Top 10 Most Iconic Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball Cards of All Time

• Posted: February 19, 2025, 1:06 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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Ken Griffey Jr. has been a cornerstone of the sports card collecting world since he burst onto the Major League scene in 1989. His effortless swing, electric personality, and highlight-reel plays made him one of baseball’s most beloved figures.

Over the decades, Griffey has appeared on more than 25,000 different cards, spanning the golden era of the late '80s and early '90s all the way through modern high-end releases. Some of his cards are hobby staples, while others are ultra-rare grails that command massive price tags.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most important Ken Griffey Jr. cards of all time, factoring in significance, rarity, and value.

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10. 1998 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #161 /50​

One of the most legendary parallel sets in trading card history, Precious Metal Gems (PMGs) took the hobby by storm in the late '90s. Griffey’s first PMG, limited to just 50 copies, remains one of his most valuable and sought-after cards. In March 2023, a BGS 8 copy sold for $54,000, highlighting its elite status among collectors.

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9. 1993 Finest Refractors #110​

As the first-ever mainstream Refractor, the 1993 Finest Griffey Refractor is a key piece of hobby history. With an estimated print run of only 241 copies, it remains one of the most important parallels ever made. This card not only introduced a technology that became a staple in collecting but also helped launch the Topps Chrome era, making it one of Griffey’s greatest non-autographed cards.

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8. 1998 SP Authentic Chirography #KG​

Among Griffey’s many signed cards, this 1998 SP Authentic Chirography release stands out due to its sleek, minimalist design and on-card autograph. Limited to only 400 copies, it remains one of his most desirable autographs. The crisp signature, combined with an iconic image of The Kid in his backward hat, makes it a fan favorite.

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7. 1999 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph /24​

Griffey has multiple autographed memorabilia cards, but this one is truly special. Part of Upper Deck’s early game-used jersey card era, this release was hand-numbered to just 24 copies. At the time, these cards were revolutionary, making them a cornerstone of any serious Griffey collection.

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6. 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany #41T​

While the standard 1989 Topps Traded Griffey rookie is widely available, the Tiffany version is a much rarer gem. Limited to 15,000 factory-set copies, the Tiffany edition features a high-gloss finish and premium cardstock, making it a significantly more valuable version of one of Griffey’s most recognizable rookie cards.

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5. 1997 Flair Showcase Masterpieces 1/1 #24​

As one of the first true 1/1 cards in the history of sports cards, the 1997 Flair Showcase Masterpieces holds legendary status. Each Griffey card in the set has three different 1/1 versions, and while their exact locations are unknown, they are considered some of the most valuable Griffey cards ever printed. This set changed the hobby, introducing the chase for true one-of-ones that continues to this day.

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4. 1994 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. / Mickey Mantle Autograph​

Pairing two of the game’s biggest legends, this dual-signed Griffey and Mickey Mantle card is a true masterpiece. With only 1,000 copies of the dual autograph version, it is one of the most coveted signed baseball cards ever. A BGS 9.5 copy sold for $57,600 in 2022, proving that this card remains a holy grail for collectors.

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3. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey #GJ1​

This card revolutionized the sports card industry by being one of the first-ever game-used jersey cards. Found in 1997 Upper Deck Series 1, the odds of pulling one were 1:800 packs, making it extremely rare at the time. Game-used relic cards are now standard, but this Griffey card helped start it all.

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2. 1989 Bowman Tiffany #220​

Although 1989 Bowman is often overshadowed by other Griffey rookie cards, the Tiffany edition elevates it to another level. With a limited print run of only 6,000 sets, this card is significantly rarer than the 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany. The glossy finish and premium feel make it a prized addition to any high-end Griffey collection.

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1. 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card #1​

The most iconic Ken Griffey Jr. card of all time, his 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card is arguably the defining card of an entire generation. As card #1 in Upper Deck’s debut set, it helped transform the hobby, setting a new standard for card quality with its sharp photography and premium cardstock.

Even decades later, this card remains a must-own for collectors. A PSA 10 regularly sells for over $2,000, and it remains one of the most instantly recognizable baseball cards in history.

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The Legacy of Ken Griffey Jr. Cards​

Ken Griffey Jr.’s influence on baseball and the trading card hobby is undeniable. His combination of talent, charisma, and historic moments ensures that his cards will remain among the most sought-after collectibles for generations to come. Whether you're chasing rare autographs, rookie cards, or iconic inserts, owning a Griffey card is like owning a piece of baseball history.