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 have a 2000 SP Authentic Card No. 5 of Dale Earnhardt. It is the short print version "Overdrive Gold" and numbered 03/03. I can't find it is any price guide. I'm wondering if you could give me an appraisal.-George

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: George, for all intents and purposes, your insert is a "name your price" card. Somewhere, there is probably a Dale Earnhardt fanatic who would pay a semi mind-boggling price for it. Any appraisal I would put on it is purely arbitrary, but I'll give it a shot. Personally, I'd put the collectible value at $150-300. Hey, there are only three of them. And as I said, there is probably someone who would pay a lot more, but in the interest of sensibility, you have to keep the price in a range that more than one person would pay.

Q: Could you tell me the value of a 1991 MAXX Doug Richert card No. 165 of 240? The one I have Doug's name has been misspelled as Roug Richert.--Annette Newberry

A: A neat card, especially considering Doug's well-deserved re-emergence as a force on the pit box. Unfortunately, this card doesn't carry a lot of value, even with the error. It's worth a couple of bucks.

Q: I have two of the Sam Bass prints that are numbered and signed by both Sam Bass and Dale Earnhardt. I have Champion's Choice (Wheaties) and another with Dale holding the Brickyard trophy. I was wondering what the appraisal value of these would be. They are both framed.--Bill Lindsey

A: Awesome collectibles. Personally, considering the signatures, I'd place the value of each in the $1000-1500 range.

Q: I have a 1991 Revell Dale Earnhardt 1:24 scale die-cast car. The hood opens on it. I do not have the box for it though. I also have a 1995 Racing Champions 1:24 scale car. It's Rusty's No. 2 Ford Motorsport car . I do not have the box for it either. I am wondering what they are worth.--Charlie

A: First of all, not having the original box takes a big chunk out of the value. Without the packaging, the Rusty car is likely worth around $10 or less. The boxless Earnhardt Lumina is probably valued at about $30-35.

Q: I have the 1993 Finish Line card set in uncut sheets. These were offered to Finish Line club members as being only 99 produced. I was wanting to know what the value of these sheets would be.--Greg Cox

A: Greg, uncut sheets used to command a high appraisal. Then, for whatever reason, their popularity dwindled and so did their secondary market value. However, sheets like yours-those that were available only to club members or as contest prizes-didn't suffer as much as others. I'd place the collectible value at $60-75.

Q: I have a 1:24 scale 1998 Dale Earnhardt Bass Pro Shops Monte Carlo. Both the hood and trunk open, and it is not a bank. Could you give me a value?-Cstrean

A: Assuming this is the standard Action Racing Collectibles version, the value for amint piece would be $100-150.

Q: I have a 1:24 Winner's Circle NASCAR Speedweeks '99 Series No. 24 car from Hasbro commemorating the Daytona 500. Although this is Jeff Gordon's car, it has a label on it for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is this a misprint? And also, what is the value of this car? It is still sealed in the package.--Peyes

A: The misprint does not add to the value. If anything, it detracts a little bit. With the error, the car is probably worth $30-40 in terms of collectibility.

Q: I was in hopes you might be able to help me with the value of two 1:24 scale Racing Champion cars. Both are 1998 50th anniversary editions in 24K gold and in unopened boxes. One is No. 11 Brett Bodine Paychex and the other is No. 98 Thorn Apple Valley Greg Sacks.-Allen

A: A couple of "garden variety" die-casts here. Mint in the box, they'd probably be worth $20-25.

Q: I have acquired a 2001 Action Racing No. 20 Tony Stewart die-cast car. It is the standard Home Depot paint scheme but is autographed on hood with a Certificate of Authenticity. Would appreciate your time in assessing this item's value.--Yobez1

A: Let's break it down like this: The car alone in perfect condition has a collectible value of around $75. Add $40-50 for Tony's autograph. Then add another $25 to that for the Certificate of Authenticity. I'd place the value in the neighborhood of $150, but a big time Stewart fan might pay upwards of $200.

Q: I have a Jeff Gordon 1991 Ford Dealer trading card. Any idea how much this card is worth? How can I look it up?-Kara

A: From the very limited information given, I think this is probably Gordon's '91 Traks card -- his first NASCAR trading card. It's easily worth $25-30, and will undoubtedly be worth much, much more in the future.