Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Baseball Card | Top 13

Ken Griffey Jr. a name synonymous with baseball excellence, has captivated fans and collectors alike for decades. His rookie cards, particularly those recently sold for high prices, have become highly sought-after treasures, driving up the value and fueling the passion of collectors.

Here we will delve into the top 13 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Baseball Cards, exploring their unique features, historical significance, and market value, focusing on the ken griffey jr cards worth money.

List Top 13 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Baseball Card

Here’s a list of the Top 13 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Baseball Cards, which capture the essence of his early career and are highly valued by collectors. These cards, spanning the junk wax era and beyond, represent some of the most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. cards in the market today.

• 1989 Score Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #100T1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T
• 1989 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. RC #548
• 1989 Donruss The Rookies Ken Griffey Jr. RC #3
• 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220
• 1987 Bellingham Mariners Team Issue Ken Griffey Jr. RC #15
• 1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. RC #33
• 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1
• 1988 Cal League All-Stars Ken Griffey Jr. RC #26
• 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T
• 1988 Best San Bernardino Spirit Platinum Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1
• 1989 Fleer Glossy Ken Griffey Jr. RC #548
• 1989 Bowman Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220

1989 Score Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #100T

Sale Price	$80
Sale Date	October 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Score Traded Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card #100T holds a special place among collectors for its nostalgic value and iconic status. Here’s a look at its market dynamics:

Supply: Total Graded 28,815 cards

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 4,957 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 14,745 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): Remaining cards

PSA 10 Value: A PSA card was sold on eBay in December 2023 for $80.

PSA 9 Value: A PSA card fetched $18 on eBay in November 2023.

overview: This card offering a unique glimpse into the early career of one of baseball’s greatest legends. Despite its limited release, the card’s value has remained relatively stable, making it a sought-after addition to any Griffey Jr. collection.

1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T

Sale price	$98
Sale Date	October 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card #41T is a highly sought-after collectible due to its premium features and limited availability. Its value is significantly influenced by its condition, market sentiment, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s enduring popularity.

Supply: Total Graded 84,005 cards

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 13,486 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 47,418 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): Remaining cards

PSA 10 value: In December 2023, a PSA 10 was sold on eBay for $98.

PSA 9 value: In December 2023, a PSA 9 was sold on eBay for $27.

Overview: The 1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is quite abundant, especially in high grades. The high supply of PSA 9 and PSA 10 examples keeps the Ken Griffey Jr. baseball card value and Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card values relatively moderate compared to rarer Griffey rookie cards

1989 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. RC #548

Sale price	$152
Sale Date	October 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card has become a cornerstone for collectors and investors alike, particularly among the most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. cards on the market today.

Supply: Total Graded: 62,172 cards

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 5,307 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 32,015 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): Remaining cards

PSA 10 value: In September 2023, a PSA 10 example was listed on eBay and fetched $152.

PSA 9 value: A PSA 9 version sold on eBay for $18 in September 2023.

Overview: The 1989 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is relatively common, particularly in higher grades. The supply of PSA 10s is significant, which contributes to its moderate price, while the PSA 9 value remains lower due to its higher availability.

1989 Donruss The Rookies Ken Griffey Jr. RC #3

Sale price	$187
Sale Date	November 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card #220 is a highly sought-after collectible due to Griffey’s iconic status in baseball and the card’s rarity.

Supply: The 1989 Donruss The Rookies card is relatively abundant, particularly in high grades:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 3,258 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 10,075 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 14,779 graded copies. The significant number of high-grade examples reflects the card’s accessibility.

PSA 10 Value: In November 2023, PSA graded gem mint 10 card was sold on eBay for $187.

PSA 9 Value: During the same month, PSA graded mint 9 cards fetched $25 on eBay.

Overview: The Rookies Ken Griffey is a highly sought-after rookie card known for its distinctive design featuring Griffey Jr. in a dynamic pose. Its unique features, including the card’s glossy finish and the inclusion of Griffey Jr.’s minor league statistics, make it a coveted item among collectors.

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220

Sale price	$217
Sale Date	October 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#220) is a beloved classic that captures the excitement of Griffey’s early career. Its broad availability has kept its market value more modest than some of his rarer rookie cards.

Supply: PSA, a leading card grading company, has evaluated a substantial number of these rookie cards. Out of 28,437 graded copies:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 2,373 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 13,420 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remainder falls into this category

PSA 10 Value: In November 2023, PSA graded gem mint 10 card was sold on eBay for $187.

PSA 9 Value: During the same month, PSA graded mint 9 cards fetched $25 on eBay

Overview: The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220 is a highly sought-after rookie card known for its distinctive design featuring Griffey Jr. in a dynamic pose. Its unique features include a glossy finish and a bright red background, making it a visually appealing addition to any collection.

1987 Bellingham Mariners Team Issue Ken Griffey Jr. RC #15

Sale price	$525
Sale Date	October 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card #220 is widely recognized as the most valuable trading cards from the late 20th century.

Supply: The 1987 Bellingham Mariners card is much rarer compared to other Griffey rookie cards. According to PSA:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 834 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 1,885 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining cards fall into this category. With only 3,370 total graded copies, this card’s scarcity, especially in gem mint condition.

PSA 10 value: A PSA 10 card was listed on eBay in November 2023 for $525 and sold for $515 in October of the same year.

PSA 9 value: In November 2023, a PSA 9 card was sold on eBay for $128.

Overview: The 1987 Bellingham Mariners Team Issue Ken Griffey Jr. RC #15 is a unique and valuable card due to its early release. As a team-issued card, it offers a glimpse into Griffey Jr.’s early career and is highly sought-after by collectors.

1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. RC #33

Sale price	$257
Sale Date	December 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#33) is a cornerstone in the sports card collecting, capturing the moment “The Kid” burst onto the baseball scene. Its popularity remains strong among collectors who seek both nostalgia and investment potential.

Supply: The 1989 Donruss Griffey rookie is one of the more widely graded cards, reflecting its widespread appeal. According to PSA:

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1

Sale price	$1825
Sale Date	December 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) is a groundbreaking collectible, symbolizing a pivotal moment in sports card history and remaining a must-have for any serious collector. Its iconic image and lasting appeal have solidified its status as a cultural treasure in the hobby.

Supply: Its immense popularity came widespread grading, but high-grade examples are still a rarity:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 4,122 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 66,811 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 102,944 graded copies. PSA 10 remains highly desirable due to its relatively low population compared to the total supply.

PSA 10 value: In December 2023, a PSA 10 card was sold on eBay for $1,825. In December 2020, a PSA 10 card fetched $1,725 at PWCC Auctions.

PSA 9 value: A PSA 9 card was sold on eBay for $174 in November 2023 and later for $155 in December 2023.

Overview: The sports cards, few items shine as brightly as the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Once a beacon of hope for collectors dreaming of fortune, this iconic card faced challenges that changed its value forever.

Finding a PSA-graded 9 or 8 offers an exciting opportunity for collectors seeking quality without breaking the bank. Some might search for the most expensive ken griffey jr cards hoping to hit a jackpot, those who focus on graded options often find hidden gems that hold their value well over time.

Long-time collectors understanding the landscape of ken griffey jr cards worth money is key to building a valuable collection that stands the test of time.

1988 Cal League All-Stars Ken Griffey Jr. RC #26

Sale price	$2,250
Sale Date	June 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	PWCC Auctions

Market Analysis: The 1988 Cal League All-Stars Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#26) is a rare and highly sought-after piece that captures Griffey’s early minor league days, making it a prized possession for serious collectors.

Supply: This card’s rarity is reflected in the limited number of graded examples:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): Only 19 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 115 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The rest of the 687 graded copies fall into this category. A low population of high-grade cards, the 1988 Cal League Griffey stands out as a true rarity in the market, making it a prized possession for collectors.

PSA 10 value: A PSA grade of 10 was sold on eBay in December 2022 for $2,550, while another example fetched $1,714 through PWCC Auctions in December 2020.

PSA 9 value: PSA grade of 9, one card was sold on eBay in February 2023 for $170, and a different one went for $128 via PWCC Auctions in December 2020.

Overview: In sports memorabilia, few things ignite as much passion as the hunt for rare trading cards. The 1988 California League set features 50 top players who showcased their talents in minor league baseball. But it’s Griffey’s rookie card that steals the spotlight and draws eager buyers into bidding wars at auctions or online marketplaces.

As collectors scour both physical shops and virtual platforms hoping to snag this coveted piece, its market value continues to rise—making it most valuable trading cards from 1989.

1989 Topps Traded Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T

Sale price	$3,200
Sale Date	June 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	PWCC Auctions

Market Analysis: The 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card is a coveted collectible due to its premium features and limited availability.

Supply: The Topps Traded Tiffany edition is significantly rarer than its standard counterpart, making high-grade examples especially valuable:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 339 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 1,421 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 2,281 graded copies. The scarcity of high-grade versions adds to the allure and value of this card.

PSA 10 value: The PSA grade 10 card was auctioned by PWCC in June 2023 for $3,200. Another PSA grade 10 was sold on eBay in November 2023 for $3,240.  

PSA 9 value: A PSA grade 9 card fetched $446 on eBay in October 2023. Another sale of a PSA grade 9 occurred later that same month for $380.

Overview: The 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T is a premium version of his standard rookie card, featuring glossy fronts and clear, easy-to-read backs. Produced with higher quality cardstock at Topps’ facility in Ireland and with a limited print run, this card is highly sought after by collectors and remains the most valuable Griffey Jr. rookie cards.

1988 Best San Bernardino Spirit Platinum Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1

Sale price	$4,400
Sale Date	June 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	PWCC Auctions

Market Analysis: The 1988 Best San Bernardino Spirit Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) is a cherished collectible that highlights Griffey’s early potential before his rise to stardom. Featuring him in his minor league days. This card holds a special place in the hearts of collectors seeking valuable Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card values that capture the roots of baseball greatness.

Supply: This card is evident in the limited number of graded copies:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): Only 17 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 92 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 311 graded copies. The low population of high-grade cards, the 1988 San Bernardino Spirit Griffey card is a true rarity in the market.

PSA 10 value: A PSA 10 card was auctioned by PWCC Auctions for $4,400 in June 2023 and previously sold for $6,300 in December 2022.

PSA 9 value: A PSA 9 card achieved a sale price of $810 at PWCC Auctions in April 2023.

Overview: This card, featuring grey borders, is rarer than the standard edition with blue borders, with only 1,300 copies printed. Despite its scarcity, the value of the Platinum edition has remained relatively stable compared to the blue-bordered version, likely due to the smaller overall production of the Best San Bernardino Spirit set.

1989 Fleer Glossy Ken Griffey Jr. RC #548

Sale price	$ 4,920
Sale Date	September 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	Heritage Auctions

Market Analysis: The 1989 Fleer Glossy Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#548) is a premium version of the standard Fleer release, distinguished by its high-gloss finish and limited print run. This Griffey’s rookie card offerings, combining rarity, quality, and the iconic image of early years in the majors.

Supply: It is glossy finish and limited production, the 1989 Fleer Glossy Griffey card is significantly rarer than its base counterpart:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 120 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 658 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 2,030 graded copies. The low number of graded examples, particularly in PSA 10, underscores the card’s scarcity and desirability among collectors.

PSA 10 value: A PSA graded 10 was auctioned by Heritage Auctions in September 2023 for $4,920. PSA 10 was sold on eBay in November 2023 for $3,830.

PSA 9 value: A PSA graded 9 card fetched $204 on eBay in September 2023 and slightly decreased to $202 when sold again on eBay in October 2023.

Overview: The 1989 Fleer Glossy Ken Griffey Jr. RC #548, featuring a glossy finish on the front and blue ink on the back, is a rarer edition compared to the standard Fleer set, with around 30,000 sets produced.

Its limited print run and distinctive features contribute to its higher value among Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards. This card remains a prized piece for collectors, especially when compared to other ken griffey jr baseball finest stars 1989 card.

1989 Bowman Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220

Sale price	$7,900
Sale Date	November 2023
Card Grading	PSA 10
Auction House	eBay

Market Analysis: The 1989 Bowman Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#220) is a gem in the world of baseball card collecting, celebrated for its rarity and striking design. It’s a must-have for enthusiasts chasing the pinnacle of Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card values.

Supply: The rarity of this card is evident in its graded population, especially in higher grades:

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): 157 cards
• PSA 9 (Mint): 473 cards
• PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint): The remaining portion of the 1,709 graded copies. With such limited availability, particularly in PSA 10.

PSA 10 value: This card was sold on eBay in November 2023 for $7,900. PSA grade of 10 was auctioned by PWCC Auctions in May 2023 for $8,400.

PSA 9 value: A PSA 9 card fetched $810 at a PWCC auction in April 2023 and was sold on eBay for $935 in September 2023.  

Overview: The 1989 Bowman Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC #220 features premium white cardstock and a glossy front, distinguishing it the most sought-after and expensive Ken Griffey Jr. cards. Its high-quality finish and limited production make it a prized addition for collectors.

Factors Determine the Value of a Ken Griffey Jr. card

The ken griffey jr rookie card values is influenced by several important factors. These factors play a crucial role in determining the Ken Griffey rookie card value and its appeal to collectors.

• Condition: The grading of the card (PSA 10, PSA 9, etc.) is the primary determinant of value.
• Rarity: The scarcity of the card, especially in high-grade conditions, can increase its value.
• Market Sentiment: The overall health of the sports card market can impact prices.
• Celebrity Influence: Ken Griffey Jr.’s continued popularity and iconic status can drive demand.
• Auction Results: Recent sales of similar cards can provide insights into current market prices.
• Card Variation: Different variations of the same card (e.g., Tiffany, Traded) can have varying values.
• Historical Significance: Cards associated with significant events or milestones in Griffey Jr.’s career may be more valuable.
• Collector Demand: Individual preferences and trends among collectors can influence prices.

Final Discussion

The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card market is dynamic and thrilling, with prices constantly fluctuating based on demand and condition. For those just starting out, these top 13 cards are among the highest-selling Ken Griffey Rookie Cards that were sold recently, making them valuable additions to any collection.

As Griffey Jr.’s legacy continues to grow, so too do ken griffey jr rookie card values, making them a wise investment for both passion and profit. Investing in a Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Baseball Card today could pay off significantly in the future.

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