Cris Carter
Wide Receiver · Minnesota Vikings
Score #60
Year & Era
1991 - Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
6.0 - 7.0 (EX-MT) estimated
Rarity
Common; extremely high print run during the peak of the junk wax era.
Overall Assessment
An iconic image of a legendary receiver from a peak era of card production. While not financially valuable, it is a staple for team and player collectors celebrating one of the 90s most dominant offensive stars.
Condition Grade
6.0 - 7.0 (EX-MT) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front centering is moderately off to the right (approx 65/35) and slightly high (approx 60/40); back centering is unknown.
Surface Condition
Near Mint appearance; minor surface dimples or light scratches may be present due to card stock typical of 1991 Score production.
Corner Condition
Bottom right corner appears slightly soft/rounded; other corners appear relatively sharp for the era.
Edge Condition
Noticeable minor chipping and rough cut along the bottom edge; top and side edges appear standard for mass-produced 1991 Score.
Print Quality
Average; standard color saturation and registration for early 90s Score with typical 'fuzzy' imagery characteristic of the 1991 set.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 raw; $15.00 - $25.00 in a PSA 9 or 10 grade.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows slightly poorer bottom-edge cutting than high-grade registry copies.
Authentication Tips
Authenticity is rarely an issue due to low value; verify card stock thickness and the presence of the 1991 Score matte finish.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection sentimental value, as the cost of grading significantly exceeds the market value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; appears to be an authentic, untouched copy from the 1991 set.
Provenance Notes
Mass-distributed via hobby boxes, retail packs, and factory sets; easily found in bulk collections from the early 1990s.
Historical Context
Cris Carter is a Hall of Famer (Class of 2013) known for having 'the best hands in the game.' This card captures him during his early tenure with the Vikings after his departure from the Eagles.
Market Trends
Stable/Flat; Hall of Fame veteran base cards from the junk wax era generally do not fluctuate in price unless part of a high-grade registry set.
Investment Potential
Low; due to massive overproduction in 1991, base cards like this have limited upside unless they are flawless Gem Mint specimens.
Similar Cards
1991 Topps Cris Carter #515, 1991 Upper Deck Cris Carter #156, 1991 Fleer Cris Carter #256.
Display & Preservation
Standard penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient; avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading of the purple Vikings jersey image.
Interesting Facts
The 1991 Score set was one of the first to feature varied photography and a more colorful aesthetic compared to traditionally conservative designs of the 1980s.