Source The Athletic
Ever wondered why some sports trading cards sell for as high as $12.6 million while the one sitting in your drawer is barely worth a dollar? Before we answer that, let's tackle the burning question at the back of your mind.
A mere card sold for over $12 million! Really? Yes, it was the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps SGC 9.5 card.
In fact, there is good news for football fans, too. Patrick Mahomes’ 2017 Rookie card is also on the list of the most expensive sports trading cards ever sold at an auction. The cards went for a staggering $4.3 million.
What makes this card more successful than, let's say, a random Germaine Pratt one? Or why is a Messi card a bigger hit than a Ronald Koeman one — for ''real football'' enthusiasts?
Before you start designing your trading card on a football card maker tool, scour through this guide for some must-haves.
Elements of Successful Football Trading Cards
We did some digging to find out why certain sports trading cards are more successful and valuable than others. Some cards we explored include:
- Tom Brady Championship Rookie Ticket (Card number 144)
- 2000 SP Authentic Tom Brady Rookie (Card number 118)
- 2017 Panini Flawless Patrick Mahomes Rookie (Card number 4)
- 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Patrick Mahomes Autographed Rookie (Card number 161)
- 2016 Panini Flawless Momentous Ruby Cristiano Ronaldo Card
- 1976 Topps Walter Payton Rookie (Card number 148)
- 1958 Topps Jim Brown Rookie (Card number 62)
Here's what we found.
The Player's Fame
Source: The Spectator
This one's a given, isn't it? The more popular the player, the higher you can expect their card to trade for.
For instance, the most expensive football card ever sold went for $372,000. Who is on the card? The legendary Pelé who took his team to World Cup titles thrice.
If we look at American football, Tom Brady's cards sell like hotcakes — we're talking enough-to-buy-a-house kind of prices!
The 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Championship Rookie Ticket (card number 144) is one such example, selling for a whopping $3,107,372.40. Another Tom Brady card sold for a lot is the 2000 SP Authentic Tom Brady Rookie Card (card number 118). It was auctioned for $312,000 in 2021.
If you plan to put a football card maker to use, we recommend featuring a player who has made it big in their career. It doesn't necessarily have to be someone dominating the league at the moment. You can also go for retired players who are living legends.
A Commemorative Touch
Source: CBS Sports
Sure enough, a simple card with a popular player's face on it is cool. But you can amp up its appeal by showcasing an event fans remember.
For example, the Tom Brady Rookie Card (card number 118) shows him in his first-ever NFL season. Some other events to consider commemorating:
- Player's first-ever goal/point/run/race in the league
- Winner of a major event (the World Cup, Super Bowl, etc.)
- A record-breaking performance by the player
- Significant milestone in their career
Why do these cards fare so well? Because it's one thing to have a famous player's card in your deck, but it's another to have a card that shows them winning a title their team hasn't won in the past 30 years.
A Legendary Signature
Source: Youtube Richest Celebrities
You could use a random football card maker to design and print a card for under $10. But once a Hall of Famer signs it, the card's value multiplies.
Signed cards offer excellent value because of the stamp of credibility that is the player's signature. We all want some of our favorite players' greatness in our homes, right? A signed card, memorabilia, a framed photograph, or even a blurry selfie.
Selling for $312,000 at Goldin Auctions, the 2017 Panini Flawless Patrick Mahomes Rookie (card number 4) is an excellent example. It's sleek. It portrays a Super Bowl LIV MVP. But most importantly, it's signed!
If you think that was a lot, let us tell you a bit about the 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Patrick Mahomes Autographed Rookie (card number 161). It went for a record-breaking $4.3 million in 2021.
Again, it was a good-looking card. It showed the player who had signed the most expensive NFL contract ever at $450 million. But, for the most notable part, it was signed.
Even on the other side of the world, where football is an actual foot sport, autographed cards tend to do better. The 2016 Panini Flawless Momentous Ruby Cristiano Ronaldo Card was auctioned for $53,850 in 2021. It features two game-used patches with Ronaldo's signature and a stunning silver holofoil design.
So, now you know that designing a card on a football card maker wouldn’t be enough. You have to get it signed!
Design Elements
Source:North Queensland Cowboys
Some design elements also add value to the card. One thing we noticed in expensive football trading cards is that they have relatively simple designs. Most just show the player in one of their well-known poses.
Sometimes, the team's colors and logo are incorporated into the design. White or simple backgrounds seem to work best. So, try sticking to it to make great bucks from your football trading card.
Card Condition
Source: CNN
Of course, the condition matters. Cards in mint conditions make for lucrative trades.
The Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) gives a grade based on the card's condition, ranging from 1 to 10. Cards that get Gold Label 10, such as the 1976 Topps Walter Payton Rookie (card number 148), have high values. In Payton's case, it's $228,000.
So, take care of the card you just designed on that football card maker tool.
Rarity
Source: Fox Business
Rarity drives value. What's the fun in having a card everyone else has, too? The more common it is, the less its value will be.
Cards with a high Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) population report tend to be rare. Ultimately, they're more expensive, too. The PSA has graded over 40 million to date, so people value their input.
A higher PSA score usually means more success for the card. For example, there are over 3,500 1958 Topps Jim Brown Rookie (card number 62) cards, but only 5 of them have a PSA 9 score. That's why the highest-graded one sold for $358,000 in 2016.
Takeaway
Let's pack away the deck (pun intended). Many factors drive a card's success. If a card shows a famous player, it will likely do well. But that's not it.
It should also sport a likable design and be in mint condition. Rare cards get more respect, too. If it's signed, that will further shoot the price up the roof.
Ready to start a collection? Keep your eyes peeled for the rare gems, or use a football card maker to design the next iconic card.
