Collectibles Q&A

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

Q: I was wondering if you could please help me out with a question. I just acquired a 1988 No. 99 autographed Dale Earnhardt Sr MAXX racing card, numbered 004/100. I've heard stories that in 1994 some autographed cards of this type were released by MAXX, and again in 1998 some were numbered to 100 and released by Upper Deck. Now I was wondering what version I have.

Mine comes with a separate card authenticating the signed card. It is a greenish color with the word MAXX on the front of it, and states on the back that Dale Earnhardt personally signed these at DEI. So my question is, which card is it that I own? Is it the 1994 MAXX version, or is it from UPPER DECK. And by it being a low numbered card,is that another reason why it is a certain version or not? And what is the value of this card? -- nstraughanc393

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 fact that you have 004/100 and a Certificate of Authenticity means you have the Upper Deck version. When UD signed a licensing agreement with Earnhardt after buying the rights to the MAXX name, DEI included 100 cards--which Dale signed-in the deal. As far as a value on your insert, honestly, it's probably a name-you-price card. The 1994 versions have sold for $700-800. I know of a few originals from 1988 that found their way into circulation and brought $1000. Personally, I think your card is more. Just how much more depends on how much a potential buyer is willing to pay.

Q: I have three mini statues of Richard Petty, Brett Bodine and A.J Foyt. They are all autographed on the base on a small pad. I got them when I was a little kid from a family member. Any idea of their value? -- kneiltt

A: The Foyt statue is worth $100-150 in terms of collectibility. Depending on which Petty version you have, the collectible value could run from $50-350. The Bodine is likely worth $25-50 in today's market.

Q: I have several 1996 Wheels racing cards and would like to know if this brand has any value. -- L. Lawrence

A: Wheels cards carry a value comparable to other brands, whether it be base cards or similar inserts.

Q: Could you tell me the value of a 1998 Limited Edition Adult Collectible 1:24 scale Dale Earnhardt GM Goodwrench Service Plus Monte Carlo by Action? -- Michael P. Celello

A: There were several versions of this collectible. Depending on the car you have, the collectible value could run from $125 to $200.

Q: I have a 1997 Signature Series TV Guide in mint condition with Dale Earnhardt on the cover. Could you tell me if it is worth anything? -- Jody Pickle

A: Indeed it is. This magazine was one of four different driver signature TV Guide covers issued the week of February 15-21, 1997. This is the most valuable of the four. It's worth $20-25.

Q: I have a Frost Cutlery Dale Earnhardt No. 2 1979 Rookie of The Year pocket knife. On the blade it has Winston Cup Series Rookie of the year 1979 with his picture. On the outside it has is name and the number two with brown green and red colorings. How much is it worth? -- AngelKc

A: If this is the knife I'm thinking of, it's worth $75-150 on today's market.

Q: I have two 20-card sets of Dale Earnhart cards in mint condition. They were issued by Classie and produced by Metallic Impressions. They both have a certificate of authenticity. The set numbers are 13307 and 14440. They are still in the original tin with the No. 3 car and a picture of Dale. It also has Winston Cup 1994 champion. How much would they be worth? I also have a print with Dale Jr. and Dale Sr. and the No. 3 car and No. 8 cars. It is a limited edition number 1235 of 2000. It is called Bloodline by R. Tannenbaum. It is framed in oak. How much is it worth? -- Sheila

A: A nice set of cards. They were once worth more, but the value has leveled off to $40-50. The framed print is likely worth $150-200.

Q: I have a Racing Champions 10 years "1989 - 1999" Platinum Plated Precious Metals Series 1:24 scale Mark Martin Valvoline Ford No. 3258 of 4,999. I bought it on eBay for $18 shipping included. I will not part with it, but I also can't seem to be able to find out what it might be worth. I even searched Google and Froogle with no luck. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. -- WM

A: You made a good deal. In mint condition, this car books for around $75.

Q: I have a Snap-On Racing poster By Sam Bass. It is Dale Earnhardt posing with the Goodwrench No. 3 as the 1994 Driver of the year and seven-time Winston Cup Champion. What's it worth? -- Ironpony

A: Two of the biggest names in NASCAR collectibles: Dale Earnhardt and Sam Bass. This poster is probably worth around $35.

Q: I have a 1:24 scale 1995 Monogram model car kit of Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon Brickyard 400 winners. What do you think it is worth? They are still in the plastic cover never opened. -- Charles

A: Excellent kit here. It's worth $50-70 on the secondary market.