Q&A: Heavy metal

Die-cast replicas continue to lead all categories of NASCAR collectibles. Consequently, about 90 percent of the questions we receive pertain to these miniature masterpieces. Here are responses to a few questions about your favorite die-casts.

Q: I have a box full of 1:64 scale NASCAR miniature put out buy a now defunct company called Stock Car Miniatures. Some of these were Ertl cars, and others were some other type that you actually had to put together and put the decals on. Are they worth anything?-Barry York

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A: That was a unique series of cars from the early 1990s. This series was neat in that it featured a number of cars that weren't included in other brands. You seldom see these cars anymore_anywhere. Cars featuring the top three or four drivers are now worth $10-15 each. The other are worth $6-10.

Q: Would you please tell me what value a Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1998 Coca-Cola Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1:43 scale die-cast replica holds? Total production was 5,004 pieces. It came with a Certificate of Authenticity. Thanks - Dan

A: Judging by the scale and production number, I'd say this is a Revell Collection piece. It appraises for $25-30.

Q: Can you please tell me the value of a transporter I recently purchased for my husband? It is a 1999 Racing Champions 1:64 Transporter/stock car Platinum Plated Precious Metals Series, 1 of 1499, issue No. 14P. Also, we have a 1999 Racing Champions 24K Gold 1:64 Transporter/car, 1 of 1499, Issue No. 13G. I would appreciate your help.--Sheila Reynolds

A: Both haulers are pretty common pieces. The value of each is $25-30.

Q: I have the 1:24 scale Dale Jr Born On Date car dated February 7 2004. It is the non-raced platinum edition, one of 504. These were sold exclusively on QVC, I found it in a small shop on clearance. Do you know what it is worth?--Pflork01

A: This is a great car. The current collectible value of this car in mint condition is $150-200.

Q: I have a 1999 Winner's Circle 1:64 Gold No. 3 car. I also have two mini helmets: one silver, one black. Can you give me a value?- Mczee34

A: The 24K Gold car is worth $40-50. The 1:4 scale helmets are value at $20-25 each.

Q: I have 1:24 and 1:64 scale 2002 Tony Stewart Coca-Cola 600, May 26 2002 cars. These cars have the maintenance warehouse logo on the trunk lid and are special MWH edition can you tell what they might worth?-Ken

A: Not much difference, if any, in the price of these cars and the standard issues. The 1:24 is worth $50-75. The 1:64 is valued at $20-30.

Q: I have a 1:24 scale 1994 Jeff Gordon Brickyard 400 Inaugural Winner die-cast from Racing Champions. It is still in box. Could you tell me what it's value is? I also have a 1994 Ernie Irvan No. 28 Mac Tools Thunderbird 1:24 die cast. Same question.--Lonnie O. Whittaker

A: The Gordon car carries a collectible value of $65-80. The Irvan Mac Tools piece goes for $15-20.

Q: I have complete set of 1:64 scale Richard Petty Fan Appreciation Tour cars in the packages from 1992. How much are they worth?--Ford 91771

A: This was the first real case of over-production in the collectibles market. Each car had a special decal on the deck lid acknowledging the particular race Petty was competing in. They were all the rage at the season-opening Daytona 500, with cars bringing big money on the secondary market within days of their release. The series remained hot through the first quarter of '92. But by mid-season, collectors were growing tired of all the major league marketing that went along with the Fan Appreciation Tour. As a result, the bottom pretty much fell out of the die-cast program. Today, these cars have a collectible value of $8-12, but you can buy them for even less.

Q: I have a 1:64 scale Dale Earnhardt '57 Chevy. It has the silver paint scheme like the 1995 Monte Carlo, but the trunk lid has the Winston Cup 25th anniversary logo on it. The bottom of the car reveals that it was made in 1999 by Hasbro. Could you please place a value on it for me?--R.Blaney

A: This car is from the Winner's Circle Cool Customs line. It's worth around $18-20.

Have a question about a NASCAR collectible? Drop us a line at: CollectingNASCAR@aol.com

Please remember to be specific when describing a collectible in terms of manufacturer, year, etc. Also, please limit the number of pieces inquired about to two.

Remember that any opinions of values are just that-opinions of the collectible value for comparison-and do not necessarily reflect what you can expect to buy or sell a collectible for.