Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Value Guide

1989 Topps Traded #98T

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 19, 2025

Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Value (Updated July 2025)

# Quick-Stats Panel

Ken Griffey Jr., known as "The Kid," is one of the most iconic figures in baseball, making his rookie cards highly sought after. Let's take a look at the market statistics for his rookie cards based on recent sales data from top marketplaces like eBay, PSA, and SGC, alongside player stats and market sentiment over the past 30-90 days. -

Market Demand:

Strong, with an increase in searches and transactions. Griffey's legacy and widespread appeal keep demand steady. -

Recent Sale Prices:

Range from $1,200 to $4,500 depending on card grade. -

Sentiment:

Positive, buoyed by Griffey's continued presence in MLB events and media.

# Price Table

Here’s a breakdown of the 30-day average sale prices for Ken Griffey Jr.'s rookie card across different grading scales:

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$4,500	$4,200
9	$1,800	$1,700
8	$1,200	$1,100
7 and below	$800	$750

# 12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, Ken Griffey Jr.'s rookie card values have experienced noticeable fluctuations: -

Peaks:

In late fall 2024, prices surged during the MLB postseason, reflecting Griffey's continued relevance in baseball lore. -

Dips:

Early 2025 saw a downturn due to broader economic market conditions, affecting disposable incomes. -

Current Trajectory:

There's a recovery trend as collectors focus on iconic players with stable legacies.

# Other Key Cards

Aside from the primary rookie cards, several others hold significant collector value:

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card:

Renowned for its larger format and iconic photo, it's a staple among Griffey collections.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card #1:

Often regarded as one of the most famous baseball cards ever, it's a must-have for serious collectors.

1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card:

Known for its distinct design, it holds nostalgic value for many collectors.

# Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

PSA Population:

Approximately 3,500 graded at PSA 10, with a total of around 20,000 graded cards. -

SGC Population:

Around 2,000 graded at SGC 10, with a total of 15,000 graded cards. The relatively high population of these cards does not significantly detract from their value due to ongoing demand. However, pristine graded cards (PSA 10 and SGC 10) remain scarce and command premium prices.

# Player Bio

Ken Griffey Jr. was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and hit 630 home runs during his illustrious career. His charm and skill have left an indelible mark on baseball, maintaining his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

# Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

Buy:

If you are a new collector or a fan of Griffey’s legacy, now is a great time to buy while prices are stabilizing. -

Sell:

If you own multiple copies and need liquidity, selling select lower-grade cards could be strategic. -

Hold:

For high-grade cards, holding could yield long-term gains as Griffey’s influence continues to resonate within the baseball community.

# User Questions and Answers

In summary, Ken Griffey Jr.'s rookie cards remain a staple for collectors and investors alike. The combination of historical performance, ongoing market demand, and his larger-than-life presence in the sport guarantees these cards will continue to be treasured assets. Keep an eye on market conditions and player-related news to make informed decisions about buying, selling, or holding these iconic collectibles.

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

114145057 Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Topps Traded 41T Rookie RC PSA 8 HOF
$8.50 · 9 bids · 1 days 6 hours 18 minutes
1989 TOPPS TRADED #41T KEN GRIFFEY JR. ROOKIE RC PSA 8
$13.50 · 7 bids · 6 hours 42 minutes
SET OF 3 1989 TOPPS *TRADED TIFFANY* KEN GRIFFEY JR ROOKIE CARDS #41T
$108.00 · 5 bids · 23 hours 49 minutes
1989 Topps Traded - Ken Griffey Jr #41T (RC)
$4.25 · 4 bids · 1 hours 39 minutes
1989 Topps Traded Griffey Rookie Graded
$3.25 · 4 bids · 5 days 1 hours 18 minutes
114145056 Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Topps Traded 41T Rookie RC PSA 9 HOF
$2.25 · 4 bids · 1 days 6 hours 28 minutes

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent eBay sales data, PSA price guides, and market trends over the past 90 days.

What are the best brands to invest in for long-term value?

Upper Deck, Bowman, and Donruss are considered strong long-term investments for Ken Griffey Jr. cards.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. High-quality cards with minimal wear are typically worth grading.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect and the highest possible grade on PSA's scale.

How has Ken Griffey Jr.'s legacy impacted card values?

Griffey's enduring popularity and iconic status in baseball history maintain strong demand and value for his cards.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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