Modern sports card collecting dictates that there are many different rookie cards of most players. Gone are the days where Topps and maybe one other company produced cards. Now you have several companies producing cards, many issuing more than one set in a given year. I have selected seven standard Aaron Rodgers cards for the Packers fan and collector:
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2005 Bowman #112
2005 Topps Total #483
2005 Topps #431
2005 Score #352
2005 Upper Deck Premiere #16
2005 Upper Deck ESPN # 101
2005 Upper Deck #202
These cards can still be bought at low prices. They are had large print runs and each of them can lay its own claim to its status as an official Aaron Rodgers rookie card. My personal preference would be the Upper Deck ESPN issue. It’s not a bad idea to own all seven of these cards, preferably graded in gem mint condition.
There are also two excellent short Aaron Rodgers rookie cards on the market. Short print cards are those that are limited to a small amount of printed copies with each being numbered. The 2005 Playoff Absolute Rodgers rookie card #180 was limited to just 999 and is a great affordable short print. An even better selection in my opinion if the 2005 Leaf Rookie Stars #201 with a print runs of only 799 cards. Either of these short prints is a great addition to your collection if you’re willing to spend a little more.
If you are looking for an authenticated Aaron Rodgers autographed rookie card you have three nice choices:
2005 Playoff Absolute Autographed – limited to a print run of 249 cards.
2005 Topps Finest Rookie Autographed – limited to a print run of 299 cards.
2005 Upper Deck Ultimate RC Autographed – limited to a print run of 25 cards.
These cards remain affordable. The Upper Deck selection can be found for about $100. The other two selections sell generally in the $40 price range.
For the collector who must have top shelf I have two further selections. The best Aaron Rodgers cards available are short prints with both an autograph and swatch from one of his game worn jerseys.
The 2005 SP Authentic Patch/autograph card was limited to 99 copies and sells in the $500 price range. A similar card the 2005 Exquisite Dual Patch/autograph had 199 copied and is a bit cheaper in the $325 range.