Aaron Judge Rookie Card Guide & Gallery

Hang with me, as I’m trying something new here. But I’ve realized in all of my different rookie card guides, there must be a better way to display all of this card awesomeness in terms of making things easier for you the reader to understand all that’s going on.

So, what better way to try and give things a visual jolt than with Aaron Judge – only the hottest player on the planet – and his rookie cards, of which interest seems to be through the roof these days.

Best Aaron Judge Rookie Cards

First of all, Aaron Judge’s true baseball rookie card is 2017 Topps #287. You’ll see similar cards out of Update, Opening Day, and more, but that’s why I’m here. Let’s take a look!

2017 Topps Flagship

As mentioned above, Aaron Judge has a number of cards out of 2017 Topps, with is “true” rookie #287 out of Series one. Given the number of different 2017 Topps RCs and variations, this true rookie is often referred to as the “fielding” version given Judge is back against that right field short porch at Yankee Stadium.

Series 1 & Set Versions

In addition to Series 1, Judge has a complete set version and a team set version, as shown here from left to right.

If looking at each of these on their own without any knowledge as to which card is the true rookie, it would be tough to discern. If you flip them over, though, you’ll see the numbers on the back of the card look something like this:

• #287 “Series 1”
• #287 “Complete Set”
• #NYY-16

Now things are a bit easier, right? We can clearly see that the first is from Series 1, and while the second has a similar number, it is marked “complete set” to signify it’s the complete set variation or version of the card.

Update Series

Next up from 2017 Topps we have the Update series, which is always known for “Debut” cards and others, like the ASG cards shown below. These are cards #US99, #US166, and #US1 from left to right. As you can see, each has the RC shield, but also a mentioning and/or logo to help you identify if true rookie or not.

Short Prints

Next, as is always the case with Topps flagship, you’ll need to keep an eye out for SP and SSP variations. These are cards that are also found in their respective series’ packs but because they are “SP” or “short print” are produced in lesser quantities and generally more valuable. While Judge only has a few, take a look at the different Ohtani Topps rookie cards to fully understand what I’m referring to.

For Judge, though, we have a Series 1 SSP variation featuring Judge with bat under arm while in the dugout. In addition, there is an Update #US99 SSP variation with a similar backdrop to the base “Rookie Debut” card, but with the bat on Judge’s shoulder. Last, there is another Update variation with Judge’s arms on the dugout railings. However, this card has the #287 numbering to match Series 1:

2017 Topps Opening Day

If you’re in the market for an Aaron Judge rookie card right now, one of the cheaper options will be Opening Day or Topps Holiday (more on Holiday below). That said, Opening Day also has short prints, not to mention foil parallels which spices up the chase for anyone who also wants something more than the basic rookie entry.

Below you’ll see base card and the rainbow blue foil parallel, which are both card #147. Next to them is the “close up” SP, and while missing the “RC” shield, the National Anthem Aaron Judge as well, which is selling for around $150!

2017 Topps Holiday

Wow, these Judge RCs are just the gift that keeps on giving (pun intended). Bad jokes aside, with Judge or any player’s cards really (well, except Steven Kwan RCs, for now) you’re going to have an abundance of options from Topps, including the main series release, Update, Opening Day, and now, Topps Holiday.

The holiday season release is themed as so, with snowflakes, snow, and other adornments, with a “glittery” variation known as metallic snowflake (I don’t think they had these on the list of any of our favorite antique baseball cards). In addition, one “fun” short print variation Holiday offers feature players holding Santa’s bag, on ice skates, fielding gifts, and more.

For Judge in 2017, we have the base version and the metallic snowflake. I don’t normally include autographs on this list, and won’t now, but will mention there is a Holiday auto to watch for as well.

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