2018 Topps Five Star Victor Caratini On-Card Auto Rookie #FSA-VC
Victor Caratini · Topps · Rookie Card (RC), On-Card Autograph
Player
Victor Caratini
Set
2018 Topps Five Star
Year
2018
Card #
#FSA-VC
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) - Corners show very slight white at the tips, typical for thick Topps Five Star card stock. Centering appears slightly heavy toward the left, and edges look clean but vulnerable as they are non-foil.
Category
Rookie Card (RC), On-Card Autograph
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Caratini is a respected major league catcher, but as a non-star veteran, his demand mainly comes from Chicago Cubs team collectors or 'set-builders' finishing the Five Star roster.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15 - $25, PSA 9: $30 - $45, PSA 10: $60 - $85
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales of similar mid-tier veteran rookie autos from Five Star range between $6 and $14. Graded PSA 9 copies rarely hit the market and typically sell for a modest premium over raw cost plus grading fees.
Description
This is a premium 2018 Topps Five Star Victor Caratini Rookie Autograph card. Featuring a stunning crisp on-card signature in blue ink, the card depicts Caratini in his Chicago Cubs catcher's gear. The Five Star brand is known for its high-end matte finish and thick card stock with elegant gold-foiled architectural borders. As a 'true' rookie autograph from a high-stakes product, it carries a sense of luxury and permanence.
Key Features
On-card signature (not a sticker), official RC (Rookie Card) logo, high-end premium brand (Five Star), and Caratini's status as a reliable MLB veteran catcher known for catching no-hitters.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'Topps Certified Autograph Issue' text is present. The ink shows the correct flow of an on-card autograph, and the texture of the thick stock conforms to official 2018 Five Star standards. It is not a frequently faked card.
Flaws to Note
The card stock is extremely thick, making it prone to corner softening and edge chipping. There is minor whitening visible on the bottom right corner. Centering is roughly 60/40 left-to-right.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card using the 'Best Offer' feature. Alternatively, COMC is a good choice for low-to-mid value autographs to avoid high shipping costs for a single item.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless you believe it is a perfect 10; the cost of grading often exceeds the price jump for a PSA 9. When listing, highlight 'On-Card' in the title to differentiate it from sticker autos. Ship in a 'thick' 100pt+ top loader to prevent damage.