Daniel Alfredsson 2021-22 Upper Deck The Cup Hockey Card

This item is a 2021-22 Upper Deck The Cup hockey trading card featuring player Daniel Alfredsson, specifically an 'Exquisite Collection' parallel or insert. The card is encased in a clear, hard plastic top-loader or magnetic holder, indicating it is a valuable or collectible item and offering protection. The design features a prominent image of Daniel Alfredsson in a red jersey, likely of the Carolina Hurricanes, given the team colors, though 'Daniel Alfredsson' is visible at the bottom and he is primarily known for the Ottawa Senators. He is shown with a 'C' on his chest, indicating his captaincy. The background of the card displays a dynamic, fiery orange and yellow pattern. A key feature of this card is the embedded 'relic' swatch, which appears to be a gold-colored, textured material, possibly from a game-worn jersey or emblem, cut into a square shape and set within a cutout on the card. The card is numbered '072/100', signifying it is a limited edition, with only 100 copies produced. The overall aesthetic is high-end, utilizing premium card stock and intricate design elements, including what appear to be metallic or holographic accents, notably the blue 'DIAMONDS' logo on the upper left and other stylistic elements around the relic window. The card appears to be in excellent condition, protected by its holder, with no visible wear, tears, or significant imperfections on the card itself.

Upon examining the provided image of the Daniel Alfredsson 2021-22 Upper Deck The Cup Exquisite Collection card, I assess its condition as excellent, appearing Near Mint to Mint. The card is well-protected in a hard case, showing no visible surface wear, corner dings, or edge imperfections. The relic swatch appears clean and securely embedded. Authenticity of the card itself is high given it's an Upper Deck product with serial numbering (072/100), and the embedded relic is typically certified by the manufacturer as game-used or player-worn. However, without inspecting the physical card to verify the Upper Deck hologram or certificate of authenticity on the card's reverse, this remains an assumption based on typical product features. Market conditions for high-end Daniel Alfredsson cards, especially The Cup and Exquisite parallels with relics, are generally stable among dedicated hockey card collectors and Ottawa Senators fans. Comparables for similar Alfredsson 'The Cup' or 'Exquisite Collection' relic cards from recent sets, especially those numbered out of 100 or less, often trade within a few hundred dollars. The 'Exquisite Collection' branding adds a premium. The card’s rarity (072/100) is a significant value driver, ensuring a limited supply. Demand is consistent for Hall of Fame caliber players like Alfredsson, particularly for premium issues like this. Key factors impacting value are the player popularity, the set's prestige ('The Cup' is Upper Deck's flagship premium product), the 'Exquisite Collection' designation, the low serial numbering, and the inclusion of a relic. The card's excellent visual condition is also crucial. For full authentication of the relic's provenance and the card's integrity, an in-person examination, confirmation of any reverse-side holograms or authentication text, and potentially Upper Deck's own database verification would be ideal.