1989 Score Barry Sanders #257

Explore in-depth stats, PSA populations, and a unique rating for this legendary running back's most iconic rookie card.

PSA 10 Price: $1,100 - $1,700
PSA 9 Price: $90 - $160
PSA 8 Price: $40 - $80
Total PSA Pop: 32,055

Tale of the Tape

Playing Career
90
Card's Significance in the Hobby
85
Rarity Factor
73
Player Marketability
92
Overall Hobby Score
85
85

Badges

Generational Talent
Career Milestones
Best in Draft Class

Player Achievements

1989 - 1998

NFL MVP: 1997
Rushing Titles: 4
10,000+ Career Rushing Yards
Pro Bowls: 10
First-Team All-Pro: 6
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2004

How I Arrived at the Hobby Score

Barry Sanders is a legend whose career is filled with both staggering stats and football folklore. In just 10 seasons, he rushed for 15,269 yards, averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and never had a season under 1,100 rushing yards. Sanders was known for his jaw-dropping agility, sudden stops, and highlight-reel runs that made defenders look lost. He retired unexpectedly at age 30, still near his peak, fueling the myth of what could have been if he played longer. His humility and electrifying style have made him one of the most beloved players in NFL history.

The 1989 Score Barry Sanders rookie card arrived during a boom in football card collecting. Score was in just its second year of producing football cards, quickly gaining a reputation for sharp photography and a clean, modern design that stood out from Topps and Pro Set. The card became an instant classic, and with a large PSA population, it remains accessible but highly desirable in top grades. The combination of Sanders’s legacy and the timing of Score’s rise in the hobby scene make this one of the most iconic football cards of the modern era.

PSA Price History (January)

Year PSA 10 Price PSA 9 Price
2022 $1,750 $120
2023 $1,125 (-36%) $110 (-8%)
2024 $1,325 (+18%) $116 (+5%)
2025 $1,450 (+9%) $150 (+29%)

💬 What are your thoughts on this card, the hobby score, and the player in general?