Are Base Rookie Cards and PSA 9s Too Cheap? A Closer Look at Modern Card Devaluation

There was a time—just a few short years ago—when pulling a base rookie card of a star player and sending it off for grading felt like striking gold. A PSA 9 or PSA 10 could bring strong returns, and base rookies were the backbone of any modern collector’s stash. But fast forward to today’s market, and the sentiment has shifted dramatically.

So what happened? Are base rookie cards and anything below a PSA 10 truly as devalued as they seem—or has the market overcorrected?

The Rise and Fall of the Base Card Boom

During the height of the COVID-era hobby boom, demand for rookie cards of players like Luka Dončić, Shohei Ohtani, Zion Williamson, and Fernando Tatis Jr. sent prices soaring. Even ungraded base rookies fetched impressive prices on platforms like eBay and Goldin.

Grading companies were overwhelmed, and PSA 9s were often seen as “just fine” for resale and long-term value. But as the population reports swelled and grading backlogs cleared, the reality set in: base rookies, especially in modern sets, weren’t that rare—and 9s were no longer enough.

PSA 10 or Bust?

We’re now in a market where anything less than a PSA 10 is often ignored by investors. In many cases, a PSA 9 sells for less than the cost of grading itself. Meanwhile, base cards—especially in flagship products—have dropped precipitously in resale value.

Why This Shift Happened:

• Massive Print Runs – Companies printed modern cards at high volume again, echoing the 1990s.
• Serial Numbered Cards Took Over – Rarity now lies in parallels, autos, and low-numbered cards.
• Investor Influence – Many market participants are flippers or short-term speculators, driving a PSA 10-or-nothing mindset.

Have We Gone Too Far?

Here’s the twist: some argue that we’ve overcorrected. In a sea of ultra-modern, low-pop cards, the idea of a clean base rookie—especially of a key player—still holds merit. After all, it’s often the most iconic representation of a player’s early career.

PSA 9s can be excellent condition cards, frequently off by a hairline centering issue or a soft corner. Yet they’re priced as if they’re borderline worthless. This opens a window of opportunity for value-conscious collectors.

Examples of Undervalued PSA 9s & Base Rookies

• Mike Trout 2011 Topps Update (PSA 9) – Still a blue-chip card with strong demand, despite the 9 label.
• Luka Dončić Prizm Base (PSA 9) – Once $600+, now under $100; still Luka's most recognizable rookie.
• Jayson Tatum Optic Base (PSA 9) – Priced low despite strong playoff performances and long-term appeal.

What This Means for Collectors

Base rookies and PSA 9s shouldn’t be dismissed outright. In fact, they may be one of the last remaining inefficiencies in the modern market—especially for collectors who aren’t chasing quick flips.

Consider this:

• Population reports will likely plateau for 2018–2021 products, adding long-term scarcity.
• PSA 9s still provide strong eye appeal and protection at a fraction of the cost.
• Iconic rookie cards—regardless of the grade—can appreciate as players enter the Hall of Fame or achieve milestones.

Final Thoughts

The modern hobby has swung hard in favor of shiny, scarce, and serial-numbered. But that doesn’t mean everything else is worthless. As the market matures, collectors are beginning to recognize that base rookies and PSA 9s offer a foundation of affordability, nostalgia, and accessibility.

And for the savvy hobbyist? That could mean long-term upside hiding in plain sight.

Explore our curated collection of base rookies and graded cards at Tangiers Collectibles and Cards—where real collectors still see real value.