Collectibles Q&A

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? If so, you are probably a collector, whether you realize it or not. You may have a shelf or display case brimming with die-cast cars, or binders filled with trading cards, or even a room or garage stocked with memorabilia.

Then again, you may just have a few items stuffed in a drawer. Makes no difference, you're a collector. And collectors often have questions about the items they've accumulated.

Here are our responses to some of your most recent inquiries:

Q: I am trying to determine the value of a Dale Earnhardt Sr. stand up. It shows Dale in all black wearing a black Goodwrench Service Racing jacket that has checkerboard prints on the sleeves, also a Goodwrench Service racing cap. The stand up is otherwise in white with a checkerboard box in lower left corner that has a logo of "Sports Image, A division of Action Performance Companies Inc." above it. There is also the logo of "GM Goodwrench Service Racing" on the white background and his signature with #3 in red below that. There are no dates on the stand up.-Todd

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: Action produced these stand-ups in response to the popularity of similar items that were made as advertising and promotional items for various businesses. Since the Action stand-ups were manufactured for the purpose of collecting and sold to the general public, they are not worth quite as much as the promotional stand-ups, which were harder to come by. This stand-up probably has a collectible value of $50-65.

Q: I have a MPC 1:25th scale model of Richard Petty's red and blue Charger. I believe it is from 1973. It is unbuilt, box opened, but parts still in the wrapper inside. The box has been defaced a little bit by my father putting two stickers on the face, covering part of the top of the box. Otherwise, it is in great condition inside. My question is, I am not really a collector, and am looking to sell the model, but don't know what this is going for. I have been told that I own one of the two or three left in existence that is unbuilt. If I were to sell, what price would I ask, and do you know of a place to go to where I could sell it? I appreciate your time on this.-Gregg Pawelski

A: First of all, there are quite a few of these unbuilt kits around-a lot more than "two or three." The box being opened does not hurt the value, but the stickers being on the box does detract a bit. In mint condition, this kit would have a "collectible" value of $150-200. You might want to check on eBay to see what they are actually selling for on the secondary market. If you want to sell it, eBay might be an option you want to consider.

Q: I have a card I cannot find anywhere on the internet and was wondering if you could tell me about what it might be worth. It is a 24K gold card, embossed, made of cardboard. It is a Pinnacle Action Packed card in its original plastic case. It came in the Winston Cup 1995 Edition, card No. P1. It has a picture of Jeff Gordon holding a 18K solid gold card presented to him by Action Pack after winning the 1994 Coca-Cola 600. This card commemorates not only his win in Charlotte, but his First Winston Cup win of his career.--J. Scott

A: I've never seen this card, but the number "P1" would indicate that it is a promo card. Most of the more coveted gold cards have booked at one time or another for $150-200. However, the market for them has softened considerably in recent years. Personally, I'd place the current realistic value at $25-50.

Q: I have a front of a Coke machine in its original form. Would you tell me what this might bring or what are they selling for? It has Dale Earnhardt wearing the white Goodwrench logo and Dale Jr. is wearing the Bud logo.-littlememepawpaw

A: As they are not readily available for sale to the public, these vending machine covers have become quite collectible. I've heard of some of the original Dale Earnhardt covers selling for around $300 a few years ago. However, as the "newness" has worn off, the value of vending machine covers has dropped. Still, this is a good one. I'd place the collectible value at $125-200. A hardcore collector might pay even more.

Q: I have a Race Image collectable No. 1 of Series 1 Neil Bonnett Winners Truck from 1992. I was wondering how I can find out how much this would be worth today if I were to sell it. Any information that you could provide would be extremely helpful.--Joyce Ayers

A: This truck was actually built by Ertl for Race Image/Specialty Diecast. At its peak, this hauler was worth $75-100. Right now, it's probably worth somewhere in the $30-50 range.

Q: I have a Case XX knife made for the driver Richard Petty. The theme of the knife set is the "The Petty Family." It includes two small case knives for Kyle Petty and Lee Petty and a large knife for Richard. It is the burnt bone handle with laser etched blades on all of them. It comes in a mahogany case with the faces of all three engraved on the front. I have the original bill of sale and certificate of authenticity. Could you tell me what it is worth and where I might find a buyer? Thank you for your help.--Carter Blalock

A: Nice set here. Only 1500 were produced. According to the latest appraisal sheet listed by my friend and racing knife expert Larry Harden, this set is worth around $800.

Q: I have a three-car Dale Earnhardt Olympic tribute set from GM Goodwrench Service. The cars are 1:25 scale: one is Winston Select stars and stripes Monte Carol, one is 1995 season race car, and one is 1995 test car. I would like to know what they are worth?-Mark

A: This set was made by Brookfield Collectors Guild. The value has leveled off some in the past three years, but it should still hold a collectible value of $125-150.

Q: I have a limited edition 1 of 5000 1:24 scale die-cast 1993 edition Davey Allison Winner IROC race No. 2, March 27,1993. Could you please tell me how much it is worth?-Lee

A: A great car here. At one time it was bringing around $200. It's still a solid $125-150 piece.

Q: I have a handcrafted model of Richard Petty's No. 43 race car. It's made by Franklin Mint. It is 1:24 scale with authentic details, right down to the sponsos logos. I like to know what it may be worth now.--Bill Konnert

A: Franklin Mint actually made four Petty cars: the '67 Plymouth, '70 Plymouth Superbird, '77 Olds 442, and '92 Pontiac. You didn't specify which model you had, but all four are probably worth $125-150.

Q: I been looking for a price range for my Earnhardt 1988 Maxx Upper Deck card. I know its rare because it was hand-signed by him. It has a Certificate of Authenticity paper stating 11/100. I figure it may be worth 250. But I recently checked on ebay and someone else has one and their reserve is 750. Is that too much?-PawPaw

A: You're referring to the No. 99 Earnhardt card that was withdrawn from the 1988 MAXX set. It was later included as an insert first in the MAXX Medallion set and later in Upper Deck. I've heard of the signed Upper Deck version selling for $600-750.