2024 Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes #SMLB-90
Paul Skenes · Topps · Insert
Player
Paul Skenes
Set
2024 Topps Series 2 Stars of MLB
Year
2024
Card #
#SMLB-90
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 9 (Mint). The centering looks excellent on this specific copy, but the bottom right corner shows a tiny micro-spec of white, and black-border cards from this set are notorious for edge chipping.
Category
Insert
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Hot. Paul Skenes is a hobby darling right now. While this is a common insert, his cards move faster than almost any other active player in the 2024 Series 2 set.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15-20, PSA 9: $25-35, PSA 10: $60-85
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies have fluctuated between $6 and $14 plus shipping. PSA 10 copies have sold as high as $90 during his debut week but are beginning to stabilize as more volume hits the market.
Description
Featured here is a 2024 Topps Stars of MLB insert card of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes. The card features a high-gloss finish with a cosmic star-patterned background and a rainbow foil finish that catches the light beautifully. Skenes is depicted in his black Pirates jersey in a mid-delivery pitching pose.
Key Features
First Topps MLB-licensed insert of the 2023 #1 overall draft pick. Skenes is currently the most hyped pitching prospect in a decade, driving massive interest in his early 2024 cards before his official Flagship Rookie Card (RC logo) release.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct Topps logo placement, crisp typography in the nameplate, and the specific 'Stars of MLB' rainbow refractor sheen are consistent with 2024 retail or hobby pack pulls. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
The bottom edge shows slight whitening typical of the dark-bordered Topps inserts. There is a minor surface thumbprint visible in the light; cards like this require careful handling to avoid oils damaging the foil finish.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card due to the high volume of daily Skenes searches. It could also move quickly in a local card shop's 'hot' bin or on a Facebook team-specific (Pirates) buy/sell/trade group.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it is a guaranteed PSA 10; the cost of grading often exceeds the value of a regular insert. Use keywords like 'Rookie Year', 'SP Pitcher', and 'Pirates' in your listing. Use a penny sleeve and top-loader for shipping.