Jin Ho Cho Star Rookie Upper Deck Baseball Card Appraisal
Category: Sports Memorabilia
Description
The item is a baseball trading card featuring pitcher Jin Ho Cho of the Boston Red Sox. The card appears to be from an Upper Deck 'Star Rookie' series, indicated by the prominent text on the front. The card is standard trading card size, likely made of cardstock or similar material with a glossy finish. The primary image shows Cho in his Red Sox uniform in a pitching motion. The background appears to be a baseball field. Graphics on the card include vertical blue and black stripes on the left side, an 'AL' logo in an oval with laurels at the top left, and the aforementioned 'STAR ROOKIE' text in a metallic-looking font across the bottom. The player's name, 'JIN HO CHO', is printed at the bottom left, and 'RED SOX / P' is printed at the bottom right, indicating his team and position. The card is encased in a clear plastic sleeve or top loader for protection. No significant damage or wear is immediately visible on the card in the provided image; the corners appear sharp, and the surface seems clean. The quality appears to be typical of modern trading cards, with good printing and image clarity. Based on the player and the style, it is likely from the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination of the provided image of the Jin Ho Cho Star Rookie Upper Deck baseball card, the card appears to be in excellent condition. The corners seem sharp, the edges clean, and the surface free of significant blemishes or wear, suggesting it could grade highly if submitted to a professional grading service. The printing and image quality appear typical of Upper Deck cards from that era. Authenticity based on the image is assumed; however, a definitive determination requires in-person inspection to examine cardstock, print techniques, and potential alterations. Market conditions for common base rookie cards of players who did not achieve significant MLB stardom like Jin Ho Cho are generally low unless they are a rare parallel, insert, or autographed version. This appears to be a standard base card. Comparables for common base Upper Deck rookie cards from the late 1990s/early 2000s typically sell for minimal amounts, often less than a dollar. Demand is primarily from collectors specifically building complete sets or Red Sox team sets, not broader collector interest. Rarity is low as these cards were mass-produced. The primary factor impacting the value is the player's limited MLB career and the card's common status. Its value is primarily tied to set completion or team collecting rather than intrinsic player popularity or card rarity. The protective sleeve is a positive for condition but doesn't add significant monetary value itself. Full authentication would require physical inspection to verify the cardstock, print quality, and compare it to known authentic examples. Provenance documentation (though unlikely for a card of this value) could also confirm its origin. Scientific testing is generally not necessary for standard base cards.
Appraisal Value
$0.10-0.50