Kyrie Irving Rookie Cards
Kyrie Irving’s rookie market is anchored by the inaugural 2012–13 Prizm set. While his high-end National Treasures RPA commands five figures, his Prizm Silver is one of the most liquid and iconic modern basketball cards.
Rookie year: 2011Flagship RC: 2012-13 Prizm #201Top recent sale: A National Treasures RPA /99 can sell for over $20,000, while a PSA 10 Prizm Silver often trades in the $2,000–$4,000 range depending on the market.See live listings
Best Kyrie Irving Rookie Cards
Values & Trends
Kyrie Irving’s rookie market is defined by the 2011–12 NBA lockout, which pushed his key cards into 2012–13 products. This makes the 2012–13 Prizm #201 his de facto flagship rookie, while his National Treasures RPA stands as one of the era’s most significant high-end cards. Because Prizm debuted in 2012, Kyrie is part of the inaugural class for the brand, driving long-term demand for his Silvers and Golds.
- The Prizm Effect: As a cover athlete for the first-ever Prizm Basketball set, Kyrie’s base and Silver Prizms carry a historical premium compared to peers from similar eras.
- High-End Scarcity: His National Treasures RPA (/99) is a legitimate hobby grail, consistently commanding five figures in high grades.
- Condition Sensitivity: Early Prizm cards are notorious for surface dimples and centering issues, making PSA 10 copies significantly more valuable than 9s.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Kyrie Irving Rookie Cards
- Target the 2012-13 Prizm: This is the modern standard. The base #201 is the most liquid option, while the Silver Prizm (refractor) is the investment-grade chase card for most collectors.
- Understand the Rookie Year Shift: Kyrie was drafted in 2011, but the lockout delayed products. Most of his "true" RCs are 2012-13. Don't get confused by 2011-12 "Draft Pick" cards, which are generally less desirable than his pro-uniform 2012-13 releases.
- Check Surface Condition: On 2012 Prizm cards, look for "dimples" or surface scratches under bright light. These are common manufacturing defects that cap grades at PSA 9 or lower.
- Explore Affordable Alternatives: If Prizm is out of budget, 2012-13 Panini Hoops #223 is a classic mass-market rookie card that remains very affordable.
- Use grading and comps: Always check recent sales. For grading tips, see our grading comparison guide and submission cost calculator .
Full Rookie Card Checklist
| Image | Card | Year | # | Details | 90d Avg RAW | 90d Avg PSA 9 | 90d Avg PSA 10 | eBay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prizm Base Rookie Kyrie Irving · Panini Prizm | 2012 | 201 | — | — | — | — | eBay | |
Prizm Silver Rookie Kyrie Irving · Panini Prizm Silver Prizm | 2012 | 201 | — | — | — | eBay | ||
NBA Hoops Rookie Kyrie Irving · NBA Hoops | 2012 | 223 | — | — | — | — | eBay | |
Select Rookie Auto Kyrie Irving · Panini Select Auto /149 | 2012 | 151 | — | — | — | eBay | ||
Prestige Rookie Kyrie Irving · Panini Prestige | 2012 | 151 | — | — | — | — | eBay |
True RCs vs. 2011 Draft Issues
Because the 2011–12 NBA season was shortened by a lockout, card release schedules were disrupted. While Kyrie Irving has some 2011–12 cards (mostly "Draft Pick" or collegiate issues), the hobby almost universally treats his 2012–13 pro-uniform cards as his "True RCs." This includes his debut in the landmark 2012–13 Prizm set and his National Treasures RPA. When buying, prioritize these 2012–13 NBA-licensed releases over earlier 2011 prospect cards.
Best Boxes & Sets to Pull Kyrie Irving Rookie Cards
Grading & Population
Kyrie's key rookie cards, particularly from the 2012 Prizm set, are heavily graded. However, finding a "Gem Mint" copy is challenging due to the surface sensitivity of early chromium cards.
- Prizm Centering & Surface: The 2012 Prizm set is known for off-centering and surface dimples. A true PSA 10 commands a significant premium over a PSA 9.
- Thick Card Edges: High-end cards like National Treasures and Immaculate have thick stocks that are prone to white corners and edge wear.
- Check our fake slab guide before buying high-value graded copies online.
About Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving, often called "Uncle Drew," entered the league as the #1 overall pick in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the most skilled ball-handlers in NBA history. A Rookie of the Year winner and 2016 NBA Champion (hitting the clinching shot), his cards remain highly popular due to his flashy playstyle, global fanbase, and the historical significance of being the face of the first Prizm Basketball set.
Resources & Related Guides
FAQ
What is Kyrie Irving’s true rookie card?
Most collectors consider the 2012–13 Panini Prizm #201 to be his flagship standard rookie card. For high-end collectors, the 2012–13 National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto (RPA) /99 is the definitive "true" grail rookie.
Why are Kyrie Irving rookie cards from 2012 and not 2011?
Kyrie was drafted in 2011, but the 2011–12 NBA lockout delayed the release of many basketball card products. As a result, the major sets like Prizm, National Treasures, and Select were released during the 2012–13 season, which the hobby treats as the primary rookie year for his class.
How much is a Kyrie Irving rookie card worth?
Values vary wildly. A base 2012 Hoops card might cost $5–$10, while a Prizm Silver in PSA 10 can range from $2,000 to $4,000+. His National Treasures RPA sells for tens of thousands of dollars.
Is the 2012 Prizm Silver rare?
While not numbered, the 2012 Prizm Silver (Refractor) had a much lower print run than modern Prizm Silvers. It is highly scarce relative to today’s standards and is considered a blue-chip investment piece.
What is the most expensive Kyrie Irving card?
The 2012–13 National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto (RPA) /99 and its parallels (Gold /25, Platinum 1/1) are his most expensive cards, often fetching $20,000+ in high grades.
More NBA Rookie Cards
Julius Erving
Rookie Year: 1972
1972 Topps #195
Michael Jordan
Rookie Year: 1984
1986 Fleer #57
Reggie Miller
Rookie Year: 1988
1988-89 Fleer #57
Drazen Petrovic
Rookie Year: 1990
1990-91 Hoops #248 / SkyBox #237 / Fleer Update #U-81
Dikembe Mutombo
Rookie Year: 1991
1991-92 Upper Deck #3 / Fleer / Hoops / SkyBox
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Rookie Year: 2013
2013-14 Prizm #290 / Hoops #275 / National Treasures RPA #130
Mike Muscala
Rookie Year: 2013
2013-14 Panini Prizm #275 / Hoops #263 / Prestige #175