Emmitt Smith: The Most Valuable Football Cards
Emmitt Smith, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, has made his mark not only on the field but also in the world of sports memorabilia. His trading cards, particularly his rookie cards, have become highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Here’s a breakdown of the most valuable Emmitt Smith cards and their approximate worth:
Rookie Card Premiums
- 1989 Topps Tiffany #224: A limited edition card from the Tiffany set, this rookie card features a classic image of Smith and is one of the most coveted football cards among collectors. Its value can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on its condition.
- 1989 Pro Set #139: Another popular rookie card, this one depicts Smith in his Dallas Cowboys uniform. It typically sells for between $300 and $800 in good condition.
- 1989 Score #387: A widely distributed rookie card, it features a full-body image of Smith. Despite its availability, it still holds value and can fetch between $100 and $200 in mint condition.
In addition to his rookie cards, certain Smith cards with special features or limited availability also command high prices. For instance:
- 1997 Platinum Ultimate Emmitt Smith #1: This limited-edition card from the Pinnacle Platinum Ultimate set is numbered to just 250 copies and showcases Smith in a game-ready pose. Its value can exceed $1,000.
- 2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Legendary Swatches Emmitt Smith #105: This card features an actual swatch of Smith’s game-used jersey, making it a highly desirable collectible. It typically sells for around $500.
Here’s a table summarizing the approximate worth of some of the most valuable Emmitt Smith cards:
| Card | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1989 Topps Tiffany #224 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 1989 Pro Set #139 | $300 – $800 |
| 1989 Score #387 | $100 – $200 |
| 1997 Platinum Ultimate Emmitt Smith #1 | $1,000+ |
| 2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Legendary Swatches Emmitt Smith #105 | $500 |
It’s important to note that card values can fluctuate based on market conditions, collector preferences, and the card’s condition. If you’re considering purchasing an Emmitt Smith card, it’s always best to do your research and consult with reputable sources within the sports memorabilia community.
Limited Edition Rarities
The most valuable Emmitt Smith cards are typically limited edition rarities released by reputable card manufacturers like Panini, Upper Deck, and Topps.
These cards often feature unique designs, premium materials, and autographs, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Here are a few notable examples:
- **Panini National Treasure Emmitt Smith Jumbo Patch Autograph #2/8:** This oversized card features a large jersey patch and an on-card autograph from Smith. Its extreme rarity and exceptional quality make it one of the most valuable Emmitt Smith cards on the market.
- **Upper Deck Exquisite Emmitt Smith Autographed Rookie Jersey Number #ARJ:** This card showcases a piece of Smith’s actual rookie jersey, paired with a sharp design and an on-card autograph. Its limited production run and authenticity make it highly collectible.
- **Topps 206 Emmitt Smith Autographed Red Refractor #1/1:** This card is ultra-rare with only one copy in existence. It features a vibrant red refractor finish and an on-card autograph from Smith, making it a must-have for any serious collector.
| Card Manufacturer | Rarity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Panini | National Treasure | Oversized patch, on-card autograph |
| Upper Deck | Exquisite | Rookie jersey swatch, on-card autograph |
| Topps | 206 | Red refractor finish, on-card autograph |
The value of these cards can vary significantly depending on their condition, rarity, and market demand. It’s always advisable to consult with reputable sources and collectors for the most up-to-date information on their worth.
Emmitt Smith’s Most Valuable Trading Cards
Emmitt Smith is a retired American football running back who played 19 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the Dallas Cowboys. He is the NFL’s leading rusher with 18,355 career yards, and he also holds the record for most rushing touchdowns (164). Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Smith’s football career spanned from 1987 to 2004, and his rookie card was released in 1989 by Topps as part of their flagship set. This card is highly sought-after by collectors, and a PSA 9 mint condition copy sold for $5,880 in 2022.
Game-Used Memorabilia
- Signed Jersey: A game-used jersey signed by Emmitt Smith can fetch a high price, especially if it is from a particularly memorable game or season. A jersey worn by Smith during Super Bowl XXVII sold for $46,800 in 2013.
- Helmet: A game-used helmet worn by Emmitt Smith is another highly collectible item. A helmet from Smith’s 1993 season, when he won the NFL MVP award, sold for $23,500 in 2016.
- Football: A football used in a game where Emmitt Smith scored a touchdown can also be worth a significant amount of money. A football from Smith’s record-breaking 164th rushing touchdown sold for $15,500 in 2012.
| Card | Year | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topps Rookie Card | 1989 | PSA 9 | $5,880 |
| Upper Deck Rookie Card | 1989 | PSA 10 | $4,680 |
| Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket | 1993 | PSA 10 | $3,240 |
| Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card | 1993 | PSA 10 | $2,880 |
| Bowman Sterling Refractor Rookie Card | 1993 | BGS 9.5 | $2,520 |
Emmitt Smith’s Most Valuable Trading Cards
Emmitt Smith, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, has amassed an impressive collection of trading cards throughout his illustrious career. Among these cards, several stand out as the most valuable, commanding high prices among collectors and enthusiasts.
Autographed Signatures
- 1990 Topps Rookie Card: Autographed copies of Smith’s rookie card are highly sought after, with values often exceeding $10,000.
- 1993 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph: Featuring a piece of Smith’s game-worn jersey, this card is a prized possession for collectors, with values reaching up to $5,000.
- 1995 Pacific Prism Autograph: This limited-edition card showcases a full-color signature from Smith, making it a highly collectible item with values ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
Other High-Value Cards
- 1992 Pro Set Platinum: Smith’s appearance on this card’s platinum-colored foil insert makes it a popular choice among collectors, with values often exceeding $500.
- 1994 Fleer Gold Label: This card’s unique gold border and sharp design contribute to its high value, which typically ranges from $300 to $500.
- 1996 Bowman’s Best: As part of the Bowman’s Best rookie class, Smith’s card features a glossy finish and limited edition run, making it a valuable addition to any collection, with values hovering around $200.
Table of Emmitt Smith Trading Card Values
| Card | Year | Autographed | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Topps Rookie Card | 1990 | Yes | $10,000+ |
| 1993 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph | 1993 | Yes | $2,000-$5,000 |
| 1995 Pacific Prism Autograph | 1995 | Yes | $2,000-$4,000 |
| 1992 Pro Set Platinum | 1992 | No | $500+ |
| 1994 Fleer Gold Label | 1994 | No | $300-$500 |
| 1996 Bowman’s Best | 1996 | No | $200 |
The value of Emmitt Smith trading cards can vary significantly depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and market demand. Collectors should consult with reputable sources to determine the most accurate values for their cards.
Well, there you have it, folks! These Emmitt Smith cards are worth a pretty penny, and if you’re lucky enough to own one, you’re sitting on a small fortune. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other content on collectible sports cards. We’ll see you next time with even more awesome card collecting insights and tips.