Tayshaun Prince
4-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2004 NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Detroit Pistons / Kentucky Wildcats
Era
Rookie Era - 2002-03
Item Type
Basketball Trading Card - Autographed Patch Card
Condition
Excellent; the signature is bold and vibrant, while the card surface shows minimal edge wear. Serial number is crisp.
Rarity
Moderate; while numbered to 1999, high-end rookie autographs from this championship era (2004 Pistons) are consistently held by collectors.
Overall Assessment
An authentic, high-quality rookie card autograph of a core championship-winning defender. Highly desirable for team-set collectors and Kentucky alumni.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; this is a pack-certified on-card autograph from a major manufacturer (Upper Deck).
Signature Style
Stylized script consisting of a large cursive 'T' followed by a loopy 'P' and compressed lowercase letters.
Signature Characteristics
Shows high-speed flow, consistent slant, and a distinct separation between first and last name initials with a sharp descending tail on the P.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker on a white cardboard sticker/window surface.
Item Description
2002-03 Upper Deck SPx Rookie Autographed Jersey/Patch card, serial numbered 1135/1999.
Estimated Value
$60 - $120 USD (Price varies based on the grading of the card and market for Pistons collectors).
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with authentic 2002-03 SPx exemplars; his signature became slightly more rushed later in his career, making these early cards more desirable.
Authentication Tips
Look for the metallic holofoil Upper Deck authentication on the reverse. Verify that the font of the serial number matches known SPx print runs.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or Beckett (BGS) for card grading and autograph authentication. BGS is preferred for 'thick' memorabilia cards.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink shows the correct soak-in for the SPx card stock and characteristic pen pressure.
Provenance Notes
Produced by Upper Deck; authenticity is inherently guaranteed by the manufacturer's statement on the back of the card.
Historical Context
Signed during his rookie season (2002-03) before he became a defensive legend and instrumental part of the 2004 NBA Championship team.
Market Trends
Stable; Tayshaun Prince maintains a dedicated following among Detroit Pistons 'Going to Work' era fans.
Investment Potential
Moderate; great 'hold' for Pistons fans, though price ceiling is limited compared to superstars like LeBron or Kobe.
Similar Autographs
Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected magnetic one-touch holder to prevent fading of the blue ink and protect the corners of the thick card stock.
Interesting Facts
Despite being the 23rd pick, Prince's defensive prowess against stars like Kobe Bryant made his early cards highly sought after in the mid-2000s.