Karim Abdul-Jabbar
Running Back · Miami Dolphins
Upper Deck ##270
Year & Era
1996 — Modern Era / Late Junk Wax Transition
Card Type
Base Rookie Card
Grade
Raw — Estimated 6 (EX-MT) to 7 (Near Mint)
Rarity
Common; high print run from a mass-produced base set.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic mid-90s rookie card in average condition. While a fun piece of Dolphins history, it lacks the financial value or rarity sought by high-end investors.
Condition Grade
Raw — Estimated 6 (EX-MT) to 7 (Near Mint)
Centering Assessment
Front centering appears slightly shifted toward the top left; roughly 60/40. Typical for Upper Deck production of this era.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; visible light surface scuffing and small debris near the bottom left corner field area. No major creases observed.
Corner Condition
Upper left and lower left corners show visible softening and white chipping. Right-side corners appear sharper but not Gem Mint.
Edge Condition
Moderate white chipping/roughness along the left and top edges, common with the dark-bordered Upper Deck design.
Print Quality
Standard for 1996 Upper Deck; good color saturation and clear photography, though the dark borders make edge wear very apparent.
Estimated Value
Raw: $0.50 - $2.00; PSA 10: $25 - $40 (Very low market demand)
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows more edge and corner wear than average 'pack-fresh' examples, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile of surviving copies.
Authentication Tips
Look for the holographic Upper Deck logo on the back and the specific card stock thickness. Counterfeits of this specific card are extremely rare due to low value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading fee far exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; card appears authentic and unaltered.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed in hobby and retail packs/boxes in 1996.
Historical Context
Karim Abdul-Jabbar had a standout rookie season in 1996, setting Dolphins rookie records. He famously shared a name with the NBA legend, leading to a legal dispute over the name usage.
Market Trends
Flat; there is minimal hobby movement for 1990s base cards of players who are not Hall of Famers.
Investment Potential
Low; as a common rookie from a high-print era of a non-HOF player, it is unlikely to see significant appreciation.
Similar Cards
1996 Topps Karim Abdul-Jabbar RC, 1996 Bowman's Best Karim Abdul-Jabbar RC, 1996 Dan Marino base cards.
Display & Preservation
Standard penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient for preservation.
Interesting Facts
The player eventually changed his name to Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar and later Karim Kelly to avoid further conflict with the basketball star's trademark.