AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 2021-22 Upper Deck SP Authentic hockey trading card featuring player Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues. The card is rectangular, made of cardstock, and appears to have a holographic or reflective finish across the main image area, giving it a shimmering, textured look. The primary colors in the player's uniform are blue, white, and yellow accents. Tarasenko is depicted in an action pose, wearing his helmet with the number '91' clearly visible on his jersey. The Upper Deck logo is present in the top right corner of the card. Below the main image, a dark border area contains the player's name "VLADIMIR TARASENKO" in large, bold, white lettering, with "BLUES" underneath in smaller text. The card exhibits clean edges and corners, suggesting it is in near-mint to mint condition with no apparent creases, scratches, or significant surface wear. The reflective surface could be prone to fingerprints or minor scuffs if not handled carefully. Its modern design and photographic quality indicate it is a contemporary collectible, likely from recent years, consistent with the 2021-22 season. The holographic effect adds a premium visual quality to the card, a common feature in modern sports card sets to denote parallels, inserts, or higher rarity.

Having carefully examined the provided image of this 2021-22 Upper Deck SP Authentic Vladimir Tarasenko hockey card, I can provide an appraisal. Based on the visual evidence, the card appears to be in excellent to near-mint condition. The edges and corners are sharp, and I see no obvious creases, scratches, or surface wear, which is crucial for card value. The reflective surface seems intact, enhancing its visual appeal. From the image, authenticity appears high; it bears the distinctive Upper Deck logo and characteristic design elements of the '21-22 SP Authentic set. However, a definitive authenticity verification cannot be made from an image alone. An in-person examination would allow me to check for print lines, proper card stock, and any signs of tampering or reproduction. I would also look for nuances in the holographic effect that might not translate in a photograph. Provenance documentation, such as original packaging or purchase receipts, would further bolster authenticity, though these are rare for individual single cards. Regarding market conditions, Vladimir Tarasenko is a well-known NHL player, but this is a base card from a relatively recent set, not a highly rare parallel, autograph, or rookie card. The 'SP Authentic' line is popular, but base cards from modern sets typically hold modest value unless they feature a historically significant rookie or extremely limited print run. Current market trends show strong demand for vintage and ultra-rare modern cards, with common base cards like this falling into the lower price tiers. Comparables for similar base cards of established, non-superstar players from this era typically trade in the single-digit to low double-digit range. Considering these factors—excellent apparent condition, but as a common base card of a non-rookie player—the value is primarily driven by its appeal as a collectible for St. Louis Blues fans or Tarasenko enthusiasts. The holographic effect adds a nice touch but doesn't significantly elevate its rarity. Without physical inspection, I cannot account for micro-scratches or factory flaws that might affect grading. In-person examination would involve scrutinizing the surface under light, checking card thickness, and comparing it to known authentic examples from the set. Microscopic analysis could confirm print patterns and card stock. This level of detail would be necessary for a full authentication, but based on the image, my assessment of condition and authenticity is positive for what it is.