Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of baseball. Despite being the game's all-time home run leader, a dark cloud hangs over his head thanks to the widespread belief that his numbers were enhanced by performance-enhancing drugs. Add to that Bonds' general disdain for the media and you've got someone that's easy to vilify. But that doesn't mean that Barry Bonds cards and memorabilia aren't collectible. In particular, his autographs move at very strong prices.

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Bonds spent the first part of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and, without controversy, establishing himself as one of the game's dominant players. After signing with the San Francisco Giants following the 1992 season, Bonds continued his strong play. Amazingly, it was during the twilight of his career that the outfielder posted some of his most impressive numbers. In 2001, he broke Mark McGwire's record for most home runs in a season. In 2007, Bonds passed Hank Aaron on the all-time home run list.

The slugger finished his career with a record seven National League MVP awards, including four straight between 2001 and 2004. Bonds was also a 14-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner.

The first Barry Bonds cards can be found in 1986 products. Donruss, Fleer and Topps all included him in their late-season box sets. Sportflics also has a lenticular Bonds card in their Rookies set. Because these cards come from box sets, some label these cards to be "XRC" and call his 1987 cards his rookie cards. Ultimately, it's a matter of preference but, generally, his 1986 cards garner more attention. That said, we are talking the mid-80s. All are readily available and at reasonable prices.

Late in his career, Bonds opted out of the MLBPA's licensing contract, opting to negotiate his own deals. This meant that he was in only a handful of 2004 sets. He later came to an exclusive deal with Topps that started late in 2004. Barry Bonds cards remained exclusive to Topps for the rest of his career. He was featured heavily in product advertising and packaging.

Outside of baseball cards, Barry Bonds became something of a reluctant signer. As a result, his signed memorabilia commands high prices, even amidst the controversy surrounding him.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card Guide

Population reports current as of 11/15. Because there is a lot of interest in 1987 Barry Bonds cards, we have included them as well.

1986 Donruss The Rookies Barry Bonds #11 RC

The green borders are a major step down from the blue used in the 1986 Donruss base set. As far as rookies from the "big three," this card is probably the least desirable.

1986 Donruss The Rookies Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 5,580
Pristine 10: 5
Gem Mint 9.5: 87
Mint 9: 1,535

1986 Donruss The Rookies Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 10,805
Gem Mint 10: 1,038
Mint 9: 4,850

1986 Fleer Update Barry Bonds RC #U-14

The 1986 Fleer Update Barry Bonds rookie card uses the same design as the base set. It's popular with collectors, although the dark borders and centering issues make it a little tougher to find in top grades. All that's relative due to the massive print run.

1986 Fleer Update Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 7,989
Pristine 10: 4
Gem Mint 9.5: 625
Mint 9: 1,747

1986 Fleer Update Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 18,179
Gem Mint 10: 936
Mint 9: 8,138

1986 Sportflics Rookies Barry Bonds RC #13

Historically, Sportflics are viewed as something of an oddball card. Their lenticular designs aren't for everyone. The technology is crude but the cards are certainly distinct. The 1986 Sportflics Barry Bonds is largely overlooked by collectors.

1986 Sportflics Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 2,680
Pristine 10: 30
Gem Mint 9.5: 918
Mint 9: 1,198

1986 Sportflics Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 3,902
Gem Mint 10: 1,659
Mint 9: 2,105

1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds RC #11T

The most iconic Barry Bonds rookie card, his 1986 Topps Traded features a warm portrait. The set has long been a collector favorite thanks to its deep checklist. Prices have come down significantly in recent years, though. It is not hard to find for a few dollars. From an investment perspective, the 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Barry Bonds is easily the best option. Limited to 5,000 copies, it's printed on glossy white card stock.

1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 17,314
Pristine 10: 12
Gem Mint 9.5: 1,867
Mint 9: 4,067

1986 Topps Traded  Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 43,404
Gem Mint 10: 3,344
Mint 9: 18,224

1987 Donruss Barry Bonds #361

Featuring a classic late '80's Donruss design, the black borders and thin card stock make these cards very condition sensitive and prone to edge and corner wear. A young Bonds poses in a close-up wearing a Pirates old-school type cap.

1987 Donruss Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 9,762
Pristine 10: 25
Gem Mint 9.5: 785
Mint 9: 1,657

1987 Donruss  Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 22,688
Gem Mint 10: 1,034
Mint 9: 9,570

1987 Fleer Barry Bonds #604

The vibrant blue borders which adorn the top portion of the card have always presented a condition issue when it comes to grading. However, that has not detracted collectors who have long appreciated the upbeat design in comparison to the Topps release of the same year.

1987 Fleer Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 11,862
Pristine 10: 5
Gem Mint 9.5: 509
Mint 9: 1,835

1987 Fleer Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 24,604
Gem Mint 10: 972
Mint 9: 9,862

1987 Topps Barry Bonds #320

This isne of Bonds more depressing trading cards from an aesthetic standpoint. The lack of sunshine and dull wood borders, while iconic to some collectors, is equally dismal to others. It should also be noted that the identical card, including numbering was also printed for the O-Pee-Chee brand as well.

1987 Topps Barry Bonds BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 9,146
Pristine 10: 8
Gem Mint 9.5: 597
Mint 9: 1,500

1987 Topps Barry Bonds  RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 11,511
Gem Mint 10: 947
Mint 9: 3,619

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Pittsburgh Pirates 97-11 Barry Bonds McCutchen Clemente Kendall + NM Lot 400+
$15.00

1998 Pinnacle Plus Artist's Proof #AP24 Barry Bonds San Francisco Giants Card
$18.33

1998 Pinnacle Plus Artist's Proof #AP24 Barry Bonds San Francisco Giants Card
$18.33

1997 Bowman's Best Preview Atomic Refractor #3 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$28.00

1997 Collector's Choice Premier Power Gold #PP9 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$17.50

1996 Ultra Call to the Hall Gold Medallion #1 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$17.50

1998 Topps Chrome Clout Nine Refractors #C7 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$21.00

1998 Topps Chrome Milestones Refractors #MS1 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$17.50

1998 Collector's Choice StarQuest Double #15 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$10.50

1995 Upper Deck Special Edition Gold #70 Barry Bonds - NM-MT
$21.00

1992 Bowman #590 BARRY BONDS Pirates graded NM MT 8 by SGC Gold Foil Border
$10.10

1987 Fleer Barry Bonds Rookie #604
$11.64