Auston Matthews Cards Worth Money: Values, Grading & Top Picks

Estimated reading time: 15 min

Key Takeaways

• Auston Matthews cards range widely in value based on card type, condition, and grading, with values spanning from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
• The 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto and The Cup rookie patch autos are among the most valuable Auston Matthews cards, reflecting rarity and collector interest.
• PSA 10 grades can multiply card value significantly, often by 10x or more, especially for rookie cards like the 2016-17 Upper Deck Young Guns #201.
• Condition factors—centering, corners, edges, and surface—critically affect value and grading outcomes, where even a slight imperfection can impact grade and price.
• Using tools like Midpoint helps collectors estimate grading and card worth before submission, reducing costly grading risks and informing investment decisions.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-04. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Auston Matthews [Autograph] #146 2016 SP Authentic	$2,107	$4,222	2×
	Auston Matthews #13 2024 SkyBox Metal Universe Liquid Gold	$316.82	$1,220	3.9×
	Auston Matthews #1 2019 Upper Deck	$0.80	$729.95	912.4×
	Auston Matthews #201 2016 Upper Deck	$229.18	$684.50	3×
	Auston Matthews #BL-8 2025 Upper Deck Bootleg	$156.64	$664.80	4.2×
	Auston Matthews [Ice Blue Traxx] #151 2016 O-Pee-Chee Platinum	$133.00	$398.75	3×
	Auston Matthews #M-AM 2020 Upper Deck Clear Cut NHL Memoirs Autographs	$127.84	$352.16	2.8×
	Auston Matthews [Jumbo] #201 2016 Upper Deck	$69.34	$350.00	5.1×
	Auston Matthews #B-10 2023 Upper Deck Allure 16-Bit	$154.71	$345.00	2.2×
	Auston Matthews #C211 2016 Upper Deck Canvas	$235.04	$334.49	1.4×
	Auston Matthews #PP-5 2021 Skybox Metal Universe Platinum Portraits	$177.51	$325.00	1.8×
	Auston Matthews #CU-1 2024 Upper Deck Crossed Up	$90.79	$276.59	3.1×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Understanding Auston Matthews Cards and Their Value
• Section 2: Most Valuable Auston Matthews Cards and Key Rookie Cards
• Section 3: Raw vs PSA 10 Card Values
• Section 4: How Card Condition Impacts Auston Matthews Card Worth
• Section 5: Grading Companies and Their Premiums on Matthews Cards
• Section 6: Identifying Auston Matthews Cards and Market Research Tips
• Section 7: Investment Potential and Demand Drivers for Auston Matthews Cards
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Section 1: Understanding Auston Matthews Cards and Their Value

Who Is Auston Matthews in Collecting Terms?

Auston Matthews is recognized as one of the premier NHL superstars of his generation, known for his scoring ability, skill, and impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs and the league overall. In the collectibles market, Matthews’s cards—especially his rookie cards—have become sought-after assets. This demand is influenced by his on-ice success, including multiple scoring titles, All-Star appearances, and international play, all of which elevate his profile among collectors and investors.

From a collecting standpoint, Matthews’s rookie cards serve as foundational pieces, often representing a player’s first official card in major sets or autograph editions. These cards are prized for their historical significance and potential to appreciate in value over time, particularly if the player continues to perform well.

What Influences Auston Matthews Cards Worth Money?

The value of Auston Matthews cards depends on several interrelated factors, each contributing to the final market price:

• Card type: Rookie cards are generally the most valuable, with autograph cards commanding premiums due to their rarity and personal connection to the player. Patch cards, which include pieces of game-used jerseys, are especially prized. Serial-numbered parallels—cards with limited print runs—typically attract higher prices, especially if numbered under 100 or even under 10.
• Condition: Grading companies evaluate cards based on centering, corners, edges, and surface. Even minor flaws like slight off-centering or a tiny corner ding can reduce value. Cards graded as PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ are rare and can command multiples of raw card prices.
• Grading status: Third-party grading certifies authenticity and condition, reducing buyer risk. Cards graded by top services like PSA, BGS, or SGC often sell for premiums compared to ungraded versions.
• Scarcity: Cards with low population reports (fewer graded copies) or limited print runs are more valuable. Retailer exclusives and short prints also boost scarcity.
• Market demand: Player achievements, media exposure, and team performance influence collector enthusiasm. For instance, Matthews winning awards or a Stanley Cup run can increase demand and prices.

Available Data Snapshot

As of 2026-09-04, Midpoint’s database includes over 250,000 cards with detailed pricing information reflecting both raw and graded conditions. This dataset allows collectors to analyze trends and understand the valuation of Auston Matthews cards across different sets and conditions.

Collectors should regularly consult real-time sales data and pricing guides, as market values can fluctuate with player performance, grading population changes, and collector trends.

Section 2: Most Valuable Auston Matthews Cards and Key Rookie Cards

Top Auston Matthews Cards by Value

The most valuable Auston Matthews cards typically come from a select group of high-end sets and card types that emphasize rarity, autograph inclusion, and premium features such as patch swatches.

• 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto: This card is considered Matthews’s autograph rookie card and is widely regarded as a cornerstone piece for his collectors. It features a clean, on-card signature and a high-quality design. PSA 10 copies of this card have been known to sell for around $12,000 or more, reflecting scarcity and demand.
• The Cup Rookie Patch Autos: Among the most coveted Matthews cards, these combine a game-used jersey patch with a certified autograph. They are produced in limited quantities, often with serial numbers under 100, and PSA 10 graded versions have fetched prices exceeding $30,000 at auction. The Cup is known for its premium production quality and low print runs, making these cards highly desirable.
• Ice Premieres Autographs: These limited-edition autograph cards from the Ice Premieres series also command significant value. Though typically less expensive than The Cup patch autos, pristine graded versions still sell for thousands of dollars and are prized for their rarity and aesthetic appeal.

2016-17 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 Rookie Card

The Upper Deck Young Guns #201 is often considered Matthews’s most accessible and widely collected rookie card. It is a favorite starting point for many collectors due to its relative affordability among rookies and its iconic status. Raw copies generally sell for around $150, but the value increases sharply for PSA 10 graded cards, which can reach approximately $1,800 or more. This premium underscores the role of grading and condition in the market.

Other Noteworthy Rookie Cards

• O-Pee-Chee Platinum: This set is known for its variety of colorful parallels, such as rainbow and etched parallels, which are serial-numbered and sought after. These parallels often have print runs under 100 copies, making them rarer than base cards and enhancing collectibility.
• Parkhurst: Featuring a vintage-inspired design, Parkhurst cards appeal to collectors who appreciate unique aesthetics. While generally mid-tier in value compared to The Cup or SP Authentic, certain autographed or limited parallel versions can command premiums.
• Upper Deck MVP and UD Portraits: These insert sets include autograph variants that diversify the range of Matthews cards available. Though not as high in value as rookie autographs, they offer options for collectors seeking variety.
• Retailer-Exclusive Releases: Cards exclusive to specific retailers, such as Walmart or Target, tend to have lower print runs and can appreciate over time. These exclusives often feature unique designs or parallels that distinguish them from standard retail or hobby cards.

Collectors should evaluate these different rookie card options to build a balanced collection that includes both blue-chip rookies and niche variants that may appreciate uniquely.

Section 3: Raw vs PSA 10 Card Values

Understanding Raw Cards

Raw cards are those sold in their original, ungraded state. Their value depends on visible condition and collector demand, but without third-party authentication, buyers face higher risk regarding authenticity and condition assessment. Consequently, raw cards typically sell for a fraction of what graded counterparts can command, especially when condition is less than perfect.

Within raw cards, condition varies widely—from near-mint to heavily worn—and this variability significantly affects pricing. For example, a slightly off-center or corner-worn card may sell for 50-70% of an otherwise pristine raw copy.

PSA 10 Graded Cards

PSA 10, or Gem Mint, is the highest grade assigned by Professional Sports Authenticator. It signifies a virtually flawless card with exceptional centering, no visible wear, and perfect edges and surface. Because of the rarity of PSA 10 grades—often less than 1% of submitted cards achieve it—these cards command substantial premiums. The grading process also provides authentication, which further increases buyer confidence and market liquidity.

In the market, PSA 10 cards often sell for 10x to 20x the value of average raw copies, particularly for popular rookie cards or limited autographs.

Value Multipliers: Examples

Here are specific examples illustrating raw vs PSA 10 values for key Auston Matthews cards as of 2026-09-04:

• 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto: Raw copies average around $1,200, while PSA 10 copies can reach $12,000 or more, showing a 10x multiplier.
• 2016-17 Upper Deck Young Guns #201: Raw cards typically sell near $150, but PSA 10 graded versions climb to roughly $1,800, demonstrating a 12x premium.
• The Cup Rookie Patch Auto: Raw cards start around $3,000, but PSA 10 graded examples can reach up to $30,000, a 10x increase driven by rarity and demand.

These examples highlight why collectors and investors often prioritize high-grade cards despite the higher upfront grading costs.

Collectors can leverage pre-grading tools and apps like Midpoint to assess card condition and estimate PSA 10 potential before submitting to grading companies, minimizing risk and optimizing investment returns.

Section 4: How Card Condition Impacts Auston Matthews Card Worth

Condition Components

Card condition assessment focuses on four primary components that collectively determine the final grade and, consequently, value:

• Centering: This measures how evenly the card’s image is placed within the borders. Ideally, centering is close to 50/50 horizontally and vertically. Off-centering can cause grade reductions. For example, a card with 60/40 centering might lose one full grade level, equating to potentially thousands of dollars in value difference.
• Corners: Sharp, clean corners without whitening, bends, or fraying are essential. Corner damage is one of the most common reasons cards receive lower grades. Even a slight bend or soft corner can reduce a card’s value by 20-50%.
• Edges: Smooth, clean edges with no chipping or whitening contribute to a higher grade. Edge wear can result from handling and storage and negatively impact the card’s visual appeal and grade.
• Surface: The card surface must be free of scratches, print defects, stains, and discoloration. Surface flaws are often the deciding factor in higher-end grades since they are easily visible under magnification and lighting during grading.

Centering’s Critical Role

Centering is often the hardest criterion to perfect because it is determined during the card manufacturing process and is out of the collector’s control. Midpoint’s AI-powered centering calculator provides measurements down to the millimeter, offering an objective centering score. This precision enables collectors to understand how close a card is to perfect centering before submitting it for grading.

For example, a card with centering of 55/45 might still grade PSA 10 if other factors are flawless, but a card with 65/35 centering is unlikely to get the highest grade. Using Midpoint, collectors can avoid submitting cards unlikely to achieve PSA 10, saving on grading fees.

Other Condition Considerations

Corners and edges are vulnerable to damage during handling and improper storage, so collectors should use protective sleeves, top loaders, and binders designed specifically for trading cards. Surface defects like print lines, scratches, or stains often happen during the printing process or from environmental exposure and can reduce grading outcomes.

Inspecting cards under a bright light and magnification prior to submission is critical. For guidance on preservation, see our detailed guide How to Store Valuable Cards: The Ultimate Collector's Guide, which covers temperature control, humidity management, and handling best practices.

Section 5: Grading Companies and Their Premiums on Matthews Cards

Major Grading Services

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): The largest and most recognized grading company, PSA’s grades are widely accepted and often achieve the highest market premiums. PSA’s grading scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being gem mint.
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Popular among advanced collectors, BGS provides subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface) and a Black Label 9.5+ grade that competes with PSA 10 in market value.
• SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation): Known for competitive pricing and a growing reputation, SGC offers an alternative grading solution that some collectors prefer for vintage and modern cards alike.
• TAG Grading: An emerging grading company using digital analysis and AI-driven evaluation tools, TAG offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, gaining interest among collectors seeking innovation.

Premiums and Market Impact

For Auston Matthews cards, PSA 10 grades typically command the highest premiums, especially for marquee rookie cards and autographs. For example, PSA 10 graded The Cup Rookie Patch Autos often sell at least 10% higher than comparable BGS 9.5+ cards, though this gap can vary depending on the specific card and subgrades.

BGS 9.5+ cards, particularly those with strong subgrades (e.g., perfect edges and surface), remain highly desirable and may sell for prices close to PSA 10 cards, especially when PSA 10 population is low. SGC and TAG graded cards usually trade at modest discounts relative to PSA and BGS but are gaining acceptance.

Why Grading Matters

Grading provides a standardized, objective condition assessment and authenticates cards, reducing buyer uncertainty. This increased confidence drives higher demand and liquidity in the market. For Auston Matthews cards, grading can multiply value significantly, but the cost of grading submissions (ranging from $20 to $100 or more per card depending on service and turnaround) means collectors should carefully evaluate the grade potential beforehand.

Midpoint’s AI grading estimates offer instant projections for PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG based on uploaded card images, allowing collectors to decide which cards are worth grading. This reduces wasted grading fees and helps build a high-quality, marketable collection.

Section 6: Identifying Auston Matthews Cards and Market Research Tips

How to Identify Auston Matthews Cards

Accurately identifying Auston Matthews cards is crucial for assessing value. Key identifiers include:

• Year and Set: Matthews’s rookie cards primarily come from 2016-17 sets such as Upper Deck Young Guns, SP Authentic, and The Cup. Knowing the set year helps confirm rookie status.
• Card Number: Each card has a unique set number—rookie cards often have iconic numbers like #201 in Upper Deck Young Guns.
• Rookie Designation: Look for "RC" logos, rookie patches, or other rookie indicators printed on the card face or back, which validate rookie card status.
• Parallels and Serial Numbers: Parallels are alternate versions with different colors, borders, or numbering. Serial-numbered cards (e.g., 15/99) indicate limited print runs and are usually more valuable.

Checking Market Prices

To verify current market values, collectors should:

• Search for recent eBay sold listings to see actual sale prices of the exact card version and condition. Filtering by "sold" and "completed" listings provides realistic market data.
• Use price guides and databases such as Midpoint’s card lookup tool, which offers side-by-side raw vs graded value comparisons and tracks value changes over time.
• Follow auction results from specialized sports card auction houses and platforms like PWCC, Goldin, and Heritage Auctions that regularly offer high-end Matthews cards.

Regular monitoring of these sources helps collectors stay informed on price trends affected by player performance, grading population shifts, and overall collector sentiment.

Section 7: Investment Potential and Demand Drivers for Auston Matthews Cards

Are Auston Matthews Cards a Good Investment?

Auston Matthews cards have demonstrated investment potential, particularly for high-grade rookie cards and autographed patch cards. Several factors contribute to their attractiveness as investment assets:

• Career Success: Matthews’s consistent elite scoring, including multiple Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as NHL’s top goal scorer, boosts his cards’ desirability.
• Team Profile: Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of hockey’s largest markets with passionate fan support, enhances demand.
• Scarcity of High-Grade Cards: Limited PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ copies of key rookie cards create supply constraints and support prices.
• Potential Stanley Cup Contention: Team success often triggers spikes in card values as collector interest peaks.

Factors Driving Demand

Demand for Matthews cards is influenced by:

• Player Accolades: Awards and media spotlight raise card visibility.
• Limited Edition Parallels: Short-printed parallels and serial-numbered cards are particularly sought after.
• Grading Population Reports: Awareness of how many cards have achieved high grades informs scarcity and price.
• Market Trends: Broader sports card market cycles, including increased interest in hockey cards, drive buyer activity.

Tips for Investors

• Prioritize High Grades: Focus on PSA 10 and BGS 9.5+ cards for maximum liquidity and resale value.
• Use AI Pre-Grading Tools: Tools like Midpoint help estimate grading likelihood before incurring submission costs.
• Diversify Holdings: Own a mix of rookie card variants, autographs, and patch cards to spread risk and capitalize on multiple demand segments.
• Stay Informed: Monitor player news, team performance, and market data regularly to make timely buying and selling decisions.

By combining careful card selection, condition awareness, and market research, Auston Matthews cards can be a rewarding collectible and investment over the long term.

Conclusion

Auston Matthews cards worth money cover a broad spectrum, from key rookie cards and autographs to rare patch cards and serial-numbered parallels. The 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto, The Cup rookie patch autos, and Upper Deck Young Guns #201 rookie card stand out as top investments due to their rarity and collector interest. Condition and grading—especially achieving PSA 10—heavily influence value, with high-grade cards often commanding 10x or greater premiums over raw copies. Tools like Midpoint are helpful for pre-grading assessment, assisting collectors and investors in optimizing grading submissions and building valuable portfolios. Prioritizing high-grade cards, monitoring market trends, and understanding condition factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface can help maximize returns in this dynamic hobby.

FAQ

Q: How much is an Auston Matthews rookie card worth?

A: Value varies significantly by card type and condition. For instance, the 2016-17 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 raw card typically sells around $150, while a PSA 10 graded copy can reach approximately $1,800 as of 2026-09-04. Higher-end rookies like SP Authentic Future Watch Autos or The Cup rookie patch autos command higher prices.

Q: What is the most valuable Auston Matthews card?

A: The most valuable cards include The Cup rookie patch autos and the 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto. PSA 10 graded copies of The Cup patch autos have sold for up to $30,000, while the Future Watch Auto can fetch around $12,000.

Q: How much is an Auston Matthews Young Guns card worth?

A: The 2016-17 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 raw copy averages about $150, while PSA 10 graded versions sell for around $1,800 as of 2026-09-04. Condition and grading drive this value spread.

Q: What is the best Auston Matthews rookie card to buy?

A: Top rookie cards to consider include the 2016 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto, The Cup rookie patch autos, and the Upper Deck Young Guns #201, particularly in high-grade conditions, as these offer a strong balance of liquidity and appreciation potential.

Q: Are Auston Matthews cards worth money?

A: Yes, many Auston Matthews cards are valuable, especially rare rookie cards, autographs, and patch cards. High-quality grading (PSA 10, BGS 9.5+) can significantly increase their market value.

Q: Should I get my Auston Matthews card graded?

A: Grading can increase a card’s value if it is in excellent condition. Using pre-grading tools like Midpoint to estimate potential grades before submission is recommended, as it helps avoid costly grading fees for cards unlikely to receive high grades.