AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a standard 2.5 by 3.5-inch trading card featuring NHL player Sergei Samsonov during his tenure with the Montreal Canadiens. The card is produced by Upper Deck and belongs to the 2006-2007 Series Two set. The front of the card displays a dynamic action shot of Samsonov in his white Canadiens away jersey skating with the puck, positioned against a backdrop featuring a 'SHARP' advertisement on the rink boards. The design includes a vertical black and red nameplate on the left side with his name in silver foil, accompanied by the Canadiens team logo. The Upper Deck hologram logo is visible in the upper right corner. In terms of condition, the card is housed in a plastic protective binder sleeve. The corners and edges appear relatively sharp through the plastic, suggesting a well-preserved state, though some slight surface scuffing is visible on the plastic sleeve itself rather than the card. The card features a high-gloss finish typical of modern Upper Deck sets, with high-quality offset lithography printing that provides sharp image detail and vibrant colors.

I have examined the digital representation of the 2006-07 Upper Deck Sergei Samsonov card (#361). Based on the provided imagery, the card appears to be authentic with characteristics consistent with Upper Deck's high-gloss production standards of the mid-2000s, including the correct foil application and team branding. The card is currently housed in a plastic sleeve; while this obscures a direct examination of the surface texture, the centering appears well-balanced and the corners show no significant blunting or 'whitening' visible through the protection. From a market perspective, this is a 'base set' veteran card from the post-NHL lockout era. While Samsonov was a highly respected player and former Rookie of the Year, this specific card does not carry the 'Young Guns' designation or any limited-edition serial numbering that typically drives high-value speculation. Market demand for 2000s base cards is generally restricted to team collectors or set builders. Comparables on secondary markets like eBay often see these listed for $0.99 to $2.99, primarily to cover shipping and handling rather than representing rarity. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive assessment of condition (essential for professional grading) would require an in-person physical inspection to detect surface dimples, 'print lines,' or micro-creases not visible through photography. Authentication is preliminary; for high-value validation, I would look for the specific Upper Deck hologram refraction and ensure the card stock has not been trimmed. For a card of this nature, third-party grading is not recommended as the cost of certification would significantly exceed the market value of the asset.