2002 Upper Deck Honor Roll Roger Clemens #64 - Graded 9 Mint

This is a 2002 Upper Deck Honor Roll trading card featuring Roger Clemens, identified as card number 64. The card is encased in a protective plastic slab issued by Grademycards.com, which has assigned it a professional grade of 9 (Mint). The card design features a full-length action photograph of Clemens in a white and red Boston Red Sox uniform during a high-leg kick delivery. Below the image is his name and the 'Honor Roll' series branding, including a notation regarding his 4/29/86 performance where he struck out 20 batters for an MLB record. The card utilizes a modern cardstock with a glossy finish and a specialized design involving a translucent 'Honor Roll' text overlay. The encapsulation appears to be in good condition, protecting the card's sharp corners and edges which are critical for its high 'Mint' grade. There are no visible signs of surface scratching or fading on the card itself, suggesting high-quality preservation. The internal label identifies the specific set, player name, card number, and unique serial number 11623. The slab also features the company's URL and branding. As a mass-produced modern era card from a third-party grading service, its value is tied closely to both the player's historical significance and the preservation of its physical state.

I have carefully examined the 2002 Upper Deck Honor Roll Roger Clemens #64 through the provided images. The card presents in MINT condition, exhibiting sharp corners, clean edges, and vibrant colors consistent with the '9' grade assigned. The 'Honor Roll' series is a respected but widely produced product from the early 2000s, and this specific card commemorates Clemens' historic 20-strikeout game. While Clemens is a legendary pitcher, his market value in the modern 'junk-slab' era is tempered by the high volume of similar products and the specific grading company utilized here. Grademycards.com is a third-party service that does not carry the same market premium or liquidity as industry leaders like PSA, BGS, or SGC; collectors often value these tiers significantly lower. Market analysis shows that raw copies of this card frequently trade for under $5. The '9' grade adds a modest premium for the cost of encapsulation, but the lack of a 'transactable' top-tier grading brand limits the ceiling. Demand for Clemens remains steady among player collectors, but this is not a 'rookie' or 'short-print' card, which limits its rarity. Note that this appraisal is based on digital images and cannot definitively confirm authenticity, the absence of micro-scratching on the slab, or the integrity of the holographic seals. A physical inspection would be required to verify the slab's tamper-resistance and ensure the card stock is genuine. For a high-security authentication, I would recommend reviewing the serial number #11623 in the issuer's database, though smaller grading firms often lack robust online verification tools.