Jaromir Jagr Rookie Cards
Jaromir Jagr comes from the height of the Junk Wax Era. While most of his rookies are plentiful and affordable, the 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 is the clear flagship card, with Tiffany variants of Topps and Bowman also holding strong value for high-end collectors.
Rookie year: 1990Flagship RC: 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50Top recent sale: PSA 10 copies of the 1990 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 consistently fetch the highest prices among his base rookie cards.See live listings
Best Jaromir Jagr Rookie Cards
Values & Trends
Jaromir Jagr arrived during the peak of the Junk Wax Era, meaning most of his rookie cards were mass-produced. However, the 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 stands out as the clear hobby favorite due to its lower print run and premium design. While base cards from Score, Pro Set, and Upper Deck remain affordable, high-grade copies—especially PSA 10s of the Premier and Tiffany variants—command significant respect from collectors.
- The Premier premium: 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 is the "Grail" of Jagr rookies, consistently outselling all other base options by a wide margin.
- Tiffany scarcity: Topps Tiffany and Bowman Tiffany versions are far rarer than their standard counterparts and are top targets for serious investors.
- Condition sensitivity: O-Pee-Chee Premier cards are prone to centering issues, making Gem Mint 10 copies relatively tough despite the modern timeframe.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Jaromir Jagr Rookie Cards
- Start with the O-Pee-Chee Premier: This is the essential Jagr rookie. If you only own one, make it the 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50.
- Look for "Tiffany" Gloss: For Topps and Bowman, the "Tiffany" factory set editions have a glossy finish and white card stock (vs. gray). They are much scarcer and more valuable.
- Don't overpay for base mass-market brands: Score, Pro Set, and regular Topps/Bowman were printed in massive quantities. Buy these for nostalgia or in high grade, but don't treat raw copies as investment pieces.
- Check the Upper Deck hologram: 1990-91 Upper Deck #356 is an iconic card. Ensure the hologram on the back is intact, as it can sometimes peel or fade.
- Understand grading ROI: Grading fees often exceed the value of raw Junk Wax era cards. Stick to grading only sharp O-Pee-Chee Premier or Tiffany cards unless you just want them slabbed for protection. See our grading guide for more details.
Full Rookie Card Checklist
True RC vs. Inserts
Jaromir Jagr's true rookies are all from the 1990-91 season. The 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 is widely considered his best rookie card. Other "True RCs" include his base cards from Upper Deck, Score (American and Canadian), Bowman, Topps, and Pro Set. Unlike modern players, Jagr doesn't have "RPAs" (Rookie Patch Autos) from this era; his key cards are all base cards or parallels like Topps Tiffany.
Best Boxes & Sets to Pull Jaromir Jagr Rookie Cards
- 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier Hockey (Sealed Box)NHLThe best product for Jagr rookies. Contains the key #50 RC.
- 1990-91 Upper Deck Hockey (Sealed Box)NHLLook for High Series or French boxes for variations, but standard boxes contain the #356 RC.
- 1990-91 Score Hockey (Sealed Box)NHLVery affordable box. Look for the American or Canadian set versions.
Grading & Population
The 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 is the most submitted Jagr rookie at PSA. While many exist, the percentage of PSA 10s is lower than expected due to centering issues common with O-Pee-Chee cuts.
- O-Pee-Chee Premier: Look for 50/50 centering. The borders are narrow, so shifts are obvious.
- Upper Deck: Generally higher quality stock, but check corners and edges for wear on the dark borders of the photo area.
- Score/Pro Set: Extremely high populations. Only grade if they are absolutely flawless, as anything less than a 10 holds little added value.
About Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr, "The Ageless Wonder," is an NHL legend who ranks second only to Wayne Gretzky in all-time points. Drafted 5th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990, he won two Stanley Cups immediately (1991, 1992) and captured five Art Ross Trophies. His incredible longevity, iconic mullet, and dominance across multiple eras make him one of the most beloved figures in hockey history. His rookie cards from 1990 capture the start of a career that spanned over three decades in professional hockey.
FAQ
What is the best Jaromir Jagr rookie card?
The 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 is widely considered the best and most valuable Jaromir Jagr rookie card due to its lower print run and premium nature compared to other brands from that year.
How much is a Jaromir Jagr rookie card worth?
Most base rookie cards (Score, Pro Set, Upper Deck) are very affordable, often under $10 raw. However, a PSA 10 gem mint copy of the O-Pee-Chee Premier #50 can sell for hundreds of dollars, and Tiffany versions of Topps and Bowman also command significant premiums.
How many rookie cards does Jaromir Jagr have?
Jaromir Jagr has several mainstream rookie cards from 1990-91, including O-Pee-Chee Premier, Upper Deck, Score (American and Canadian), Bowman, Topps, and Pro Set. He also has "Tiffany" parallels for Topps and Bowman.
Is the 1990 Upper Deck Jaromir Jagr valuable?
While the 1990-91 Upper Deck #356 is an iconic card with a great action shot, it was produced in large quantities. It is a great card for collectors, but only commands high value in a perfect PSA 10 grade.
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