In 2019 Beckett rated the Top 80 cards of the 1980’s. This 1982 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. #21 (rookie card) came in at #12.
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This is one of three true Ripken rookie cards, which include his 1982 Donruss #405 and 1982 Fleer #176. This card is the three-picture “rookie stars” card, it’s always taken a hit in value. Why Fleer and Donruss made stand-alone cards, but Topps didn’t, is a mystery. His best rookie would be his extended rookie (or XRC), from the 1982 Topps Traded set, card #98T. That is a stand-alone card and one of the most popular cards in history.