What is the Best Aaron Judge Rookie Card?
Tracking the Top 10 Aaron Judge Rookie Cards and Their Worth
What is the best Aaron Judge rookie card?
Baseball cards are more than just pieces of cardboard with photos printed on them. To true collectors, they are a piece of history and a relic of the spectacular feats of the players they admire and root for.
And very few modern MLB players have inspired as much admiration and awe as the New York Yankees right-fielder, #99, Aaron Judge, which is why his rookie card is highly desirable as both a collector’s item and investment.
The Aaron Judge Rookie Card Trend
Since his Major League Baseball debut with the Yankees in 2016, Aaron Judge has won the hearts of Yankees fans (and MLB fans in general) with his imposing physical stature (he stands 6 feet, 7 inches tall), outstanding defensive skills and arm strength, and most notably his incredible home run power
Judge’s exceptional skill and charisma, combined with the fact that he plays for one of the most popular and well-known professional sports teams in the world, The New York Yankees, has made his rookie card one of the most sought after of any professional athlete.
In fact, the Aaron Judge rookie card has been trending since his 2017 season when he won American League Rookie of the Year by batting .284 with 52 home runs and an OPS of 1.049. Since then, the values of his rookie cards have continued to climb over the years and early investors were further rewarded in 2022 when Judge blasted 62 home runs, breaking the American League single-season record and earning him his first career MVP award.
So, what are the most valuable and coveted Aaron Judge rookie cards? Here are our top ten:
The Top 10 Aaron Judge Rookie Cards:
What is the best Aaron Judge rookie card and why?
Disclaimer: This post is meant to celebrate and highlight Judge’s most popular rookie cards. This is not financial or investment advice. When investing in sports cards, it is essential to consider the card's condition and grading, and to purchase from reputable sources. The prices can vary significantly based on these factors and the current demand in the market.
1.) 2013 Bowman Draft Picks Aaron Judge Rookie Card #BDPP19
The Bowman base or Chrome-version is a must-have rookie card for any serious Aaron Judge collector. This 1st Bowman card displays a youthful Judge in a powerful stance foreboding the prolific power hitter he will eventually become.
The 2013 Bowman Draft Picks Aaron Judge rookie card is the very first card of Aaron Judge in a Yankees uniform ever produced.
Base Version
Chrome Version
2.) 2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Rookie Card #169
The very first Aaron Judge Topps rookie card features him during his rookie season and is a favorite amongst collectors who seek to hold his debut Topps baseball card.
Note that there is also a short-print variant version of the 2017 Aaron Judge Topps rookie card with a photo of him running the bases that is also highly coveted.
Base version
Photo SP variant
3.) 2017 Topps Update Aaron Judge Rookie Card US166
This Aaron Judge rookie card Topps mid-season release shows judge during his historic 2017 season where he would slug 52 home runs and win the AL Rookie of the Year Award and finish 2nd in the AL MVP voting.
The 2017 Topps Update also includes a short-print photo variant version.
Base version
Photo SP Variant
4.) 2013 Panini Elite Extra Edition Aaron Judge Rookie Card #122
This Aaron Judge rookie card does not feature him in a Yankees uniform, but it remains sought after due to its limited release and variants that include a die-cut and autographed version, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Green Variant
Red Autograph Variant
5.) 2017 Topps Heritage Aaron Judge Rookie Card #214
Two of Judge’s most popular early cards are his 2017 Tops Heritage Rookie Card #214 and his sophomore 2018 Rookie Cup Card #25 because of their throwback designs that pay homage to Judge’s talent and the rich history of baseball cards, making this Aaron Judge Topps rookie card and rookie card cup great additions to any collection.
2017 Topps Heritage
2018 Topps Heritage
6.) 2017 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge Rookie Card #56
Bowman Chrome rookie cards are always popular among baseball card collectors, and Judge's 2017 Bowman Chrome rookie card is no exception.
Base Chrome
Orange Refractor Variant
7.) 2013 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Aaron Judge Rookie Card #131
The 2013 Panini Prizm Draft Picks set includes a few of Judge’s very first cards. For fans who don’t mind that he is not featured in a Yankees uniform, the set offers base card #131 as well as a Prospects Signatures autograph insert #33, both of which are must-haves for any investor trying to collect all of Judge’s rookie cards.
Base Card #131
Prospect Signatures #33
8.) 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter Aaron Judge Rookie Card #172
The Allen & Ginter set has a vintage design that greatly stands out from other 2017 baseball cards.
Base Card
Black Variant
9.) 2017 Topps Stadium Club Aaron Judge Rookie Card #64
Known for its exceptional photography, Topps Stadium Club rookie cards are always a fan favorite and the especially clean 2017 design featured during Judge’s rookie season makes this card of the most visually stunning Aaron Judge rookie cards on this list.
Base Card
Autograph Variant
10.) 2017 Donruss Optic Aaron Judge Rated Rookie Card #38
This Aaron Judge rookie card is a part of the ever-popular "Rated Rookie" series from Donruss and is a desirable addition to many Judge card collections.
Base Card
Holo Autograph Variant
What is the Best Aaron Judge Rookie Card?
While all of the above Aaron Judge rookie cards are sought-after, it is not the base cards, but the short-print (often autographed) variants in excellent condition (graded a 9 or higher by a reputable grading company such as BGS, PSA, or SGC) that are typically considered to have the most worth and resale value.
In our opinion, limited print SP versions of the 2013 Bowman Draft Picks Aaron Judge Rookie Card #BDPP19 make for the best Aaron Judge rookie cards. This card debuted ahead of Judge's MLB career, making it an appealing prospect for collectors and its value has increased significantly over the years due to Judge's rise to stardom. However, remember that the "best" card often depends on your personal preferences, collecting habits, and budget constraints.
Superfractor Auto
Orange Refractor Auto
Purple Refractor Auto
How Much is an Aaron Judge Rookie Card Worth?
Determining the exact dollar value of any Aaron Judge rookie card depends on several factors. These factors include the card's condition, the grading it has received from reputable professional grading companies (we only recommend PSA, BGS, and SGC), the variant of the card, and market demand at the time of sale.
For example, the 2013 Bowman Draft Picks Aaron Judge card can range from a few hundred to several tens of thousand dollars, depending on its condition and grading. In contrast, the 2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge card might cost anywhere from thirty to eighty dollars.
Of course, these dollar values can fluctuate over time. An exceptional season or playoff series from Judge, a milestone career achievement, or even his eventual retirement (or having his number retired) can lead to significant value changes for his rookie cards.
Wrap-Up:
Collecting rookie cards of Yankees slugger Aaron Judge can be both an exciting hobby and a potentially lucrative investment. However, it's extremely important to be careful and realistic when purchasing baseball cards with the belief that their value will continue to increase over time. Always do your research , verify the authenticity and condition of any cards you choose to purchase, and consult reliable pricing guides to ensure you're making an informed decision.
Finally, remember that while the value of rookie cards can rise, they can also fall and never recover to their highest values. Yet, for the true fan, the joy of owning a piece of baseball history can be priceless.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to honor and showcase the most sought-after rookie cards of Aaron Judge. It should not be interpreted as financial or investment guidance. When engaging in sports card investments, it's crucial to evaluate the condition and grading of the card and to buy from trustworthy vendors. The card prices can undergo substantial fluctuations, influenced by factors like the card's state, market demand, and grading.
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