1988 Score Phil Niekro #621
Phil Niekro · Score · Base / Hall of Fame
Player
Phil Niekro
Set
1988 Score
Year
1988
Card #
#621
Condition Grade
PSA 7 (Near Mint). The card appears to have slightly soft corners and centering that favors the right side (60/40). Surface shows minor graininess typical of 1980s card stock.
Category
Base / Hall of Fame
Manufacturer
Score
Demand Level
Low/Stable. While Phil Niekro is an inner-circle Hall of Famer, this card comes from the 'Junk Wax' era of overproduction (1987-1994). Demand is mostly driven by set builders or Niekro player-collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.25 - $1.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $10-15, PSA 9: $25-35, PSA 10: $150-200. Note: Grading costs likely exceed individual card value for this specific era and player.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $0.50 to $2.00 including shipping. PSA 9 copies have recently sold for approximately $25-30, mainly representing the cost of the grading service rather than the card premium.
Description
The 1988 Score Phil Niekro #621 features the legendary knuckleballer in his Atlanta Braves uniform. This iconic inaugural Score set is known for its bright, multi-colored borders; Niekro's card features an orange border with a white inner frame. The front shows Niekro in a classic pitching set-up with three stars on the bottom left and the Score logo on the bottom right.
Key Features
Features a 300-game winner and Cooperstown Hall of Fame inductee. This is a popular rookie year set for the Score brand, representing their first major entry into the baseball card market.
Authenticity Indicators
Score 1988 cards had a specific matte finish and cardboard density that is very difficult to forge. Confident this is 100% authentic as these cards were mass-produced and are rarely replicated. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Corners show slight whitening. Centering is shifted toward the right border. Top edge may have minor rough-cut factory burrs characteristic of 1980s Score production.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a lot on eBay or Mercari. For individual sale, COMC (Check Out My Cards) is the best platform to list and wait for a budget-conscious collector to complete a set.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe it is a flawless PSA 10, as the grading fee will cost significantly more than the card is worth. Use high-resolution scans or photos on a dark background to make the orange border pop.