TCGAI.PRO 8.0
Frank Thomas
#43BC1AFEA279 Hold
Frank Thomas card, TCGAI Score 8.0

Certificate #43BC1AFEA279 · Baseball

Frank Thomas

Fleer Update · #U-87 · 1990

TCGAI Score

8.0

Near Mint-Mint Hold Secondary 8.5

Hold. Often worth as much raw. Keep it or sell it raw.

Estimate, not an official grade.

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Sub-grades, front and back

Each side is scored out of 10. The lowest sub-grade caps the TCGAI Score.

Front of Frank Thomas
Front
Back of Frank Thomas
Back

Sub-grades are not available for this certificate.

What the AI found

Flaws visible at the photo's resolution. A grader under magnification may find more.

No defects listed at this photo resolution.

What this card sells for

An estimate from recent listings, not an appraisal. Prices in USD.

Graded 8

$19.95

1 sale

Raw, ungraded

$3.21

$1.99 – $5.00 · 31 listings

Grading premium

+521%

Graded average over raw average

Average sale price by grade
Grade Average Range Sales
10 $63.21 $36.44 – $89.99 2
9 $32.25 $25.00 – $38.00 4
8 $19.95 — 1

Estimate from eBay listings after removing bundles, wrong sets and outliers. Small samples move a lot.

About this card

Background compiled from public web sources. Check it before you buy or sell.

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 6/10

Recent raw sales fluctuating around $2 with graded 10 holding steady; no major spikes but consistent HOF collector interest.

Next months. Stable with minor fluctuations in raw market; graded 10 steady around $100-120

Long term. Stable to slight rise with Thomas legacy; potential boost from White Sox anniversaries

History

Frank Thomas, nicknamed 'The Big Hurt,' is a Chicago White Sox Hall of Famer and one of the greatest power hitters in MLB history, known for his rookie season in 1990 where he debuted and quickly established himself as a dominant first baseman and designated hitter.

1990, released as part of the Fleer Update Baseball set to cover late-season rookies and updates.

  • This is Frank Thomas's most widely recognized rookie card from the 1990 Fleer Update set #U-87.
  • Thomas was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • The card features him in Chicago White Sox uniform and is highly sought after by collectors for its HOF rookie status.

Rarity and print run

Tier
Uncommon
Print run
High
First printed in
1990 Fleer Update
Demand
Medium
Supply
High
  • Designated rookie card of Hall of Famer
  • High print run typical of 1990 Fleer Update base cards
  • Gem mint graded 10 grades are scarce due to production quality

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering issues common in Fleer Update cards, edge wear, surface scratches, and print defects; corners prone to dings due to glossy stock.

Storage. Store in soft sleeves and semi-rigid holders, keep in cool, dry environment away from sunlight to prevent fading; use top-loaders for graded slabs.

Authenticity. Look for sharp printing and correct Fleer Update borders; fakes rare but check for off-color ink or blurry images; authenticate via graded or Beckett for high-value grades.

Sources: millcreeksports.com, sportscardspro.com, steelcitycollectibles.com, sportscardinvestor.com, getcardbase.com

Card details

Name
Frank Thomas
Game
Baseball
Set
Fleer Update (U-87)
Number
U-87
Year
1990
Rarity
Rookie
Language
English
Manufacturer
Fleer
Illustrator
Unknown
Identification
Matched on eBay
Certificate
#43BC1AFEA279
Graded on
Apr 5, 2026
Views
290

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The TCGAI Score is an AI estimate made from photos. It is not an official grade and third-party grades may differ. Not affiliated with any grading company. Read the AI disclaimer.