Top 10 Most Valuable Football Cards
By Emily Johnson
Football cards have been a popular collectible for years. Some cards are worth a few dollars, while others can fetch tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a collector myself, I’ve done my fair share of research and have compiled a list of the top 10 most valuable football cards. Here they are, in no particular order:
- 1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski
- 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas
- 1965 Topps Joe Namath
- 1981 Topps Joe Montana
- 1984 Topps Dan Marino
- 1986 Topps Jerry Rice
- 1989 Score Barry Sanders
- 1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning
- 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady
- 2017 Panini Prizm Patrick Mahomes
Now, let’s dive into each of these cards and find out what makes them so valuable.
1. 1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski
The Bronko Nagurski card is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of football cards. This card was part of a set of 36 cards produced by the National Chicle Company in 1935. It features Bronko Nagurski, a Hall of Fame fullback and defensive tackle who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s. The card is incredibly rare, with only around 100 copies known to exist. In 2019, a PSA 9 (mint) copy sold for $700,000.
2. 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his 1957 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors. The card features a headshot of Unitas, with a facsimile autograph in the bottom right corner. A PSA 9 copy of the card sold for $66,000 in 2019.
3. 1965 Topps Joe Namath
Joe Namath, also known as Broadway Joe, is famous for guaranteeing a victory for his New York Jets in Super Bowl III. His 1965 Topps card is a popular one among collectors, featuring a photo of Namath in his Jets uniform. A PSA 9 copy of the card sold for $60,000 in 2019.
4. 1981 Topps Joe Montana
Joe Montana is another legendary quarterback, and his 1981 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors. The card features a headshot of Montana, with his name and team at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $65,000 in 2019.
5. 1984 Topps Dan Marino
Dan Marino is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and his 1984 Topps card is a popular one among collectors. The card features a photo of Marino in his Miami Dolphins uniform, with his name and position at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $30,000 in 2019.
6. 1986 Topps Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, and his 1986 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors. The card features a photo of Rice in his San Francisco 49ers uniform, with his name and position at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $17,000 in 2019.
7. 1989 Score Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and his 1989 Score card is a popular one among collectors. The card features a photo of Sanders in his Detroit Lions uniform, with his name and position at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $5,000 in 2019.
8. 1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his 1998 Playoff Contenders card is highly sought after by collectors. The card features a photo of Manning in his Indianapolis Colts uniform, with his name and team at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $80,000 in 2020.
9. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady
Tom Brady is widely considered to be the greatest quarterback of all time, and his 2000 Playoff Contenders card is highly sought after by collectors. The card features a photo of Brady in his Michigan Wolverines uniform, with his name and team at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $400,000 in 2021.
10. 2017 Panini Prizm Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL, and his 2017 Panini Prizm card is a popular one among collectors. The card features a photo of Mahomes in his Kansas City Chiefs uniform, with his name and team at the bottom. A PSA 10 (gem mint) copy of the card sold for $18,000 in 2020.
As you can see, football cards can be incredibly valuable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these cards are definitely worth keeping an eye out for.
FAQs
What makes a football card valuable?
Several factors can contribute to a football card’s value, including the player’s popularity, the rarity of the card, and the condition of the card.
Where can I buy football cards?
You can buy football cards at many hobby shops, online retailers, and even on auction sites like eBay.
How can I tell if a football card is authentic?
There are several ways to tell if a football card is authentic, including checking for a hologram or other security features, comparing the card to other known authentic cards, and having the card graded by a professional grading service.
What should I do if I inherit a collection of football cards?
If you inherit a collection of football cards, it’s a good idea to have them appraised by a professional to determine their value. You can then decide whether to keep the collection or sell it.