Joe Mixon 2021 Panini Donruss Gold Press Proof Game-Used Ball Relic #71/145

This is a 2021 Panini Donruss Joe Mixon football card featuring a Gold Press Proof parallel design and an encapsulated game-used ball relic. The card is standard size, constructed from high-quality cardstock with a vibrant metallic gold foil finish that exhibits a light-refracting holographic sheen. The front showcases Mixon in his Cincinnati Bengals uniform, with the team's 'B' logo in the lower left. A distinctive feature is the die-cut window displaying a brown, textured piece of an authentic game-used football, labeled 'GAME USED BALL' and noting the specific game usage 'JAX VS HOU' dated '12/1/24'. The card is individually numbered '11 / 145' in red foil on the left margin, indicating limited production. The 'PRESS PROOF' designation is prominently displayed at the bottom above Mixon's name and position. Currently housed in a protective clear plastic 'One-Touch' magnetic holder, the card appears to be in excellent condition with sharp corners and clean edges visible through the case. As a modern sports collectible, it represents a high-end relic insert combining limited numbering with game-authentic materials, highly valued by Bengals fans and player-specific collectors.

Upon visual inspection of the digital images provided, I am appraising a 2021 Panini Donruss Joe Mixon Gold Press Proof Memorabilia card. The card features a clear 'Game Used Ball' relic window and carries the distinctive 'Press Proof' designation. It is serial numbered, though the description provided contains conflicting data (referencing both '71/145' and '11/145') and curiously notes a game date ('12/1/24') that is in the future relative to the card's 2021 release year, suggesting a potential error in the provided text description rather than the card itself. Condition-wise, the card appears to be Near Mint to Mint based on the sharp corners and clean edges visible through the magnetic One-Touch holder. The gold foil finish shows no obvious surface scratches or dimpling. However, without removing the card from the holder for physical inspection, I cannot rule out microscopic surface flaws or edge wear. Market analysis indicates that while Joe Mixon is a productive running back, demand for non-rookie relic cards remains relatively low. Panini Donruss is a popular set, but memorabilia cards that are not autographed generally trade for modest amounts. Similar Gold Press Proof relics (#/145 or similar) for veteran running backs typically sell in the $5 to $15 range on platforms like eBay. The serial numbering adds a layer of scarcity, but not significant investment value compared to lower-numbered parallels (e.g., /10 or /1). Limitations: My assessment relies solely on the provided image. Full authentication would require in-hand examination to verify the card stock integrity and confirm the relic is original and unaltered. The conflicting data in the description regarding the serial number and game date must be reconciled physically.