Bryce Harper Rookie Cards: Best 34 Cards You Need to Know in 2021

Are you interested in buying Bryce Harper rookie cards?

If so, you are not alone. Several thousand Bryce Harper rookie cards were bought and sold in 2020 and his cards are among the hottest in the hobby at the start of 2021.

Collectors and investors like Harper’s cards for good reason. Despite some inconsistency, the 1st overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft is a 6x All-Star, 2012 NL Rookie of the Year and 2015 NL MVP.

If Harper can return to his 2015 MVP form as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper’s cards have plenty of room for upside in 2021 and beyond.

Bryce Harper Player Profile

In 2019, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Bryce Harper to a 13 year, $330M contract. Unless traded or cut, Harper will play with the Phillies through the 2031 season at which point Harper will be 38 years old.

Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Position: Rightfielder
Rookie Card Year: 2012
Prospect Card Year(s): 2010-2011
Date of Birth (Age): October 6, 1992 (28)
Draft: 1st overall by Washington Nationals in 2010 MLB Draft
WAR (through 2020): 33.7
Similar Batters through age 27: Justin Upton, Andruw Jones, Jose Conseco, Barry Bonds, and Greg Luzinski, according to Baseball Reference
Investment Status: Low Risk, Moderate Upside

The following article lists 34 Bryce Harper rookie cards in order from highest to lowest price. In addition, please keep the following in mind:

Prices are based on PSA 10 auction prices (when available)
Price estimates are based on transactions that occurred in February 2021 or earlier
Price Tiers are the following: Very High ($751+), High ($251-$750), Mid ($101-$250), Low (Up to $100)
PSA 10 count is based on data from PSA in February 2021

1. 2012 Topps Heritage Real One Bryce Harper #ROABH Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Heritage
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Very High ($751+)
PSA 10 Count: 5

The 2012 Topps Heritage Real One Autograph is an extremely rare Harper rookie card. The card uses the traditional Heritage design and features an on-card autograph. The rarity and on-card auto make this one of the most expensive Harper rookie cards.

2. 2011 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper #BCP111 Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Very High ($751+)
PSA 10 Count: 104

The 2011 Bowman Chrome Harper Autograph is a Prospect card from his 2011 season, one year after he was drafted and one year before his 2012 rookie year. The on-card autograph and rarity contribute to make this among the most expensive Harper baseball rookie cards.

3. 2012 Topps Archives Bryce Harper #241 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Archives
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Very High ($751+)
PSA 10 Count: 23

The 2012 Topps Archives was the first Bryce Harper rookie card released. The card is also extremely rare with only 23 PSA 10 graded cards to-date. The card features a cool action shot with Harper in a Nationals jersey winding up to throw the ball from right-field.

4. 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 Batting / Red Helmet RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Very High ($751+)
PSA 10 Count: 150

The 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 is highly sought after and relatively rare. The card is a short-print and there are only 150 PSA 10 graded cards to-date. Several variations and a mini-version exist, but the Batting / Red Helmet commands the highest prices.

5. 2012 Topps Heritage Bryce Harper #H650 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Heritage
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Very High ($751+)
PSA 10 Count: 36

The non-autograph version of #1 on this list, the 2012 Topps Heritage is another extremely rare Harper rookie card. There are only 36 PSA 10 graded cards. The card features the traditional Topps Heritage design with Harper in a Nationals jersey and the bat over his left shoulder.

6. 2010 Bowman Draft Picks Bryce Harper #AFLAC-BH Auto RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Draft Picks
Year: 2010
Type: Prospect
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): High ($251-$750)
PSA 10 Count: 20

The 2010 Bowman Draft is among the first Harper on-card autograph cards. The card is from Harper’s 2010 draft year and is numbered /230. In my opinion, this card is a candidate for being undervalued in the market. For most players, the first on-card autograph is the most expensive, but not the case with Harper. This may be due to the “Aflac” branding and lack of a Washington Nationals jersey.

7. 2011 Bowman Sterling Bryce Harper #BSPBH Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Sterling
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): High ($251-$750)
PSA 10 Count: 10

The 2011 Bowman Sterling is a prospect card from one year after Harper’s draft year. The card is rare with only 10 Refractor PSA 10 graded cards to-date. The image features Harper post swing watching a ball he hit.

8. 2012 Topps Chrome Bryce Harper #196 Hitting Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Chrome
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): High ($251-$750)
PSA 10 Count: 280

Fans of the Topps Chrome brand will like this Harper rookie card. The card features Harper in a white National jersey and red helmet post swing. The card is not as rare as others on this list, but with only 280 PSA graded cards to-date, it is not common either.

9. 2011 Bowman Prospects Bryce Harper #BP1 Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Prospects
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): High ($251-$750)
PSA 10 Count: 252

The 2011 Bowman Prospect Autograph is among the more common Harper prospect autograph cards. The card features Harper in a white National jersey post swing with Harper’s on-card autograph at the bottom of the card. A PSA 10 card sold for ~$350 in February 2021.

10. 2012 Topps Chrome Bryce Harper #BH Autograph Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Chrome
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): High ($251-$750)
PSA 10 Count: 13

The 2012 Topps Chrome Harper RC auto is much cheaper than Harper’s Heritage Auto RC, but more expensive than several other rookie autos. I purchased a BGS 9.5 version of this card for ~$255 in December 2020 and feel that was a great deal given the low population count and Topps Chrome brand. The card features Harper running with a clean on-card autograph.

11. 2011 Bowman Platinum Prospects Bryce Harper #BH Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Platinum
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 76

The 2011 Bowman Platinum autograph is the most affordable Harper autograph cards from 2011. The Bowman Platinum brand is a lower-end set which contributes to the lower price point. That said, the card features a clean on-card autograph and as of February 2021, a high-grade base card can be purchased for less than $250.

12. 2012 Topps Update Bryce Harper #US183 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Update
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 2,309

The 2012 Topps Update RC is among the popular Harper rookie cards. Supply of PSA 10 graded cards is higher than all other cards on this list up to this point as there are 2,309 PSA 10 cards to-date. As of February 2021, you can purchase this card for less than $250.

13. 2012 Topps Five Star Bryce Harper #1 #/80 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Five Star
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 0 (PSA 8 is highest grade to-date)

For fans of low print numbered cards, this may be the best Harper rookie card for you. This card is numbered to 80 and only 8 have been graded by PSA with a PSA 8 being the highest grade received to-date. Despite the low population, the card is relatively affordable, that is if you can find one!

14. 2012 Panini National Treasures Bryce Harper #160 Jersey #/99 RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Panini
Brand: National Treasures
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 5

The National Treasures brand produces some of the most expensive cards in basketball, but that is not the case in baseball. Panini does not have the MLB license to use MLB logos and as a result, National Treasures prices are typically much lower in baseball. This card is a great example of that. The Bryce Harper rookie patch card can be purchased for as little as ~$100 depending on the grade and patch quality.

15. 2012 Playoff Prime Cuts Bryce Harper #10 Jersey #/99 RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Panini
Brand: Playoff Prime Cuts
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 1

The 2012 Playoff Prime Cuts Harper RC is another example of a low numbered Harper rookie card. This card is even more affordable than the National Treasures card and can be be purchased for as little as ~$50. However, the card is numbered /99 and can be hard to find.

16. 2012 Panini Signature Series Bryce Harper #18 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Panini
Brand: Signature Series
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 2

The 2012 Panini Signature Series Harper RC is a low population and affordable rookie card. The card is rare, but if you can find one, you can typically purchase for ~$100 or less. The card features a unique close-up image of Bryce Harper which stands out relative to other Harper rookie cards.

17. 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 Front Leg Up / Blue Helmet Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 940

The 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 “Blue Helmet” RC is the cousin of the #661 “Red Helmet” rookie card (#4 on this list). The “Blue Helmet” variation is more common — there are 940 PSA 10 cards compared to only 140 “Red Helmet” cards. The higher population count contributes to a lower price and as of February 2021, a PSA 10 version of this card can be purchased for ~$200.

18. 2012 Topps Triple Threads Bryce Harper #129 Autograph Jersey #/99 RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Triple Threads
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 0 (1 PSA 9)

The Topps Triple Threads Harper RC is a unique card compared to other Harper rookie cards. The card features traditional Triple Threads design with ‘Threads” being a unique feature of the card typically boarded by words and numbers. For example, the card below includes “OF” and “34.”

The Triple Threads cards typically do not receive high grades from PSA and BGS and as a result, there are 0 PSA 10 cards and only 1 PSA 9. This is a Mid-Price Harper rookie card and can be purchased for less than $250.

19. 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Bryce Harper #AGA-BY Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Allen & Ginter
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 3 (14 PSA 9)

The 2012 Topps Framed Allen & Ginter Autograph is a unique, moderately priced Harper rookie autograph. The card features a black boarder around an image of Harper and a clean on-card auto. The low pop count and moderate price make this an interesting potential buy.

20. 2012 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper #214 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 288

The 2012 Bowman Chrome Harper RC is one of several Harper rookie cards in the mid-price range. The card features Harper in a blue National jersey at-bat.

21. 2012 Bowman Sterling Bryce Harper #BH Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Sterling
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 4

The 2012 Bowman Sterling Bryce Harper Auto RC is among the lowest priced Harper rookie autograph cards. A raw version of this card sold for less than $200 in November 2020. The card features Harper post swing with a large, clean on-card autograph and is a great option for a budget-minded collector looking for a Harper auto RC.

22. 2012 Topps Finest Bryce Harper #AJR-BH Jumbo Relic Autograph RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Finest
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 0 (2 PSA 9)

The 2012 Topps Finest Harper Jumbo Relic Auto RC is another moderately priced rookie autograph card. The autograph is not on-card, but the card includes a relic. I personally prefer Bowman Sterling for a similarly price rookie autograph, but that is personal preference.

23. 2012 Topps Update Bryce Harper #US299 In a Suit RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Update
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: Yes
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 50

There are a few variations of Bryce Harper RC from 2012 Topps Update and this is the second card on the list from that set. #12 was the first card from 2012 Update. The “In a Suit” variation is relatively low population with only 50 PSA 10 graded cards to-date. The latest transaction for this card was ~$150, but as of late 2020 the card could be purchased for ~$75.

24. 2012 Panini Prizm Bryce Harper #152 Rookie Cards (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Panini
Brand: Prizm
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 357

The 2012 Panini Prizm Harper RC is the third and final Panini card on this list. As mentioned previously, Panini does not include MLB logos due to lack of license and this typically lowers the price of the card. In addition, the 357 PSA 10 population count is higher than most other Harper rookie cards. As a result, I believe there are better Harper cards available in this price tier, but ultimately up to you!

25. 2010 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper #BC8 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome
Year: 2010
Type: Prospect
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Mid ($101-$250)
PSA 10 Count: 190

The 2010 Bowman Chrome Harper RC is the “1st Bowman” Harper card. This designation typically results in a high price point relative to other cards from the same player. Not the case with Harper. This could mean the card is undervalued as of February 2021, or collectors and investors don’t like the fact that Harper is not wearing a MLB uniform. Either way, this is one my top picks from the Bryce Harper rookie card checklist.

26. 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospects Bryce Harper #BCP10 RC (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome Prospects
Year: 2012
Type: Prospect
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 534

The 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospects is technically a Harper prospect card even though it is from his 2012 rookie year. Topps likely produced the set before Harper had been called up to the majors. Due to the lack of the “RC” label, this card is priced lower than similar 2012 cards. A PSA 10 graded version of this card can be purchased for less than $100.

27. 2012 Topps Finest Bryce Harper #73 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Finest
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 365

The 2012 Topps Finest is among the most affordable Bryce Harper rookie cards on this list. A PSA 10 graded card can be purchased for less than $100 as of February 2021. I believe this card is a solid option in this price tier.

28. 2011 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper #BCP111 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome Prospects
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 499

This is the non-autograph version of the #2 card on this list and can be purchased for a fraction of the price. The ~500 PSA 10 graded cards make this among the most widely circulated Harper prospect cards. That said, it is one of the first Harper cards with him wearing a Washington Nationals uniform. For that reason, I like this card in this price tier.

29. 2012 Bowman Sterling Bryce Harper #1 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Sterling
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 12

Bowman Sterling is a higher-end product and most cards from this set are low population. This card is no exception as there are only 12 Bryce Harper Sterling rookie cards graded PSA 10. If you can find a PSA 10 Bowman Sterling Harper rookie card for less than $100, I would buy it.

30. 2012 Topps Update Bryce Harper #US299 Batting (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Update
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 490

The #US299 Batting is the 3rd Bryce Harper rookie card from 2012 Topps Update on this list. This card is also the least expensive. The card can be purchased for ~$100 as of February 2021.

31. 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 Screaming Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Update
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 1,026

The 2012 Topps Harper #661 “Screaming” is the 3rd Harper rookie card from the 2012 Topps set (#4 and #17 are the other two). More than 1,000 PSA 10 graded cards exist which is more than the other two #661 card variations on this list. As a result, the card is also the least expensive and can be purchased for less than $100 as of February 2021.

32. 2012 Bowman Platinum Bryce Harper #56 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Platinum
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 101

The 2012 Bowman Platinum Harper rookie card is a low population rookie card at an affordable price. The Bowman Platinum set is sold at the lower-end of the market which contributes to the lower price point of the set’s cards, even in the case of low pop PSA 10 graded cards. As of February 2021, this card can be purchased for less than $100.

33. 2011 Topps Pro Debut Bryce Harper #196 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Topps Pro Debut
Year: 2011
Type: Prospect
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 172

The 2011 Topps Pro Debut Harper prospect card is the only card on this list that features Harper in a minor league jersey. For fans of Bryce Harper, this is a nice addition to the overall collection because it represents a significant milestone in his career. The card is relatively low pop with only 172 PSA 10 cards through February 2021 and can be purchased for less than $100.

34. 2012 Bowman Chrome Draft Bryce Harper #10 Rookie Card (Buy on eBay)

Manufacturer: Topps
Brand: Bowman Chrome Draft
Year: 2012
Type: Rookie
Autograph: No
Price (2021): Low (less than $100)
PSA 10 Count: 667

The 2012 Bowman Draft Harper #10 rookie card is the lowest priced ‘Chrome’ card from Topps on this list. With 667 PSA 10 graded cards, it is also among the most widely available Harper ‘Chrome’ cards. I like the Chrome finish and like the price point of under $100 for a PSA 10 even better. This is a great budget option for Harper fans.

5 Honorable Honorable Mentions

1) 2012 Topps Bryce Harper #661 Mini — 4th 2012 Topps #661 on this list, a miniature card, priced less than $100
2) 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Bryce Harper #12 — non-autograph version of #19 on this list, priced less than $100
3) 2011 Bowman’s Best Card Bryce Harper #BBP1 — the only card from Bowman’s Best on the list, priced less than $100
4) 2011 Bowman Sterling Bryce Harper Prospects #1 — another prospect card from Bowman Sterling, priced less than $100
5) 2011 Bowman Platinum Prospects Bryce Harper #BPP1 — another prospect card from Bowman Platinum, priced less than $100

Bryce Harper Rookie Card Investment Advice

Heading into the 2021 MLB season, I classify Bryce Harper rookie cards as Low Risk with Moderate Upside potential. Although Harper will likely never reach the same level as Mike Trout rookie cards, there is plenty of upside potential for Bryce Harper rookie cards.

Why do I believe Harper is a low risk investment?

Bryce Harper has already been in MLB for 9 years and during that time has been a perennial All-Star and was awarded NL MVP in 2015. Although he has not returned to MVP form since 2015, he has proven to be a consistently productive player.

I like to reserve medium or high risk designations to players who have yet to prove themselves, are unlikely to be collectible long-term, and / or are struggling severely. Harper does not meet those criteria. As a result, I believe he is a low risk investment.

Why do I believe Harper has moderate upside potential?

As I mentioned previously, Harper has not returned to MVP form since his 2015 season. Since then, his card prices relative to the market as a whole have softened significantly. If Harper were to return to peak form, which we know he is capable of doing, we could see Harper card prices double or even triple, especially in this red-hot baseball card market.

I do not pretend to be able to predict future performance of professional athletes, but I do believe Harper has the potential to have a break-out season for the Phillies in 2021. The 2021 MLB season will be Harper’s 3rd with the Phillies and will (hopefully) feel more normal after a significantly impacted 2020 season.

Due to the potential for a break-out season for Harper in 2021 and beyond, I consider Harper’s card prices to have moderate upside potential.