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:

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.

Q: I have a complete mint set in the box of 1988 Maxx Race cards. It is the First Edition and not the First Annual Edition. The set has been opened and counted to verify its complete. Could you approximate the value of this set? Thanks a lot. -- Don Stanley

A: A frequently asked question. The First Annual Edition is more commonly known as the Myrtle Beach set. Once valued as high as $800, this set is now worth around $300.

Q: I have a 1990 set of Maxx Racing Cards put out by Holly Farms Chicken. The set consists of 25 cards they are numbered from HF-1to HF-25. I would like to know the value of these cards. -- Brent

A: Made by Maxx, this is nice mail-order set that was available using Proofs of Purchase from Holly Farms products. The current collectible value for the entire set is around $10.

Q: I have a 1992 Pro Set Dale Earnhardt 1991 Winston Cup Champion Hologram card with a white border. I was told it was a misprint and that the border should have been black. Can you tell me its value?- RJ991

A: This card originally had a white border, but was later changed to black. So I would categorize it as a variation rather than a misprint. The white border is worth a little more than the black, probably $70-120. It's counterpart in black would likely be worth $50-90.

Q: I found in mint condition some 1992 Mac Tools trading cards. I was interested in some info and value. -- Dave

A: A lot of companies involved in NASCAR made small (usually 25 cards or less) sets in the early 1990s to promote their products. The 1992 Mac set had 22 cards. It is now worth $10-20.

Q: I have a 1995 Traks Premier Bobby Labonte card that is missing its gold foil due to a factory error. I was wondering is something like that counts as an error. It has an indention where the foil should be, so it looks like it got stamped but nothing came off of the stamp. If it is considered a error card, how much would it be worth? -- Brittany

A: Except for a few early Maxx issues, error cards don't count for much among NASCAR collectors. This car is probably only worth a dollar or so, unless you find someone who has a penchant for error cards.

Q: I have a Wheels American Thunder card, No. 0. It has Air Force One flying in over Daytona for the 500 of 2004. It also has the Presidential Seal on it. I can't seem to find it listed anywhere. Could you tell me what it is worth? -- Rosco

A: A nice card, but nothing earth-shattering in terms of value. It's worth about five bucks.

Q: I have the original 23k gold border cards of Dale Earnhardt's full set of three 1995 Classic Games and the serial number is 002812 of 10,000. I would also like to know how much my 1995 Dale Earnhardt/Richard Petty 23-karat gold sculptured Classic Games/Finish Line card is worth. Its serial number is 6662 of 10,000. It has 7-time Winston Cup Champions at the top of the card. -- Angel

A: You don't see these cards change hands much anymore, and when they do the values vary greatly. I'd place the collectible value at $10-30.

Q: I have searched online for the value of a Press Pass TA35 10th Anniversary Series card with no success. A friend told me the value was around $450, but the other cards in the series are selling for about 20 bucks on eBay. The card is an upper body shot of Dale in his trademark sunglasses. The upper left corner of the front of the card has what appears to be a logo saying NASCAR 50th anniversary. The card is framed in silver and says 10th Anniversary Series at the bottom. On the back of the card is an explanation of the series and a congratulatory statement saying 91/100 and Press Pass 1998 Gold Signings. Is that detailed enough for a racetrack figure on the value of the card? If you could help me out, I would be most appreciative. -- Tracy

A: This card came out in the 2003 Press Pass Trackside set. Your own appraisal is pretty much on the money. In mint condition, it's worth around $20.

Q: I have a 1993 Dale Earnhardt card. On the front it has his name in gold on the bottom and in the right bottom corner has the number 127. On the back it says "Rowdy Earnhardt Wins the Winston Cup 1980." It also has Hi-Pro M K T G,Inc. The back is done in Braille. I would appreciate any info you could give me on this card with its estimated value. -- Bobby

A: These Braille cards were a unique twist and highly sought-after in their day. In today's market, this card has a collectible value of $10-20, although I've seen them sell on eBay for under 10 bucks.

Q: I have a 1996 Scoreboard card of Dale Earnhardt Sr. that is trimmed in 23-karat gold. Do you have any idea of what the value may be? -- Rose Parker

A: A lot like the Finish Line cards mentioned above. I'd place the range a little closer, say $20-30.