If you’ve been hanging around the card market lately, you’ve probably noticed the name Anfernee Simons popping up in some pretty high-stakes conversations. Honestly, it’s about time. For years, Simons was the "best-kept secret" in Portland, tucked away behind Damian Lillard’s shadow. But things have changed. In July 2025, the landscape shifted when Simons was traded to the Boston Celtics, a move that sent ripples through the hobby. If you’re holding an Anfernee Simons rookie card, your investment just got a massive injection of East Coast relevance.
Collecting isn't just about grabbing a piece of cardboard; it's about timing. It's about betting on talent before the rest of the world catches on. With Simons now filling a scoring void in Boston alongside Derrick White, that bet is looking smarter by the day.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Portland fans knew the kid was special, but playing in a small market late at night (for the East Coasters) kept his card prices relatively modest. Then came the 2025 offseason. Boston needed a bucket-getter. They sent out pieces and brought in Simons. Suddenly, he's not just a high-volume scorer on a rebuilding team; he's a focal point for a perennial contender.
His stats tell part of the story, but the card market tells the rest. We've seen his 2018 Panini Prizm Silver and high-end National Treasures RPAs start to climb as Celtics fans look for their new star's "origin" pieces. It's a classic case of market migration. When a player moves from a team like the Blazers to a franchise with a global following like the Celtics, the demand for their rookie cards usually undergoes a permanent floor-raise.
Identifying the "Must-Have" Anfernee Simons Rookie Card
Not all rookie cards are created equal. If you're looking to jump in now, you've gotta know the hierarchy. The 2018-19 season was a heavy hitter for Panini, and Simons has a plethora of options.
✨ Don't miss: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
The Chrome Giants: Prizm and Optic
For most collectors, the 2018 Panini Prizm #61 is the gold standard. It’s the card that defines the modern era. You’ve got the base version, which is plentiful, but the Silver Prizm is where the real value lies. A PSA 10 Silver can still be found for a few hundred dollars, but that gap is closing.
Then there's the Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #186. People love the "Rated Rookie" logo. It’s nostalgic. The Holo version of this card is a direct competitor to the Prizm Silver. Honestly, the photography on the Optic—showing Simons in that classic Blazers red—often looks cleaner than the Prizm equivalent.
High-End Grails
If you’ve got a bigger budget, you’re looking at National Treasures or Immaculate. These are the "Ferrari" cards of the hobby.
- National Treasures RPA (Rookie Patch Auto) /99: This is the ultimate Simons card. We’ve seen copies of this, especially in high grades, approach the $4,000 to $5,000 range.
- Immaculate Collection /99: A slightly more "affordable" high-end option, but still features that coveted on-card auto and prime jersey patch.
The Scarcity Factor
Keep an eye out for the 2018-19 Panini Chronicles Platinum 1/1. It’s the only one in existence. While it’s currently in a private collection, seeing 1-of-1s of a player like Simons hit the auction block in 2026 is a major event. Even the "lower" tier 1-of-1s, like the Optic Vinyl, have been known to fetch upwards of $4,500.
🔗 Read more: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
Market Trends: Why 2026 is Different
In the past, Simons was a "wait and see" prospect. He came straight from IMG Academy, skipping college, which meant he was incredibly raw. Collectors used to worry about his consistency.
Well, the consistency is here. In the early months of 2026, Simons has been putting up veteran numbers in Boston. He recently dropped 39 points against Miami, proving he can handle the "alpha" scoring role when needed. This isn't just a hot streak; it’s a career trajectory.
When a player hits their prime (Simons is only 26), their rookie cards often see a secondary "spike." This isn't the "prospecting" spike where people are guessing; it’s the "star" spike where the floor is established by actual NBA production.
What Most People Get Wrong About Grading
You’ll see a lot of raw Anfernee Simons rookie card listings on eBay for $10 or $20. It's tempting to snag them all. But be careful. 2018 Prizm was notorious for "dimples"—tiny circular indentations on the surface of the card. If you buy a raw card with a dimple, it’s almost impossible to get a PSA 10.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
If you’re buying for long-term value, buy the grade, not just the card. A PSA 9 is fine for a personal collection, but the "Gem Mint" PSA 10 is what the big investors look for. The price multiplier between a 9 and a 10 can be 3x or 4x.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to build a position in Anfernee Simons, don't just spray and pray. You've gotta be surgical about it.
- Target the "Silver" tier: Focus on Prizm Silvers or Optic Holos. These have enough scarcity to hold value but enough liquidity that you can sell them quickly if you need the cash.
- Watch the Celtics' Playoff Seeding: If Boston looks like a lock for the Eastern Conference Finals, buy before the playoffs start. Prices always peak during a deep playoff run.
- Cross-reference with Topps: Even though Panini had the exclusive NBA license in 2018, Topps has recently re-entered the basketball space with licensed products in late 2025. While these aren't "true" rookie cards, they can distract the market. Stick to the 2018 Panini releases for the "true" rookie value.
- Check for "On-Card" Autographs: Simons has some cards in Contenders and Cornerstones where the signature is on a sticker. Avoid those if possible. The "on-card" autos found in Court Kings (Heir Apparent) or Select are much more desirable to high-end collectors.
Basically, Simons has graduated from "promising young guard" to "NBA star." His cards are finally reflecting that reality. Whether you're a Celtics fan or just someone who likes making money, the window to buy a relatively "cheap" Anfernee Simons rookie card is officially closing.