2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks Eric Cole Draft Ticket Auto #17
Eric Cole · Panini · Autograph, Prospect
Player
Eric Cole
Set
2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks
Year
2018
Card #
17
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 8 (NM-MT) - Corners show visible white wear and the centering is slightly heavy to the bottom; the top-loader is scuffed, making surface assessment difficult, but typical Panini card stock from this era often has minor surface dimples.
Category
Autograph, Prospect
Manufacturer
Panini
Demand Level
Low - Eric Cole is currently a minor league journeyman and not a high-tier prospect. Demand is limited to Arkansas Razorbacks alumni collectors or deep-roster Royals prospect collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$1.00 - $3.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $8.00 - $12.00, PSA 9: $15.00 - $20.00, PSA 10: $35.00 - $45.00 (Note: Grading costs would exceed the card's market value)
Comparable Sales
Recent sales for low-tier 2018 Panini Contenders sticker autos range from $0.99 to $2.50. Similar Eric Cole autos have sold for under $3 in raw condition over the last year.
Description
This 2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks card features Kansas City Royals prospect Eric Cole in his Arkansas Razorbacks uniform. The 'Draft Ticket' design mimics a stadium ticket, featuring a dedicated autograph area at the bottom with a blue ink sticker signature. The card highlights his collegiate career before being drafted by the Royals in the 4th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Key Features
Authentic sticker autograph; features the player in collegiate uniform (Arkansas); iconic Contenders 'Ticket' design; early professional prospect card.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity Confidence: High. Includes the Panini authenticating hologram on the sticker; the typography and logos are consistent with the 2018 Contenders production run. There is very little incentive for counterfeiters to replicate this specific player.
Flaws to Note
Visible white chipping on the bottom right corner; centering appears shifted toward the bottom; minor surface scratches likely given the unprotected state in a dirty top-loader. The autograph sticker is well-placed but sticker autos generally carry less value than on-card versions.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer'), COMC (Check Out My Cards) for long-term storage and easier sales, or Arkansas-themed Facebook sports card groups.
Selling Tips
This card is not a candidate for grading as the costs ($19+) far outweigh the return. List this as a 'PWE' (Plain White Envelope) shipping option for $0.60 to keep the total cost low for the buyer. Use keywords like 'Arkansas Razorbacks', 'Royals Prospect', and 'Auto' in the title.