The 1983 Donruss Jim Essian #478 is a classic baseball trading card featuring the Seattle Mariners player from one of the most significant early releases in the modern hobby.
1983 • Donruss
Major League Baseball • Seattle Mariners
Excellent
478
New
Shipping Calculated at Checkout
Arrives in 5-7 daysEstimated delivery October 23, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Seller returns October 19, 2026.30-day Returns| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
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Raw / Ungraded
PriceCharting Price Guide · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 5, 2026
History is building. At least two days of matching observations are needed to show a trend.
Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.The 1983 Donruss Jim Essian #478 represents a specific moment in sports trading card history, capturing Jim Essian during his tenure with the Seattle Mariners. As part of the groundbreaking 1983 Donruss set, this card is notable for being among the first major baseball releases to feature full-color photography on a mass-produced base product, shifting the hobby away from the black-and-white norms of previous decades. For collectors focusing on the Seattle Mariners, this card serves as a tangible link to the franchise's early years. Jim Essian, identified here by his card number 478, is a key figure for those building team-specific collections or tracking the development of players from that era. The 1983 Donruss brand is widely recognized for its vibrant, high-contrast design aesthetic, which has aged into a distinct visual style that appeals to vintage enthusiasts. Whether you are completing a base set, focusing on Mariners history, or seeking a specific Jim Essian card for your portfolio, this product offers a direct connection to the 1983 baseball landscape. The card's identity is firmly rooted in the 1983 Donruss catalog, making it a standard reference point for collectors of 1980s baseball memorabilia. Collecting from the 1983 Donruss release allows enthusiasts to engage with a pivotal time in baseball card design. The Jim Essian #478 card stands as a clear example of the era's transition to color imagery. For investors and set builders alike, understanding the context of the 1983 Donruss brand is essential when evaluating cards from this period. This product highlights the card's role in the broader narrative of 1980s baseball collectibles.
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Production details and format-specific attributes.
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Language
English
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This 1983 Donruss Jim Essian card represents an accessible entry point into vintage baseball collecting, currently trading at a modest premium relative to high-volume base cards from the same era. As a rookie-year card for a player with a defined MLB career, it holds steady demand among collectors seeking complete set builders or specific team memorabilia for the Seattle Mariners. The current market position suggests it is valued for its historical placement in the sport rather than speculative appreciation.
The card lacks any special scarcity attributes such as serial numbering, short-print status, or parallel variations, meaning it is a standard base issue from the 1983 Donruss set. This standard designation implies a relatively high print run compared to insert or parallel editions, which typically constrains its individual rarity within the broader hobby. Consequently, supply is abundant, and the card does not possess unique mechanical limitations on its availability.
As a rookie card, this item carries inherent collector interest driven by the historical significance of the 1983 Donruss brand, which is widely recognized for its distinctive design and widespread distribution. Investment potential is primarily tied to long-term preservation of condition and the general stability of vintage baseball markets rather than short-term volatility. While it may not command significant appreciation due to its common nature, it serves as a stable component for diversified vintage portfolios focused on team or era completeness.
