As one of the most universally respected players of his generation, Chipper Jones cards and memorabilia have a very dedicated following. And with the future Hall of Famer announcing that 2012 is his last season, interest in Chipper Jones cards will likely rise as collectors recognize that he has many great items available at reasonable prices.
Despite only winning one World Series, the Atlanta Braves of the 1990s were, arguably, one of the most dominant franchises in baseball history. A huge part of that success was Jones. The first pick in the 1990 draft, Jones played eight games for Atlanta in 1993. A torn ACL cost him the entire 1994 season. Finally, Jones found a spot in the Braves' lineup in 1995, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 86. For more than a decade, Jones was one of the most consistent hitters in the game. In every season between 1995 and 2008, Jones hit at least 21 homers. The 1999 National League MVP also drove in 100 or more runs nine times.
With rookie cards in 1991 sets, all first-year Chipper Jones cards can be found at reasonable prices, even in top condition. This is due in large part to massive overproduction. However, there are a couple of solid bets that are difficult to find. 1991 Topps Tiffany is very popular with collectors. So too are the foil-stamped 1991 Topps Desert Shield Chipper Jones cards. However, there have been many fakes of the Desert Storm cards over the years so collectors need to be cautious, paying close attention to the stamping. Authentic versions have a rounded bottom on the shield. Many of the fakes have a pointed shield bottom. The dark horse of Chipper Jones rookie cards is his 1991 O-Pee-Chee card, which is much tougher to find than the similar-looking Topps card.
Collectors may want to track down autographed Chipper Jones cards. While there are plenty of different signature cards that have been made over the years, many have dried up. One of Jones' most significant autograph cards comes from 1999 Stadium Club Co-Signers and has Derek Jeter's autograph as well.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card Guide
1991 Bowman #569
It's too bad that 1991 Bowman Baseball was printed by the boatload. It has one of the greatest checklists of the Junk Wax Era. The design is rather plain, kind of like a matted photo sitting in a white picture frame. The photo of the Jones card is very classy, though. The posed action portrait sees the young slugger following through on a swing, watching the ball soar into the horizon.
1991 O-Pee-Chee #333
From the front, Jones' 1991 O-Pee-Chee rookie card looks exactly like his Topps card. For the second straight year, O-Pee-Chee even went with the Topps name. However, when you flip the card over, there are a couple of easily identifiable differences. First, 1991 O-Pee-Chee Baseball used bright white card stock. Also, the fine print reads that the cards were printed in Canada. It's in this line that you'll find the only mention of O-Pee-Chee on the card. Finally, the text is written in both English and French. This card is actually somewhat difficult to find and may represent one of the better investment opportunities among Chipper Jones cards.
1991 Score #671
Part of the 1st Round Draft Pick subset, the 1991 Score Chipper Jones card pictures the then future star in an interesting pose, with his bat out in front of him. However, the combination of a less-than-happy face and dated orange background make it one of the less attractive first-year Chipper Jones cards.
1991 Topps #333
Looking past is plentiful quantities, 1991 Topps Baseball is a beautiful set and the Chipper Jones card fits right in. Pictured in his high school threads, the posed shot exudes youth. Jones looks very unassuming with his bat resting on his shoulder. Collectors may want to track down the 1991 Topps Desert Shield and 1991 Topps Tiffany Chipper Jones cards, which are much rarer. There is also the 1991 Topps Micro factory set that includes a tiny take on the Jones card.
1991 Upper Deck #55
The only Chipper Jones rookie card to picture him fielding, the young draft pick is on his toes, ready for the ball. The strong, clean design is typical of Upper Deck's base sets.
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Chipper Jones Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Chipper Jones' authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company.
Signed Baseball Pricing:
Average eBay Sales Price: $55
Lowest Amazon Price:
Signed Jersey Pricing
Average eBay Sales Price: $160
Lowest Amazon Price:
Signed 8x10 Photo Pricing
Average eBay Sales Price: $46.50
Lowest Amazon Price:
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Andy R. | Jun 12, 2012 | Reply
I have signed bat of Chipper from maybe 95 or 96. My wife purchased from a collector who would go to Turner field and get the players to sign items. However, the signature on the bat has the “#10″ on the right hand corner of his name and not inside the circle of the “J” of his signature. Would he have done this from time to time? Thanks
Glenn | Feb 19, 2013 | Reply
I have seven cards signed from his early spring training in West Palm Beach. Three had # 10 inside J, for don’t have the 10. I witnessed all seven being signed. Check out _ibonge_ on twitter I have a scan of the cards.