Top 15 Best Stephen Curry Rookie Cards

Since his childhood, Stephen Curry has been in the spotlight while his father, Dell Curry, competed in the NBA for 16 seasons. Curry aspired to follow in his father's footsteps, though few college basketball programs had much belief in the guard, as Curry ended up at Davidson College.

At Davidson, Curry proved all those who doubted him wrong, bursting onto the college basketball scene. Curry's athleticism and shooting prowess in the 2008 NCAA Tournament led the Davidson Wildcats to the Elite Eight, one of the most revered performances in college basketball history.

After forgoing his final year of eligibility, Stephen Curry declared himself eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft and was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Golden State Warriors. As a member of the Warriors, Curry has guided the franchise to five NBA Finals appearances, including three NBA titles.

Stephen Curry is a two-time NBA MVP, eight-time All-Star, two-time NBA scoring champion, two-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion, and one of only nine NBA players in the 50-40-90 club, highlighting a 50% two-point field-goal percentage, 40% three-point field-goal percentage while shooting 90% from the free-throw line across an entire NBA season.

At 33 years old, Curry signed a four-year $215 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, proving he's still in the prime of his NBA career, where he strives to capture yet another title for the franchise. Suffice to say, Stephen Curry has defied all odds to become one of the most prolific NBA players in league history, and his rookie cards have become one of the most sought-after by hobbyists. Without further ado, let's unveil the top 15 best Stephen Curry rookie cards.

#15

2009-10 Absolute Memorabilia Stephen Curry RC #144 Jersey Autograph /499

Recent sale: $4,999

Steph Curry played at Queensway Christian College Saints in Etobicoke, Ontario, in the 7th and 8th grade while his father, Dell Curry, finished his 16-year NBA career playing for the Toronto Raptors. Steph Curry led his team to an undefeated season in 2001, often totaling 40 and 50-point games. After Dell Curry retired after the 2001-02 NBA season, Steph moved back to South Carolina and attended Charlotte Christian High School. In three seasons for the Charlotte Christian Knights, Curry led the team to three conference titles and three appearances in the state playoffs. Curry, who graduated in the class of 2006, was honored to the All-Conference and All-State teams during both his junior and senior season.

Panini released the 2009-10 Absolute Memorabilia set to collectors on May 19, 2010, in four packs of four cards. The mid-level set catered to collectors seeking rookie and memorabilia cards, featuring Curry's autographed memorabilia card as one of the set's highlights. Limited to 499 copies, Steph Curry's Absolute Memorabilia autograph card is one of his most condition-sensitive rookie cards. Beckett's total population of Curry's 2009-10 Absolute Memorabilia card is 146, including one card accepting a BGS Black Label and two cards meriting a BGS 10. Considering Beckett’s population and PSA's population of 33, Curry's 2009-10 Absolute Memorabilia card warranted a PSA or BGS 10 at a 3% clip.

With a desire to follow in his father's footsteps and attend Virginia Tech, Curry wasn't highly recruited from many Division I schools despite averaging 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 14 assists per game throughout his high school career, and ultimately chose Davidson College in North Carolina. Although at this point, Curry wasn't on many scouts or NBA front office radars, Curry would quickly change that, and his 2009-10 Panini Absolute Memorabilia autograph rookie card follows suit.

#14

2009 Panini Prestige Stephen Curry Prestigious Picks Signatures Black RC #6 /50

Recent sale: $7,211

Steph Curry enrolled at Davidson College, which competes in the Southern Conference in Division I for the 2006-07 college basketball season. Curry led the Davidson Wildcats to a 29-5 record in his freshman year, including 17-1 in the Southern Conference behind 21.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Curry's 21.5 points per game ranked 2nd in the country, only behind Kevin Durant's 25.8 points, and also recorded a freshman record totaling 122 three-point field goals. Curry led the Wildcats to a 29-7 record in his sophomore campaign, including 20-0 in the Southern Conference. Curry recorded 25.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 steals to lead the 10th seeded Wildcats to the Elite Eight. Curry then led the Wildcats to a 27-8 record in his junior and final season at Davidson, including 18-2 in the Southern Conference while recording 28.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

The 2009-10 Panini Prestige set was issued to collectors in hobby boxes on October 9, 2009, in 24 packs of eight cards. Collectors could anticipate four game-used memorabilia or autographed cards in each hobby box. Curry's rookie card from the 2009-10 Panini Prestige set emerged from the Prestigious Picks Signatures checklist, serial-numbered to 50 copies. PSA's population report features eight graded cards, including only one copy fetching a PSA 10. In contrast, BGS has analyzed 12 cards, with the highest card maintaining a BGS 9.5.

After an astonishing college basketball career, the budding superstar opted out of his senior season at Davidson to become eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft. With 5% of his Prestigious Picks Signatures rookie card acquiring a PSA or BGS 10, it remains one of the most condition-sensitive and most valuable Stephen Curry cards.

#13

2009-10 Certified Stephen Curry RC #176 Jersey Autograph /399

Recent sale: $7,250

Curry went from an overlooked high school basketball player to one of the greatest players in college basketball history. As such, Curry was highly regarded among NBA scouts, becoming the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Curry made his NBA debut on October 28, 2009, versus the Houston Rockets, recording 14 points, seven assists, and four steals. Curry finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting after recording 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, and was nominated to the 2009-10 All-Rookie First Team.

Featuring the late Kobe Bryant on the exterior of the 2009-10 Panini Certified hobby box, the highly coveted set was issued on February 17, 2010. Released in 10 packs of five cards, collectors could expect four game-used or memorabilia cards in each hobby box. Curry's rookie patch autograph card from the Freshman Fabric checklist is limited to 399 copies. Acquiring a BGS 10 for centering, BGS 9 for corners, 9.5 for edges, and BGS 9.5 for surface, Curry's RPA from 2009 Panini Certified merited a BGS 9.5, illustrating only one card graded higher from Beckett.

Although the Golden State Warriors went 26-56 to have an overall disappointing season, Curry gave the Bay Area hope for the future while becoming the face of the franchise. When Panini released 2009-10 Panini Certified, collectors quickly sought-after Curry's RPA and has remained one of the top Stephen Curry rookie cards.

#12

2009-10 Donruss Elite Stephen Curry RC #166 Autograph /499

Recent sale: $7,750

In his sophomore campaign, Stephen Curry totaled 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while leading the Warriors to a 36-46 record. The sharpshooter registered a 93.4% free-throw percentage while draining 212 of 227 free-throw attempts to lead the league and record one of the best single-season free throw percentages of all time. On December 5, 2010, Curry recorded a then-season high 39 points while shooting 14 of 20 from the field, including four of seven beyond the arc and seven for seven from the free-throw line.

Panini issued 2009-10 Donruss Elite on November 25, 2009, in 20 packs of five cards in each hobby box. A hobby box showcases two autographed cards, one game-used memorabilia card, nine serial-numbered inserts, and one serial-numbered die-cut parallel card. Curry's iconic Status Gold die-cut autograph card from 2009-10 Donruss Elite is serial-numbered to only 24 copies. With 14 copies to surface, only one card retained a PSA 10, including three cards achieving a BGS 9.5.

In his sophomore campaign, Curry became a household name in the NBA, capturing the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge and winning the NBA Sportsmanship Award. As a result, Curry's 2009-10 Donruss Elite Status Gold die-cut autograph card is one of his most coveted rookie cards, with collectors on heightened alert anticipating his iconic rookie card to surface.

#11

2009-10 Court Kings Stephen Curry RC #129 Autograph /649

Recent sale: $8,000

Curry's 2011-12 season was shortened due to both the 2011 NBA lockout limiting the season to 66 games and injury, limiting Curry to only 26 games. Curry played his second least number of minutes in the 2011-12 season, averaging 28.2 minutes per game. Curry also averaged a career-low in points (14.7) and rebounds (3.4). Curry and the 2011-12 Golden State Warriors went 23-43 to finish 13th in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs for the third-consecutive season.

Each card in the 2009 Panini Court Kings hobby box is serial-numbered, issued in one pack of 11 cards. Curry's autograph rookie card from 2009 Panini Court Kings is limited to 649 copies. Curry's rookie autograph card is one of his least condition sensitive cards, as 21% of his rookie cards analyzed merited a PSA or BGS 10. Collectors have fared better with fetching a higher grade through PSA, as 46 of 66 cards earned a PSA 10, while only 10 cards were granted a BGS 10 out of 205.

The 2011-12 season marks the final season the Warriors would miss out on the playoffs before making seven consecutive postseason appearances. While his injury-riddled 2011-12 season may have been a letdown, Curry and the Warriors at this point are on the cusp of their dynasty, directly impacting the value of Stephen Curry's 2009 Panini Court Kings autograph rookie card.

#10

2009-10 Playoff National Treasures Stephen Curry RC #206 Patch Autograph /99

Recent sale: $8,600

Before the 2012-13 season, Curry signed a four-year $44 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, despite Curry's narrative of injuries. Curry's first game back from offseason surgery on his ankle in the 2012-13 season didn't go as intended, as Curry went 2 of 14 from the field, including 0 for 6 beyond the arc, while recording a season-low five points. However, Curry quickly got back on track while shooting 10-20 from the field, including 6-10 from three-point range in the following game, en route to 26 points. Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 47-35 record while recording 15 double-doubles in 78 games played. Curry recorded a then-career-high in points (22.9) and assists (6.9). Curry averaged 3.5 three-pointers per game, on his way to totaling 272 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record.

The 2009-10 Panini Playoff National Treasures hobby box contains one of the most expensive Stephen Curry cards, showcasing his NBA Gear Dual Prime rookie card. Curry's iconic NBA Gear Dual Prime rookie card is limited to 49 copies, and none have received a PSA or BGS 10. As this particular card obtained a BGS 9, only one card merited a higher grade, earning a BGS 9.5. With only 33% of Curry's NBA Gear Dual Prime rookie card graded since the card's release in 2009-10, a PSA or BGS 10 would command an extreme amount of attention from collectors.

In just his fourth NBA season, Curry established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history. Considering the scarcity and low population, Curry's NBA Gear Dual Prime rookie card from 2009-10 Panini Playoff National Treasures is one of the best Stephen Curry rookie cards to collect.

#9

2009-10 Timeless Treasures Stephen Curry RC #106 Autograph /299

Recent sale: $8,988

2009-10 Timeless Treasures?had rookies add their signature to a white piece of material meant to look and feel like a basketball. Although it’s numbered to 299 and rarer than a lot of his other rookies, it doesn’t hold quite the same lasting appeal. Collectors should also take a good look at how the signature is holding up. Many have started to bleed into the material and fade in the years since its release.

#8

2009-10 Upper Deck Stephen Curry RC #234

Recent sale: $9,000

In coach Steve Kerr's first year at the helm, the 2014-15 Golden State Warriors led by Steph Curry had +2800 odds to win the 2015 NBA Finals. After finishing 67-15 in the 2014-15 NBA season, en route to the number one seed in the Western Conference, the Curry-led Warriors defied all odds and became the 2014-2015 NBA champions. Curry led the NBA in three-pointers made (286), breaking his previous NBA record of 272, free-throw percentage (91.4%), and steals (163), averaging 2.0 per game. Steph Curry averaged 23.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in the 2014-15 season, earning him his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance and ultimately winning the Most Valuable Player award.

On September 24, 2009, Upper Deck released its basketball hobby box in 16 packs of 20 cards. Curry's rookie card from 2009 Upper Deck emerged from the Star Rookies checklist as a short print. Although Curry's 2009 Upper Deck short print rookie card isn't serial-numbered and features his second-highest population on the list (2,236 graded by PSA, 1,726 graded by BGS), this particular copy merited a BGS 10 Black Label, one of only 29 cards to carry the ultimate grade.

After capturing his first of two MVP awards, Curry officially became one of the most dominant and challenging players to guard in the league. As approximately .007% of all collectors acquired a BGS 10 Black Label for Curry's 2009 Upper Deck rookie card, it remains one of his most coveted rookie cards to date.

#7

2009-10 Limited Stephen Curry RC #156 Jersey Autograph /299

Recent sale: $11,300

Here’s another one for that uses foil card stock and a busy design. The?2009-10 Limited?Stephen Curry Rookie Card is led by an autograph (a sticker) and a memorabilia swatch. However, the smaller print run of 299 gives it a little added pop over comparable cards.

#6

2009-10 Rookies and Stars #136 Autograph /449

Recent sale: $12,000

Although the material portion of Curry’s?2009-10 Rookies and Stars?card is large, it’s just material. It doesn’t come from a game- or player-worn jersey. The format appeals to some, especially as the material allows for a bigger signature.

#5

2009-10 Exquisite Collection Stephen Curry RC #64 Autograph /225

Recent sale: $14,450

After the Golden State Warriors lifted their second trophy in three years, the franchise offered Stephen Curry a five-year, $201 million contract. In the 2017-18 season, Curry and the Warriors went 58-24 to finish 2nd in the Western Conference behind Curry's 26.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Curry suffered an MCL sprain in late March of the 2017-18 season, which caused him to miss 16 of the team's final 17 regular-season games, in addition to the first six games of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Curry returned to the court for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, ultimately leading the Warriors to their 3rd NBA title in four seasons.

Stephen Curry's rookie card is one of the most recognized cards to collect from the 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection. The 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection features 37 NBA rookies, each serial-numbered to 225 cards. While 12 of 40 cards merited a PSA 10, none of the 165 cards in Beckett's population earned higher than a BGS 9.5, with a population of 34. Overall, only 6% of Curry's 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection rookie card has received a PSA or BGS 10.

Curry and the Warriors had yet another storybook ending after the 2017-18 season, cementing themselves as one of the most prominent dynasties in NBA history. While 21% of Curry's 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection rookie card accepted a higher grade than this copy, Curry's BGS 9 Exquisite rookie card ranks as his fifth most valuable, holding massive potential if a higher graded copy goes up for auction.

#4

2009-10 Crown Royale Stephen Curry RC #103 Autograph /399

Recent sale: $14,900

Through 69 games in the 2018-19 season, Curry led the Warriors to a 52-17 record in games he played versus 5-8 when Curry didn't take the court. With an overall 57-25 record, the Warriors captured the 1st seed in the Western Conference. Behind Curry's 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, the Warriors made their 5th straight NBA Finals appearance. Despite averaging 28.2 points and draining 4.2 three-pointers per game in the 2019 NBA Playoffs, Curry and the Warriors lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games. Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals also marks the last time the Golden State Warriors appeared in a playoff game.

Panini issued the 2009-10 Panini Crown Royale set on July 21, 2010, in four packs of seven cards. Each hobby box contains four autograph or memorabilia cards and eight inserts, showcasing Steph Curry's autographed rookie card as the set's focal point. Curry's autographed rookie card from 2009-10 Panini Crown Royale has achieved a PSA or BGS 10 at a 10% clip, with 12 PSA 10's and 12 BGS 10's awarded to date. As this distinct card merited a BGS 9.5, only 5% of Curry's autographed rookie card earned a higher grade.

Through his first 10 NBA seasons, Curry led the Warriors to seven postseason appearances, where he recorded 470 three-pointers, the most in NBA history. Although Curry's autographed rookie card from 2009-10 Panini Crown Royale isn't serial-numbered and may not be the most condition-sensitive, it's one of the most cherished and expensive Stephen Curry rookie cards in existence.

#3

2009-10 Playoff Contenders Stephen Curry RC #106 Autograph

Recent sale: $16,000

Curry averaged 20.2 points in his first four games of the 2019-20 season. However, during that fourth game of the 2019-20 season, Curry broke a bone in his left hand, which led to surgery just days later. Curry missed all but one game in the remainder of the 2019-20 season. Without Curry on the court, the 15-50 Warriors finished last in the Western Conference, failing to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 NBA season.

Stephen Curry's third most valuable rookie card emerged from the 2009 Panini Playoff Contenders, issued to collectors on February 2, 2010. Showcasing Curry on the front of each hobby box, collectors can anticipate four autographed cards in each box. Curry's autographed rookie card from 2009 Panini Playoff Contenders is his second-least condition sensitive rookie card on the list, as 26% of collectors obtained a PSA or BGS 10. It's to be noted that 81 of 140 cards graded by PSA earned a PSA 10, while none of the 168 cards analyzed by Beckett received anything higher than a BGS 9.5, featuring a population of 19.

The Warriors' 2019-20 season may have been a disappointment. However, their run of seven consecutive playoff appearances, including five straight NBA Finals appearances, while capturing three NBA titles was one of the most incredible runs in NBA history. While collectors have fared well in acquiring a high grade from PSA and BGS, the value of Curry's autographed rookie card from 2009 Panini Playoff Contenders continues to skyrocket.

#2

2009-10 Classics Stephen Curry RC #166 Autograph /499

Recent sale: $17,989

After successfully rehabbing his broken hand, Curry returned to the court for the 2020-21 season. Through 63 games, Curry averaged a career-high 32.0 points per game while adding 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. Curry's 32 points per game led the league, securing his second scoring title, and his 5.3 three-pointers made per game were a new career-high. Curry also led the NBA in three-pointers made with 337. On January 3, 2021, Curry scored a career-high 62 points on 18 of 31 shooting, including 8 of 16 from beyond the arc, and 18 of 19 from the free-throw line.

On March 31, 2010, collectors were eager to get their hands on 2009-10 Panini Classics, containing 18 packs of five cards in each hobby box. Curry's Classics rookie card is a staple of the set, limited to 499 copies. With 35 cards graded by PSA, 18 received a PSA 10. In terms of BGS' population of 243, only 16 cards obtained a BGS 10, including five copies meriting Beckett's highly exclusive BGS 10 Black Label distinction.

After leading the league in points scored (32.0), three-pointers made (5.3), and finishing 5th in free-throw percentage (91.6%), Curry put himself back in MVP consideration. Curry ultimately finished 3rd for MVP honors, but his play in the 2020-21 NBA season was remarkable after nearly missing the entire 2019-20 season. With all that Curry's accomplished, his 2009-10 Panini Classics autographed rookie card is the sharpshooter's 2nd most valuable rookie card to date.

#1

2009-10 Topps Chrome Stephen Curry RC #101 /999

Recent sale: $51,212

As the 2022 NBA All-Star Game approaches, Curry has been lights out to in the first half of the 2021-22 NBA season. Through 54 games, Curry is averaging 25.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Now in his 13th NBA season, Curry has broken the NBA record for most three-pointers made in both the regular season and the playoffs, previously held by Hall of Famer Ray Allen. The Golden State Warriors are healthy for the first time since the 2018-19 season, cruising to a 42-17 record, good for 2nd best in the Western Conference. As such, the Warriors carry the best odds to win the 2022 NBA Finals at +450 odds, tied for the highest odds with the Phoenix Suns.

2009-10 Topps Chrome features Steph Curry's most valuable rookie card in existence. Topps issued the iconic set in 36 packs of 10 cards, with hobby boxes containing two relic cards, one autograph or relic card, and two Topps Chrome cards. Steph Curry's historic Topps Chrome rookie card is his most coveted rookie card, limited to 999 copies. Although one-third of collectors who submitted their 2009-10 Topps Chrome rookie card to PSA obtained a PSA 10, only five copies, roughly 2%, merited a BGS 10 out of 277 graded cards.

Curry and the Warriors are rolling through the NBA this season, showing flashes of their dominance from their five-consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals. As the two-time MVP is set to appear in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game for the eighth time in his 13-year career, Curry's 2009-10 Topps Chrome rookie card is his most sought-after rookie card ever produced.

Stephen Curry is the Epitome of Greatness

Through 13 NBA seasons, Stephen Curry is already one of the most decorated players of all time. Curry has three NBA titles under his belt, two NBA MVP awards, and is now a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, celebrating the top 75 players in league history. It's safe to say that Curry followed in his father's footsteps to NBA greatness, where he will be regarded as the greatest shooter of all time for years to come.

As one of the most decorated and exceptional players in league history, it's no wonder why Curry's rookie cards fetch such enormous value. Already a lock for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, Stephen Curry still has more to prove, with his sights on yet another NBA championship, which would instantly boost the already unprecedented value of his rookie cards.