Football is one of the few sports that originated in the United States of America. It was invented in the late 18th century by the star halfback, captain, and later coach of Yale College, Walter Camp. From that time till today, it remained to be highly popular and loved by the nation. Just like other sports, football too had cards. These football cards were intended to be used as promotional features that later became collector items. These cards are in great demand because of something real and intangible. Most collectors love the feeling of seeing their favorite player scoring a touchdown while many others enjoy the privilege of possessing something that was made in limited numbers. It’s the wistfulness of seeing a relic from a former time. That is why collectors are ready to burn a hole in their pockets to possess such football cards.
There are many football cards in the world, but not all of them are worth money. Naturally, we may wonder about what football cards are worth money? Well, it is what this article aims to answer. So let’s see the football cards that are worth a lot of money.
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Mayo’s Cut Plug 1894 – John Dunlop (Anonymous)
This card has an estimated worth (PSA 3, VG) of around $22,750. It is also called the ‘holy grail’ of all football cards. It belongs to the first football cards in the history of football – the N302 Mayo’s Cut Plug set. These cards highlighted some of the most important football stars back from the era and are the first cards from the 19th century that exclusively highlighted football players. These cards were used by tobacco companies in the plugs as a means of promoting their product. Mayo cards can rarely be obtained in a good condition owing to their black borders that may get chipped.
The John Dunlop card is the most extraordinary in the set and was given with no recognizable proof of the player, while any remaining cards include the player’s name on the facade of the card. From the outset, the card was alluded to as ‘Anonymous’ however later distinguished as John Dunlop of Harvard. Dunlop was a reserve player so the worth is exclusively founded on the shortage of the actual card. Different cards from the set are as yet expensive, with cards going from $300 to $1000 in Good condition.
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1935 National Chicle – Bronko Nagurski (RC)
The estimated worth of this card (PSA 9 – Mint) is around $750,000. It is the most valuable card for collectors. Nagurski has had a tall and monstrous physique. He was famous for crushing his opponents when he played at the fullback position and crushing the defense when in offensive mode. Nagurski was in demand not only because of his dominance in football but also for the fact that he left the sport in 1937 and joined professional wrestling. Great condition Nagurski cards are probably going to hinder you near $20,000 with Mint condition Nagurski tenderfoots assessed to be worth close to $750,000.
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1948 Leaf – Bobby Layne (RC)
This card has an estimated worth (PSA 9 – Mint) of around $45.000. Though Bobby Layne had earned a reputation as a hard-core party guy, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the 1950s. He brought three victories to the Detroit Lions and was named as pro-bowler six times. The rookie card featuring Layne as ‘Blonde Bomber’ and as a part of the Texas Longhorns was issued by Leaf. Leaf created two renditions of Layne’s rookie card, one with him wearing yellow pants and another with red pants. The card is the most significant in the Leaf set with a Mint condition assessed to be worth $45,000. Less expensive duplicates in lower-grade condition can be found obviously.
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1948 Leaf – Chuck Bednarik (RC)
This card is worth (PSA 9 – Mint) is around $30,000. Chuck Bednarik was a vintage football player who is less known today. He was also known as ‘Concrete Charlie’ due to his fierce defense skills. He was named as a first-team All-Pro ten times, 2 times NFL Champion, and was also inducted in the Hall of Fame of Pro Footballers. Bednarik was additionally one of the last two way full clocks in the NFL, playing both Center and Middle Linebacker while just missing three games throughout a long term profession.
Bednarik is broadly known for a hit on Frank Gifford which put Gifford out of football for more than a year and a half. Bednarik’s 1948 Leaf rookie card is the second most significant issue in the set (behind Layne) with a Mint duplicate assessed to be worth $30,000. PSA has reviewed around 160 of the cards and to note there are three distinct varieties duplicates with yellow, white, and orange backgrounds. A decent condition illustration of the card can regularly be found for under $1000.
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1948 Leaf – Sammy Baugh (RC)
‘Slingin’ Sammy Baugh is very much viewed as probably the best quarterback ever. Baugh played his whole expert vocation with the Washington Redskins, winning two titles, gathering six All-Pro designations, and driving the league in finish rate eight distinct years. In 1943 he achieved the incomprehensible, driving the league in passing, punting, and block attempts (as a defensive back). Baugh was what could be compared to Tom Brady, Ed Reed, and Brian Moorman all wrapped into one.
Baugh’s 1948 Leaf rookie card is a highly valued card for all vintage football card collectors. A Mint condition Baugh will slow down you tons of money, yet one in Good condition can be found for around $300 which I think makes for a wise venture. It is by taking into account that PSA has just evaluated around 250 of the cards.
These are some of the football cards that will fetch you a lot of money. If you own either one of them, hold onto them. Do proper research to see how much you can earn before selling any card. Now, you have some knowledge regarding what football cards are worth money.
