AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a modern Donruss trading card featuring retired Denver Broncos Wide Receiver and return specialist Rick Upchurch. The card utilizes a 'Retro Series' design that pays homage to classic early 1980s Donruss aesthetics, specifically the 1981-1982 layout with bold blue and white borders and diagonal orange striping. The central image depicts Upchurch in full 1970s/80s Broncos 'Orange Crush' era away uniform, including the classic 'D' logo blue helmet, while running with a football. The card is standard size (2.5 by 3.5 inches) and is constructed from modern high-gloss cardstock with sharp white borders. The Donruss 'd' logo is prominently featured in the lower-right corner. Regarding condition, the card appears to be in Near Mint to Mint state, currently protected by a clear plastic penny sleeve and top loader. The centering looks relatively balanced, and the corners, as seen through the protective sleeve, appear sharp and factory-cut without visible fraying or whitening. There is no evidence of surface scratching or creasing. This specific card is a tribute piece from a contemporary set rather than a vintage late-career original, combining a high-quality modern print finish with historical player imagery.

I have virtually examined this 2022 Donruss 'Retro Series' insert featuring Rick Upchurch. Based on the provided imagery, the card appears to be in Near Mint to Mint (NM-MT) condition. The corners show factory sharpness, and the modern high-gloss finish remains free of visible surface scratches or atmospheric toning. While the 'Retro' aesthetic mimics the 1982 Donruss design, the card is a modern mass-produced insert from a contemporary Panini/Donruss release. Market demand for Rick Upchurch, while respected among Denver Broncos historians, is currently low in the modern trading card secondary market. This specific card is a non-numbered, non-autographed base insert, which are produced in high volumes. Comparable sales for similar retired-player inserts from the 2022 Donruss set typically range from $0.99 to $3.00, occasionally reaching $5.00 if sold to a 'player collector' or team-set completionist. Limitations: My assessment is based solely on digital images. While the card appears authentic based on the correct 'd' logo placement and modern stock sheen, I cannot verify the physical feel, thickness, or weight to rule out high-quality reprints. A full authentication would require an in-person loupe inspection of the printing dot patterns to confirm the 2022 manufacturing process and a centering measurement using a translucent grading tool. For a definitive valuation, I recommend submission to a third-party grader like PSA or Beckett, though the grading fees would likely exceed the market value of the card itself.