Wilber Marshall
Linebacker · Washington Redskins
Score Football ##216
Year & Era
1989 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
Raw — Appears Excellent (EX) 5
Rarity
Common. Mass-produced during the peak of the Junk Wax Era; millions of these cards were printed and remain in circulation.
Overall Assessment
This card is a classic example of late-80s football cards. While featuring a phenomenal player, the condition and high print volume make it a common hobby item rather than a high-value rarity.
Condition Grade
Raw — Appears Excellent (EX) 5
Centering Assessment
Front: 55/45 Left-Right, 60/40 Top-Bottom. Centering is respectable for the era but not perfect.
Surface Condition
Fair to Good. There is a significant glare in the image, but underlying surface appears to have minor scratches and wax residue common for the 1989 Score high-gloss coating.
Corner Condition
Softening evident on the lower-left and lower-right corners; upper corners show slight rounding.
Edge Condition
Moderate white chipping visible on the blue right edge and bottom edge, which is common for dark-bordered cards from this set.
Print Quality
Standard for 1989 Score. Reasonable color saturation, though the blue borders are notorious for showing every imperfection.
Estimated Value
$0.25 - $1.00 USD (Raw). High-grade PSA 10 copies may reach $20-$30, but this copy does not meet that threshold.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is mid-range. It lacks the sharp corners and pristine edges found in Gem Mint copies that collectors seek for the 1989 Score set.
Authentication Tips
Authentic 1989 Score cards have a specific gloss and a cardstock that is thinner than modern Prizm but thicker than Topps of the same year. Counterfeits for this specific player are non-existent due to low value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The cost of grading (approx. $15-$25) significantly exceeds the market value of the card in this condition.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears to be an authentic, well-handled period original.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from a 1989 Score series 1 wax box or a complete factory set, which were sold in massive quantities at grocery and hobby stores.
Historical Context
Wilber Marshall was a key member of the '85 Bears defense before moving to the Redskins, where he won another Super Bowl. He is a 3-time All-Pro and 2-time Super Bowl champion.
Market Trends
Stable/Flat. While Wilber Marshall is a legendary defender, his base cards from this era have little growth potential compared to rookie cards of Barry Sanders or Troy Aikman in the same set.
Investment Potential
Low. As a non-rookie card from a mass-produced era, it serves better as a nostalgic piece or a team set filler than an investment vehicle.
Similar Cards
1989 Score Barry Sanders RC, 1989 Score Troy Aikman RC, 1989 Topps Wilber Marshall.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top loader. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the blue borders from fading.
Interesting Facts
The 1989 Score set was revolutionary for its time, featuring high-quality photography and a premium feel compared to the standard cardboard stock of Topps.