1997 Donruss Preferred National Treasures Frank Thomas #137
Frank Thomas · Donruss · Short Print / Insert / Parallel
Player
Frank Thomas
Set
1997 Donruss Preferred National Treasures
Year
1997
Card #
137
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 6 (EX-MT). Visible centering issues (heavy favor to the right), significant surface scratching on the metallic foil, and visible whitening/corner wear on bottom right.
Category
Short Print / Insert / Parallel
Manufacturer
Donruss
Demand Level
Moderate. Frank Thomas has a dedicated HOF collector base, though this specific card is a mid-tier 90s insert rather than a primary rookie or rare parallel like a Precious Metal Gem.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 6: $15-20, PSA 7: $25-35, PSA 8: $50-70
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for this specific #137 subset card range from $6 to $15 depending on surface condition. PSA 8 copies have recently sold in the $55 range.
Description
This 1997 Donruss Preferred 'National Treasures' Frank Thomas card features a striking metallic copper-toned foil finish with an ornate, engraved-style border. The card showcases a close-up portrait of the Hall of Fame White Sox first baseman, nicknamed 'The Big Hurt,' in his classic pinstripe jersey. The 'National Treasures' subset was a high-end inclusion in the Preferred release, known for its premium aesthetic and lower print runs compared to base sets.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player; Short print subset; High-gloss metallic foil finish that is prone to scratching, making high-grade copies scarce.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The card stock thickness, foil texture, and internal 'Donruss' logo stampings are consistent with 1997 production. This card is not widely known for counterfeiting due to the complexity of the foil layering.
Flaws to Note
Significant right-side centering bias; visible vertical surface scratches in the foil; softening of the bottom right corner; minor edge chipping common for 90s full-bleed foil cards.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card due to the high volume of Frank Thomas player-collectors. COMC is a secondary option for lower-grade raw cards.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the condition flaws (scratches and centering) will result in a grade where the cost of grading exceeds the value of the card. Use keywords like 'Big Hurt', 'HOF', '90s Insert', and 'Rare Foil' in the eBay title. Ship in a fresh penny sleeve and top-loader to prevent further foil scratching.