Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
Recent 30-day price increases (+16.7% for Blue Scope, +6.8% for base) indicate upward momentum driven by Herbert's continued NFL success and growing collector interest in elite rookie cards.
Next months. Next 3–6 months: Prices expected to rise modestly, particularly for graded 9+ Blue Scope variants, with raw copies stabilizing around $50–$65.
Long term. 1–3 years: If Herbert maintains elite status and wins major awards (e.g., MVP, Super Bowl), prices for graded copies could appreciate 20–40%. Base and raw copies may remain stable due to high supply.
History
Justin Herbert is the quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, selected 6th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He became an immediate standout in his rookie season, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and setting multiple passing records for a first-year player, including the most passing yards in a rookie season (4,336). His rapid rise to prominence and on-field excellence made him one of the most sought-after rookie cards in modern football.
This card was first released as part of the 2020 Panini Donruss Optic Football set, with an official release date of February 10, 2021. It was produced by Panini in the United States and distributed globally through licensed retailers and hobby shops.
- Herbert's 2020 Donruss Optic #153 is a Rated Rookie card, marking his first official NFL trading card appearance.
- The Blue Scope (also called Blue Hyper Prizm) variant is a popular refractor parallel known for its vivid blue color and prism finish.
- Herbert won the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after recording 4,336 passing yards, the most by any rookie in NFL history.
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Common
- Print run
- Very High
- First printed in
- 2020 Panini Donruss Optic Football
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- Abundant
- Massive print run of the base 2020 Donruss Optic set makes this card extremely common.
- The Blue Scope (Blue Hyper Prizm) variant is more sought-after due to its color and refractor finish, but still has high production volume.
- Herbert's widespread popularity ensures consistent demand, but abundance limits price growth.
Collector notes
Condition. Key flaws include centering issues (especially on the front and back), edge wear on the corners and borders, surface scratches or dulling on the refractor finish, and print lines or off-white borders. For refractor variants like Blue Scope, check for any loss of shine or 'dead' spots in the prism effect.
Storage. Store the card in a rigid top loader or semi-rigid penny sleeve inside a climate-controlled box. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, or extreme temperatures. For long-term preservation, consider graded or Beckett grading in a protective slab.
Authenticity. Fakes typically show blurry text, incorrect color saturation (especially on the Blue Scope variant), off-center printing, or lack of the authentic prism/refractor finish. Reprints often have flatter colors and no holographic effect. Verify the card number, set name, and manufacturer logo (Panini) against official references. Graded copies from graded, Beckett, or graded provide highest authentication confidence.
Sources: sportscardinvestor.com, gocollect.com, cardladder.com, sportscardspro.com, psacard.com
