News

A coveted Ken Griffey Jr. parallel from the 1998 Skybox E-X Essential Credentials Now set—serial-numbered 4/10—has emerged at Heritage Auctions for the first time in nearly 20 years. Graded a pristine PSA 9, it’s one of only two examples to earn that high mark and the first Mint-grade copy seen publicly since an ungraded version traded on eBay in 2006.

Bidding—including buyer’s premium—has already climbed past $120,000, with Heritage estimating its market value north of $200,000. That represents a dramatic leap from earlier benchmarks: the same card peaked at $58,800 in 2022, dipped to $26,400 in August 2023, then climbed to $36,600 last December. With the hammer set to fall on May 16, this Griffey Jr. gem could rewrite price-guide records.

Collectors prize the Essential Credentials Now parallels for mirroring the base set’s numbering—meaning Griffey’s position as card #10 naturally earned him the low serial /10. The design dazzles with neon yellow-green acetate layers, holographic “shading” foil turned bright neon, and the “Essential Credentials Now” logo stamped in black across the front, while the back proudly displays its limited sequence.

Heritage’s Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles, notes, “Our research shows this card hasn’t been at a public auction since a loosely graded copy sold for just $516 in 2006. A Mint 9 example like this is a milestone for Griffey enthusiasts.” Whether you’re a hardcore Griffey fan or a high-end card investor, this auction is one to watch.