1984 Donruss Don Mattingly Rookie Card #248
Don Mattingly · Donruss · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Don Mattingly
Set
1984 Donruss
Year
1984
Card #
#248
Condition Grade
PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering appears shifted left-to-right (approx 65/35 or 70/30). Some corner softening visible, particularly bottom right.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Donruss
Demand Level
Strong. Mattingly remains one of the most collected post-war Yankees. While the 'junk wax' era saw high volumes, this specific card maintains a steady and active market due to its prestige.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $20-30, PSA 6: $45-60, PSA 7: $80-100
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $30-$50 depending on centering. PSA 8 copies have recently sold in the $175-$225 range, while PSA 9s command upwards of $600-800. A PSA 10 is the 'holy grail' for this card, often exceeding $5,000.
Description
This is the iconic 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly Rookie Card, widely considered one of the most important cards of the 1980s. The card features a close-up portrait of the Yankees legend in his home cap. The design utilizes a blue and gold 'ribbon' theme common to the 1984 Donruss set, with the 'Donruss 84' logo prominently displayed on the lower right.
Key Features
Crucial rookie card of a New York Yankees icon and 1985 AL MVP. This specific set (1984 Donruss) had a lower print run than Topps or Fleer from the same year, making it the most desirable Mattingly rookie.
Authenticity Indicators
The matte card stock and specific font for the 'Donruss 84' logo are consistent with originals. High confidence in authenticity; however, centering and border thickness were common quality control issues for this specific set.
Flaws to Note
Obvious left-to-right centering horizontal shift; the left border is noticeably thinner than the right. Minor edge chipping along the bottom. Corner softening on the bottom edge. Potential surface glare/scratches obscured by the current holder.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the primary market for high volume. For a raw copy, Facebook vintage card groups or local card shows are excellent to avoid high fees. If it grades 8 or higher, auction houses like PWCC or Heritage become viable.
Selling Tips
Do not grade unless you believe the surface is flawless and can hit at least a PSA 8; lower grades often don't recover the cost of grading and shipping. When listing, use high-resolution scans or photos out of the sleeve to show the edges clearly. Highlight the Yankee connection.