The 7 Best Football Cards Every Collector Should Have in Their Collection

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You might be surprised to learn that some of the best football cards for collectors aren't necessarily the most obvious choices. Sure, there are the iconic rookies and Hall of Famers, but what about the lesser-known cards that hold just as much, if not more, value?

As a collector, you want to ensure that your collection is not only impressive but also diverse and filled with cards that truly stand out. That's where this list comes in.

We'll explore seven football cards that every collector should consider adding to their collection, each with its own unique appeal and potential for long-term value.

Key Takeaways

• Limited edition cards, cards with low print runs, rookie cards, autographed cards, and cards with relics are highly valuable in a football card collection.
• Cards featuring successful and popular players, MVPs, Super Bowl winners, All-Pro selections, Pro Bowl appearances, records, achievements, and Hall of Fame inductees have higher value.
• Cards from milestone games or events, iconic plays or moments, championship-winning seasons, legendary coaches or team owners, historic rivalries or memorable matchups hold significant value.
• Mint condition cards with good centering, sharp corners, glossy finish, and no signs of wear or damage are sought after. The market demand is driven by popular players and teams, collector trends, rookie cards of up-and-coming players, limited edition sets, special releases, and online platforms/auction houses.

NFL Football Cards Collection Gift Set (Cosmic Gaming Collections)

For collectors looking to add a diverse range of new and vintage NFL trading cards, the NFL Football Cards Collection Gift Set (Cosmic Gaming Collections) offers a curated selection featuring star players from NFL history and current stars, making it a valuable addition to any collection. This set includes 100 NFL football cards, guaranteed to contain 2 autograph, relic, or jersey cards. It features a mix of Hall of Famers, rookies, stars, superstars, inserts, parallels, and serial numbered cards, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the NFL's best.

With unique and curated packs from a variety of reputable trading card publishers, you can expect a blend of classic and contemporary cards. The secure packaging also ensures that your cards arrive in excellent condition, ready to be cherished in your collection for years to come.

Best For: Collectors who want a diverse range of new and vintage NFL trading cards, including star players from NFL history and current stars, along with guaranteed autograph, relic, or jersey cards.

Pros:

• Curated selection of 100 NFL football cards
• Guaranteed 2 autograph, relic, or jersey cards
• Mix of Hall of Famers, rookies, stars, superstars, inserts, parallels, and serial numbered cards

Cons:

• Some customers received cards already opened and touched

2023 Panini Prestige Football Trading Card Blaster

The 2023 Panini Prestige Football Trading Card Blaster offers collectors a diverse selection of 66 football cards, including an average of 8 rookies per box and Blaster Exclusive Diamond Parallels, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and unique card collection.

This blaster contains 6 packs, each with 11 cards, providing ample opportunities to add to your collection. With a 400-card base set, including 300 veterans, 90 rookies, and 10 short-printed rookies, you'll have a wide range of players to collect.

Additionally, various parallels such as Xtra Points Diamond, Galaxy, Hyper, and Sunburst, as well as 18 different insert sets, add depth and excitement to the collection. The product's high average rating and positive customer reviews indicate its appeal and quality.

Consider adding the 2023 Panini Prestige Football Trading Card Blaster to your collection for a thrilling and diverse set of football cards.

Best For: Collectors and enthusiasts seeking a diverse and comprehensive collection of football cards with a variety of rookies, veterans, and unique parallels.

Pros:

• Ample opportunities to add to your collection with 66 football cards, including an average of 8 rookies per box.
• Diverse selection of players from the 400-card base set, including veterans, rookies, and short-printed rookies.
• Excitement and depth added to the collection through various parallels and 18 different insert sets.

Cons:

• Lack of details provided for the product warranty.

2023 Leaf Football Draft Picks Blaster Box with 3 Guaranteed Autographs

Packed with three guaranteed autographs, the 2023 Leaf Football Draft Picks Blaster Box is a must-have for collectors seeking the hottest young draft picks in the game. With an incredible selection of the newest NFL rookies, this blaster box offers an exciting opportunity to score autographs from the most promising talents. Each box contains three autographs, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

However, some buyers have expressed concerns about receiving duplicate cards and the overall quality of the cards. While it may not yield significant monetary value, it presents an excellent opportunity to acquire cards from the latest rookie class. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 2023 Leaf Football Draft Picks Blaster Box provides an affordable way to obtain cards of the newly drafted rookie class.

Best For: Collectors and enthusiasts who want an affordable way to acquire cards of the newest NFL rookies without expecting significant monetary value.

Pros:

• Affordable opportunity to obtain cards from the latest rookie class
• Guaranteed three autographs in every box
• Ideal for those just starting out in card collecting

Cons:

• May contain duplicate cards

2023 Topps Series 2 Hanger Box

If you're an avid collector looking for a diverse collection of football cards, the 2023 Topps Series 2 Hanger Box offers a compelling selection to add to your repertoire. With its convenient packaging dimensions of 6.46 x 3.9 x 1.42 inches and an item weight of 5.3 ounces, this box provides a mix of quality cards from the Topps Series 2 collection.

Buyers have shared mixed feedback, praising the sharp-looking cards and the excitement of finding autographs while also expressing concerns about card quality and packaging. To ensure the best purchase, it's recommended to thoroughly check the condition of the cards upon receipt.

As with any collectible, it's important to consider the overall value and condition when adding the 2023 Topps Series 2 Hanger Box to your collection.

Best For: Avid football card collectors looking to add a diverse selection of quality cards to their collection.

Pros:

• Sharp-looking cards
• Excitement of finding autographs
• Convenient packaging dimensions

Cons:

• Concerns about card quality

2023 Panini Score Football NFL Trading Cards Pack

For the dedicated football card collector seeking a diverse collection of base cards and rookies, the 2023 Panini Score Football NFL Trading Cards Pack offers a compelling selection. This factory-sealed pack contains 12 cards, allowing collectors to delve into the 400-card set, which includes 300 base cards and 100 rookies.

As an added thrill, collectors have the chance to find randomly inserted Rookie Signatures Green cards. The product dimensions are 4.53 x 3.62 x 0.28 inches, and it weighs 1.13 ounces.

With a best seller rank in sports and outdoors, this pack has garnered positive feedback, with customers expressing satisfaction with the cards they received. Whether you're looking to expand your base card collection or hoping to uncover valuable rookies, the 2023 Panini Score Football NFL Trading Cards Pack presents an exciting opportunity for football card enthusiasts.

Best For: Football card collectors looking for a diverse collection of base cards and rookies, as well as the thrill of finding randomly inserted Rookie Signatures Green cards.

Pros:

• Diverse collection of 300 base cards and 100 rookies
• Chance to find randomly inserted Rookie Signatures Green cards
• Positive customer feedback and best seller rank in sports and outdoors

Cons:

• Some customers find the pack expensive for the number of cards

2023 Panini Score Football Trading Card Blaster Box (132 Cards)

The 2023 Panini Score Football Trading Card Blaster Box is a must-have for any football card collector. It offers exclusive parallel cards and rare autographed cards, adding rarity and intrigue to your collection.

This blaster box includes 132 cards, featuring fresh rookies, emerging stars, veteran superstars, and legends. The 6 packs inside offer a Blaster Exclusive Numbered Parallel, along with captivating insert cards like All Hands Team, Top 100, and Hardscore.

What sets this blaster box apart is the specially curated surprises and unique cards that are exclusive to the blaster box format. These surprises add an extra element of excitement to your collection.

To protect your valuable cards, the blaster box also includes 5 top loader card sleeves. This added bonus ensures that your cards stay in great condition.

2023 Panini Score Football Trading Card Blaster Box (132 Cards)

The 2023 Panini Score Football Trading Card Blaster Box, containing 132 cards, is an essential addition for avid collectors seeking exclusive rookie cards and unique inserts. This officially licensed NFL product is loaded with new rookies, inserts, parallels, and autographs, making it a must-have for any football card enthusiast.

Inside, you can find some of the first rookie cards from the 2023 NFL Draft, including standout players like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Will Levis. The box also includes exclusive inserts like Breakthrough, Hot Rookies, NFL Draft, Men of Autumn, and The Franchise, along with short-printed Lenticular inserts with Next Up, Intergalactic, and Showtime.

With positive customer reviews highlighting the product's quality and uniqueness, this blaster box is a perfect addition to any collection and an ideal gift for football fans of all ages.

Best For: Football card enthusiasts and collectors seeking exclusive rookie cards and unique inserts.

Pros:

• Loaded with new rookies, inserts, parallels, and autographs
• Includes exclusive inserts and short-printed Lenticular inserts
• Positive customer reviews highlighting quality and uniqueness

Cons:

• None mentioned in the provided information

Factors to Consider When Choosing Football Cards

When choosing football cards, you should consider the player selection, card condition, rarity and parallels, rookie cards, and autographs and relics.

These factors play a crucial role in determining the value and appeal of the cards in your collection.

Player Selection

When selecting football cards, it's essential to consider a mix of players, including veterans, emerging stars, and rookies. Veterans often hold historical significance, while emerging stars and rookies offer potential for future value.

Look for exclusive inserts, parallels, and autographs to enhance the value and uniqueness of your collection. These special features can make a card more desirable to collectors.

Additionally, choose cards from reputable publishers to ensure quality and authenticity. This helps maintain the long-term value of your collection.

Consider the potential for duplicates and the overall variety of the card selection to ensure a well-rounded collection.

Lastly, take into account any specific preferences or favorite players when making a selection. This personal touch can add sentimental value to your collection.

Card Condition

Considering the physical state of a football card, including factors such as corners, edges, surface, and centering, is crucial when assessing its condition.

The condition of a card can be affected by various factors, including handling, storage, printing defects, and age.

Grading services play a significant role in evaluating and assigning a numerical grade to cards based on their condition, offering a standardized measure of quality.

Collectors often prioritize cards in high condition to maintain the value and aesthetic appeal of their collections.

It's essential to understand and accurately assess card condition when buying, selling, or trading football cards.

Rarity and Parallels

To make informed choices when selecting football cards, it's essential to consider the factors of rarity and parallels.

Rarity in football cards denotes the scarcity of certain cards, often making them highly sought after and valuable.

Parallels, on the other hand, are alternative versions of a base card, featuring different colors, patterns, or designs, which offer collectors unique variations to collect. These variations can include refractors, holographics, or numbered editions, each with varying degrees of scarcity and value.

Collectors should pay close attention to the rarity and scarcity of cards, as these factors significantly impact a card's desirability and potential value within the hobby.

Understanding these aspects will help you make more informed decisions when adding football cards to your collection.

Rookie Cards

As you delve into the realm of football card collecting, evaluating rookie cards requires careful consideration of various factors that contribute to their value and desirability within the hobby.

Rookie cards hold a special significance as they mark a player's introduction to the professional leagues, making them highly sought after by collectors. The value of these cards can fluctuate based on the player's career trajectory, performance, and overall popularity in the sport.

Additionally, the condition of a rookie card is crucial – factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface can significantly impact its value.

Furthermore, the scarcity of a rookie card, such as limited print runs or special variations, greatly influences its desirability and value.

Lastly, authentication and certification from reputable grading services play a pivotal role in determining the authenticity and value of a rookie card.

Autographs and Relics

Transitioning from evaluating rookie cards, consider the significance of autographs and relics when selecting football cards for your collection.

Autographs and relics are coveted elements found in certain football card sets, adding rarity and value.

Autographs feature the actual signatures of players, while relics include fragments of game-worn memorabilia, like jerseys or equipment.

These distinct features contribute to the individuality and collectible appeal of the cards.

The inclusion of autographs and relics can substantially heighten the desirability and worth of a football card collection.

Many collectors actively pursue cards with these attributes to enrich their collections.

When seeking football cards, prioritizing those with autographs and relics can elevate the prestige and value of your collection, making them essential additions for any dedicated collector.

Brand and Publisher

When selecting football cards for your collection, the brand and publisher play a crucial role. Different reputable trading card publishers like Panini, Leaf, and Topps offer unique features, insert sets, and parallel cards in their football card collections. The choice of brand and publisher can also impact the availability of specific players, card designs, and exclusive content.

Additionally, the reputation and history of the brand and publisher can influence the perceived value and authenticity of the football cards. Consider personal preferences based on past experiences with card quality and content when choosing a brand or publisher.

Ultimately, the brand and publisher significantly contribute to the overall appeal and value of football cards in your collection.

Price and Value

When choosing football cards for your collection, the price and value are crucial factors to consider, as they determine the potential return on your investment and the desirability of the cards in the market.

It's important to consider the price of the football cards and their potential value, which is influenced by the players featured and the rarity of the cards. Evaluate the potential value of the cards based on the inclusion of star players, rookies, autographs, relics, jersey cards, and other inserts.

Compare the price of the football cards to their potential value in the market, considering factors such as the rarity of the cards and the presence of sought-after players. Assess the overall value of the football cards based on their condition, rarity, and potential for future appreciation in value.

Additionally, consider the price point of the football cards in relation to the likelihood of obtaining high-value cards, autographs, relics, or rookie cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store and Protect My Football Card Collection?

To store and protect your football card collection, use acid-free sleeves and top-loaders. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Consider using a secure storage box or album to prevent damage.

Are There Any Valuable Football Cards That Are Not Widely Known?

You might be surprised by the valuable football cards that aren't widely known. Keep an eye out for lesser-known rookie cards or limited edition releases. Research and stay updated to find those hidden gems.

What Are Some Unique Ways to Display My Football Card Collection?

To display your football card collection in a unique way, consider using a shadow box, creating a custom wall display, or using a vintage suitcase as a display case. These options can add an interesting touch to your collection.

How Can I Authenticate the Autographs on Football Cards?

To authenticate autographs on football cards, you should use a reputable authentication service. Look for holograms, certificates, and matching serial numbers. These will ensure the authenticity of the autographs on your valuable football cards.

Are There Any Upcoming Football Card Releases That Collectors Should Be on the Lookout For?

You should keep an eye out for upcoming football card releases. New cards can offer exciting opportunities to add valuable and rare items to your collection. Stay tuned for announcements from card companies and dealers.

Conclusion

So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, make sure to add these 7 best football cards to your collection. They'll bring excitement and value to your hobby, making it a touchdown every time you open a new pack.

With guaranteed autographs, limited edition cards, and top-quality brands, these cards will take your collection to the next level.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to own these must-have football cards.