Aaron Judge is a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball (MLB), serving as an outfielder for the New York Yankees since 2016. He made his MLB debut on August 13, 2016, and has quickly garnered attention for his impressive home runs, exceptional defensive skills, and leadership qualities. Since entering the league, Judge has become one of the most popular figures in baseball. His rookie cards have skyrocketed in value, becoming highly coveted among collectors.
Notable among these cards is the incredibly rare 2013 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge Autographed Superfractor card. Often referred to as a "holy grail" for avid collectors. Judge's playing style combines formidable power with finesse, positioning him as an icon for future generations of players. Interestingly enough, Aaron Judge’s rookie card market is rich with unique and unexpected gems. In this article, we will delve into the top ten most valuable Aaron Judge rookie cards, highlighting what sets them apart and where you can find them.
How many Aaron Judge rookie cards are there?
Aaron Judge has an extensive collection of rookie cards, with his appearances in 18,937 cards according to the Trading Cards database, as of 2024. This impressive figure is a result of his MLB debut and his award-winning Rookie of the Year season in 2017. His rookie card offerings encompass a variety of brands such as Topps, Panini, and Bowman, featuring different types including autographed versions, relics, parallels, and exclusive limited-edition sets.
Among these are many variations ranging from standard mass-produced cards to rare collectibles; specifically, he had 1,953 cards issued throughout his official rookie year in 2017. While 2017 is primarily recognized as the key year for Aaron Judge's rookie cards, his pre-MLB prospect cards from 2013 also retain considerable value.
Which are the top 10 most valuable Aaron Judge's rookie cards?
2013 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge Autographed Superfractor (#BCA-AJ): The crown jewel of Aaron Judge's rookie card lineup, this 1-of-1 card is the most valuable. This card features a unique gold design and Judge’s autograph, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
2017 Topps Aaron Judge Rookie Cup Card (#87): The Rookie Cup card highlights Judge's fantastic rookie season. This card is popular among collectors due to its iconic design and Judge's status as one of the best rookies of his era.
2017 Panini Chronicles Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#8): A unique entry, this card comes from a multi-brand set that includes various designs. The Chronicles card is a standout due to its distinctive look and limited availability.
2017 Topps Stadium Club Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#64): Known for its high-quality photography, the Stadium Club card features an excellent image of Judge in action. The card's glossy finish and sharp imagery make it a favorite among collectors.
2017 Donruss Optic Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#6): This card combines the classic Donruss design with a modern Optic finish. It's a favorite due to its bright, clean design and Judge's prominent presence on the card.
2017 Bowman Draft Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#BD-40): Bowman's draft cards are always popular among collectors due to their association with top prospects. This card highlights Judge's early days and is a must-have for serious collectors.
2017 Topps Update Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#US1): The Topps Update card commemorates Judge's breakthrough season and is highly collectible due to its release timing and Judge's impressive rookie stats.
2017 Topps Heritage Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#214): Heritage cards are known for their retro design, paying homage to classic Topps sets. This card features Judge with a vintage look, appealing to both modern and nostalgic collectors.
2017 Topps Finest Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#33): Topps Finest cards are known for their glossy, premium finish. The Finest Rookie card features Judge in his Yankees uniform, with a sleek and modern design.
2017 Topps Opening Day Aaron Judge Rookie Card (#OD-5): Opening Day cards are released at the start of the season and often feature key players. This card is popular due to its early release and Judge's presence, marking the beginning of a memorable season.
Read more About:- Aaron Judge Draft Year
How much is the most expensive Aaron Judge rookie card worth?
Where can I purchase Aaron Judge rookie cards?
Aaron Judge rookie cards are widely available across various platforms, from online marketplaces to card shops and live auctions.
eBay: One of the most popular places for buying and selling sports cards, eBay offers a wide variety of Aaron Judge rookie cards, from affordable base versions to high-end autographed ones.
Goldin Auctions: Known for selling high-end sports memorabilia, Goldin Auctions often list rare and valuable Aaron Judge rookie cards.
PWCC Marketplace: Another platform for collectors, PWCC provides a secure marketplace for buying and selling premium cards.
Topps Website: You can find new releases of Aaron Judge cards on the official Topps website, especially for limited edition or special sets.
What is the Rarest Aaron Judge rookie card?
The rarest Aaron Judge rookie card is the 2013 Bowman Chrome Autographed Superfractor (#BCA-AJ). This unique 1-of-1 card stands as the only one of its kind ever created, establishing it as both the rarest and most prized. Collectors highly seek the Superfractor due to its combination of scarcity, signature, and striking design. Given its limited supply and significant value, it ranks among the rarest Aaron Judge rookie cards available.
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FAQ's On Aaron Judge's rookie card
A. Aaron Judge is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall, making him one of the tallest players in MLB.
A. Aaron Judge made his MLB debut on August 13, 2016, with the New York Yankees.
A. Aaron Judge hit 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017, setting a then-record for most home runs by a rookie in MLB history.
A. Yes, Aaron Judge set the single-season American League home run record in 2022, hitting 62 home runs.
A. Aaron Judge attended California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), where he played college baseball.