Micah Parsons
Linebacker / Edge Rusher · Dallas Cowboys
2021 Score Football (Panini) ##343
Year & Era
2021 — Current / Chrome Era (Modern)
Card Type
Base Rookie Card
Grade
Raw — Near Mint (NM) 7-8 Estimated
Rarity
Common. This is a mass-produced base rookie card from a high-volume retail set.
Overall Assessment
A solid mid-grade true rookie card of a superstar defender. While centering issues limit its financial upside, it remains a must-have for Cowboys team collectors or Parsons 'completionist' collectors.
Condition Grade
Raw — Near Mint (NM) 7-8 Estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Poorly centered. Heavy top-to-bottom shift (Top-heavy). Roughly 65/35 top-to-bottom.
Surface Condition
Near Mint. Evidence of light surface scratches and possible factory roller marks typical of thin Score card stock. Glare obscuring central field.
Corner Condition
Near Mint. The bottom right corner shows slight whitening/softening. Upper corners appear relatively sharp.
Edge Condition
Excellent to Near Mint. Minor chipping seen on the lower white border. Edges are generally straight but typical of budget paper stock.
Print Quality
Average. The color saturation is good, but the centering shift is a common production flaw for the 2021 Score run.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 (Raw); $15 - $25 (PSA 9). This is the base version of a high-print retail product.
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is below average compared to GEM MINT copies. Most PSA 10 examples of this card feature 50/50 bordering which this copy lacks.
Authentication Tips
Check for UV glow on modern card stock. Ensure the 'Score' logo and 'L' position badge have crisp, non-blurry printing under magnification.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended. The cost of third-party grading (PSA/BGS) would likely exceed the market value of the graded card due to poor centering.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears to be an authentic pull from a 2021 Score retail pack.
Provenance Notes
Produced by Panini America; widely distributed in retail blasters, hangers, and fat packs during the 2021 season.
Historical Context
Parsons won 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. This card represents the entry-level hobby presence of one of the most dominant defenders of the 2020s.
Market Trends
Stable for base rookies. Parsons is a generational talent, so his cards move well, but collectors prioritize Chrome-based parallels (Prizm/Optic) over paper Score base.
Investment Potential
Low for this specific base version. For investment, look for the 'Gold Zone' or 'Artist Proof' parallels of this same card which have lower print runs.
Similar Cards
2021 Donruss Micah Parsons RC, 2021 Prizm Micah Parsons RC, 2021 Absolute Micah Parsons RC.
Display & Preservation
Standard penny sleeve and top loader. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the white borders and photo from yellowing/fading.
Interesting Facts
Score is one of the oldest brands in the hobby (debuting in 1988) and is known for being the first 'pro' set released each year featuring rookies in their NFL uniforms.