Most Expensive Football Cards | Top 30
Football cards are highly valued in the world of sports memorabilia. They showcase the achievements of legendary players like Terry Bradshaw and modern stars like Tom Brady.
We will reveal the top 30 most expensive football cards ever sold. Join us as we explore the stories behind these sought-after treasures that have captivated collectors around the globe.
Top 10 Most Valuable Football Cards In History
- 2017 Panini Flawless Shield Signatures Patrick Mahomes II card is valued at $312,000.
- 2017 Panini Contenders Super Bowl Ticket featuring an autograph from Patrick Mahomes II, which sold for $324,000.
- 2017 Panini Prizm Gold Vinyl Patrick Mahomes II card fetched $570,000 at auction.
- 2017 National Treasures Platinum Patrick Mahomes II Autograph 161 card, which sold for $4.3 million.
- 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Tom Brady Autograph is also highly valuable, selling for $3,107,372.
- 2000 SP Authentic Tom Brady 118 card sold for $312,000.
- 2020 National Treasures Joe Burrow Patch Autographs- RED 1 card is worth $336,000.
- 2020 National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield Justin Herbert Autograph, valued at $1.8 million.
- 2017 Panini National Treasure Patrick Mahomes II PAT. Autograph – Stars and Stripes football card worth money is $720,000.
- 1958 Topps Jim Brown 62 card is valued at $358,500.
Top 30 Most Expensive Football Cards Ever Made
Football cards are popular in sports memorabilia and can sell for high prices at auctions.
1888 Goodwin Champions N162 Beecher
| Rank | 30 |
| Sale price | $30,000 |
| Sale year | 2017 |
| Sale location | Robert Edward Auctions |
| Grade | SGC 7 |
The 1888 Goodwin Champions N162 Beecher card shimmers with historical significance and unparalleled value, its vibrant orange backdrop a visual testament to its rarity. The solitary example at its level among the forty-eight examined by SGC solidifies its coveted status in the world of sports collectibles.
Its EX 70 grade by SGC not only shows its good condition but also how well it has been taken care of over the years. Collectors are always looking for rare and special items, and this card is a valuable piece of history that connects fans to the past.
1971 Topps Terry Bradshaw #156
| Rank | 29 |
| Sale price | $43,200 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | PWCC Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1971 Topps Terry Bradshaw 156 football card is special for collectors because it is rare and symbolizes his journey. Only 29 of these cards are graded PSA 9 or higher, making it a valuable piece of football history. The card stands out for showcasing Bradshaw’s early career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighting his pre-season performance that helped the team to a 4-1 record and set the stage for their Super Bowl win.
Bradshaw’s impact on the Steelers during those formative years cannot be overstated. His leadership and on-field performance laid the foundation for what would become a dynasty in the NFL.
1984 Topps John Elway #63
| Rank | 28 |
| Sale price | $50,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | PWCC Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 10 |
The 1984 Topps John Elway rookie card, holds a special place in the hearts of football card collectors and enthusiasts. The image of Elway standing on the field with his iconic number 7 jersey symbolizes the beginning of a legendary career. Drafted by the Denver Broncos, Elway’s rookie card captures a moment frozen in time, where potential met expectation and excellence was born.
This card is valuable because it tells the story of a young quarterback who was going to be great. Owning this sports memorabilia connects fans and collectors to a famous football player. The 1984 Topps John Elway card reminds us of the early days when the legend was starting his football career.
1966 Philadelphia Gale Sayers #38
| Rank | 27 |
| Sale price | $58,800 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1966 Philadelphia Gale Sayers football card stands out as a timeless treasure in the world of sports memorabilia. Known as The Kansas Comet, Sayers’ graceful presence is captured in this iconic image, showcasing his agility and speed on the field.
With a white-clad lower half elegantly paired with a blue shirt, the card encapsulates a moment frozen in time, inviting fans to relive the glory days of a legendary player.
1986 Topps Jerry Rice #161
| Rank | 26 |
| Sale price | $63,000 |
| Sale year | 2023 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 10 |
Jerry Rice’s 1986 Topps rookie card, numbered 161, is a timeless treasure for football enthusiasts and collectors alike. The iconic image captures the legend in his youthful glory, donning the famed number 80 jersey that has become synonymous with greatness. This symbol of a young Rice embarking on his remarkable career serves as a gateway to reliving the golden era of football history.
Jerry Rice’s rookie card stands out not just for its rarity and value but also for the profound impact he had on the sport. The card is a piece of tangible history that encapsulates Rice’s unparalleled work ethic, precision route running, and unmatched focus on excellence.
1962 Topps Mike Ditka #17
| Rank | 25 |
| Sale price | $72,000 |
| Sale year | 2017 |
| Sale location | Robert Edward Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
This 1962 Topps Mike Ditka card holds a unique place in the world of football collecting, being one of only four cards graded at a mint level by PSA. Out of the 673 cards examined by PSA, none have surpassed the pristine condition of this particular gem.
The scarcity and difficulty in finding this card in such impeccable shape make it a true treasure for collectors. The 1962 Topps football set is notoriously challenging to maintain in high grade due to various factors like print quality, centering issues, and wear and tear over time.
1948 Leaf Sammy Baugh Red Jersey #34
| Rank | 24 |
| Sale price | $75,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 8.5 |
The 1948 Leaf Sammy Baugh Red Jersey card is not just a piece of memorabilia but a symbol of football history. Baugh, renowned for his passing prowess, left an indelible mark on the game during his tenure with Washington. His ability to lead the NFL in passing five times speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to the sport.
This card stands out because it has the number 33 in bright yellow, which is appealing to football fans. Baugh, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was known for his passing skills and is highly respected both on and off the field. He won two championships, which cemented his legacy as the best in the game.
1981 Topps Joe Montana #216
| Rank | 23 |
| Sale price | $87,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Robert Edward Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 10 |
The 1981 Topps Joe Montana 216 continues to capture the attention of collectors worldwide. Known for its iconic design and historical significance, this card holds a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts. With a PSA ranking among the top 250 sports cards, it has become a coveted piece for many passionate collectors.
As Joe Orlando eloquently highlights in his book Collecting Sports Legends, Hobby Guide, the journey of acquiring and preserving these treasures serves as a bridge between past glory and present appreciation.
1959 Topps Jim Brown #10
| Rank | 22 |
| Sale price | $91,200 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 10 |
The 1959 Topps Jim Brown card stands as a testament to the legendary fullback’s enduring legacy. Amidst over 2,350 examples documented in PSA’s census. This iconic football card captures a pivotal moment in sports history, immortalizing Brown’s unparalleled talent and impact on the game.
With only a small fraction of these cards graded as a perfect 10 by PSA, the rarity and value of this particular piece are truly profound.
2019 National Treasures Crossover Rookie Patch Autos Nfl Shield Kyler Murray #1
| Rank | 21 |
| Sale price | $96,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 8 |
The second-year card of Jim Brown holds a special place in the world of football card collecting, with over 2,350 examples documented in PSA’s census.
This iconic card represents a pivotal moment in Jim Brown’s career and continues to be highly sought after by collectors looking to own a piece of football history. Its rarity and significance make it rare most valuable football cards on the market today.
2020 Donruss Optic Downtown Gold Vinyl Joe Burrow #40
| Rank | 20 |
| Sale price | $108,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 7.5 |
Collectors worldwide love the 2020 Donruss Optic Downtown Gold Vinyl Joe Burrow football card. Burrow, a former Heisman Trophy winner from Louisiana State University, has a limited edition card that is exclusive to just 1 copy.
This rare football card is highly sought after by fans and investors. Its special design and prestige make it a unique addition to any collection.
1933 Sport Kings Jim Thorpe Football #6
| Rank | 19 |
| Sale price | $138,000 |
| Sale year | 2020 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1933 Sport Kings Jim Thorpe football card shows how great of an athlete he was. He won three World Championships and had a successful career with the Canton Bulldogs. Thorpe is like a rare gem in the world of sports memorabilia, similar to Babe Ruth.
His football card is highly valued and represents a time of sporting excellence that still interests fans worldwide. Sport Kings honored Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, and Knute Rockne. Thorpe’s card is rare and valuable to collectors. The unique design makes it even more special.
1957 Topps John Unitas #138
| Rank | 18 |
| Sale price | $167,300 |
| Sale year | 2016 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1957 Topps John Unitas 138 card has highly football card value in the football memorabilia world. It is iconic and important to collectors. The card represents a key moment in football history when Unitas became a legend during The Greatest Game Ever Played in 1958.
Unitas showed great skills and leadership, making him an all-time great. It is valuable because it is connected to his four MVP titles, showing his exceptional talent and influence on the game.
1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski #34
| Rank | 17 |
| Sale price | $174,000 |
| Sale year | 2019 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 8.5 |
The 1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski football card is a treasure trove for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, showcasing the legendary player’s impact on the field. As a star from the University of Minnesota, Nagurski made his mark in the NFL under George Halas’ guidance, leading the Chicago Bears to three championships during his nine seasons with the team.
The evolution of this valuable football card reflects not only Nagurski’s incredible career but also the enduring legacy he left in professional football history. This famous card is more than just paper. It symbolizes a time when American football was strong and determined. It is rare and important, making it a top collectible for sports fans and collectors everywhere.
2021 Panini Absolute Tom Brady Kaboom – Green 1/1 #K24
| Rank | 16 |
| Sale price | $188,400 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 8 |
This card is a shining example of this rarity and prestige. With Brady’s unparalleled success on the field, including six Super Bowl wins during his illustrious career, this particular card holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike.
Tom Brady is a very successful NFL quarterback. He has won seven Super Bowls, making him a football legend. This special football card celebrates his achievements and is a piece of history that represents Brady’s legacy.
1976 Topps Walter Payton Rookie #148
| Rank | 15 |
| Sale price | $228,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | SGC Pristine |
This valuable piece of sports memorabilia captures a pivotal moment in the legendary career of Sweetness himself. Featuring Payton in his iconic Chicago Bears uniform, this card symbolizes his breakout season in 1976 when he showcased remarkable talent and athleticism on the field.
Payton’s record-setting performance of running 275 yards in a single game solidified his place as the greatest running backs in NFL history. The significance of this feat is immortalized in the rarity and value of his rookie card, which serves as a reminder of Payton’s unmatched skill and dedication to the game.
2021 National Treasures Platinum Trevor Lawrence Autograph #156
| Rank | 14 |
| Sale price | $264,000 |
| Sale year | 2023 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 8 |
Football card collectors are excited about this card because the young quarterback did well in the NFL Draft. With an impressive season behind him, throwing for over 4,113 yards and leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to a remarkable comeback win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Lawrence’s stock has skyrocketed in the trading card market.
Lawrence is becoming a strong player in the NFL. His signed trading cards are becoming more popular. This platinum edition shows his skills and potential for future success.
1965 Topps Joe Namath #122
| Rank | 13 |
| Sale price | $264,000 |
| Sale year | 2018 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
Having the 1965 Topps Joe Namath 122 card means more than just owning a valuable item. It connects you to a famous player and important figure in football. The card represents Namath’s skill and influence on the sport.
With over 1,200 attempts to obtain this legendary piece, its value transcends mere monetary worth. Much like Namath’s historic victory in Super Bowl III, this card represents a significant moment in football history. Its scarcity adds to its allure, making it a sought-after item for collectors and fans alike.
2000 Bowman Gold Tom Brady (#12/99) #236
| Rank | 12 |
| Sale price | $288,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 9 |
The 2000 Bowman Gold Tom Brady card numbered to a mere 99 has become the most valuable football cards in history. This limited edition card, with only 99 copies in existence, has elevated Brady’s status as a sports icon even further. In the past, Michael Jordan’s iconic number 23 and Mickey Mantle’s legendary number 7 have left their mark on the history of sports collectibles.
Brady’s card with the number 12 is special because it represents his success and legacy in football. The demand for this card is increasing, solidifying its value as a symbol of greatness in football and Brady’s status among top athletes.
1957 Topps Bart Starr #119
| Rank | 11 |
| Sale price | $288,000 |
| Sale year | 2017 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1957 Topps Bart Starr 119 football card is a valuable item for Green Bay Packers fans. It is a piece of history from a time when great players played football. Bart Starr was a legendary quarterback who won five times, making this card special for many fans.
Bart Starr, who is now 83 years old, still has a big influence on football fans and players. His playing style, talent, and leadership have motivated many athletes to work hard and be successful like him.
2017 Panini Flawless Shield Signatures Patrick Mahomes Ii #4
| Rank | 10 |
| Sale price | $312,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 7.5 |
The 2017 Panini Football card is considered the most valuable collectibles in the sports memorabilia market. Featuring a signature in blue ink and a patch with the NFL logo, this card symbolizes a significant moment in Mahomes’ career.
In 2018, Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, showing his great talent and skill in football. Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl in 2019 and 2020, solidifying his status as a football icon. His impressive play in these games made him a top quarterback in the NFL.
2000 Sp Authentic Tom Brady #118
| Rank | 9 |
| Sale price | $312,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 10 |
Tom Brady’s early career in pro football is a tale of perseverance and skill that continues to captivate fans around the world. This card symbolizes his meteoric rise from an unknown rookie to a football legend.
Throwing for an astonishing 79,204 yards and scoring 581 touchdowns, Brady’s record-breaking achievements further solidify his status as the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Looking back on Brady’s early days in football, we see that his success came from hard work, dedication, and a strong love for the game.
2017 Panini Contenders Super Bowl Ticket Patrick Mahomes Ii Autograph #303
| Rank | 8 |
| Sale price | $324,000 |
| Sale year | 2023 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 9 |
With an autographed signature from the man himself and limited to only 303 copies, this card holds immense value for any sports memorabilia enthusiast. Mahomes’ impressive stats speak for themselves – fifty touchdowns and a remarkable 9.6 yards per pass set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent.
As a two-time Super Bowl champion, Mahomes has already cemented his legacy in NFL history at such a young age. His accolades include Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP Awards, showcasing his unparalleled skill and leadership on the field.
2020 National Treasures Joe Burrow Patch Autographs- Red 1 (#1/1) #156
| Rank | 7 |
| Sale price | $336,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 8 |
The 2020 National Treasures Joe Burrow card is popular among football card collectors. It has a blue ink signature and a colorful patch on the front. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in 2019 and led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, making this card valuable. He threw for over 4,600 yards and 34 touchdowns with a 70.4% completion rate.
Only 156 of these cards were made, making it rare in the trading card market. The card represents Burrow’s success at Louisiana State University and with the Cincinnati Bengals.
1958 Topps Jim Brown #62
| Rank | 6 |
| Sale price | $358,500 |
| Sale year | 2016 |
| Sale location | Heritage Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 9 |
The 1958 Topps Jim Brown football card is a treasure among collectors, representing the legendary career of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Drafted as the sixth pick in 1957, Brown wasted no time making an impact, finishing his debut season with an impressive 942 rushing yards.
His sophomore year saw him become the league’s second leading rusher while maintaining a remarkable average of 5.2 yards per carry.
2017 Panini Prizm Gold Vinyl Patrick Mahomes Ii #269
| Rank | 5 |
| Sale price | $570,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 10 |
It holds a special place in the hearts of football card collectors worldwide. With only 5 cards ever produced, this rare gem symbolizes more than just a player’s statistics on the field. It represents history in the making, capturing a pivotal moment that led Kansas City to victory in a thrilling 42-36 game.
The allure of owning such a limited edition piece not only lies in its rarity but also in the emotional connection it evokes for fans and enthusiasts alike.
2017 Panini National Treasure Patrick Mahomes Ii Patch Autograph – Stars And Stripes #161
| Rank | 4 |
| Sale price | $720,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | PSA 10 |
The 2017 Panini National Treasures Patrick Mahomes II Stars and Stripes Patch Autograph card has become very valuable since the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV. Mahomes had a great season, throwing for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, making him the best players in the league.
The card is special because it has Mahomes’ autograph and a patriotic design, making it rare and popular among collectors. Collectors who like football memorabilia see this card as a valuable item that represents both Super Bowl wins and player achievements. Every day, the card’s value goes up, showing the importance of the Super Bowl win and Mahomes’ talent.
2020 National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield Justin Herbert Autograph (#1/1) #158
| Rank | 3 |
| Sale price | $1,800,000 |
| Sale year | 2022 |
| Sale location | Goldin Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 8.5 |
As the only one of its kind, with a unique 1/1 designation, this card holds incredible value for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The meticulous design and intricate details make it a true work of art that transcends its identification as just a sports trading card.
With the rising popularity of sports card collecting and the increased interest in rare and limited-edition pieces, the demand for this particular item has reached new heights. The allure of owning such a rare piece showcasing most promising young quarterbacks in the league adds to its mystique and desirability.
2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Tom Brady Autograph #144
| Rank | 2 |
| Sale price | $3,107,372 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | Lelands Auctions |
| Grade | BGS 9 |
The 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Tom Brady autograph card holds a special place in the hearts of football card collectors worldwide. With only seven BGS MINT 9 examples ever produced, this card is truly a rare gem for any avid collector.
What makes this particular card even more valuable is Tom Brady’s historic achievements, including his record-breaking 7th Super Bowl title and an unprecedented 5th Super Bowl MVP award.
2017 National Treasures Platinum Patrick Mahomes Ii Autograph #161
| Rank | 1 |
| Sale price | $4,300,000 |
| Sale year | 2021 |
| Sale location | PWCC Auctions |
| Grade | 8.5 |
The 2017 National Treasures Platinum Patrick Mahomes 161 card has etched its name in history as the most expensive football card ever sold. This prized possession showcases the rising star of the Kansas City Chiefs, capturing the essence of Mahomes’ unparalleled talent and charisma on the field. The rarity of this card, combined with Mahomes’ status as the league’s brightest stars, has propelled its value to unprecedented heights.
As collectors around the world clamor to get their hands on a piece of football history, this iconic card stands out as a symbol of excellence and achievement in today’s NFL landscape.
Factors that determine card value
Card value is determined by a combination of factors such as:
Player Popularity
A player’s popularity affects football card prices. If a player is doing great in games or has lots of followers on social media, their cards will be worth more.
A rookie card of a new talent could become more valuable if they keep playing well and getting more supporters.
Rarity Of The Card
The condition of the football card also influences its worth. Cards that are well-preserved with minimal wear and tear are more valuable than those in poor condition.
Grading
Cards that are in pristine condition and have been professionally graded tend to command higher prices in the market.
The grading process evaluates the overall condition of the card, including factors such as corners, edges, centering, and surface quality.
Market Conditions
With market conditions playing a significant role in determining their worth. The fluctuating demand for specific players, the overall performance of a player during a season, and even external events such as injuries or controversies can all impact the value of football cards on the market.
Conclusion
Exploring the top 30 most expensive football cards has shown us the rich history and evolution of collecting these special items. Each card, from old to new, gives us a snapshot of time that fans and collectors love.
The value and meaning of these cards remind us of the passion and nostalgia of collecting them. Whether you’re new or experienced, take time to enjoy the stories and memories in these sports treasures.
FAQs
Are Autographed Joe Montana Cards Worth More Than Non-Autographed Ones?
Yes, autographed Joe Montana cards typically hold a higher value for collectors.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Football Card Graded?
The cost of grading a football card can vary depending on the grading company and the value of the card. Prices range from $10 to over $100 per card.
What is a Wild Card Team in Football?
A wild card team in football refers to a team that qualifies for the playoffs without winning their division by securing one of the wildcard spots based on their regular season record.
