1989 Donruss Billy Ripken Error #616 (Black Scribble/Box)
Billy Ripken · Donruss · Error / Variation
Player
Billy Ripken
Set
1989 Donruss Base Set
Year
1989
Card #
616
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) - Poor centering, significant edge chipping, and visible corner wear.
Category
Error / Variation
Manufacturer
Donruss
Demand Level
Strong - Collectible as a novelty and for error card enthusiasts.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $15.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $15-25, PSA 4: $25-35, PSA 2: $10-15
Comparable Sales
Raw copies of the scribble/box version in similar condition typically sell for $8-$12. PSA 9 examples of this specific variation fetch $40-$60, but this card is not a candidate for a high grade.
Description
This is the infamous Billy Ripken error card featuring a 'Black Scribble' or 'Black Box' over the knob of the bat. Originally released with an obscenity visible on the bat, Donruss quickly issued several variations to hide it. This version features the heavy black ink application to mask the original text. The card has a black and purple gradient border typical of the 1989 Donruss design.
Key Features
Infamous pop-culture baseball card history; one of the most famous error/variation cards of the 'Junk Wax' era; highly collectible due to the nature of the original 'f-face' error.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The card stock shows the correct thickness and matte finish for 1989 Donruss. The dot pattern in the scribble is consistent with original factory corrections. This variation is rarely counterfeited compared to the 'White Whout' or 'Black Box' versions.
Flaws to Note
Heavy chipping along the black borders, especially on the left and top edges. Lower-left corner shows significant rounding/whitening. Top-to-bottom centering is poor, with the top purple border being much thinner than the bottom.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the primary market for this card. Facebook Error/Variation groups are also excellent secondary markets.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this specific copy as the cost of grading exceeds the market value of a low-mid grade. List as '1989 Donruss Billy Ripken Black Scribble Error' to capture searches. Use high-resolution photos of the bat knob to confirm which variation it is.