Mark Robinson
Safety · Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1989 Score Football #229
Year & Era
1989 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
4-5 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Common; extremely high print volume characteristic of the late 80s Junk Wax Era.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic piece of late 80s football history in mid-grade condition; best suited for team collectors or fans of the era but lacks financial upside.
Condition Grade
4-5 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front centering is significantly off to the left (approx. 70/30) and tilted downward to the right; top-bottom centering is also uneven.
Surface Condition
Visible surface wear with minor blemishes and potential light scratching. Colors remain relatively bright for the era.
Corner Condition
Softening and rounding evident on all four corners, particularly noticeable on the bottom right and top left.
Edge Condition
Moderate edge wear with chipping and white showing through the blue and green borders along the left and right sides.
Print Quality
Average for the 1989 Score set; slight registration issues and typical ink saturation for card stock of this period.
Estimated Value
$0.10 - $0.50 (USD)
Comparison to Known Examples
Below average compared to PSA 9 or 10 examples due to significant centering issues and corner rounding common in surviving raw copies.
Authentication Tips
Verify the high-gloss front finish and specific 'Score' logo styling; counterfeits are extremely rare for this specific card due to low market value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading; the cost of grading significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags for alteration; card appears to be in an authentic, naturally aged condition.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from a standard wax pack or factory set distributed widely through retail and hobby shops in 1989.
Historical Context
Mark Robinson was a solid contributor for the Buccaneers and Chiefs in the 1980s; 1989 Score is a landmark set that changed football card quality with high-action photography.
Market Trends
Stagnant; high-supply common cards from this era have little to no upward price movement unless in Gem Mint condition.
Investment Potential
Minimal to none; this copy is a common base card with significant condition issues and high population.
Similar Cards
1989 Score Barry Sanders Rookie, Troy Aikman Rookie, or other 1989 Score Buccaneers like Vinny Testaverde.
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient for protection. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading.
Interesting Facts
The 1989 Score set is famous for bringing the 'premium' feel to football cards and features one of the most iconic rookie classes in hobby history.