Tyrese Maxey Rookie Cards: Values, Checklist & Best Picks

Best Tyrese Maxey Rookie Cards

Panini Prizm Base RC

2020 · Panini Prizm · #256

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Donruss Optic Rated Rookie

2020 · Donruss Optic · #171

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National Treasures RPA

2020 · National Treasures · #114 · RPA /99

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Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto

2020 · Panini Contenders · #123 · Autograph

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Values & Trends

Tyrese Maxey’s breakout 2023-24 season, culminating in his first All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player award, has firmly established his rookie cards as key holds in the modern NBA market. While base Prizm and Donruss cards remain affordable entry points, his high-grade Silver Prizms and National Treasures RPAs command serious premiums driven by his role as the face of the 76ers alongside Joel Embiid.

Flagship Dominance: The 2020 Prizm #256 is the undisputed volume leader. Prices fluctuate heavily with the NBA calendar, spiking during playoff runs and award announcements.
Condition Sensitivity: The 2020 Prizm set is notorious for centering issues. PSA 10 gem mint copies carry a significant multiplier (often 3x-4x) over PSA 9s due to the difficulty of finding perfectly centered examples.
Market Tiering: There is a sharp divide between his mass-produced base cards (Chronicles, Hoops) and his premium assets (Prizm Silvers, Select Courtside, Contenders Autos). Serious investors focus almost exclusively on the latter.

Buying Guide: How to Pick Tyrese Maxey Rookie Cards

Start with Prizm or Optic: For a single "safe" rookie card, aim for the 2020 Prizm #256 (Flagship) or the Donruss Optic #171 (Chrome-finish Rated Rookie). These offer the best liquidity and long-term recognition.
Check Centering Carefully: 2020 Prizm cards often have heavy left-right centering issues. If buying raw for grading, look for even borders on the front. A "cheap" raw copy often has a visible flaw preventing a gem grade.
Explore Select Levels: Panini Select offers three tiers: Concourse, Premier, and Courtside. The Courtside level (#280) is the rarest and most desirable of the base set tiers, often undervalued compared to Prizm Silvers.
Verify Autographs: Maxey has both on-card and sticker autographs. On-card signatures (like Contenders Rookie Ticket) generally hold value better than sticker autos from lower-end sets like Hoops or Donruss.
Use grading and comps: Always check recent sales data. For more on grading economics, read our $80 grading rule and grader comparison guide .

Full Rookie Card Checklist

Card	Year	#	Details	90d Avg RAW	90d Avg PSA 9	90d Avg PSA 10	eBay
Panini Prizm Base RC Tyrese Maxey · Panini Prizm	2020	256	—	—	—	—	eBay
Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Tyrese Maxey · Donruss Optic	2020	171	—	—	—	—	eBay
National Treasures RPA Tyrese Maxey · National Treasures RPA /99	2020	114		—	—	—	eBay
Select Courtside Tyrese Maxey · Panini Select Courtside Level	2020	280		—	—	—	eBay
Donruss Rated Rookie Tyrese Maxey · Donruss	2020	212	—	—	—	—	eBay
Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto Tyrese Maxey · Panini Contenders Autograph	2020	123		—	—	—	eBay
Panini Mosaic Tyrese Maxey · Panini Mosaic	2020	203	—	—	—	—	eBay

True RC, RPAs and Key Inserts

In the ultra-modern era, the definition of a "True RC" is straightforward but tiered. The Prizm Base #256 is the standard-bearer. High-end collectors chase the National Treasures RPA (Rookie Patch Auto), which features a game-used patch and on-card auto, usually numbered to /99. For mid-range budgets, the Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto is the iconic autograph rookie. Insert chasers should look for the "Genesis" parallel in Mosaic or the "Elephant" parallel in Select.

Best Boxes & Sets to Pull Tyrese Maxey Rookie Cards

Grading & Population

Tyrese Maxey's rookie class (2020-21) saw massive submission volumes to PSA and BGS. However, gem rates for 2020 Prizm are lower than historical averages due to widespread centering issues. A PSA 10 Prizm Base is not rare in absolute terms, but it is much harder to hit than a PSA 9.

Prizm Centering: Watch the left and right borders on the back of the card as well; 2020 Prizm often has subtle centering shifts on the reverse that can cap a grade at PSA 9.
Chromium Surface: For Optic and Prizm, check for "dimples" or surface scratches that are common in chrome-finish cards.
Authentication: For high-value purchases, especially raw cards claimed to be "pack fresh," be aware of trimmed edges. Learn to spot issues before buying big cards raw.

About Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey, often called "The Franchise" or simply "Maxey," was drafted 21st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020 out of Kentucky. Initially a spark-plug bench scorer, his relentless work ethic and elite speed vaulted him into stardom. His 2023-24 campaign, where he won the NBA Most Improved Player award and earned his first All-Star nod, solidified him as one of the league's premier young guards. As the primary partner to Joel Embiid, Maxey's hobby relevance is tied to both his individual brilliance and the 76ers' championship aspirations.

Resources & Related Guides

FAQ

What is Tyrese Maxey’s true rookie card?

The 2020 Panini Prizm #256 is widely considered Tyrese Maxey’s true flagship rookie card. It is the standard for collectors and investors. The Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #171 is a popular "chrome" alternative.

How much is a Tyrese Maxey rookie card worth?

Prices vary by card and grade. A base raw Prizm rookie sells for around $5-$10, while a PSA 10 gem mint copy often trades for $80-$100. High-end autographed cards like his National Treasures RPA can sell for thousands of dollars.

What is the best Tyrese Maxey card to buy?

For long-term value and liquidity, the 2020 Prizm Silver (PSA 10) is the gold standard for most investors. For budget collectors, the Donruss Rated Rookie #212 is a classic choice. High-end collectors should look for on-card autographs from Contenders or National Treasures.

Does Tyrese Maxey have autograph rookie cards?

Yes, Tyrese Maxey has many autograph rookie cards. The most desirable are "on-card" autographs, such as the Contenders Rookie Ticket and National Treasures RPA. Sticker autographs from lower-end sets generally command lower premiums.

Why are Tyrese Maxey cards going up in value?

Maxey’s value has surged due to his individual performance (All-Star selection, Most Improved Player) and his role as a primary scorer on a contending 76ers team. His exciting playstyle and high character also make him a fan favorite.