Football cards have become a popular collectible item, with some cards fetching high prices at auction. If you’re looking to get into the football card market, it can be daunting to know where to start. However, by doing your research and understanding the market, you can find some great cards to add to your collection. Some of the most valuable football cards are rookie cards, which are the first cards issued for a player. These cards can be especially valuable if the player goes on to have a successful career. Another type of valuable card is an autographed card, which features the player’s signature. These cards can be even more valuable if the player is a Hall of Famer or has had a particularly memorable season.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, there are some great football cards to buy. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Do your research. The first step to buying football cards is to do your research. This will help you understand the market and identify the cards that are most valuable.
- Set a budget. It’s important to set a budget before you start buying football cards. This will help you stay within your means and avoid overspending.
- Buy from reputable dealers. When buying football cards, it’s important to buy from reputable dealers. This will help you ensure that you’re getting authentic cards.
- Be patient. Building a football card collection takes time and patience. Don’t expect to find the perfect card overnight. Just keep searching and eventually you’ll find the cards you’re looking for.
Top Rookies to Invest In
Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence: The 2021 NFL Draft’s first overall pick, Lawrence is a 6’6″, 220-pound quarterback with a strong arm and a quick release. He is a gifted athlete with an uncanny ability to extend plays and make throws on the run. Lawrence has the potential to be a franchise-changing quarterback, and his rookie cards are among the most sought-after in the hobby.
Justin Fields: The second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields is a 6’3″, 228-pound quarterback with a strong, accurate arm and impressive athleticism. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat teams with his arm and his legs. Fields has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL, and his rookie cards are a great investment for long-term collectors.
Mac Jones: The 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones is a 6’3″, 217-pound quarterback who was a standout player at Alabama. He is a polished passer with a quick release and the ability to throw the ball accurately to all levels of the field. Jones has the potential to be a very good NFL quarterback, and his rookie cards are a good value for collectors.
Running Backs
Travis Etienne: The 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Etienne is a 5’10”, 215-pound running back who was a star at Clemson. He is a dynamic playmaker who can run, catch, and return kicks. Etienne has the potential to be a major contributor in the NFL, and his rookie cards are a good投资 for collectors.
Najee Harris: The 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris is a 6’2″, 230-pound running back who was a standout player at Alabama. He is a powerful runner who can break tackles and gain yards after contact. Harris has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and his rookie cards are a good investment for collectors.
Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase: The fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase is a 6’1″, 201-pound wide receiver who was a star at LSU. He is a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and make big catches. Chase has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL, and his rookie cards are among the most sought-after in the hobby.
Jaylen Waddle: The sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle is a 5’10”, 182-pound wide receiver who was a star at Alabama. He is a slippery playmaker who can create separation and make catches in tight coverage. Waddle has the potential to be a very good NFL wide receiver, and his rookie cards are a good investment for collectors.
Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts: The fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts is a 6’6″, 245-pound tight end who was a star at Florida. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL. Pitts is a potential Hall of Famer, and his rookie cards are a must-have for any serious football card collector.
Legendary Player Cards for Collectors
殿堂入り選手のカード
殿堂入り選手のカードは、コレクターの間で最も人気があり、希少価値があります。これらのカードは、フットボール界で最も偉大な選手を記念しており、投資価値も高い傾向があります。市場価値は大きく異なりますが、稀なカードは数百万ドルで売買されることもあります。
レジェンドのパッチカード
レジェンドのパッチカードは、コレクターにとって非常に価値があり、その選手のユニフォームの一部が埋め込まれています。使用されたユニフォームは、象徴的な試合や重要な瞬間からのものであることが多く、カードの希少価値を高めます。レジェンドのパッチカードは通常、製造数が少なく、コレクターの間で非常に人気があります。
オートグラフ入りカード
オートグラフ入りのカードは、その選手自身がサインしたものとなっており、コレクターにとって最も価値があります。本物のオートグラフは、証明書付きで提供されることがよくあります。選手が引退してからずっと後に署名されたものなど、一部のオートグラフ入りのカードは、そうでないカードよりも価値が低くなる場合があります。
| カードの種類 | 価値の要因 | 希少価値 |
|---|---|---|
| 殿堂入り選手カード | 選手の名声、希少性、状態 | 非常に高い |
| レジェンドのパッチカード | 選手のユニフォームの象徴性、希少性 | 高い |
| オートグラフ入りカード | 選手の署名の信頼性、希少性 | 非常に高い |
Underrated Players with Potential for Growth
Low-Priced Picks with Hidden Value
Collectors looking for affordable options can consider players like Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Tyler Adams (Leeds United). These young American stars have proven their worth in Europe and could see their value soar with strong performances in the upcoming season.
Mid-Range Standouts with Room to Improve
For collectors willing to invest a bit more, players like Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), and Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) offer a balance of affordability and potential. Their impressive stats and consistent performances suggest they could become future superstars.
Hidden Gems with Long-Term upside
| Player | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|
| David Raum | RB Leipzig | 25 |
| Xavi Simons | PSV Eindhoven | 19 |
| Josko Gvardiol | RB Leipzig | 20 |
Collectors with a keen eye for emerging talent should keep an eye on these hidden gems. With their exceptional skills and impressive performances for their respective clubs, these players have the potential to become breakout stars in the coming years, making their cards highly valuable.
Limited Edition and Rare Cards
Exclusive Variants
Limited edition cards offer exclusive designs, unique colors, and limited availability. These cards can be numbered to indicate their rarity, such as numbered to 10, 25, or even 1 of 1. They often feature special inserts or autographs from star players, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Rare Rookies
Rookie cards of exceptional young players have the potential to become highly valuable over time. When a promising rookie emerges, their rookie card gains significant attention from collectors seeking future stars. Identifying and acquiring rare rookie cards can yield substantial returns in the long run.
Iconic Legends
Cards featuring legendary players, such as Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, or Cristiano Ronaldo, are always in demand. These cards represent the pinnacle of their respective sports and hold historical significance. Iconic legend cards command high prices due to their rarity and the legacy of the players they depict.
Autographs and Memorabilia
Cards that include genuine autographs or pieces of memorabilia from star players are incredibly valuable. Autographed cards provide tangible proof of an athlete’s involvement, while memorabilia cards may include game-used jerseys, cleats, or even pieces of the playing field. These cards offer collectors a unique connection to their favorite players and the sport they love.
| Limited Edition Cards |
| Rare Rookies |
| Iconic Legends |
| Autographs and Memorabilia |
Vintage Cards with Historical Significance
Vintage football cards with historical significance are highly sought after by collectors. They offer a tangible connection to the legends and iconic moments of the sport’s past. Here are some of the most notable vintage cards with historical significance:
1935 National Chicle Goudey Babe Ruth #53
This iconic card showcases the legendary “Sultan of Swat” in his New York Yankees uniform. It is widely recognized as the most valuable football card of all time, with a record-breaking sale price of over $5 million.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311
Featuring the “Mick” in his prime, this card is a classic collectible among baseball enthusiasts. Its value has skyrocketed in recent years, making it one of the most sought-after cards in the hobby.
1951 Bowman Willie Mays #306
This card captured the emergence of the legendary “Say Hey Kid” at the start of his illustrious career. It is highly prized by collectors for its historical significance and the enduring popularity of Mays.
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan #280
This card marked the rookie debut of the future Hall of Famer and strikeout king. It holds special value for those who witnessed Ryan’s extraordinary career on the mound.
1979 Topps Ozzie Smith #676
Featuring the acrobatic shortstop in his iconic Cardinals uniform, this card is a beloved collectible among baseball fans. Smith’s unparalleled defensive skills and popularity make this card a sought-after piece of baseball history.
1981 Topps Tim Raines #652
This card captures the young Raines in his first year with the Montreal Expos. It has gained significant value due to Raines’ exceptional career and induction into the Hall of Fame.
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57
This card introduced the iconic basketball star to the football card market. It has become a valuable collectors’ item for both sports enthusiasts and fans of the legend himself.
Specialty Inserts
Specialty inserts are rare and often highly sought-after cards that feature unique designs, materials, or special effects. These inserts can be autographed, numbered, or limited edition, making them valuable collectibles. Examples include:
- Autographed Inserts: These inserts contain a genuine autograph from the player featured on the card.
- Memorabilia Inserts: These inserts incorporate a small piece of memorabilia from the player, such as a jersey swatch or game-used equipment.
- Superfractor Inserts: These inserts are ultra-rare and typically limited to only a few copies. They often feature unique designs and high-quality materials.
Parallel Variants
Parallel variants are alternative versions of base cards that feature different colors, designs, or other variations. These variants can be more scarce than base cards and can hold significant value for collectors. Some common types of parallel variants include:
- Holofoil Parallels: These variants feature a holographic effect on the card’s surface, creating a shimmering or rainbow-like appearance.
- Refractor Parallels: These variants are characterized by their glossy, refractive finish that gives them a refracted, prism-like appearance.
- Occluded Parallels: These variants feature a clear or translucent layer over the card’s surface, revealing a hidden image or design underneath.
Numbered Parallels
Numbered parallels are among the most valuable types of parallel variants. These variants are assigned a unique serial number, typically out of a limited print run. The lower the serial number, the more valuable the card becomes. For example, a numbered parallel card with a serial number of 1/100 would be significantly more valuable than one numbered 99/100.
Cards with Graded Quality
When it comes to evaluating the value and authenticity of a football card, independent grading companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC play a crucial role. These companies assess the card’s condition, centering, edges, corners, and surface integrity to assign a grade on a numerical scale. A higher grade indicates a card with minimal wear and tear, enhancing its value and desirability among collectors.
Graded cards often command a premium in the market due to the assurance of their condition and quality. If you’re looking to invest in football cards with exceptional value, consider the following points:
PSA 10 Gem Mint
PSA’s highest grade, 10 Gem Mint, represents cards that are virtually flawless. These cards exhibit exceptional condition, crisp edges, and sharp corners, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
BGS 9.5 Pristine
BGS’s 9.5 Pristine grade is slightly below Gem Mint but still indicates an outstanding card. These cards may have minor imperfections, such as a slight shift in centering or a faint edge wear, but they are still considered highly collectible.
SGC 9.5 Pristine
SGC’s 9.5 Pristine grade is equivalent to BGS’s 9.5 Pristine. These cards exhibit exceptional condition and may have minimal surface flaws or centering issues that are not readily noticeable.
| Grading Company | Highest Grade | Equivalent Grades |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | 10 Gem Mint | – |
| BGS | 9.5 Pristine | SGC 9.5 Pristine |
| SGC | 9.5 Pristine | BGS 9.5 Pristine |
Cards with Investment Potential
The investment potential of football cards is undeniable, with certain cards holding the potential to appreciate in value significantly over time. The following are some of the key factors that can influence the investment value of a football card:
- Rookie cards: These cards feature players in their first year in the NFL and are often highly sought-after by collectors.
- Limited-edition cards: Cards that are produced in limited quantities are often more valuable than those with larger print runs.
- Autographed cards: Cards that are signed by the players featured on them can be significantly more valuable than non-autographed cards.
- Player performance: The performance of the player featured on a card can have a major impact on its investment value.
- Team success: The success of the player’s team can also affect the value of their cards.
- Historical significance: Cards that commemorate important events or milestones in football history can be highly valuable.
- Market demand: The demand for a particular card can also influence its value.
- Condition: The condition of a card can have a significant impact on its value, with cards in mint condition being worth more than those with damage.
- Grading: Cards that have been graded by a professional grading company can be worth more than ungraded cards.
- Rarity: The rarity of a card can also affect its investment potential.
It is important to note that the investment value of football cards can be volatile, and it is not guaranteed that cards will appreciate in value. However, by understanding the factors that influence investment potential, collectors can make informed decisions about which cards to buy.
Here is a table summarizing the key factors that can affect the investment value of football cards:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Rookie card | A card featuring a player in their first year in the NFL |
| Limited-edition card | A card that is produced in a limited quantity |
| Autographed card | A card that is signed by the player featured on it |
| Player performance | The performance of the player featured on a card |
| Team success | The success of the player’s team |
| Historical significance | A card that commemorates an important event or milestone in football history |
| Market demand | The demand for a particular card |
| Condition | The condition of a card |
| Grading | A card that has been graded by a professional grading company |
| Rarity | The rarity of a card |
The Best Football Cards to Buy
When it comes to collecting football cards, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to decide what kind of cards you want to collect. There are a variety of options available, including rookie cards, autographed cards, and limited edition cards. Once you know what type of cards you’re interested in, you can start shopping around.
One of the best ways to find the best football cards to buy is to do some research online. There are a number of websites that offer comprehensive lists of the most valuable cards, as well as tips on how to find them. You can also check out online auction sites, such as eBay, to see what cards are currently being sold for.
When you’re buying football cards, it’s important to be aware of the different factors that affect their value. These include the player’s performance, the card’s rarity, and the condition of the card. The more valuable a card is, the more it will cost. However, it’s important to remember that even the most valuable cards can lose value if they’re not properly stored and maintained.
People Also Ask About Best Football Cards to Buy
What are the most valuable football cards?
The most valuable football cards are typically rookie cards of Hall of Fame players. These cards are rare and highly sought-after by collectors. Some of the most valuable football cards ever sold include the 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, which sold for $2.8 million in 2021, and the 1956 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card, which sold for $1.2 million in 2020.
What are the best football cards to invest in?
The best football cards to invest in are cards of young players who are expected to have long and successful careers. These cards typically have a high upside potential and can be worth a lot of money if the player performs well. Some of the best young players to invest in include Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Ja’Marr Chase.
How can I find the best football cards to buy?
The best way to find the best football cards to buy is to do some research online. There are a number of websites that offer comprehensive lists of the most valuable cards, as well as tips on how to find them. You can also check out online auction sites, such as eBay, to see what cards are currently being sold for.
