Derrick Rose rookie card value and checklist (2008)

Best Derrick Rose Rookie Cards

Topps Chrome Rookie Card

2008 · Topps Chrome · #181

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Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Rookie

2008 · Topps Chrome · #181 · Orange Refractor

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Exquisite Collection Autograph Jersey Rookie

2008 · Exquisite Collection · #92

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SP Authentic Autograph Rookie

2008 · SP Authentic · #130

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Values & Trends

Derrick Rose rookies have a clear entry point and a clear ceiling. The mainstream market is anchored by 2008-09 Topps Chrome #181, while premium on-card autograph jersey rookies from Upper Deck era products sit at the high end. Condition matters a lot on chromium cards, and prices tend to move when collectors re-focus on Rose’s peak years as the youngest NBA MVP.

Chrome grade premium: Recent sales snapshots show Topps Chrome #181 in PSA 10 landing around the high two-hundreds USD, while raw copies can sit far lower depending on centering and surface.
High-end rookie autos: Exquisite, SP Authentic, and Upper Deck Premier autograph jersey rookies are numbered and much scarcer than base rookies, which is why they lead the biggest sales.
Liquidity vs rarity: Base rookies are easy to buy and sell. Numbered parallels and premium autos require more patience, but they are the cards collectors chase when they want a true centerpiece.

Buying Guide: How to Pick Derrick Rose Rookie Cards

Start with Topps Chrome #181 if you want the most widely collected Derrick Rose rookie. Prioritize clean surfaces and strong centering before chasing a label grade.
Use specific searches and filters when you compare prices. Search by set and card number, then filter for sold listings and the exact grade you are considering.
Know the common condition issues on 2008 Topps Chrome: light surface scratches, print lines, and off-centering are the biggest grade killers.
Pick your “premium lane” if you want a higher-end rookie: on-card autograph jersey rookies from Exquisite, SP Authentic, and Upper Deck Premier are the classic chase cards for D-Rose.
Learn the basics of buying safely before you spend more on a slab or an on-card auto. Use our eBay buying guide and our fake slab check for higher-value purchases.

Full Rookie Card Checklist (Top 6)

Card	Year	#	Details	90d Avg RAW	90d Avg PSA 9	90d Avg PSA 10	eBay
Topps Chrome Rookie Card Derrick Rose · Topps Chrome	2008	181	—	—	—	—	eBay
Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Rookie Derrick Rose · Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Serial /499	2008	181		—	—	—	eBay
Exquisite Collection Autograph Jersey Rookie Derrick Rose · Exquisite Collection AutoPatchSerial /99	2008	92		—	—	—	eBay
SP Authentic Autograph Rookie Derrick Rose · SP Authentic AutoSerial /299	2008	130		—	—	—	eBay

True RC, Autos, Patches & Serials

Derrick Rose’s true rookies are his 2008-09 NBA-licensed, pro-uniform cards. College and draft-pick cards from the same year can be fun, but they usually trade as pre-rookies. This page focuses on the six rookie cards collectors chase the most: Topps Chrome #181 in base plus premium numbered refractors, and the premium on-card autograph rookies from the Upper Deck era. If you want one mainstream RC that is easy to verify and compare, start with Topps Chrome #181. If you want the high-end tier, look for Exquisite, SP Authentic, and Upper Deck Premier on-card autograph rookies that are serial-numbered and much scarcer.

Best Boxes/Packs/Sets

Grading & Population

Grading can make a big difference for Derrick Rose rookies, especially Topps Chrome #181 and any premium autograph jersey rookie. The market typically pays up for strong eye appeal on chrome stock, and it pays up again when the card is low-numbered or has an on-card autograph.

Focus on centering and surface under bright light before you consider grading a raw Topps Chrome rookie.
On thicker patch cards, look closely at corners and edges, since small white spots can hold back grades.
If you are new to grading, start with our grading comparison guide and the $80 grading rule .

About Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose, often called D-Rose and nicknamed Pooh, was the #1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 with the Chicago Bulls. In 2011 he became the youngest NBA MVP, and his explosive peak keeps collectors coming back to his 2008-09 rookie class. Because his story includes both a meteoric rise and major injuries, his market blends nostalgia, highlight-driven demand, and a clear “flagship” rookie that is easy for new collectors to understand.

FAQ

What is Derrick Rose’s true rookie card?

Most collectors treat 2008-09 Topps Chrome #181 as Derrick Rose’s flagship true rookie card because it is an NBA-licensed, pro-uniform rookie that is easy to verify and compare by grade. He also has multiple other 2008-09 rookie cards across Topps, Bowman, and Upper Deck era products.

How much is a Derrick Rose rookie card worth?

Values depend on the exact card and grade. Recent sales snapshots show Topps Chrome #181 in PSA 10 around the high two-hundreds USD, while raw copies can be much cheaper depending on condition. Autograph jersey rookies that are numbered can cost far more.

Which Derrick Rose rookie card is best to start with?

For most collectors, 2008-09 Topps Chrome #181 is the best starting point because it is widely collected and has clear pricing by grade. If you want a cheaper option, Topps #196 or Bowman #111 are common entry points.

What are the most expensive Derrick Rose rookie cards?

The highest-end Derrick Rose rookies are typically on-card autograph jersey rookies from premium products like Exquisite Collection, Upper Deck Premier, SPx, and Ultimate Collection, especially in low serial numbers and strong grades.

Should I grade a Derrick Rose Topps Chrome rookie?

Grading can make sense if the card has strong centering, sharp corners, and a clean surface with minimal scratches or print lines. If the surface is clearly scratched or the card is badly off-center, it is often better to keep it raw and buy a graded copy later.

Where can I buy Derrick Rose rookie cards?

Large marketplaces like eBay usually have the widest selection of Derrick Rose rookies across raw and graded copies. Search by set and card number, review seller feedback, and prefer listings with clear photos and return policies for higher-value cards.