Q&A: Pick a card

In 1988, the release of the inaugural MAXX Race Cards set ushered in the era of prosperity now enjoyed by the racing collectibles industry. Trading cards remain one of the hobby's most popular commodities. Consequently, we get plenty of questions about these cardboard collectibles.

Here are responses to a few of your inquiries:

Q: I was wondering if you could tell me how a Dale Earnhardt 1991 Maxx All Pro card is worth? -- KissinDolphins

EMAIL Got a collectible question? Email us! Please remember to be specific when describing a collectible -- manufacturer, year, etc. Limit your questions to two and check our archives before submitting an inquiry.

A: A fairly common card. Still, it's Earnhardt, so the value is $5-10.

Q: I noticed on you ask about a card page that you mentioned the 1998 Dale Earnhardt Pop Weaver PW2 of 6 is worth $250-$300. I see this card being sold for only $2-4. on other websites. Is it a typo on your website and should really read $2.50-$3? -- Cart Monkey

A: Actually, I think you were looking at the answer to a question that appeared below the Pop Weaver question. If you check our Q&A archives for 9/25/04, you'll see this is the answer: This set was made as a promotional giveaway for Pop Weaver Gourmet Popcorn. The Earnhardt card is probably worth $5-8. The others, $2-5.

Q: I have a Jeff Gordon Traks Premium card with his 1993 stats on the back stating that he had won Rookie of the Year, finishing fifth in his debut in the Daytona 500. How much is it worth? -- Carl Kuhles

A: A very common card from 1994. It's worth $1-4.

Q: Just curious about a 1991 Traks Jeff Gordon wearing a Carolina Ford Dealers uniform. It is card No. 1 of a 200 card set, I believe. It has his 1990 record on the back. Can you help me with the value? -- S. Cranford

A: This is considered Gordon's rookie NASCAR card. For years, it was a sleeper in the hobby, with appraisals of under $10. Values have gotten more realistic over the past few years. It probably holds a value of $20-30, but I'll bet the right collector would pay even more.

Q: I have a card of Dale Earnhardt. It is a 1996 Wheels Viper die-cut Copperhead. It is in a hard case. It has a picture of him and his name in gold, on the back is his 1996 stats. I was wondering whats its value? -- Frank

A: A nice card here. It is likely worth $15-22.

Q: I have a set of Winston 20th anniversary cards. These are the acrylic embossed cards with paper dividers between them. The cards are of the Winston Cup champions cars from 1971 to 1990. Do you have an estimate what these are worth? I have two packs unopened and one pack opened. -- Tony DeWitt

A: These cards are very common, as I get a ton of questions about them. The value of an unopened pack is $15-22. An opened pack is worth a little more than half of that.

Q: I have a 1997 Pinnacle Racer's Choice Dale Earnhardt No. 27 card. He's standing in his racing uniform and Goodwrench Service red and black hat, signing autographs. I was wondering what it would be worth. -- Chris

A: A pretty common card, worth $5-7.

Q: I am trying to find out the maker of Action Packed cards and/or the value? This card is raised images with a gold bottom. Dale Earnhardt Winner of Six 1993 Races is written over the gold at the bottom. -- Carol Burkhalter

A: Actually, Action Packed was the manufacurer. The card is from 1994, and worth $5-7.

Q: I have a Alan Kulwicki Maxx Limited Edition Holographic Jumbo Card -- only 25,000 in memory of Alan. Would you know what this might be worth to a collector? -- Lori Kirby

A: One of the really nice cards from the early 1990s. It doesn't carry a lot of value, however. It's worth $5-10.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Press Pass Card No. DE 30. It is dated on the back 2001, but the front of the card says Press Pass 2002. I know there was a series of the I am unable to find anything about this No. DE30 card. Could you tell me about this card and what value it may have? -- Troy Herald

A: Your card likely reflected back on the 2001 season, but was released in 2002. Its collectible value is probably $10-15.