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've got a complete set of the 1991 Pro Set Racing Winston Cup Racing Cards in brand new condition. Are these worth anything to anyone else besides me?--MM6 Fans

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: This was never a big money set. It's probably worth $10-15.

Q: I have a 1998 No. 83 Wheels card of Dale Earnhardt with a child whom I think gave him his lucky penny to win the Daytona 500. I also have a 1998 No. 47 Dale Jr. Wheels card with him in his ACDelco uniform. Could you tell me the values?-Bill

A: Both of those cards are worth $2-4 each.

Q: I have a 1988 Maxx Dale Earnhardt card that was unreleased. I also have an Alan Kaye's Sports Cards News & Price Guides magazine dated 2/92 that stated it was the rarest card in NASCAR with a value of $18,000. Can you tell me anything about this card or it's current value?--DK Welch

Q: I have a 1988 Dale Earnhardt Maxx Charlotte No. 99 card! It has been graded, and was given a 10. It is not signed, but I was wondering what the value might be, and what the insurance value might need to be?-Troy Herald

A: Two questions, one answer. First of all, I don't think that card has ever been worth $18,000. I seriously doubt that it's ever been worth much over $1000, which is the most I've ever heard of one selling for. The 1988 MAXX No. 99 Dale Earnhardt card was scheduled for release in the 1988 Charlotte set, but was pulled at the last minute because MAXX hadn't secured a license with Earnhardt.

However, a few of those cards found their way into circulation, and more were given to Earnhardt when he finally signed with MAXX in 1989. In 1994, MAXX included 999 of these cards as inserts in the 1994 MAXX Medallion set. A few were signed. The unsigned versions have sold for $300-500, and the autographs for $650-850. Years later, Upper Deck had bought the rights to the MAXX name in bankruptcy court.

As part of their licensing agreement with Earnhardt, Upper Deck reportedly received 100 of the No. 99 cards, had Earnhardt sign them, and used them as inserts in 1998. These cards rarely change hands, and when they do, they usually go for $650-850.

Q: I have a complete set of 1997 Pinnacle NASCAR trading cards. There are 96 cards in this set including the checklist. What is the value of this set? --Steve

A: Assuming you have the regular set and not the "Red," the value would be $20-25.

Q: This is in reference to the question from Feb. 14, 2004 copied below. Is there a way of authenticating a set of the Winners Circle cards to know I'm not dealing with a counterfeited set? I also have the binder and poster that came with the set-Jonathan

A: Good question. Honestly, the best way to determine the authenticity is to compare your cards with a set that you know to be real. Look for things like the images being off center, cropping that doesn't look quite right, images not being quite as sharp as they should be. I remember seeing a counterfeit Fred Lorenzen card in 1991 in which Lorenzen's uniform was "too white" when compared to the Real McCoy. If your cards came in the binder and with the poster, I'd say yours are most likely genuine. Counterfeiters have never been noted for providing extras.

Q: I have a set of Hooters cards, a set of Dayco cards, and a set of 1992 Maxwell House cards. What are they worth?-Ken

A: The 15-card Hooters set was done in 1992 and is worth $5-10. Dayco did three sets of card from 1992-94. The first set had 10 cards, the second and third had 15 cards. Each set is worth $10-14. The 30-card 1992 Maxwell House set was done by Pro Set and is worth $10-15.

Q: I have a 1999 Press Pass VIP trading card of Dale Earnhardt Jr. I am wondering what this card is worth at this time.-Jim

A: Unless it is an insert card, it is most likely worth $3-4.

Q: I have a 1995 Action Packed No. 52 Dale Earnhardt Winston Cup Stars Race Winner Card. Could you tell me what the value might be. It is in excellent condition and has been sleeved since purchase.-Memah50

A: Action Packed produced some really nice cards. This one is fairly common, worth $3-4.