The Dugout│Best Aaron Judge Rookie Cards
The Dugout│Best Aaron Judge Rookie Cards

The Dugout│Best Aaron Judge Rookie Cards

Investing for long-term gains? Aaron Judge rookie cards are the way to go. Get in early before prices skyrocket for this Hall of Fame prospect.

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An Aaron Judge rookie card is one of the hottest pieces of cardboard around, and it’s no surprise why. Packed with power and value, the 6-foot-7 slugger has set records and earned himself a spot in the hearts of baseball fans. 

Judge's prospect cards provide an excellent investment opportunity for collectors who fancy a long-term hold. For instance, his official rookie release in 2017, the Topps Heritage Real One Auto Red Ink, is limited to only 68 copies and can sell for as much as $20,000.

The 2017 Topps Aaron Judge RC #287 (Bat Under Arm) packs a powerful punch—It recently sold for as high as $5,000 in December 2022, making it one of the priciest cards around.

The 2017 Topps Chrome Red Refractor Auto is even rarer, with only two PSA-graded copies so far (all gem mints), and it sold for up to $5,650 in a 2021 Lelands auction. Imagine how high his cards can shoot up in value if he ends up in the Hall of Fame.

These cards will only rise in value as Judge hones in on his Hall of Fame trajectory. So, if you’re looking for an investment with the potential for high returns, an Aaron Judge rookie card is a pretty safe bet.

Who is Aaron Judge?

Aaron Judge is the 6-7ft, 282-pound former Fresno state Bulldogs outfielder who’s made a name for himself as a New York Yankee. Breaking the rookie home run record with 52-round trippers and winning Rookie of the Year back in 2017, followed by an injury-plagued few years, Judge upped his game to a new level in 2022.

Setting a new American League record for the most home runs hit in a season with 62, he won the AL MVP that same year. Following this, he became the highest-paid Yankee when he agreed to a nine-year, $360 million contract to stay with the New York Yankees. He is arguably the strongest, most valuable Yankee ever, and he puts on a show every time he steps up to the plate.

What makes Aaron Judge so special and beloved? Well, it's his humility and dedication to the community. Not only is he an incredible athlete, but he also understands his responsibility to give back to the community that supported him. He started The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation in 2018 to help provide youths with the tools to reach their dreams. In all, Aaron Judge is a beast in the batter’s box and a superstar in the community.

Most valuable Aaron Judge rookie cards to invest in

Aaron Judge's 2013 Bowman Chrome Superfractor rookie card made a big splash when it fetched a staggering $324,000 on the PWCC marketplace—showing how high these cards can go. 

But if you don't pack as much financial muscle, other cards like the 2017 Bowman Chrome (In Dugout) provide a more affordable entry point at an average price of $475. Or if you’re feeling lucky, you can try your hand at the 2017 Topps Road to Opening Day Aaron Judge rookie card now on eBay for $225,000.

1. 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Aaron Judge Rookie Card #BCAAJ

  • Price Range: $31 to $1,100 
  • Highest Sale Price: $8,500
  • PSA 10 Supply: 176
  • Type: Bowman Chrome

Aaron Judge's 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks rookie card #BCAAJ has its highest sale price at $8,500.
Source: psacard.com

Aaron Judge's 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks autograph is a must-have. It’s the holy grail for fans of the New York Yankee slugger, creating a frenzy for collectors. Only 176 copies of the PSA 10 version have been identified so far, but lower grades can still pull in a hefty price tag. The highest sale to date? A cool $8,500.

This card came along shortly after the Yankees drafted him in the first round of 2013. Among hobbyists, it’s like the feeling you got landing prized rookie cards of the ‘80s. That’s undoubtedly why the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Aaron Judge autograph reigns supreme. However, if you want something even rarer, you can go after the various Refractors. 

Generally, you can expect prices to range anywhere from $31 to $1,100. Of course, you can go double or nothing on the Refractors. But be warned: whichever path you choose, you’re definitely in for a wild ride.

2. 2017 Topps Heritage Red Ink Auto Aaron Judge Rookie Card

  • Price Range: $750 to $3,400
  • Highest Sale Price: $20,000
  • PSA 10 supply: 14
  • Type: Topps Heritage

2017 Topps Heritage Red Ink Auto Aaron Judge rookie cards showcase on-card signatures and are hand-numbered to just 68 copies.
Source: psacard.com

Aaron Judge's 2017 Topps Heritage Real One Auto Red Ink is no ordinary card. With only 68 copies in existence, it's one of the rarest collectibles of its kind. This card isn't fooling around either— it proudly proclaims Topps's official Certification of Autograph Issue and comes with an additional authenticity statement on the back. Pristine condition? Check. Gem Mint graded by BGS, PSA? Check, check. 

Although this card will set you back between $750 to $3,400, the Topps rookie's signature is worth every penny. One ambitious fan was even willing to cough up $20,000 to get their hands on this incredible piece. 

Well, if you want one of Judge's on-card Autograph inserts, this is the one for you—his bold crimson-colored signature is on full display and won't be easily forgotten. Plus, you'll get the additional flair of a classic '68 design. This isn't your regular card after all, so why settle? 

Don't let this one-of-a-kind card slip away. With only 19 BGS 10s and 14 PSA 10s so far, Judge's prospect signatures could vanish from the market soon.

3. 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Aaron Judge Rookie Cards BDPP19

  • Price Range: $49 to $120
  • Highest Sale Price: $1,404
  • PSA 10 Supply: 1,213
  • Type: Bowman Chrome

A collector listed and sold a gem mint 2013 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge New York Yankees BDPP19 rookie card for $1,404 on eBay in October 2022.
Source: www.psacard.com

Collectors also have their eyes on Aaron Judge's 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks BDPP19 rookie card, which carries the same clean lines and white borders as the other Bowman Chromes. This card has a much higher print run, as evidenced by the over 2,670 PSA-graded copies available. Over 1,200 have earned a gem Mint 10, which carries a premium with ardent collectors.

Speaking of prices, a PSA 10 of this card sold for $395 in February 2023, but if you’re looking for a real bang for your buck, take a look at Probstein123’s gem-mint 2013 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge New York Yankees BDPP19 rookie card, which sold for $1,404. Not bad for a card with a price tag ranging from $49 to $120—pocket change, right?

Judge has entertained fans since joining Major League Baseball and appears to have a similar effect on collectors. It’s no wonder why his cards get snatched up pretty quickly. Don’t wait too long, though—Judge will become one of the most sought-after players in the MLB for years, making his rookie cards a valuable commodity.

4. 2013 Leaf Memories Autograph Aaron Judge Rookie Card

  • Price Range: $360 to $3,000
  • Highest Sale Price: $3,000
  • PSA 10 Supply: 13
  • Type: Leaf Memories

2013 Leaf Memories Autograph Aaron Judge rookie cards already sold for $750 and $1,500 in 2023 alone. But the highest recorded sale price to date sits at $3,000.
Source: psacard.com

The 2013 Leaf Memories Autograph Aaron Judge Card A-AJ1 is here. This unique card is one to consider adding to your collection as it evokes memories of the ’90s. Plus, it comes with a hard-signed autograph—no fakes here. The prices can range widely—it's not uncommon to see them anywhere between $360 to $3,000. 

Each box guarantees five Prospect Autographs and this card is one of the highlights. If that wasn't enough, the sweet design comes with awesome and numbered parallels—like Blue (50 copies or less), Gold (25 copies or less), Green (a mere 10 copies or less), Red (just five copies or less), plus special Black (1 copy only), Printing Plate Black (1 copy), Cyan (also 1 copy), Magenta (say it with me: 1 copy), and Yellow (you guessed it—1 copy only).

Aaron Judge had already joined an elite group of ballplayers when he got into the 2013 MLB Draft. Now collectors can commemorate the Rookie of the Year's entry into the major leagues with the exclusive 2013 Leaf Memories Autograph Aaron Judge Rookie Card A-AJ1. With its sleek '90s-inspired design and hard-signed autograph, this card brings together nostalgia, prospecting, and autograph collecting in a way that no other card can.

The most recent sales can put a smile on any collector's face—a BGS 9.5 for $1,500 in February 2023 and a PSA gem mint for $750 in January 2023. And if that doesn't give you enough motivation, the highest sale price recorded for this card is a juicy $3,000 at an eBay auction in December 2022.

5. 2013 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autographs Aaron Judge

  • Price Range: $287 to $2,000
  • Highest Sale Price: $6,500
  • PSA 10 Supply: 68
  • Type: Bowman Sterling

This BGS 9.5 2013 Bowman Sterling Prospect Auto selling for $6,500 on eBay shows the potential of these cards to command juicy prices as a long-term investment.
Source: ebay.com

Aaron Judge is one of the most exciting new players in baseball, and his 2013 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autograph is a cool pick for any collector. The card features an on-card autograph with Judge in the signature Yankees style, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg—with prices ranging from a very affordable $287 to $2,000. 

Who says you can't afford to collect? As they say, it's better to have loved and lost in the sports card world than never to have loved at all.

Don't worry, Judge fans, 2013 Bowman Sterling Baseball has you covered. It's the set with the most rookies and autographs from key prospects of the year, with each pack boasting three autograph cards. That's 18 autographs per box if you spread those autograph cards across six packs. 

You'll also find plenty of additional cards, which are refractor parallels numbered from 150 to 1. With Superfractors and Printing Plates thrown in for good measure, you can create a Judge-filled collection that won't break the bank.

Recent sales show just how hot Aaron Judge cards can get. Check this out: People have sold a BGS 9.5 2013 Bowman Sterling Prospect Aaron Judge autographed card for a ginormous $6,500 just in December 2022, while a BGS 8.5 went for a bumper $2,000. 

In February of 2023, a BGS 9 sold for $799, and in January of the same year, another BGS 9 moved for a sweet $444. It's impressive to see just how fast these things move.

6. 2017 Topps Aaron Judge Rookie Card #287 (Bat Under Arm)

  • Price Range: $385 to $3,155
  • Highest Sale Price: $5,000
  • PSA 10 Supply: 9
  • Type: Topps

Being one of the hardest to track, the 2017 Topps Aaron Judge #287 (Bat Under Arm) is a rare, pricey card—with a PSA 9 card recently selling for $5,000 in December 2022. Source: ebay.com

The 2017 Topps Aaron Judge RC #287 (Bat Under Arm) packs a powerful punch. Boasting just over two dozen graded cards, with nine achieving the ultimate PSA gem-mint status so far, it’s no surprise that this epic Rookie Card is one of the most treasured of the season. It recently sold for as high as $5,000 in December 2022, making it one of the priciest cards around. 

It's not hard to see why it's so valuable. Packed full of power, Topps’ flagship set gave us several different photos of Judge, however, this one is one of the toughest to track down. With an abundance of enthusiasm around the sport and the player, demand for this card is on the high side.

In August 2022, a lucky collector shelled out a huge $4,500 for one gem-mint beauty, while another PSA 10 sold for a lower price at $2,134 in September 2022. Other sales not too far back include a PSA 9 at $449 (February 2021) and a PSA 8 at $385 (December 2020).

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these gems, you’ve acquired an incredible asset. So if you want to amass a Collection fit for an MVP, hunt down the 2017 Topps Aaron Judge RC #287 (Bat Under Arm).  Who knows, you could be the next one to score the big bucks for these one-of-a-kind Babe Ruth of Baseball cards.

7. 2017 Panini National Treasures Aaron Judge Rookie Card Auto Jersey #162

  • Price Range: $416 to $2,850
  • Highest Sale Price: $9,000
  • Supply: 5
  • Type: Panini National Treasures

An autographed 2017 Panini National Treasures Aaron Judge RC Auto Jersey #162 /99 sold for $9,000 on eBay in February 2023.
Source: ebay.com

From the high-end masterful designs of 2017 Panini National Treasures arises an all-time great with a Rookie Card worthy of the best—the 2017 Panini National Treasures Aaron Judge RC Auto Jersey #162. 

This masterpiece is not your everyday card as it comes with two of the most sought-after components—a signature and a swatch. Yes, the card appears with Judge's on-card signature, an even more impressive piece of memorabilia, and a variety of possible swatches. 

For those brave enough to question its price range between $400 to $2,800, it should come as no surprise that this gem was recently purchased for an overwhelming $9,000 on eBay in February 2023 due to being pre-owned and in BGS 9 condition. 

Furthermore, demonstrating its extreme rarity and worth, there are only five of these cards with PSA 10 grading. On February 8th, 2023, another was sold, this time at a slightly more reasonable price of $3,000. 

Not only limited to 99, but it also has alternate versions of Gold (/49), Holo Gold (/25), Holo Silver, Brand Logo (1/1), Laundry Tag (1/1), Platinum (1/1), Printing Plates Black (1/1), Printing Plates Cyan (1/1), Printing Plates Magenta (1/1), and Printing Plates Yellow (1/1)—truly a magnificent rarity that should not be taken lightly. 

It's clear the 2017 Panini National Treasures Aaron Judge RC Auto Jersey #162 is truly a collector's dream come true, and we encourage all fellow hobbyists and admirers to seize this opportunity before it's too late and these majestic cards disappear into the void.

8. 2017 Panini Donruss Optic Auto Holo Aaron Judge Rated Rookie Card

  • Price Range: $200 to $1,500
  • Highest Sale Price: $1,500
  • PSA 10 Supply: 11
  • Type: Panini Donruss

The 2017 Panini Donruss Optic autograph Aaron Judge (Holo) rookie card has just 11 PSA-rated gem mints and comes with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500.
Source: psacard.com

The 2017 Panini Donruss Optic autograph Aaron Judge (Holo) Rookie card is another cool piece of memorabilia. With a shiny chromium spin on the main Donruss set, this card will make any die-hard Judge fan’s heart skip a beat. 

Its solid stock and metallic shine get one feeling like Judge himself is in the room. But what puts this card over the top is the PSA 10 supply of 11, so you know you’re getting a rare item.

If you’re looking to get your hands on one, prepare to shell out a pretty penny—with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500. Of course, it’s not all about the money. The card also offers a great photo of Judge and a handsome layout, making it a great piece for any collector to have. 

It’s a bit like what Bowman Chrome is to Bowman, and Topps Chrome is for flagship Topps—except this one has the bonus of an autograph from the man himself.

In short, the 2017 Panini Donruss Optic autograph Aaron Judge Holo Rookie card is worth considering for any Judge fan looking to invest. Not only is it a great investment, but it’s an excellent way to honor such an iconic player. So if you’re looking to add some serious firepower to your collection, this card is one to take a shot at.

Is an Aaron Judge card a good investment?

People have been talking about Aaron Judge since he hit home runs in his first two MLB games while wearing a Yankees jersey and broke Mark McGwire’s rookie home run record. Trying to predict the market for Aaron Judge cards is difficult, but they have been a good investment since his impressive 2016 season. 

From his first card to additional cards, have continued to rise in value as he has helped the Yankees secure a postseason berth, set the MLB record for rookie home runs, and won the Home Run Derby. With his reputation for power, there's no telling what he could do next. Despite the occasional injury, Aaron Judge remains one of baseball’s biggest stars, so investing in an Aaron Judge rookie card could be a great investment.