Dalvin Cook
Running Back · Minnesota Vikings
Donruss Optic ##163
Year & Era
2017 — Modern Chrome Era
Card Type
Rated Rookie Blue Parallel
Grade
Raw — appears Excellent-Mint (EX-MT) 6 to 7 due to prominent surface scratches
Rarity
Common parallel from a widely opened modern chrome set, though specific blue parallels have moderate demand
Overall Assessment
A classic modern rookie card of a star running back, severely hindered by prominent surface scratches that limit its value and appeal to serious investors
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Excellent-Mint (EX-MT) 6 to 7 due to prominent surface scratches
Centering Assessment
Front: 52/48 Left-Right, 50/50 Top-Bottom; Back: Not fully visible but appears acceptable
Surface Condition
Fair to Good; noticeable vertical and diagonal hairline scratches running across the front surface, which significantly impact overall eye appeal
Corner Condition
Good; corners appear relatively sharp with minimal rounding, though minor chipping is possible under closer magnification
Edge Condition
Very Good; edges are relatively clean with standard silver chrome edging typical of the set
Print Quality
Standard Donruss Optic chromium finish with good color saturation, but prone to standard surface scratching issues
Estimated Value
Raw: $5 - $15 USD; Graded (PSA 9): $30 - $50 USD; Graded (PSA 10): Not viable due to surface scratching
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is well within acceptable tolerance, but surface condition is notably below average compared to gem mint copies
Authentication Tips
Verify the chromium gloss, refractor-like finish, and back copyright text; modern Donruss Optic cards are rarely counterfeited at this price point
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading due to visible surface scratches which will prevent a high grade (PSA 8 or lower max)
Red Flags
No significant red flags regarding authenticity, but clear signs of surface wear and scratching from handling
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 2017 Donruss Optic retail or hobby packs; typical pull for modern NFL collectors
Historical Context
2017 was a strong NFL draft class for running backs including Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara
Market Trends
Stable to slightly declining market as Dalvin Cook transitions into the later stages of his career
Investment Potential
Hold for personal collection; low long-term financial investment potential due to condition issues and running back market dynamics
Similar Cards
2017 Panini Prizm Dalvin Cook Rookie Card, 2017 Donruss Base Dalvin Cook Rated Rookie
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve followed by a rigid top loader or magnetic one-touch holder, kept away from direct sunlight and moisture
Interesting Facts
The Donruss 'Rated Rookie' logo is one of the most iconic and recognizable sub-brands in modern football card collecting history