2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant Card: Facts, Value, and How to Buy a Genuine Copy
The 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant Basketball Card is an affordable, authentic Lakers card from one of the most memorable stretches of Kobe’s career. It is not a rookie card and it is not a rare parallel. It is a clean, honest piece of Kobe history that almost any collector can afford.
This guide covers what the card is, what it costs, what affects its value, and how to avoid common buying mistakes.
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What Is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant Basketball Card?
The 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant card is an unsigned basketball card of the Los Angeles Lakers guard, produced by Upper Deck in 2009 and numbered 79.
The copy covered here is listed in Near Mint to Mint condition for about $20.80 and ships in a protective top loader. It is an original, authentic card, and the listing uses a stock photo.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Card name | 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant |
| Card number | #79 |
| Year | 2009 |
| Manufacturer and brand | Upper Deck |
| Athlete | Kobe Bryant |
| Team and league | Los Angeles Lakers, NBA |
| Autographed | No |
| Condition | Near Mint to Mint |
| Protection | Top loader included |
| Listed price | $20.80 |
Why Collectors Still Want This Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Card
Kobe Bryant cards hold steady appeal because of who he was and what he won. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers and won five NBA championships. The Lakers retired both his #8 and #24 jerseys in December 2017.
This card comes from the 2009-10 season, when the Lakers won the title and Kobe was named Finals MVP. For many fans, that period represents Kobe at his most complete: a veteran champion who still had the edge of his younger years.
The card also suits several kinds of buyers:
- Fans who want one authentic Kobe card without a big spend
- Set builders working through 2009-10 Upper Deck basketball
- Collectors building a full career timeline, one season at a time
- Gift buyers who want something real, not a reprint
Is This a Rookie Card? Understanding Where #79 Fits
No. The 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 is a regular base card from Kobe’s later career. His rookie cards come from the 1996-97 season, and they carry the high prices people often associate with his name.
That difference matters when you set expectations. A base card from 2009 is priced as a base card. You are paying for authenticity, condition, and the player, not for scarcity. If you want to compare it with the premium end of the market, our guide to Kobe Bryant rookie cards shows how far apart the two tiers sit.
How Much Is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant Card Worth?
A Near Mint to Mint raw copy is listed at $20.80 in the product details this guide is based on. Prices for any card move with demand and with each sale, so treat that figure as a reference point. It is not a guaranteed market value.
I do not have a verified sales history for this specific card, so I will not quote one. For a current number, check recent sold listings on eBay and a price tracker such as SportsCardsPro before you buy or sell.
What Moves the Price Up or Down
| Factor | Effect on Value |
|---|---|
| Centering | Well-centered borders raise the price |
| Corners | Sharp corners help; soft corners hurt |
| Edges | Clean edges matter; chipping lowers value |
| Surface | Scratches, print lines, or dents reduce value |
| Grading | A high grade from a trusted company usually adds a premium |
| Market demand | Kobe news and anniversaries can lift interest |
Authentic Upper Deck card
Near Mint to Mint condition
Arrives in a top loader
Great for set builders and gifts
Not autographed
Listing uses a stock photo
Low resale upside
Condition can vary from card to card
Should You Buy It? A Simple Decision Guide
Buy it if you want an authentic Kobe card at a friendly price, or if you are filling a spot in a timeline of his career. Skip it if your goal is investment growth. Base cards from this era rarely behave like rookie cards.
A good rule: spend on this card for the joy of owning it, and save your investment budget for scarcer items. If you are still deciding where to start, our Kobe Bryant basketball cards guide maps out the whole landscape.
How to Check Condition Before You Buy
Condition is the biggest lever on any card’s value. Near Mint to Mint is a strong description, but because this listing uses a stock photo, you should confirm the details with the seller.
Step-by-Step Condition Check
- Look at the corners. They should be sharp, with no fraying or whitening.
- Check the edges for chips or rough spots, especially along dark borders.
- Tilt the card under a light to spot scratches, dents, or print lines.
- Look at centering. Borders should look even on all sides.
- Ask the seller for photos of the actual card, front and back.
☐ Confirm card number #79 and the 2009-10 Upper Deck brand
☐ Check corners, edges, surface, and centering
☐ Confirm it ships in a top loader
☐ Compare against recent sold listings
☐ Review the seller’s return policy
Should You Grade This Card?
Usually not. Grading through PSA, Beckett, or SGC costs money per card, and a base card worth around $20 rarely earns that back. Grading makes sense only if the card looks flawless under close inspection and you want it slabbed for display or long-term protection.
If you do grade, expect the grading fee to exceed any bump in value for most copies. For many collectors, a raw card in a top loader or a semi-rigid holder is the smarter choice.
How to Store and Protect Your Kobe Bryant Card
Good storage keeps a Near Mint to Mint card in that condition. Here is a simple setup:
- Keep the card in its top loader, or place it in a soft sleeve first
- Store it upright in a card box, away from heat and humidity
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time
- Handle it by the edges with clean, dry hands
Common Mistakes Collectors Make With Base Cards
- Expecting rookie-card prices. Base cards from 2009 do not follow the same market.
- Skipping seller photos. A stock photo cannot show corners or surface problems.
- Overpaying for grading. Fees can wipe out the gain on a low-value card.
- Ignoring shipping protection. A top loader inside a padded, rigid mailer protects against bends.
- Buying without comparing sales. Always check recent sold prices first.
Where This Card Fits in a Kobe Bryant Collection
Think of this card as a season marker. It represents a championship-era Kobe from 2009, and it pairs well with cards from other points in his career. If you collect by brand, see our guide to Kobe Bryant Upper Deck cards for more Upper Deck options across his career.
The listed price is $20.80 for a Near Mint to Mint copy.
Condition and centering drive value more than anything else.
Grading rarely makes financial sense at this price.
Always ask for photos of the actual card before buying.
FAQs
What is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant card?
It is an unsigned Upper Deck basketball card of Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, numbered 79 and produced in 2009.
Is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant a rookie card?
No. Kobe Bryant’s rookie cards were released in the 1996-97 season. This card is a base card from late in his career.
How much is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant card worth?
A Near Mint to Mint copy is listed at about $20.80. Prices change, so check recent sold listings for a current figure.
Is this Kobe Bryant card autographed?
No. This card is not signed. It is a standard printed base card.
What condition is this card in?
The listing describes it as Near Mint to Mint, which means very light wear. Ask the seller for photos of the exact card.
Does the card come with protection?
Yes. It comes in a protective top loader that also works for display.
Is the card authentic?
The listing describes it as an original, authentic card produced by Upper Deck in 2009. The photo shown is a stock photo.
Should I get this Kobe Bryant card graded?
Usually not. Grading fees often exceed the added value on a card at this price. Consider it only for a flawless copy you want slabbed.
Is the 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant a good investment?
It is better viewed as an affordable collectible than a high-growth investment. Scarcer cards usually have more upside.
How should I store the card?
Keep it in its top loader or a soft sleeve, upright in a card box, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The 2009-10 Upper Deck #79 Kobe Bryant card is a low-risk way to own something authentic from his championship years. Buy it because you love the player and the era, confirm the condition, and protect it well.
Your next move is simple. Compare recent sold listings, request photos of the exact card, and add it to your collection with realistic expectations.
