Steve Young
Quarterback · San Francisco 49ers
Upper Deck MVP ##147
Year & Era
1999 — Modern Era
Card Type
Base Card
Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Rarity
Common; high print run mass-produced base card.
Overall Assessment
A classic example of a late-career card for a legendary Hall of Famer. While not valuable, it represents the end of an era for the San Francisco 49ers dynasty.
Condition Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Centering Assessment
Generally well-centered; approximately 50/50 left to right, though the top border appears slightly thicker than the bottom.
Surface Condition
Appears clean with original gloss; no visible major scratches or dimples from the image provided.
Corner Condition
Slight softening visible on the bottom right corner; other corners appear relatively sharp.
Edge Condition
Minor white chipping visible along the bottom edge, which is common for dark-bordered Upper Deck cards.
Print Quality
High; typical Upper Deck photography with clear bronze-foil stamping and sharp image resolution.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 (Raw); $20.00 - $40.00 (Gem Mint Graded)
Comparison to Known Examples
Standard example; most surviving copies of this set remain in high grade due to the resilient card stock used in 1999.
Authentication Tips
Verify the bronze foil 'MVP' logo—it should have a slight indentation and crisp edges. Check for the specific Upper Deck card stock thickness.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless sentimental. The cost of grading exceeds the market value for a base card of this era.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; this card is rarely counterfeited due to its high production volume.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed in hobby and retail packs/boxes in 1999. Steve Young retired following this season.
Historical Context
The 1999 season marked the final year of Steve Young's illustrious career. He is a 3-time Super Bowl champion and 2-time NFL MVP.
Market Trends
Stable; Hall of Fame quarterbacks maintain a baseline of interest, though base cards from the late 90s do not fluctuate heavily.
Investment Potential
Low; purely a collector's item. Investors typically look for his 1984 Topps USFL or 1986 Topps NFL rookie cards.
Similar Cards
1999 Topps Chrome Steve Young, 1999 Donruss Elite Steve Young, 1999 Playoff Contenders Steve Young.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard archival-grade penny sleeve and top loader. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the red/gold tones.
Interesting Facts
The 1999 MVP set was a budget-friendly entry-level product for Upper Deck, designed to compete with Topps' flagship brand.