#9 – 2009 Upper Deck Draft Edition #34
A lesser-known Curry rookie from Upper Deck’s final NBA draft-focused set. Despite the college jersey, it has a large PSA population and remains an affordable entry point for new collectors.
Hobby Score: 77
From undervalued oddballs to iconic grails, Stephen Curry’s rookie cards span numerous sets, brands, and levels of scarcity. Below, we rank 9 of his PSA-graded rookies using Hobby Score — a custom metric that weighs rarity, demand, card history, visual appeal, and pricing trends. Cards with lower scores may still be collectible, but this list aims to spotlight the true standouts.
A lesser-known Curry rookie from Upper Deck’s final NBA draft-focused set. Despite the college jersey, it has a large PSA population and remains an affordable entry point for new collectors.
Hobby Score: 77
This oddball release was part of Panini’s short-lived trading card game. While not as visually premium as others, its rarity in high grade and quirky backstory make it a sneaky niche card. Plus the artwork is colorful and unique./p>
Hobby Score: 77.5
From the final Upper Deck NBA set before they lost their license, this card shows Curry in his Davidson jersey and holds nostalgic value for UD collectors. Cards in college uniforms don't hold as high of demand among collectors.
Hobby Score: 78
A budget-friendly entry into Panini’s first basketball line. The Prestige rookie doesn’t have chrome or foil appeal, but it was widely available and still carries historical weight as part of Panini’s NBA debut.
Hobby Score: 80
The flagship Panini card from 2009, this set marked the brand’s arrival as the NBA license holder. While not the flashiest, it's an important historical piece and has picked up collector interest in recent years.
Hobby Score: 81.5
A portrait-style card with a darker, minimalist background that feels different from other Curry rookies. It's a cult favorite with strong visual appeal, even if less discussed than flagship issues.
Hobby Score: 82.5
A retro throwback to the 1948 Bowman design, this Curry card features bold colors and a comic book flair. With a very low PSA 10 population under 200, it stands out as one of his rarest mainstream rookies.
Hobby Score: 87.5
A classic paper-style rookie that evokes nostalgia from the Topps Chrome era. The PSA 10 population is under 400, adding rarity to one of the most iconic Curry rookies from the brand's final basketball set.
Hobby Score: 89.5
The undisputed king of Curry rookie cards. With just 61 PSA 10s in existence, the Topps Chrome stands in a tier of its own. Clean design, chromium finish, and legendary status—this is the grail.
Hobby Score: 92.5