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 have a set of Sportstar Photo-Graphics cards, 13 cards, I think from the research that I have done that they are 1986. Any idea of the value?-Sjqmrn

A: One of the most collectible sets ever produced. These 2 3/4" x 3 1/2" cards were produced by Ray Mann, longtime editor of Racing Pictorial Magazine. A full set is hard to come by. I'd place the value at around $800, give or take $50.

Q: I want to know what the entire set of the McDonald's All-Star Race Team is worth. I have all 36 of 36. -- Matt

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: The 36-card set was produced in 1992 by Maxx. It is worth $10-15.

Q: I have Earnhardt Jr.'s 2000 UD MVP Super Script card No. 93 that is numbered 3/3 and No. 98 that is numbered 8/8. If I have Junior autograph them, would this increase or decrease the value in your opinion? I also have Tony Stewart's No. 20 card numbered 20/20 and No. 78 card numbered 20/20 and Harvick's 2000 UD performance overdrive No. 74 card numbered 2/2.

I cherish these cards with many other's in my collection and have no thought's of selling them, but in the future if I need money or think someone else may want to enjoy them in the future, would the value be more or less if they are signed. -- Bill

A: Everyone has their own opinion on this matter. But from what I see, I think high-dollar cards should be left unsigned. An autograph can greatly enahance the value of a common card, turning a $1 card into a $75-100 card in an instant. But most collectors I talk to tend to agree that signing a big-ticket card hurts its value. They prefer the cards to be just as they were when pulled from the pack.

Q: I have a box of 1993 Maxx Premier Plus Race Cards (open but in excellent shape). The box indicates 212 trading cards. I was wondering the value for this set. I also have a Maxx Race Cards 1988 - 1992 Fifth anniversary collection. They have been opened and inserted in the plastic sleeves that were included with the set. The binder is numbered 038890 has been kept in the original box. Excellent shape. Could you tell me the value of this set.--Tommy Phelps

A: The 1993 Premier Plus set is worth 20-30. The Fifth Anniversary set is probably valued at $30-40, but add another $20-25 for the original facory binder.

Q: I have a factory sealed, in a plastic case, approximately 10 Dale Earnhardt cards from Score Board. They are printed on 16-point foil board and have his record tying seven Winston Cup Crown cards inside too. How much do you think they are worth? --Todd Stapley

A: A good set here. Worth about $50, maybe more to the right collector.

Q: What is the worth of a Davey Allison signed rookie card. -- Dfrost

A: Most collectors consider Allison's 1988 Maxx card as his rookie card, even though he had been racing for several years when it was released. It is one of the great sleepers of card collecting-it is currently worth only around $10.

Q: I have a 1984 Wheels Rookie Thunder Rusty Wallace and a 1986 Rusty Wallace First Win Rookie Thunder card. What are they worth?--Rolling Eagle

A: Wheels released these cards in 1993. Both Wallace cards are commons. They'd be worth $2-4.

Q: Can you provide any information on the 1994 Action Packed "Mint" cards. Are they numbered to 500 or only 500 issued? How are they different from the regular or 24kt Gold cards?--Pete Farkas

A: Each card in the numbered series was numbered to 500.

Q: My friend found a Davey Allison card in her basement. It is a mint condition 2 of 20 from the 1993 Maxx collector series of the Allison Gang. Any idea how much it is worth?--Jessica S. Brown

A: It's a common card, worth $2-5.

Q: I have a five-card Bayer Racing card set from 1994. Are they worth anything?-Molly

A: This was one of only a few sets produced by Advanced Images, whose owner is Walter Arce, one of the top photographers in racing. Hence, it has some great pictures. This set is probably worth $5-10.