Current Prices
Raw
$25
PSA 8
$100
PSA 9
$250
PSA 10
$3,500
Prices updated May 2026. Based on recent eBay sold listings and market data.
Should You Grade This Card?
✅ Yes — potential profit of $3,445 at PSA 10
Raw value: $25
PSA 10 value: $3,500
Grading cost: $30
Potential profit at PSA 10: $3,445
Gem rate: 5.6% (4,200 out of 75,000 graded)
PSA 10 value: $3,500
Grading cost: $30
Potential profit at PSA 10: $3,445
Gem rate: 5.6% (4,200 out of 75,000 graded)
Not sure about the grade? Scan it with SlabReady's 9-angle AI scan before you pay for grading.
About This Card
The card that launched Upper Deck as a brand. Ken Griffey Jr.'s 1989 Upper Deck rookie was THE card of the late '80s junk wax era but in high grade it still commands strong prices.
Grading Tips for Ken Griffey Jr.
- Being card #1 means it was often on top and took damage
- The dark blue/black border shows every edge and corner imperfection
- Many surviving copies have been handled extensively — finding pack-fresh is key
Grade Difficulty
hardThe card was #1 in the set so it sat on top of packs and was exposed to more handling. The 1989 card stock shows age and the dark borders reveal every chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Ken Griffey Jr. worth?
A Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC #1 from 1989 Upper Deck (1989) is currently worth approximately $25 raw, $100 in PSA 8, $250 in PSA 9, and $3,500 in PSA 10. Prices vary based on condition, centering, and recent sales.
Is it worth grading Ken Griffey Jr.?
Yes — a PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC #1 is worth $3,500, compared to $25 raw. After the $30 grading fee, the potential profit at PSA 10 is $3,445. However, the gem rate is only 5.6%, so use SlabReady to predict the grade before submitting.
What does PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. sell for?
A PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC #1 currently sells for approximately $3,500. There are 4,200 PSA 10 copies in the population out of 75,000 total graded, giving it a 5.6% gem rate.
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