Jayson Tatum comes from a line of successful basketballers, with both his godfather Larry Hughes and father Justin Tatum playing ball. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that Jayson Tatum rookie cards are among the hottest in the hobby.
There were high expectations for Jayson’s basketball career from an early age after he became one of the top four scouted prospects in high school.
His high-quality performances led to Tatum getting picked up by Duke University, where he, unfortunately, injured himself on the team’s Pro Day.
After missing the first eight games of the season, he managed to have an extremely successful season with Duke. So much so he got drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 3rd overall pick in the 2017-18 NBA draft.
Due to essential injuries, Tatum played many more minutes than planned in the first half of the season and did not disappoint. Many rookies tend to tail off as the grueling nature of an entire NBA season takes its toll, but this was not the case for Tatum.
In his first season in the NBA, Tatum made the All-Rookie First Team and helped take the team deep into the playoffs, where they eventually lost to LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Given his incredible start to life in the NBA, it is no surprise that Tatum rookie cards are highly sought after.
Here, we will show you the best Jayson Tatum rookie cards to add to your collection. For a quick list of the top cards, check out the five listed below.
- Most Popular: 2017 Prizm #16
- Budget: NBA Hoops Rookie Card #253
- Autograph: Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph
- RPA: Panini Flawless RPA
- Rare Insert: Panini Kaboom! #5
Most Popular Jayson Tatum Rookie Cards
The “Most Popular” rookie card category includes cards most commonly searched for on Google and transacted on eBay. These cards are likely to be collectible long-term.
1. 2017 Jayson Tatum Prizm #16 (Shop On eBay)
The 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Panini Prizm Rookie Card is easily one of the most popular Tatum rookie cards, which is why it is the first card on this list. It makes a great addition to any card collection due to its value, popularity, and aesthetics.
This rookie card is part of the Panini Prizm brand, one of the most popular NBA card brands. Due to this fact, this Tatum rookie card is a must-have for any collector.
Of course, other Jayson Tatum rookie cards on this list are more valuable or are harder to find, but Panini Prizm cards are easily one of the most popular.
Due to its popularity, Panini Prizm rookie cards are the most searched for on Google and are frequently bought and sold on eBay.
Recently, a PSA 10 grade of this rookie card got sold for $180
Popular parallels of this card:
2. 2017 Donruss Optic Jayson Tatum #198 (Shop On eBay)
Another top-rated Jayson Tatum rookie card that collectors are often on the lookout for is the Jayson Tatum 2017-2018 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Card.
Like the Prizm Panini Brand, the Donruss Optic NBA brand is also extremely popular with NBA card collectors and frequently searched for on Google.
When you merge the popularity of Jayson Tatum, the player, and Donruss Optic, the brand, it is no surprise that this rookie card is one of the most popular ones.
Collectors are well aware of what they get for their money when purchasing a Donruss Optic NBA rookie card. They are always made to high quality, with a beautiful glossy finish.
As with any Donruss Optic NBA rookie card, this Jayson Tatum card shows off the iconic “Rated Rookie” logo and shows Tatum protecting the ball from a defender, about to make a play for the Celtics.
There are also parallel options, such as:
A base PSA 10 grade of this rookie card recently sold for $80
3. 2017 Select Jayson Tatum (#93, #166, #256) (Shop On eBay)
While the Select rookie card brand’s popularity is similar to Donruss and Prizm, the rookie cards differ significantly. I say this because Select does not just produce one base set Jayson Tatum rookie card for you to collect. They offer you three base set choices to pick from.
Each base set card has fewer prints than the last, making it rarer and desirable. Card collectors know that there is more value in a rookie card that is harder to find.
The Select base set card that gets printed the most is the Concourse base set Jayson Tatum rookie card. The next easiest to find is the Premier level base set Tatum rookie, and the hardest to find is the Courtside Tatum rookie card.
Not only are there three base set rookie cards to choose from, but there are also specific parallels that are only available for each of the base sets.
The three base sets are as follows:
4. 2017 Prizm Mosaic Jayson Tatum #20 (Shop On eBay)
Personally, the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Mosiac card is a beautiful rookie card and one I feel most collectors should consider.
One of the reasons I like this card so much is its chromium finish. The finish helps this card stand out from other options.
This rookie card is in various box sets, which means there are many parallels to pick from. You may expect these parallels to be easy to find, given that there are so many options. However, the limited print numbers mean this is not the case.
There are exclusive rookie variants of the Jayson Tatum rookie card in fast-break boxes. Parallels include Mosaic White (#/25), Mosiac Black (1/1), and Mosiac Gold (#/10).
A PSA 10 grade of this Jayson Tatum rookie card was recently sold on eBay for $225.
Budget Jayson Tatum Rookie Cards
Budget” category cards provide good entry-level investment options. The cards are typically less expensive than the “Most Popular” cards but remain relatively popular.
5. 2017 NBA Hoops Jayson Tatum #253 (Shop On eBay)
When you think about how important Tatum has been for the Celtics since he got drafted back in 2017, many Tatum rookie cards are sought after by collectors. Many investors and collectors hunt for valuable Tatum rookie cards they can add to their portfolios.
One of the best budget rookie options you can choose for your collection is the 2017-18 NBA Hoops Jayson Tatum rookie card. It is beautiful to look at, and as with other Hoops rookie cards, it depicts Tatum dribbling the ball up the court for the Boston Celtics.
While this rookie card is undoubtedly popular with collectors, it is not searched for as much as those listed above in the Most Popular category.
A PSA 10 NBA Hoops Jayson Tatum rookie card recently sold for $50.
6. 2017 Donruss Rated Rookie #198 (Shop On eBay)
If the Hoops Tatum rookie card isn’t for you, but you are on a budget, you may want to consider the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Donruss Rated rookie card.
This rookie card was one of the first Tatum rookie cards to get released where he gets pictured in his Boston Celtics jersey.
For passionate card collectors keeping their collection within a budget, the Jayson Tatum Donruss Rated Rookie is one of the best options you can select.
As well as the stunning base set variant, the Donruss Rated choice pack offers exclusive choice parallels, and laser parallels are in hobby packs.
A PSA 10 grade Donruss Rated Tatum rookie card recently sold for $80.
7. 2017 Revolution Jayson Tatum #121 (Shop On eBay)
For any collector that likes their rookie cards to look unique and stand out, a great budget option is the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Revolution #121. While some collectors prefer traditional styles, others prefer rookie cards that are bright, vibrant, and eye-catching.
The 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Revolution rookie card does just that, with the shiny background and prominent use of green.
The card shows Jayson Tatum in his green Celtics jersey, and the colors used throughout the card reflect that. This style choice results in a unique and beautiful look and feel.
In total, there are more than ten parallels of the base Tatum rookie card, including:
A PSA Grade 10 Jayson Tatum Revolution rookie card recently sold for $70.
8. 2017 Essentials Jayson Tatum Rookie #129 (Shop On eBay)
The final budget Jason Tatum rookie card to make this ultimate list is the 2017-18 Essentials Jayson Tatum rookie card.
Most rookie cards focus on using the rookie player’s jersey color and white background. However, this rookie card instead focuses on blending the Boston Celtics green with other colors, which results in a stunning card any collector would be happy to have.
The Essentials Tatum rookie card also shows two action shots of Tatum, one of which is in greyscale. This color option adds focus to this image and is another reason this card is so stunning.
A PSA 10 of the Jayson Tatum Essentials rookie card recently sold for $50 on eBay.
Jayson Tatum Autograph Rookie Cards
The “Autograph” rookie card category includes signed basketball cards. This category excludes rookie patch auto (RPA) cards because those cards get featured in a subsequent section.
9. 2017 Prizm Rookie Signatures #RS – JT (Shop On eBay)
The first Jayson Tatum autograph card to make this list is the 2017-18 Prizm Rookie Signatures. Although this Prizm series is not one of the most well-known Prizm card brands, that should not deter you from adding this card to your collection.
Since this is a Jayson Tatum rookie card made by Prizm and contains his signature, you can be confident that it is an excellent choice for any collection.
Not to mention that it is also a very aesthetically pleasing rookie card.
The Prizm Rookie Signatures card shows Tatum dribbling for the Boston Celtics, looking up the court to identify their next offensive play.
You will find the lucrative Jayson Tatum signature underneath the image of Tatum in his Celtics jersey.
10. 2017 Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph (Shop On eBay)
The 2017-18 Panini Contender Rookie Ticket Autograph Jayson Tatum rookie card is the next Autograph Rookie to consider for your collection.
If you are a fan of Jayson Tatum rookie cards that are distinct and unique, then this Tatum autograph rookie is a brilliant option.
The 2017-18 Panini Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket Autograph Jayson Tatum rookie card differs from other options in many ways.
For starters, many Jayson Tatum rookie cards show Tatum in the center of the card, but that is not the case with this rookie card. Instead, he is on the left of the card, about to play a pass to a Celtics teammate.
The trademark contender rookie ticket is on his right, while Jayson Tatum’s signature sits below the image and the ticket.
Highly sought-after rookies such as Jayson Tatum are very hard to find in a hobby box, so don’t expect to pull one in the next box you purchase.
11. 2017 Impeccable Autograph (Shop On eBay)
The 2017-18 Impeccable Autograph Jayson Tatum is one of the most popular Jayson Tatum rookie autograph cards. Personally, the Impeccable Tatum rookie card is one of my favorites, as it perfectly blends a traditional white background with the stylish and modern green of the Celtics jersey.
Be warned, however. The 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Impeccable Autograph rookie card is challenging to get your hands on, so be wary that you will need to pay a significant sum to add it to your collection.
12-15. Other 2017 Jayson Tatum Autograph Rookie Cards
There are plenty of Jayson Tatum Autograph rookie cards for you to pick from. Here are a few others that you could consider.
12. 2017 Certified Jayson Tatum Rookie Roll Call (Shop On eBay)
The 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Certified Rookie Roll Call may not be the most well-known Tatum rookie autograph, but collectors still highly value it.
13. 2017 Encased Jayson Tatum Autograph: (Shop On eBay)
High-rollers often seek this Jayson Tatum autograph because it gets delivered within a glass box.
14. 2017 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Jayson Tatum Auto: (Shop On eBay)
Donruss Optic is one of the most popular rookie card brands, so when you combine it with the popularity of Tatum and his signature, you know this is a highly valued card.
15. 2017 Panini Status Jayson Tatum Autograph (Shop On eBay)
Status is another brand that sits under the Panini umbrella, and investors and collectors highly regard this Tatum autograph.
Jayson Tatum RPA Cards
The “RPA” rookie card category includes rookie patch autograph (RPA) cards. This category includes some of the most highly sought-after and expensive rookie cards.
16. 2017 National Treasures Jayson Tatum RPA (Shop On eBay)
It is no secret that any National Treasures rookie card will improve a collectors NBA card collection. When you combine the prestige of the National Treasures brand with one of the most high-profile rookies, your collection will soar to new heights.
That is one of the main reasons that the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum National Treasures RPA is essential for any collector willing to pay the hefty price tag.
Another reason this card is so sought after is because it contains Jayson Tatum’s signature in the top left-hand corner of the card and shows off a patch from his time with the Celtics.
Since its inception, the National Treasures card brand has developed and become one of the leading NBA card brands. They create beautiful and high-quality rookie cards.
As you would expect, it is hard to purchase the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum National Treasures RPA due to how limited and expensive it is. But if you find one and have the budget, this would be a fantastic addition to your collection.
17. 2017 Flawless Jayson Tatum RPA (Shop On eBay)
It is no secret that Jayson Tatum is one of the most high-profile players in the NBA. Because of this, Tatum has often had to deal with the burden of helping lead the Boston Celtics on and off the court. However, he has always shown himself to be up to the task and continues to perform to an extremely high standard each season.
This attitude and skill set has led to him becoming one of the most critical players on the Boston Celtics roster and one that the team can get built around for years to come.
One excellent rookie patch autograph card you might consider adding to your collection is the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Flawless RPA.
Flawless RPA rookie cards are highly sought-after, especially for popular players like Jayson Tatum. Due to the low print volume, the interest from collectors outweighs the volume of cards available, leading to a high price tag.
18. 2017 Immaculate Jayson Tatum RPA (Shop On eBay)
The Immaculate brand has long been one of the leading brands for rookie patch autograph cards, and with one look at the 2017-18 Immaculate Jayson Tatum RPA, you can see why.
This card oozed style and beauty. Immaculate has done a great job in combining the three primary colors of the Boston Celtics, green, gold, and white, with a sleek and stylish design.
The card depicts Tatum with the ball, looking to make a play for the Celtics. He is wearing their crisp white jersey, with the patch on show to the right of the image.
Below that sits the valuable autograph, creating a well-designed card and a must-have for serious collectors.
19-22. Other 2017 Jayson Tatum RPA Cards
RPA rookie cards are highly popular with collectors and investors that have plenty of money to spend on their collection. Here are some of the other Jay Tatum RPA cards you can add to your collection.
19. 2017 Noir Jayson Tatum RPA: (Shop Now On eBay)
If you are a fan of RPA cards that have a design that stands out compared to others, the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Noir RPA is an excellent choice.
20. 2017 Impeccable Jayson Tatum RPA: (Shop Now On eBay)
Impeccable rookie cards are popular with collectors worldwide. This popularity is no different for the Jayson Tatum 2017-18 Impeccable RPA rookie card.
21. 2017 Spectra Jayson Tatum RPA: (Shop Now On eBay)
Spectra are one of the best rookie card brands. The RPA Jayson Tatum card is highly sought-after by investors and collectors.
22. 2017 Crown Royale Jayson Tatum RPA (Shop Now On eBay)
I love the Crown Royal brand because the cards are a different shape from other RPA Tatum card options.
Jayson Tatum Rare Insert Rookie Cards
The “Rare Inserts” rookie card category includes rare and highly sought-after rookie cards. The cards on this list will be among the most expensive rookie cards available.
23. 2017 Panini Kaboom! Jayson Tatum #5 (Shop On eBay)
I am the type of NBA rookie card fanatic who appreciates unique, eye-catching cards that are full of color.
So it should be no surprise that I love the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Panini Kaboom! Rookie card. As with all Kaboom! Rookie cards, it shows the player about to make a slam dunk, kitted out in his Boston Celtics jersey.
Another aspect of this card that stands out is the stunning, shiny stars on show in the card’s background. They are sure to capture any collector’s attention and make it an excellent choice for your collection.
24. 2017 Panini Cornerstones Downtown (Shop On eBay)
The Panini Cornerstones Downtown brand quickly became extremely popular with NBA rookie card collectors. One of the best examples of this brand is the 2017-18 Jayson Tatum Panini Cornerstones Downtown rookie card.
This rookie card is highly sought-after by collectors and investors, and PSA 10 grades get sold for a high price.
This rookie card is part of the Panini Cornerstones set as a rare insert. It shows Jayson Tatum about to take a shot for the Boston Celtics.
The rookie card shows the Boston Celtics team name, the world-renowned RC rookie logo, alongside the Panini Cornerstones logo.
Don’t expect to find this card easily, though, as Downtown inserts are extremely rare. Add that to the fact that Jayson Tatum is a highly rated player, making it even harder to get your hands on this card.
Jayson Tatum Rookie Card Risk and Upside Analysis
Note: please keep in mind that all sports card investments carry risk, and you should always complete your own analysis prior to investing in sports cards.
As of the 2021-22 NBA season, we classify Jayson Tatum’s rookie cards as Moderate Risk with Moderate Upside potential. Tatum is in his 5th NBA season and will already participate in his 3rd All-Star game. In addition, he plays for the Boston Celtics, a legendary franchise, and plays an exciting position as small forward. Those ingredients mean Tatum’s rookie cards can become among the most highly sought-after in the hobby. For these reasons, we believe Tatum rookie cards have Moderate Upside potential.
All that said, Tatum has yet to sustain success over a long period of time and has not yet won an NBA championship. Due to these reasons, we believe Jayson Tatum rookie cards still have Moderate Risk.
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