Patrick Mahomes II
Quarterback · Kansas City Chiefs
Panini Contenders Optic #Unspecified/Not visible on front
Year & Era
2021 — Modern Era
Card Type
Season Ticket Base
Grade
Estimated PSA 9 (Mint)
Rarity
Common for base cards. High print volume as this is the standard Season Ticket veteran base card.
Overall Assessment
A sharp, high-quality base card of the most collectible player in the modern era. While not a high-value rarity, it is an essential piece for a Chiefs fan or Mahomes collector.
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 9 (Mint)
Centering Assessment
Front: 50/50 Top-Bottom, 55/45 Left-Right. Appears slightly shifted toward the right border.
Surface Condition
Near Mint-Mint. The chromium finish appears reflective and clean, though lighting makes it difficult to detect micro-scratching or dimples common in Optic stock.
Corner Condition
Near Mint-Mint. All four corners look sharp with no visible whitening or rounding in the provided image.
Edge Condition
Near Mint. The edges appear smooth with no significant chipping or silvering visible on the front.
Print Quality
High. The Contenders Optic line features thick chrome stock with high-resolution photography and clean foil stamping.
Estimated Value
$5 to $15 Raw; $30 to $50 Graded (PSA 10)
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows average-to-above average centering; many 2021 Optic cards suffer from severe top-to-bottom shifts which this one avoids.
Authentication Tips
Verify the etched Panini logos on the back and the specific rainbow-like refraction of the chrome surface; counterfeits usually lack the depth and weight of real Optic cards.
Grading Recommendation
PSA is recommended for maximum resale, but grading may not be cost-effective unless the card is a guaranteed GEM MT 10, as the cost of grading may exceed raw market price.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; card stock and printing look consistent with genuine Panini production.
Provenance Notes
Originates from 2021 Contenders Optic Hobby boxes or multi-pack retail boxes.
Historical Context
Patrick Mahomes is a 3x Super Bowl MVP; cards from 2021 represent his peak years of NFL dominance following his first championship.
Market Trends
Mahomes remains the gold standard for modern card value. His base cards are stable but highly sensitive to weekly performance and Super Bowl aspirations.
Investment Potential
Moderate long-term hold for Mahomes completionists, though base cards generally have lower ROI compared to silver refractors or autographs.
Similar Cards
2021 Panini Prizm Mahomes Base, 2021 Donruss Optic Mahomes Base, 2017 Contenders Rookie Ticket (high end comparison).
Display & Preservation
Store in a PVC-free penny sleeve and a top-loader or magnetic one-touch to prevent surface scratches on the chrome finish.
Interesting Facts
The 'Ticket' design is a throwback to the original 1998 Contenders set, which is one of the most iconic designs in hobby history.