Ken Griffey Jr. Card Value Guide

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card Value (Updated July 2025)

Quick-Stats Panel

Understanding the current market dynamics for Ken Griffey Jr.'s rookie card requires an in-depth look at sales comps, player performance, and collector sentiment. Over the past 30 to 90 days, the following insights have emerged: -

Sales Comps:

Recent transactions on marketplaces like eBay.com and sportscardinvestor.com indicate a steady demand with stable pricing or slight fluctuations depending on card grade and condition. -

Player Statistical Performance:

Although Griffey retired in 2010, his career stats still resonate; 630 home runs, 13 All-Star appearances, and 10 Gold Glove Awards. -

Market Demand:

Continues to be strong, driven by nostalgia, Griffey’s Hall of Fame status, and an uptick in vintage card interest. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive, bolstered by recent feature documentaries and ongoing fan engagement through memorabilia shows and baseball history events.

Price Table

Here is a snapshot of the 30-day average sale prices for Griffey’s iconic 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card (#1) across PSA and SGC grades:

Grade	PSA	SGC
Gem Mint 10	$2,500	$2,300
Mint 9	$500	$480
NM-MT 8	$250	$230
NM 7	$150	$140
EX-MT 6	$90	$85
VG-EX 5	$50	$45
VG 4	$40	$38
Good 3	$30	$28
Fair 2	$20	$18
Poor 1	$10	$8

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, Griffey’s rookie card has experienced a rollercoaster of valuations: -

Peak:

The card reached a high in April 2025, driven by baseball season excitement and a Ken Griffey Jr. exhibit at the Hall of Fame. -

Dip:

A slight dip occurred in December 2024 due to off-season lows and holiday spending shifts. -

Current Trajectory:

As of July 2025, the card is slowly climbing, reflecting increased interest in vintage cards with the baseball season in full swing.

Other Key Cards

Besides the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card, collectors should consider:

1989 Bowman Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr.

- A scarce and high-value card due to its limited print run and glossy finish.

1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr.

- Not as valuable as the rookie card but holds significance for completing a Griffey card collection.

1989 Donruss Rated Rookie Ken Griffey Jr.

- A popular and affordable option for collectors looking to start investing in Griffey memorabilia.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

Current population reports from PSA.com and sportscardinvestor.com highlight: -

PSA:

Approximately 4,000 PSA 10 graded Upper Deck rookie cards. -

SGC:

Around 1,500 SGC 10 equivalents. Scarcity drives demand, particularly for high-grade (PSA 10, SGC 10) cards, which command premium prices due to limited availability and the card's iconic status.

Player Bio

Ken Griffey Jr., known affectionately as "The Kid," boasts a legendary career: -

Career Stats:

630 HRs, .284 Batting Average, 2,781 Hits -

Achievements:

13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, and 1997 AL MVP -

Hall of Fame:

Inducted in 2016, celebrating his extraordinary impact on the game.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

Considering Griffey's legacy and current market conditions, our recommendation is: -

Buy:

For high-grade rookies or rare cards like the Bowman Tiffany, as they are likely to appreciate. -

Hold:

Mid-grade cards as the market stabilizes post-season. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards if you’re looking to reallocate investments or capitalize on current demand.

FAQs (JSON Format)

Here are some common questions and concise answers for collectors: In summary, Ken Griffey Jr.'s rookie card remains a valuable asset for collectors, reflecting both nostalgia and financial potential. As the market evolves, staying informed and strategic in your investments will ensure a rewarding collecting experience.

🔥 Top 6 Auctions by Bids:

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey, Jr. #1 RC PSA 9 Mint Dead Centered Gorgeous!
$195.59 · 36 bids · 1 days 21 hours 55 minutes
🔥Mega Sports Card Lot—Graded/Autos/SP/Jersey/Patch/RC/Legends/Numbered/Color💥
$202.50 · 33 bids · 19 hours 15 minutes
1989 UPPER DECK STAR ROOKIE #1 KEN GRIFFEY JR. RC MARINERS HOF PSA 9
$203.50 · 32 bids · 23 hours 30 minutes
1989 Ken Griffey Jr Upper Deck #1 RC Rookie BGS 9.5+++(10/9.5/10/9.5)**.5 Away**
$680.00 · 30 bids · 8 days 21 hours 16 minutes
Randy Johnson 1989 Upper Deck #25 Rookie Card PSA 10 Gem Mint
$132.50 · 28 bids · 1 days 20 hours 41 minutes
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie RC #1 Mariners PSA 9 MINT
$195.06 · 27 bids · 1 days 23 hours 51 minutes

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on the most recent sales data from eBay and sportscardinvestor.com.

What does PSA 10 mean?

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

Why is the 1989 Upper Deck rookie card so valuable?

It’s iconic due to its design, Griffey’s status, and its place in the hobby’s history.

What affects the price of a Ken Griffey Jr. card?

Factors include card condition, grading, market demand, and historical significance.

Is Ken Griffey Jr. still involved in baseball?

Yes, he is active in promoting the sport and occasionally appears at events and exhibitions.

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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