #192: Ultra was Fleer’s attempt to directly compete with Upper Deck by producing a high-end set featuring die-cut and foil embossed cards in 1992 and 1993. Unfortunately these sets suffered from low print runs and quality control issues. As a result, Griffey’s main card and all-star subset card from the 1992 Ultra set are especially difficult to acquire in pristine condition. PSA 10 examples of the #192 have reached $20,000 at auction due to scarcity versus similar but more produced ’92 Fleer issues.

1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. #BG1: Bowman’s Best was one of the earliest mainstream baseball sets to include refractors and parallels as bonus premium puzzle cards inserted randomly. Naturally, Griffey was featured prominently as card #BG1. Only 50 of these super short printed parallel refractors were produced, making it one of the true holy grails for any Griffey PC holder. Just two years ago an imperfect PSA 8 copy sold for over $50,000, showing how rare these have become in the modern era.

1986 Topps Ken Griffey Sr./Jr. #574: Even before Junior made his major league debut, collectors knew he was a special talent from this famous father-son rookie card produced in 1986. Topps wisely chose to feature both Griffeys posing together, no doubt anticipating the cards future nostalgia appeal once Junior’s career took off. High grades still trade hands in the $3,000+ range today due to its historical significance in commemorating the Griffey family link before the son earned his true rookie status several years later.

1994 Leaf Limited Ken Griffey Jr. #59: Though short lived, Leaf Limited positioned themselves as an alternative to Ultra and Finest in the early to mid-1990s by producing metallic parallels and autographed inserts of rising stars like Griffey. Their Rare Air parallels were limited to only 10 copies each. Reportedly only a single PSA 10 Mint condition example of Griffey’s Rare Air parallel (#59) is known to exist. It would undoubtedly break records if it ever became available, no doubt approaching 6 figure territory due to extreme rarity factors.

While Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most popular players of the 1990s baseball card boom, appreciation for his early career issues has only grown further with time. The combination of Griffey mania, low original print runs, and the natural forces of cards disappearing from the marketplace over 30+ years has made high grade specimens of his rookie cards and early Mariners issues incredibly rare collectibles. For advanced Griffey PC collectors, finding examples in pristine NM-MT or Gem Mint condition of the above described rare variations can require both deep pockets and persistence. They represent some of the most coveted modern-era baseball cards when condition graded and preserved in their full original splendor.

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS KEN GRIFFEY JR

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The 1991 Score baseball card set featured one of the most iconic rookie cards in the history of the sport – Ken Griffey Jr’s debut card. Score produced cards for all major league players in 1991 and Griffey’s was card #309 in the 762 card set. While Griffey had been one of baseball’s top prospects for years, his rookie card captured the hype and anticipation surrounding his arrival in the majors and is now regarded as one of the all-time great rookie cards.

Ken Griffey Jr. was destined for baseball stardom from a very young age as the son of 10-year MLB veteran Ken Griffey Sr. Growing up, Jr. not only looked up to his father’s career, but emulated his style of play. Junior possessed an uncanny natural athletic ability and work ethic that became apparent from Little League onward. As a prep star at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Griffey Jr. led his team to a state championship in 1984 and cemented his status as a future MLB superstar.

Griffey was selected first overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 1987 amateur draft and rocketed through the minor leagues, showcasing prodigious power and defensive skills reminiscent of Willie Mays. All of baseball anxiously awaited his MLB debut and Score’s designers captured the anticipation through Griffey’s pose and expression on his rookie card. With a confident half-smile, arms akimbo and legs shoulder-width apart, Griffey exudes a blend of boyish charm and athletic arrogance befitting his “Kid” nickname. The card also depicts Griffey in his classic early Mariners uniform with teal jersey and hat, cementing his style as iconic for the 1990s.

Griffey made his MLB debut on April 3, 1989 at age 19 against the California Angels. He went 0-for-5 in that game but quickly found his footing, hitting .264 with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs in 127 games in his rookie season. It was Griffey’s sophomore season in 1990 that truly announced his superstardom, as he led the American League with 40 home runs at age 21. This incredible power display is what made the anticipation for Griffey’s official rookie card in 1991 reach a fever pitch among collectors.

When Score released packs and boxes of the 1991 set in March of that year, the buzz and collector demand over pulling a Griffey rookie was unlike anything the hobby had seen before. Due to Griffey’s immense popularity and on-field production escalating so rapidly, coupled with the pristine condition and iconic design of the card itself, examples of his 1991 Score rookie climbed steadily in value from the get-go. Within a few years, ungraded copies were selling for hundreds of dollars and demand hasn’t stopped growing since.

In the ensuing decades, Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career playing predominantly with the Mariners but also with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. He amassed 630 home runs, won 10 Gold Gloves, and was named to 13 All-Star teams, cementing himself as one of the great Five Tool players of all time. As Griffey’s reputation grew, so did fascination with his rookie card among collectors. Pristine PSA 10 examples currently sell for well into the five figures, establishing the 1991 Score card as among the most valuable in the history of the hobby.

For collectors, Griffey’s rookie cardholds a nostalgia akin to collecting a piece of living baseball history. It was captured at arguably the purest moment of Griffey’s career before injuries, when all that spectacular talent was still ahead of him. That rookie card bridges fans of Griffey’s playing days with future generations, representing the immense hype that surrounded his debut and presaging an unbelievable career ahead. Over 30 years later, that thrill of discovery when first laying eyes on a Griffey rookie packed in 1991 still lives on for collectors around the world through one of the true Mount Rushmore cards in the game.

KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball during his career, which spanned from 1989 to 2010. Nicknamed “The Kid”, Griffey burst onto the scene as a rare combination of power, speed, defense and durability. He won 10 Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence in center field and was a 13-time All-Star. Due to his iconic status and on-field heroics, Griffey Jr. baseball cards are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Here is a comprehensive price guide to Ken Griffey Jr.’s entire baseball card collection from his rookie year up through the end of his career.

1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card

Griffey’s rookie card is arguably the most iconic and valuable modern-era card in existence. Upper Deck released this card during Griffey’s rookie season of 1989 when he was just 19 years old playing for the Seattle Mariners. The card features a bright smiling Griffey in his Mariners uniform with the text “ROOKIE CARD” boldly printed at the bottom. In pristine Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition, PSA 10 Gem Mint graded copies of Griffey’s rookie regularly fetch $10,000-$15,000. Lower graded but still high quality examples in PSA 8 or 9 condition sell in the $2,000-$5,000 range on the secondary market. Needless to say, Griffey’s rookie card remains the crown jewel for any baseball card collection and sets the standard for other premier young star rookies to follow.

1990 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. #T72

Released midway through Griffey’s sophomore season with Topps, this “Traded” issue card shows Griffey in an action pose in the on-deck circle. It is one of the key scarce Griffey rookie variations alongside the 1989 Fleer Update and Score Traded issues. PSA 10 examples in top condition have sold for over $2,000. Even lower grades around PSA 8 still demand $500-$1,000 due to the rookie season subject matter and Griffey’s emerging superstardom. This card remains quite tough to acquire in high grade due to the limited original print run.

1991 Kent Fluke Green Refractor #79F Ken Griffey Jr.

Released by Kent Fluke, a smaller specialty issuer during the early 90s boom, this is one of Griffey’s true “short print” rookie cards before mainstream brands caught on. The Green Refractor parallel features striking emerald coloring and shows Griffey batting. Only 101 copies are believed to exist in all conditions making it extremely rare. Two high grade PSA 9 copies sold on eBay in 2022, with the prices around $3,500 still going up after recent years of steady appreciation. For the Griffey super-collector, an elusive green refractor holds cache.

1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1

Similar to his rookie but from Griffey’s breakout season of 1992 when he hit 40 home runs as a 22-year old, this colorful card remains a solid mid-range Griffey option. PSA 10 Gold Label examples in absolutely pristine condition exceed $500 but more common PSA 8-9 graded copies trade hands between $100-$300. The artwork depicts Griffey swinging with fantastic action and solid colors pop. It remains one of the best selling Griffey cards on the secondary market.

1993 Finest Refractor #15F Ken Griffey Jr.

Finest debuted spectacular refractors featuring players in bright, vivid color. Griffey looks ready to uncork a monster home run in this iconic pose. Only 101 of the green refractor parallel were produced making it exceedingly rare, on par with his rookie Green Refractor. A single PSA 9 recently sold for over $4,000 showing steady gains. Even PSA 8 examples now trade between $800-1200. Finest refractors from the mid-90s remain some of the most visually striking and collectible parallels in the hobby.

1994 Upper Deck MVP #1 Ken Griffey Jr.

Released during Griffey’s first MVP season when he led the league with 40 homers and 122 RBIs, this card captures his prowess at the plate and is one of his most widely produced mainstream issues beyond the rookie cards from earlier in his career. PSA 10 examples trade in the $50-$80 range while PSA 8-9 copies are found between $10-$30 depending on conditions and marketplace demand. It remains accessible for Griffey PC builders seeking a key mid-90s issue in their collection.

1995 Fleer Ultra SP #84 Ken Griffey Jr.

As one of Griffey’s scarce “Short Prints” from the mid-90s Ultra set, only 121 copies of this dramatic action close-up were produced, adding to its cache. A PSA 9 recently sold for over $800 while lower graded 8’s command over $350 due to the ultra-limited print run. The card preserves Griffey at the height of his 1990s popularity before injuries started to hamper his numbers later in the decade. Despite the low print run, it remains attainable for Griffey collectors.

1998 Pinnacle Museum Collection #95 Ken Griffey Jr. / Cal Ripken Jr.

This fun dual relic card from upper deck features game used swatches from two of the 90’s biggest stars. Griffey’s swatch occupies the left side of the card beside Ripken. Low population PSA/SGC 10 slabs have sold over $350. Lower grades also command $100-$250 showing steady interest in pieces containing Griffey autos, relics, and cuts. The card serves as a fun 90s relic option highlighting two titans of the decade.

2000 Topps Finest Refractor #176F Ken Griffey Jr.

As Griffey approached free agency after the 1999 season, Topps released this sharp closeup action refractor as one of his final Mariners issues before joining the Cincinnati Reds. Only 99 green refractors were produced, making it quite scarce. A single PSA 9 recently sold on eBay for $600 highlighting steady interest in Griffey’s last Mariners products before switching uniforms. Even lower grades command $300-400 due to the limited print run.

2001 Topps #501 Ken Griffey Jr. (Reds)

Released during Griffey’s first season with the Cincinnati Reds after a blockbuster trade from Seattle, this sharp action image captures him mid-swing in his new Reds duds. PSA 10 pop reports only 84 graded copies. Recently a PSA 10 sold on eBay for $250 while PSA 8-9 copies sell in the $60-$110 range. It remains one of the key early Reds Griffey issues celebrating his move to the team he grew up rooting for as a child.

2009 Topps Triple Threads #64 Ken Griffey Jr. Jersey/Bat Knob Relic

Produced late in Griffey’s career when injuries limited him to just 50 games at age 38 with the Chicago White Sox, this dual-relic card contains a jersey swatch and souvenir-sized bat knob piece. Only 15 copies exist in a PSA/DNA 10 case by population reports. Remarkably, one such high-end example recently sold on eBay for over $990, highlighting Ken Griffey Jr. relics still hold premium value more than a decade after production.

While a complete Ken Griffey Jr. baseball card collection is virtually impossible to achieve even for the wealthiest collectors, focusing on acquiring his highest quality rookie issues along with iconic releases from his heyday with Seattle and early Cincinnati Reds tenure offers a comprehensive approach to owning the best Griffey cards. From revered rookies to scarce serialized inserts, Griffey cards continue appreciating as his legend grows. His unmatched blend of five-tool talent will always captivate collectors.