According to Scott Max, the top two grading services graded more than 5 million cards in 2020 alone. Clearly the sports card collection industry is thriving!
Are you wondering how much your football card collection is worth?
Today we’re taking a closer look into football card pricing, valuations, and how to use a football card price guide to assess your collection!
Football Card Valuation: What Affects Prices?
Football card values are influenced by several key factors that can either raise or lower the worth of individual cards. Collectors must consider a range of elements before determining the value of their collection.
The following factors play a significant role in football card valuation:
- Player popularity and performance
- Rarity and card condition
- Market trends and demand
Player Popularity and Performance
The value of a football card is often tied to the player featured on it. Cards of highly popular players, especially those currently performing well or with legendary status, tend to have a higher price tag.
A player’s career can directly influence the value of their card. For example, rookie cards of emerging stars can see their value skyrocket if the player has a standout season. On the other hand, cards of players who experience a decline in performance or fall out of favor can see their prices drop.
Rarity and Card Condition
Rarity is another important factor in determining a football card’s value. Cards that are part of limited editions or special print runs tend to be more valuable.
The fewer copies available, the more collectors are willing to pay. Alongside rarity, the condition of the card matters.
Cards that are free from scratches, creases, or fading are valued much higher than those showing signs of wear. It’s where grading comes into play, as a professionally graded card in mint condition can command a premium price.
Market Trends and Demand
The value of football cards is also influenced by the overall market and demand for specific cards. Some cards gain value due to spikes in popularity caused by events such as a player’s retirement, induction into the Hall of Fame, or historic moments in the game.
The market can fluctuate based on what is trending, meaning collectors must stay informed about current pricing and the football card market to know when to buy or sell.
How to Find Out the Value of Your Football Card Collection
Determining the value of a football card collection can be tricky, but there are reliable methods to help collectors figure it out. Whether you’ve inherited a collection or built one over time, you’ll want to understand its worth.
There are three primary ways to assess the value of your cards:
- Using online price guides and tools
- Comparing sales on auction sites
- Getting a professional appraisal
Using Online Price Guides and Tools
One of the most convenient ways to determine the value of your football cards is through online price guides. The guides offer updated information on current market trends and provide an estimate of what your cards are worth.
Many websites specialize in football card price guides, allowing you to search by player, year, or set. These platforms are essential for staying informed about changes in card prices. Some sites also offer tools to help track the value of your collection over time.
Comparing Sales on Auction Sites
Another way to assess the value of your collection is by checking completed sales on popular auction sites like eBay. By looking at what similar cards have recently sold for, you can get an accurate idea of how much your cards might fetch.
Be sure to compare cards that match your own in terms of condition and rarity. This method can help you spot trends, such as which players or sets are gaining value, and guide you on when to sell or hold onto certain cards.
Getting a Professional Appraisal
For larger or more valuable collections, it may be worth getting a professional appraisal. An expert can give you a more precise valuation, especially for rare or high-end cards.
They’ll consider factors like condition, rarity, and demand when assessing your collection. While this service may come at a cost, it can provide peace of mind, particularly if you’re planning to sell your collection or insure it.
Understanding the value of your football cards can help you make smarter decisions when buying, selling, or trading. Using a combination of online tools, auction comparisons, and professional help ensures that you get a clear picture of your collection’s worth.
Grading Football Cards: Understanding the Scale
Grading football cards is an important part of determining their value. Professional grading services use a scale to evaluate the condition of a card, which directly affects its price. The grading process helps collectors understand the quality of their cards and provides a standardized measure for buyers and sellers.
The most common grading companies include PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and BGS (Beckett Grading Services). They use a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 being a card in perfect condition.
The scale considers factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. Cards with no visible flaws, sharp corners, and perfect centering typically receive the highest grades.
A high-grade card can significantly increase in value compared to an ungraded or lower-grade card. Collectors often send their rare or valuable cards to be graded to get an official rating, which boosts trust when selling or trading.
The grading process gives cards an objective rating, which makes it easier for buyers to know what they’re getting. Graded cards are sealed in tamper-proof cases, preserving their condition and authenticity.
Best Football Cards to Buy and Sell
Understanding football card prices and trends is key to successful buying, selling, and collecting. Whether using a football card price guide or keeping track of market trends, knowing how to evaluate your cards ensures you make informed decisions that add value to your collection.
When you’re looking to sell rare football cards, head to American Legends! We’re a respected and leading sports collectible superstore. We have more than 40 years of experience in collecting, trading, and buying rare cards.
Get in touch today to find out how to buy or sell rare football cards!
