Q&A: Odds 'n' ends

One of the neat things about racing memorabilia is the fact that there are so many different items out there to collect.

Here are our responses to some of your inquiries about a variety of collectibles:

Q: I have a Union 76 checkered flag dated 1984 Firecracker 400. The flag is signed by all of the drivers in that race. That was Richard Petty's 200th victory. The flag was presented to me by Union 76. The flag was signed by Petty in the center with "Richard Petty 200." President Reagan was there that day, and my wife and myself were in the tower next to him. The plaque with the flag states, "To W. G. Watts For Your Loyal Support From Your Friends at Unocal." How much is it worth? -- W. G. Watts

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A: First off, this is purely a judgment call. An item this unique is truly a "name your price" item. I've seen similar flags signed by all of the drivers in a race sell for $500-1000 at auction. However, this one is different. If you were to pick the 10 most significant victories in NASCAR history, Petty's 200th would have to be near the top of the list. Plus, you have the plaque addressed to you. Really, it's almost impossible to place a monetary value on this flag. But for the sake of a number, I'll say $1000-1500. There will be people who say I'm too low, and an equal number who'll say I've lost my mind for appraising it so high. In an auction scenario, it might fetch $2000-2500, or more. But as I said to begin with, the appraisal is just an opinion, and $1000-1500 in the range that sticks in my mind.

Q: I need to know what a poster by Sam Bass is worth. It is Sam Bass Dale Earnhardt Champion's Choice poster. It has his car at the lower bottom, him in the top left, and Wheaties written at the top right. It is number 591 out of 1000. What is this worth? -- Brenda McDaniel

A: What you have is a limited edition print, not a poster. It is currently sold out at Sam Bass Gallery, which bolsters the value of your print. Personally, I'd think the value would be $500-650.

Q: I have a poster of the NASCAR greats. It has Dale Earnhardt in his Wrangler uniform, Tim Richmond, Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Buddy Baker, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant and a lot more drivers. Above each driver is there signture. I was wondering what the price is for something like this? -- Frank

A: This sounds like a poster featuring the drivers slated to run in a particular year's edition of The Winston. If so, and if it's original, the value would be $50-75 unless it is from the 1986 race at Atlanta. In that case, it's worth $150-200.

Q: I was wondering what types of NASCAR collectibles items retain or gain the most in value? Is it the cards, the die cast cars, autographs or something else? -- David

A: In a perfect world, every collectible would appreciate at a steady rate. But in reality, different items perform in different ways. Race-used memorabilia-particularly sheet metal, uniforms and helmets-hold their value and appreciate extremely well. So do fine art originals and prints like those created by Sam Bass and Garry Hill. Some die-casts appreciate quickly, depending on the driver, type of car, and production numbers.

Q: I have a license plate with an embossed picture of Dale Earnhardt with car No. 2 and his picture on the left hand side. Across the bottom it says "Dale Earnhardt." Across the top and a picture of his number 2-on the bottom, "1979 Rookie." Just wondering what it might be worth these days. If you can help me I would appreciate it because several people I know whoud like to buy it and I have no idea what it may be worth. -- Amammaw

A: More of a souvenir than a collectible. But because of who it is, it has gained a little value. It is probably worth $12-15.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Sr. One Pound Proof Silver medallion coin No. 05984. On one side is - DE Sr.his car and the No. 3 with his name on bottom. The other side has his name and the No. 3 with the checkered flags and the Intimidator with Sam Bass' signature. It was licensed by Sports Quest and DEI. Could you give me any info on this coin and its worth? -- Texgal

A: These are nice coins, but they never quite caught on with collectors. Based on what I've seen in eBay and other secondary market venues, I'd put the current collectible value at $50-60.

Q: My previous employer was a co-sponsor for Hendrick Motorsports in 1993--Jeff Gordon's rookie season. During that time I was given a rear bumper from Jeff's Bristol car. The bumper has the yellow rookie stripe on it, some rub marks etc. Rick Hendrick's dad, Papa Joe, gave it to me in '93 as he became a friend of mine. I would like to know what would the approximate value of of this bumper be? -- Monte Swigart

A: This is purely my opinion, but I'd put a collectible value of $1000-1250 on this bumper. I've seen other Gordon bumpers sell for $700-1000. This is special in that it is from his rookie year, hence a little higher appraisal. Again, that's just my opinion, and not necessarily what you might be able to sell it for.

Q: I have a set of seven Dale Earnhardt wrenches from when he was with MAC tools. There were only 500 sets made. I paid $300 for the set new and they are still new. I was proud to pay it, and I was wondering how much the set is worth now. -- Brad Mckenzie

A: The only bad thing about tools is, they are so expensive to begin with that it slows down the appreciation process. Hence, this set is likely worth $350-375 now.

Q: I have a race program from the last NASCAR race on the sand track in Daytona in 1958. Do you know the value? -- jdf3

A: If it is in decent shape, this program should easily be worth $150-200.

Q: I have a "Dale Earnhardt 1993 Back in Black" K-40 Commemorative pocket knife made by Frost Cutlery. I have the original box, a protective cardboard sleeve that the box slides into, and the certificate of authenticity. The certificate, among other things, says "Featured on a Frost Cutlery collectable K-40, this knife is a 4" 1-blade commemorative with nickel silver bolsters and highly polished surgical steel blades." The certificate is authorized by Sports Image, Incorporated. I don't know a thing about knives, but there is a number engraved on what I'm assuming is the "silver bolsters." The number is 312. I'm interested in the value of this knife and would appreciate any information you might have. -- Debbie Wroe

A: To be honest with you, I'm not 100 percent sure about this knife. If it is the one I'm thinking of, it is worth $50-100. You may want to double check with Larry Harden (lhcoll@triad.rr.com)with LH Collectibles. Larry is the hobby's leading authority on racing knives.