Justin Jefferson Rookie Card Market Guide

Justin Jefferson has quickly made his mark as one of the National Football League’s most exciting wide receivers. Thanks to a breakout rookie year, and even better second and third season campaigns, he’s already hailed as one of the top players in the league, with a level of gameplay that portends a potential Hall of Fame career. So, how do his rookie cards and their value stack up to his superb early start of his professional career? This guide will take a closer look at Jefferson’s career and his current rookie card values.

From the LSU Tigers to the Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson’s college career with the Louisiana State University Tigers included a record-breaking Peach Bowl performance. He caught 14 passes for 227 yards, as he pulled in four touchdowns against the Oklahoma Sooners in just the first half of the game. His performance in college put him on the map, leading to interest from scouts from across the NFL.

In 2020, Jefferson became a first-round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings when the franchise selected the wide receiver with the 22^nd overall pick. It didn’t take the young receiver long to get acclimated as an NFL pro. During Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, which the Titans won 31-30, Jefferson had a breakout game with seven receptions, 175 receiving yards and a touchdown.

During a Week 13 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jefferson broke the 1,000 receiving yard mark, with nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown that helped win the game 27-24. By the end of the season, Jefferson broke the NFL record (at the time) for the most receiving yards by a rookie (1,400). As a result of his amazing first season, Sporting News named him Rookie of the Year, and he was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and listed as one of the NFL Top Players of 2021.

Record-Breaking Receptions

The following year, Jefferson continued with powerhouse performances, breaking the NFL record for the most receiving yards for a player in their first two seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was once again included in the NFL Top Players list.

In 2022, during a Week 10 win against the Buffalo Bills (33-30), Jefferson had 10 receptions for a career-high 193 yards and a touchdown. In one of those receptions, he made a spectacular one-handed catch for 32 yards, acclaimed as one of football’s greatest catches of all time. As a result, his gameplay arm sleeves and gloves have been put on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Are Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards Valuable?

Thanks to his record-breaking rookie year and exciting performances on the field — including his stunning one-handed catch — fans are avidly seeking out Justin Jefferson’s best cards. This has created a healthy collectors’ market, with high prices for many of his cards, including numerous rookie issues.

Investment Potential for Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards

As one of the NFL’s biggest breakout stars, Jefferson is already regarded as a potential Hall of Famer. Over time, if he can keep up this level of excellence, his fan base should continue to grow, and collectors' interest in his cards, particularly his early and rookie cards, should remain high.

Top Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards

Here are eight of the best and most popular Justin Jefferson rookie cards:

• 2020 Panini Prizm #398
• 2020 Panini Immaculate Rookie Patch Autographs #118 - #’d/99
• 2020 Flawless Collegiate Rookie Patch Autographs #107 - #’d/25
• 2020 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #163
• 2020 National Treasures Patch Autograph #170
• 2020 Donruss Rated Rookie #313
• 2020 Panini Flawless Rookie Gems #110
• 2020 Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket #86

Here’s a look at recent auction trends for Jefferson’s rookie cards, according to tracking sites like PriceGuide.Cards, Sports Card Investor and SportsCardsPro. Be aware, however, that these sites are regularly updated, and prices can change daily. Most of the cards listed come in a wide variety of parallels, but unless otherwise noted, prices refer to the Base version.

2020 Panini Prizm #398 Justin Jefferson ($14,700)

The Panini Prizm series is a perennial favorite, and Prizm rookie cards are especially in demand. The Base Prizm card features a great action shot of Jefferson running with the football, framed in a geometric pattern. This popular card was issued with more than 35 Parallels, several of which trend for high prices. To kick things up a notch, there’s also an Autograph version in a variety of parallel colors.

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $8.50, Grade 7 at $11, Grade 8 at $14.50 and Grade 9 at $23. Grade 9.5 trends at $59 and Gem Mint at $90.

Silver Ungraded trends at $82, Grade 7 at $41, Grade 8 at $43 and Grade 9 at $103. Grade 9.5 trends at $200 and Gem Mint at $542. Other premium Parallels includes the Red Shimmer, with Gem Mint trending at around $1,200. Purple Power trends Ungraded at $390, and Grade 9 at $475. Autograph Gold Ungraded trends at $2,076, Grade 9 at $6,200 and Gem Mint at $6,450.

PriceGuide.Cards shows the Autograph Gold in Ungraded condition trending at an average price of $1,706 and a top price of $2,925. Graded trends at an average price of $5,092 and a top price of $14,700 (grades unspecified).

2020 Panini Immaculate Rookie Patch Autographs #118 Justin Jefferson - #’d/99 ($4,200)

As part of the six-card 2020 Immaculate Football Hobby Box, this premium card has a print run of only 99 copies. It was also issued in several parallel versions with extremely low edition numbers, making them rarer and more expensive. The card shows an action image of Jefferson against a background of Vikings white, purple and gold, with a game-used patch embedded in the middle and an autograph at the top.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $189 and a top price of $500. Graded trends at an average price of $1,210 and a top price of $4,200 (grades unspecified).

2020 Flawless Collegiate Rookie Patch Autographs #107 Justin Jefferson - #’d/25 ($1,314)

For rookie/patch/autograph card enthusiasts, Flawless is a go-to brand for every avid collector. This super-premium card is one of Jefferson’s most sought-after, partly because it is limited to only 25 copies. It features signature Flawless RPA styling, with an action shot of Jefferson in his LSU uniform accompanied by a game-used patch, plus a hand-signed signature below. Patches on these cards are typically from a jersey, a glove (which is usually valued higher) or a laundry tag.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $322 and a top price of $1,314. Graded trends at an average price of $236 and a top price of $250 (grades unspecified).

2020 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #163 Justin Jefferson ($882)

No modern-era rookie collection is complete without a fan-favorite Rated Rookie card, and this Optic version doesn’t disappoint. Layered in a glossy Optichrome finish, it shows an action shot of Jefferson running with the ball, framed in Vikings colors.

At Sports Card Investor, prices trend at a low of $5 and a top price of $882 (grades unspecified).

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $12 and a top price of $168. Graded trends at an average price of $52 and a top price of $168 (grades unspecified).

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $11, Grade 8 at $18.50 and Grade 9 at $29. Grade 9.5 trends at $43 and Gem Mint at $67.50.

2020 National Treasures Patch Autograph #170 Justin Jefferson ($880)

This gem was included in the eight-card 2020 National Treasures Hobby Box, which retailed for several thousand dollars. While it’s not in everyone’s price range, this important card is nonetheless popular with collectors, partly due to its recognized brand prestige.

Limited to just 99 copies, it shows an action shot of Jefferson clutching the football, accompanied by a large game-used jersey patch from his rookie season with the Vikings. The entire bottom third of the card is covered with Jefferson’s signature.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $825 and Grade 8 at $880.

2020 Donruss Rated Rookie #313 Justin Jefferson ($700)

For budget-minded collectors, the last three Jefferson rookie cards are a bit more reasonable. And this regular Donruss example is a lower-priced alternative to the Optic Rated Rookie card. You still get a great shot of Jefferson with the ball, running to avoid a defender. Without the Optichrome layering, the card is more affordable.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $6.50, Grade 7 at $5.50, Grade 8 at $12 and Grade 9 at $21. Grade 9.5 trends at $40 and Gem Mint at $51.

At Sports Card Investor, prices trend at a low of $5.50 and a top price of $699.99 (grades unspecified).

2020 Panini Flawless Rookie Gems #110 Jeff Jefferson ($335)

Considered to be Jefferson’s rarest rookie card, this premium-release prize is limited to only 20 copies, which helps drive its value. The Base card is embedded with a ruby and features an action shot of Jefferson running with the ball, with the “Flawless” logo on top.

SportsCardsPro only shows an Ungraded example of this card, with a trending value of around $335.

2020 Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket #86 Justin Jefferson ($245)

These Rookie Ticket cards are fun to own, thanks to imaginative graphics that replicate a championship ticket. This smart-looking card shows an action image of Jefferson running with the ball, flanked by eye-catching Rookie Ticket graphics in Vikings purple.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded and Graded cards trend at an average price of $110 (grades unspecified).

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $19, Grade 8 at $20 and Grade 9 at $49. Grade 9.5 trends at $80 and Gem Mint at $245.

Where Can I Find Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards?

Sports card shows, memorabilia stores and online auctions are all great sources for Justin Jefferson rookie cards. Here’s a list of popular auction sites for sports cards and memorabilia:

• eBay
• Christie's
• Sotheby's
• Memory Lane
• Invaluable
• Lelands
• Heritage Auctions
• SCP Auctions
• Goldin
• EBTH
• PWCC
• Pristine Auction

In addition, sports memorabilia shows are held across the country throughout the year. By searching Google, collectors’ forums and social media sites, you should be able to find a show coming soon to your area.

How Are Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards Graded?

Sports cards are graded according to a universal numeric grading system that’s used by collectors, dealers and appraisers to determine a card’s condition and quality. These grades range from Ungraded to Perfect 10, according to these criteria:

Perfect 10: The highest grade a sports card can attain. This card has Gem Mint ratings across all four grading criteria: corners, surface, edges and centering. It’s completely free of any condition issues or manufacturing flaws, even when viewed under 10x magnification.

Gem Mint: This is a perfect card, with no fading, vivid colors, perfect centering and edges, and sharp corners. It has no condition issues or production flaws.

Grade 9.5: A Near Mint card, with usually only a minor flaw.

Grade 9: Excellent condition, typically with just a couple of minor issues.

Grades 8 and below: Cards graded 8 or lower have condition-related issues or manufacturing flaws and are priced accordingly.

Ungraded: This means a card has never been graded.

Raw: Raw cards are new to the market and have just been removed from their original boxes or packs.

Three primary factors drive sports card prices: rarity, condition and collector demand. Of the three, collector demand is the most difficult to predict, because it can fluctuate based on an athlete’s current popularity. Online bidding wars can fuel prices too, especially if an athlete’s card garners an attention-getting price at auction.

And while rarity and condition are key factors, they’re not always the primary determiners of price. A rare card in Gem Mint condition may not sell if there’s no collector demand, while a lesser-grade card with higher print numbers may sell for a lot more if collectors are clamoring for it.

Should I Get My Sports Cards Graded?

Professional grading provides authenticity to your collection and also establishes a recognized quality level for each card. During the grading process, a certified expert will assess the condition and authenticity of your cards and assign each one a numeric grade. This information is entered into an international database as a permanent record of your card.

If you decide to sell or trade your cards, Graded cards often sell for higher prices than Ungraded ones, and they’re usually easier to sell. If you don’t want to sell your cards, you can still take satisfaction in owning a fully authenticated and graded collection that you can pass down to future generations of fans. For further information on CSG's 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CSGcards.com.

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.