AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a standard 2.5-by-3.5-inch trading card featuring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason. The card is produced by Donruss as part of their 1991 series, identifiable by the distinctive red border and graphic 'sawtooth' or diagonal stripe detailing on the sides. The front of the card shows a high-action color photograph of Esiason in his white away jersey and iconic tiger-striped helmet, clutching a football. At the bottom, his name, position, and team are printed in clean, sans-serif typography next to the vintage 'Donruss' logo in a black square. The card appears to be in very good to excellent condition, protected by a clear plastic sleeve which has helped preserve the sharp corners and edges. No visible creases, staining, or surface scratches are present in the provided image. The printing shows strong color registration, particularly the vibrant orange and black of the Bengals' branding. This card represents a significant 'junk wax' era collectible from a period where card production was at its peak.

Based on my visual examination of this 1991 Donruss Boomer Esiason card (#160), I find the item to be in 'Near Mint' condition. The card exhibits sharp corners, relatively clean centering for the set, and vibrant color registration without visible surface wear or 'chipping' on the red borders, which are notoriously prone to damage. As an expert appraiser, I must note that this card originates from the 'Junk Wax Era,' a period (roughly 1987-1994) characterized by extreme overproduction. While Boomer Esiason was a premier NFL quarterback and 1988 MVP, the sheer volume of these cards remaining in the market significantly suppresses any rarity-driven value. Current market comparables show raw (un-graded) copies frequently selling for less than a dollar, often found in 'dollar bins' or sold as part of bulk team sets. Authentic high-grade copies (PSA 10) may fetch $20-$30, but the cost of professional grading typically exceeds the card's market value. Please be advised that while this card appears authentic based on the correct 'sawtooth' graphics and typography, a definitive assessment of authenticity cannot be made through images alone. In-person physical examination using a jeweler’s loupe is required to verify the dot-matrix printing patterns and cardboard stock composition. Furthermore, a UV light test would be necessary to ensure no chemical cleaning or trimming has occurred. Without professional third-party grading or a physical inspection of the surface gloss and edge smoothness, this appraisal serves as a valuation of a representative collectible in the current secondary market.