History

Eli Manning is a legendary American football quarterback who played 16 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New York Giants. He led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories (2007, 2011), defeating the undefeated Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in both. His career is defined by resilience, clutch performances, and a strong connection to New York sports fans, making him one of the most iconic figures in Giants history.

First Printed: This card was first released in July 2023 as part of the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic International Downtown set, published by Panini America in the United States.

• Eli Manning is the only quarterback to win two Super Bowls against the Patriots, including the 2007 'Impossible to Lose' game
• The card is #1 in the Downtown subset, a low-numbered card often sought for its significance as the subset opener
• The 'International' variant is a rare parallel, with a print run classified as n/a but estimated to be very low due to its SSP (Super Short Print) designation

Print Data

Print Run: Very High

Collector's Notes

Condition Tips: Key things to check include centering (especially on the Downtown #1 number), corner sharpness, edge wear, and surface gloss. Common flaws include off-center printing, soft corners, and scuff marks on the holographic Optic surface. The card's glossy finish can show fingerprints easily, so handling with care is critical.

Storage: Store in a rigid top loader or semi-rigid protector, kept in a climate-controlled environment away from humidity and direct sunlight. Use a sleeve before inserting into the top loader to prevent edge wear. Avoid storing in cardboard boxes without protection, as they can cause warping or crushing.

Authenticity: Fakes often have incorrect hologram patterns, blurry text, or off-color printing. The true 'International' variant has a distinct rainbow hologram and SSP designation. Authentication tips include verifying the PSA/SGC/CGC label number on the official grading company website and checking for the correct Panini logo and copyright text. Reprints may lack the holographic finish or have inconsistent ink density.

Notable Sales

• BGS 10 Black (Prism) sold for $3,405.00 on 8/12/2025
• PSA 10 sold for $524.00 in a recent auction on 8/12/2025

Investment Outlook

This investment rating is assigned due to Eli Manning's enduring legacy as a two-time Super Bowl MVP, the card's low-numbered #1 status in the Downtown subset, and the rarity of the International SSP parallel. However, the market is niche compared to active players, limiting long-term growth potential.

Rarity Analysis

• The 'International' variant is an SSP (Super Short Print) with a print run classified as n/a but estimated to be very low
• Card #1 in the Downtown subset is a low-numbered card, often sought for its significance as the subset opener
• The holographic Optic surface adds to the card's uniqueness, with fewer copies produced compared to standard versions

Comparable: Eli Manning #ID-EM 2023 Panini Donruss International Downtown, Tom Brady #1 2023 Panini Donruss Optic International Downtown, Patrick Mahomes #1 2023 Panini Donruss Optic International Downtown

Market Forecast

The market trend is declining due to a 25.6% drop in the last 30 days, indicating reduced demand for retired player cards. While the card's rarity and significance are strong, the niche market for Eli Manning limits sustained growth.

• Reduced demand for retired player cards in the current market
• The card's SSP designation and low-numbered status may attract collectors but limit broad appeal

Short-term (3-6mo): Next 3-6 months prediction is a slight decline, with prices stabilizing around $300–$450 for graded copies

Long-term (1-3yr): 1-3 year prediction is a slow recovery, with potential for modest growth if Eli Manning's legacy gains renewed attention through documentaries or media features