1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie #1
Ken Griffey Jr. · Upper Deck · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Ken Griffey Jr.
Set
1989 Upper Deck
Year
1989
Card #
#1
Condition Grade
PSA 7 (NM) estimated due to slightly heavy top-to-bottom centering and potential soft corners inside the top loader.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Upper Deck
Demand Level
Strong, perennial demand from nostalgic collectors and investors alike.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$50 - $80
Graded Value
PSA 7: $70-90, PSA 8: $120-150, PSA 9: $300-400, PSA 10: $1,500-2,000
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales range from $50 to $90 depending on exact centering and corner sharpness; PSA 8 examples regularly command around $130-$150.
Description
This is the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card, featuring the legendary Hall of Famer in his Seattle Mariners uniform fielding a ground ball. The card features a crisp white border, Upper Deck hologram on the reverse, and glossy finish characteristic of the groundbreaking 1989 release.
Key Features
Undoubted most famous and iconic modern baseball card, true rookie card, Hall of Famer, landmark set that changed the hobby.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence based on classic Upper Deck card stock thickness, glossy finish, and clear printing resolution. Hologram check on back is essential for final verification.
Flaws to Note
Slight centering variance with a heavier top border compared to the bottom, minor corner softening typical of un-graded vintage stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay or major auction houses like Goldin or Heritage if authenticated and graded.
Selling Tips
Strongly consider professional grading with PSA or BGS to maximize return, secure in a penny sleeve and top loader, and ship via insured bubble mailer.