Graded GEM MINT 10 by SGC. A debut-year collectible of a future Hall of Famer, and easily the most widely pursued baseball Rookie Card of an entire generation. Among a total of 2,189 copies recorded in SGC’s census reporting, just two specimens, in total, have achieved this stratospheric tier. (To corroborate the condition-sensitivity of this esteemed collectible, it can be observed that competing grading service PSA has also awarded its top, PSA GEM MT 10 increment to the piece at a commensurately microscopic rate of around one-tenth of one percent.)

Derek Jeter, of course, stood as the quintessential superstar of his time. Every aspect of his athleticism, his personality and his character inspired admiration and devotion among casual and enthusiastic fans, alike. His record of achievement – the 5 World Series Championships, the 14 All-Star Games and the 5 Gold Glove Awards, to name just a few – represent an incomparable legacy, and his continuing involvement with the sport suggests that Jeter's past greatness was merely the preamble to an even brighter future.

Jeter's iconic stature is unquestionable. But beyond that, it's useful to ponder, for a moment, the difficulty of obtaining his delicate and sparsely produced Rookie Card at the pinnacle of condition. Indeed, only twenty-four specimens on the face of the earth (among tens of thousands submitted for evaluation) combine attributes of sufficient quality to allow the enthusiast to be comfortable that no upgrade is ever necessary ... or possible. With respect to an attempt to equal its SGC GEM MINT 10 grade, a collector would realize a greater chance of success by taking a bucket-load of sand from the beach and sifting it to isolate the grains composed of diamond. Simply, this phenomenal Jeter card exhibits perfection, where others require excuses.

As a point of reference on value, the only other confirmed, SGC GEM MINT 10 example of this card sold at auction for $60,000 in August, 2018. The offered SP Foil Jeter card, with its faultless manner of presentation, represents the wish of countless collectors, but can be a reality for only one. Absolutely splendid Gem Mint condition.