2004 Topps Traded Felix Hernandez Rookie Card #T206
Felix Hernandez · Topps · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Felix Hernandez
Set
2004 Topps Traded & Rookies
Year
2004
Card #
#T206
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) - Centering appears roughly 60/40 left-to-right. Corners show slight softening, and there is a visible surface thumbprint/oil glare which likely conceals minor surface scratches from handling.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate - Felix Hernandez has a very loyal following, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Demand peaks during Mariners heritage events or Hall of Fame voting discussions.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$15.00 - $25.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $35.00 - $45.00, PSA 9: $75.00 - $95.00, PSA 10: $275.00 - $325.00
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales range from $12 to $22. Recent PSA 9 sales have settled around $85. PSA 10 copies have seen a slight decline from peaks but still command over $275.
Description
This is the iconic 2004 Topps Traded rookie card of Seattle Mariners legend 'King Felix' Hernandez. The card features a dynamic action shot of Hernandez in his white Mariners home uniform mid-delivery. The design uses the classic 2004 Topps arch motif with a teal gradient background reflecting the team's colors. The card is part of the 'Traded and Rookies' expansion set, denoted by the 'T' prefix on the card number.
Key Features
True rookie card of a Cy Young winner and Mariners franchise icon; 'King Felix' is a fringe Hall of Fame candidate whose market remains steady among Mariners collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The card stock thickness, Topps logo foil quality, and the specific teal-to-green gradient in the nameplate are consistent with original 2004 production. This card is rarely counterfeited compared to the Chrome version.
Flaws to Note
The card is slightly off-center left-to-right. Handling without a penny sleeve has likely left surface oils or fine scratches. The white borders on this set are prone to minor chipping, though none is immediately aggressive in the photo.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the primary market for this card due to high volume. COMC is a good secondary option for 'raw' copies to avoid shipping logistics.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this specific copy unless you are certain it will hit a PSA 10, as the cost of grading exceeds the value of a PSA 8 or 9. Use keywords 'King Felix', 'RC', and 'Seattle Mariners'. Always ship in a penny sleeve and top loader inside a bubble mailer for protection.