AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 1991-92 Upper Deck hockey trading card featuring Igor Larionov, then playing center for the Vancouver Canucks. The card is standard trading card size, typically around 2.5 by 3.5 inches, and is made of cardstock with a glossy finish on the front. The primary image displays Larionov in mid-action on an ice rink, wearing the Vancouver Canucks' black and orange uniform of that era, complete with his helmet, gloves, and holding a hockey stick. His jersey number '8' is visible on his sleeve. The card features a white border around the central image. In the upper left corner, the 'Upper Deck' logo is present, and his name 'Igor Larionov' is printed above the image on the left, with 'Center' (his position) on the right. The team name 'CANUCKS' is prominently displayed in gold lettering at the bottom left of the card. To the bottom right, there's a red 'Star Rookie' logo, indicating his status for that set. The card appears to be housed within a clear plastic top-loader or sleeve, which suggests an attempt at preservation. While the card's surface is not fully clear due to the protective casing and image resolution, there are no immediately apparent significant creases or tears visible through the holder. The corners appear relatively sharp, indicative of good condition. The overall print quality is consistent with early 1990s Upper Deck releases, known for their photographic clarity. This card represents a specific moment in hockey history and a particular player's career, making it a collectible item for sports enthusiasts and card collectors.

Based on my visual examination of the provided image, this 1991-92 Upper Deck Igor Larionov Vancouver Canucks Hockey Card appears to be in very good condition, specifically within a protective top-loader. The corners seem relatively sharp, and there are no immediately apparent significant creases or tears, which suggests a well-preserved example, possibly Near Mint to Mint. The 'Star Rookie' designation is noted, but Larionov's true rookie card is earlier. This Upper Deck card marks his debut in their product line rather than his NHL rookie season. From a market perspective, 1990s hockey cards, particularly from mass-produced sets like Upper Deck, are generally not highly valuable due to overproduction. Igor Larionov is a Hall of Fame player, but this specific card is not considered a key rookie card or a rare variation. Demand for common cards from this era, even of star players, is low among serious collectors, though it can appeal to Canucks fans or Larionov enthusiasts. Factors significantly impacting the value are the card's commonality and the vast supply from the production boom of the early 1990s. The protective casing is a positive for preservation, but it doesn't elevate the card's inherent rarity or demand. It is crucial to note the limitations of authenticity verification from images alone. While typical of 1991-92 Upper Deck, an in-person examination would be necessary to confirm the exact condition (e.g., surface scratches, print defects, corner wear not visible through the holder). Full authentication would involve reviewing the card out of its holder for true surface integrity, checking for reprints or counterfeits (though highly unlikely for a card of this value), and potentially comparing it to known authentic examples. Provenance documentation is not applicable here as it's a mass-produced trading card.