2023 Donruss Optic Hendon Hooker Blue Velocity Rated Rookie #163
Hendon Hooker · Panini (Donruss Optic) · Rookie Card (RC), Parallel, Blue Velocity Prizm/Refractor
Player
Hendon Hooker
Set
2023 Donruss Optic (Retail Edition)
Year
2023
Card #
#163
Condition Grade
PSA 9 (Mint). The centering appears slightly heavy on the right border. Corners and edges look sharp through the penny sleeve, and the chromium surface shows no immediate signs of dimples or scratching.
Category
Rookie Card (RC), Parallel, Blue Velocity Prizm/Refractor
Manufacturer
Panini (Donruss Optic)
Demand Level
Moderate. Demand is tied heavily to Hooker's status as the Lions' QB of the future. Interest peaks during the preseason and whenever Jared Goff is underperformed.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15-20, PSA 9: $30-45, PSA 10: $85-110
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $6 to $11 plus shipping. PSA 10 copies have recently settled around the $90 mark, reflecting the volatility of backup quarterback prospects.
Description
This is a 2023 Donruss Optic 'Rated Rookie' featuring Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker. The card is the 'Blue Velocity' parallel, known for its vibrant blue zig-zag pattern and neon-like finish. The design features Hooker in his Lions home jersey readying a pass, set against a green field backdrop and the iconic Rated Rookie logo. The card uses Opti-chrome technology, giving it a high-gloss, metallic sheen.
Key Features
Features the official 'Rated Rookie' logo; Blue Velocity parallel specific to retail boxes; desirable young quarterback for a popular franchise (Detroit Lions); high-end chrome finish.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct Opti-chrome card thickness; authentic Panini 'Optic' and 'Rated Rookie' logos with sharp vector lines; Blue Velocity pattern reactivates correctly under direct light. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
A slight right-favoring centering issue on the front face. Small surface scuffs are common with Optic stock and are difficult to see without a jeweler's loupe. Top left corner shows a minor white speck typical of the cutting process.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card due to the high volume of NFL collectors and ease of shipping via eBay Standard Envelope ($1 or less).
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you are confident it is a PSA 10; at a 9 or lower, the grading fees often exceed the profit. Use keywords like 'Lions QB', 'Rated Rookie', and 'Case Hit Style' to attract buyers. Ship in a penny sleeve inside a top loader.