Alex Highsmith
Linebacker / Defensive End · Pittsburgh Steelers
2020 Score Football #Not clearly visible on front, likely part of the base rookie set
Year & Era
2020 — Modern Era
Card Type
Base Rookie Card with On-Card Autograph
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint
Rarity
Common base rookie card with an added in-person or secondary market autograph; not a factory-issued certified autograph version.
Overall Assessment
A neat rookie collectible for a Steelers fan featuring a prominent hand-signed autograph, though limited in monetary value due to centering imperfections and uncertified signature status.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint
Centering Assessment
Front is noticeably heavy on the top and left side, with a wider right border and bottom border.
Surface Condition
Appears clean overall with standard glossy finish, though minor hairline scratches or scuffs may be present under close inspection.
Corner Condition
Sharp corners overall, though the top-left corner shows slight softness under magnification.
Edge Condition
Clean white borders with minor potential chipping typical of traditional card stock from Score.
Print Quality
Standard 2020 Score production quality with crisp team colors and standard foil-stamped nameplate banner.
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 raw, depending on the authenticity and market demand for Alex Highsmith autographs.
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is slightly below average for the set, featuring a heavy top-left bias.
Authentication Tips
Check the autograph against verified examples from Alex Highsmith, as this appears to be a hand-signed card rather than a factory-certified Panini autograph (lacking the official authentication statement on the back).
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading due to off-center borders and unverified secondary market autograph, unless authenticated first.
Red Flags
The autograph lacks a formal Panini certificate of authenticity on the card back, meaning it would require third-party autograph authentication (like JSA or PSA/DNA) to command a premium.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from standard 2020 Score retail or hobby packs, subsequently signed in person or through a signing event.
Historical Context
Highsmith was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Steelers and developed into a standout edge rusher opposite T.J. Watt.
Market Trends
Stable demand driven by loyal Pittsburgh Steelers collectors, though defensive players generally command lower market values than offensive skill positions.
Investment Potential
Hold. Best suited for personal collection or team collectors rather than speculative investment.
Similar Cards
2020 Panini Prizm Alex Highsmith Rookie, 2020 Donruss Alex Highsmith Rookie Card
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top-loader or a semi-rigid holder to protect the hand-signed autograph from smudging or fading.
Interesting Facts
Highsmith played college football at Charlotte, where he went from an unranked walk-on to an All-American pass rusher.