If you are wondering how much is a Don Mattingly baseball card worth, the answer depends on year, condition, and print run. High-grade examples of his most iconic cards can command significant premiums, while common base cards remain affordable.
Below you will find a detailed breakdown of key Don Mattingly cards, condition benchmarks, and market trends to help you quickly size up value.
| Card Name | Year | Typical Grade Range | Market Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Topps Don Mattingly | 1983 | PSA 8–9 | $150–$400 |
| 1983 Topps Traded Mattingly | 1983 | PSA 8–9 | $75–$200 |
| 1986 Donruss No. 148 | 1986 | PSA 8–9 | $60–$150 |
| 1987 Fleer Sticker Refractor | 1987 | PSA 9–10 | $300–$1,200+ |
| 1991 Upper Deck Piece of History | 1991 | Pristine 10 | $400–$1,500+ |
Evaluating Condition and Grading Standards
Condition is the single biggest driver of price when you ask how much is a Don Mattingly baseball card worth. Professional grading services like PSA, BGS, and SGC assign numerical grades that instantly communicate eye appeal and centering.
Key Grading Benchmarks
Cards rated PSA 8 or BGS 8 typically show light handling but retain strong eye appeal, while PSA 9–10 examples display minimal to no imperfections. Small differences in grade can double or triple value for key issues.
Rarity, Print Run, and Signature Variants
Scarcity dramatically influences how much is a Don Mattingly baseball card worth. Short print runs, sticker parallels, and authentic signed pieces create measurable premiums in the marketplace.
High-Value Variants to Seek
- 1987 Fleer Sticker Refractor parallels with low serial numbers
- 1991 Upper Deck Piece of History memorabilia cards
- Autographed game-used jersey pieces mounted in slabs
- Yankees anniversary and specialty insert cards
Market Trends and Recent Sales Data
Tracking completed auction results and retailer listings helps you understand current demand. Platforms like eBay, Heritage, and Goldin provide transparent pricing evidence for specific grades.
| Grade | 1983 Topps | 1986 Donruss | 1987 Fleer Sticker |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA 8 | $200 | $100 | $600 |
| PSA 9 | $400 | $150 | $900 |
| PSA 10 | $800 | $250 | $1,200+ |
Values reflect active market interest and can shift quickly during auction cycles or when a new wave of collectors enters the hobby.
How to Authenticate and Grade Your Card
Securing an authoritative grade is the most reliable way to answer how much is a Don Mattingly baseball card worth in today’s market. Submitting to PSA, BGS, or SGC protects both buyer and seller by standardizing eye appeal.
Practical Steps
- Photograph the card front and back in neutral lighting
- Compare centering and corners against grade examples online
- Choose a reputable grading service and follow submission guidelines
- Factor grading cost and turnaround time into your decision
Where to Buy and Sell
Knowing where to trade influences realized value. Auction houses, online marketplaces, and local card shops each offer different liquidity and price discovery.
Best Channels for High-Value Sales
- Heritage Auctions and Goldin for high-end pieces
- eBay completed listings for recent sold comparables
- COMC and Beckett Marketplace for graded population analysis
- Local card shops and shows for quick face-to-face deals
Key Takeaways for Collectors
- Condition and professional grading have the largest impact on value
- Rarer parallels and signed pieces command consistent premiums
- Monitor completed sales to time purchases and sales strategically
- Authenticate before buying high-dollar pieces to avoid counterfeits
FAQ
Reader questions
How much is a PSA 10 1983 Topps Don Mattingly worth?
Examples in PSA 10 typically trade between $600 and $1,200, depending on centering, surface, and current auction activity.
Is the 1987 Fleer Sticker Refractor more valuable than the base card?
Yes, the refractor parallel often triples or quadruples the value of the base card, especially in PSA 9 or 10 condition.
Do autographed Don Mattingly cards hold their value better?
Signed pieces, particularly those with game-used memorabilia, tend to appreciate more steadily than standard printed cards.
What is the most affordable high-grade Don Mattingly card to start a collection?
A PSA 8 1986 Donruss in a mid-hundred-dollar range offers a solid balance of eye appeal and affordability for new collectors.