JuJu Smith-Schuster
Wide Receiver · Pittsburgh Steelers
2017 Donruss Optic #173
Year & Era
2017 — Modern Era
Card Type
Rated Rookie Holo Parallel
Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good due to heavy surface scratching
Rarity
Common base parallel with a large print run, though popular as a key rookie card for the player.
Overall Assessment
An iconic modern rookie parallel of JuJu Smith-Schuster, unfortunately compromised by heavy surface wear, making it suitable only for a personal collection rather than investment or grading.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Good to Very Good due to heavy surface scratching
Centering Assessment
Front appears relatively well-centered, approximately 50/50 side-to-side and 55/45 top-bottom within the design parameters.
Surface Condition
Poor surface condition; multiple visible, heavy scratches and hairline scuffs across the front foil and player image, which severely detracts from eye appeal.
Corner Condition
Corners appear generally sharp in the protective sleeve, but minor soft tips may be present upon closer raw inspection.
Edge Condition
Clean edges overall with no major chipping visible through the sleeve, though chrome stock is prone to light chipping.
Print Quality
Standard Optic chromium finish with vibrant rainbow refraction, though marred heavily by post-production surface scratches.
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 raw due to heavy surface damage; a pristine copy could command more, but this damaged copy holds minimal market value.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is well below average for known examples due to the extensive surface scratching present on the front.
Authentication Tips
Check for the authentic Optic chromium stock thickness, back text clarity, and standard Panini refractor shine.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading; the heavy surface scratches will cap the grade at a low number, making grading fees uneconomical.
Red Flags
No signs of trimming or alteration, but severe surface damage significantly impacts desirability.
Provenance Notes
Pulled from 2017 Donruss Optic Hobby or Retail packs, a cornerstone product of the mid-2010s modern hobby boom.
Historical Context
2017 featured one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in recent history, and the Donruss Optic Rated Rookie remains a staple modern rookie card.
Market Trends
JuJu Smith-Schuster's market has stabilized after peaking during his early explosive seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential for this specific damaged copy; best kept as a binder or budget PC card.
Similar Cards
2017 Panini Prizm JuJu Smith-Schuster Rookie Card, 2017 Donruss Base Rated Rookie
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve and rigid top-loader or semi-rigid holder in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Interesting Facts
JuJu was one of the youngest players in NFL history to reach various milestone receptions early in his career.