Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Value Guide

1989 Topps Traded #98T

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 30, 2025

# Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card Value (Updated August 2025) As we delve into the world of sports card investment, the allure of owning a Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card remains unmatched. Known for his exceptional career and iconic status, Griffey's cards are a staple in any serious collector's portfolio. This blog post will provide insights into the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card market as of August 2025, including stats, price trends, and investment potential.

Quick-Stats Panel

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Sales Comps Data:

Over the past 30-90 days, Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card sales have shown a stable increase of approximately 5% on platforms like eBay and Goldin Auctions. -

Market Demand:

Rising demand driven by new collectors entering the market and nostalgic purchases from seasoned investors. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive, owing to Griffey's continued legacy presence and recent baseball documentaries highlighting his career.

Price Table

Below is the 30-day average sale prices of Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards across PSA and SGC grades:

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$1,200	$950
9	$550	$500
8	$250	$200
7	$150	$120
6	$100	$80
5	$60	$50
4	$40	$35
3	$30	$25
2	$20	$15
1	$10	$8

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards have experienced a dynamic trajectory: -

January 2024:

Slight dip due to post-holiday market saturation. -

April 2024:

Peak in prices coinciding with MLB opening day and increased interest. -

July 2024:

Another peak during the All-Star break, driven by heightened media coverage. -

October 2024:

Gradual decline due to market stabilization. -

Current:

Trending upwards post-2025 summer, attributed to renewed collector interest.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

Aside from the rookie card, collectors should consider:

1989 Upper Deck #1:

Known for its iconic design and historical significance, it's a must-have.

1989 Fleer #548:

Popular for its affordability and classic look.

1989 Donruss #33:

A staple in the Donruss series, valued for its nostalgic appeal.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

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PSA Population:

Approximately 12,000 graded, with 2,500 in PSA 10 condition. -

SGC Population:

Roughly 8,000 graded, with 1,500 in SGC 10 condition. -

Scarcity:

High-grade cards are scarce, driving up prices, while lower-grade cards remain accessible.

Player Bio

Ken Griffey Jr., known as "The Kid," was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. His charisma and style made him a global icon.

Best Cards to Buy Now

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Outlook:

-

Buy

for PSA 10 and SGC 10 grades due to their rarity. -

Hold

for PSA 9 and SGC 9 as prices are stable. -

Sell

lower grades if planning to upgrade your collection. -

Recommendation:

Consider investing in high-grade cards as they offer potential for future appreciation, especially as Griffey's legacy continues to inspire new generations.

Summary

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards remain a compelling investment due to their nostalgic and historical significance. As demand continues to rise, high-grade cards represent a unique opportunity for growth. Stay informed through reputable sources like eBay.com, PSA.com, and sportscardinvestor.com to make informed decisions.

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from platforms like eBay and market insights from sports card investing experts.

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

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), Panini Prizm are known for strong long-term value.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to determine if grading will add value.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect with no visible flaws.

Why are high-grade cards more valuable?

High-grade cards are rarer and command higher prices due to their pristine condition and scarcity.

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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