Collectibles Q&A

NASCAR memorabilia collectors often have questions about the items they've accumulated. Here are our responses to some of your most recent inquiries:

Q: I have two collectibles I am trying to find values for. The first is a 1994 Press Pass Terry Labonte card. The front of the card has a picture of the No. 5 Kelloggs Corn Flakes car with the word "Chevy" in the upper left hand corner and the number 5 below it. On the back it has a pit scene with team information. It also has the word Prototype and is numbered 2 of 3. Any idea on the value?

The other is a Hot Wheels Legend Series Bill Elliott McDonald's car. It has a nice mirror display case and the body and chassis separates to show the engine detail. It is a 1:64 scale. Any help would be appreciated. -- Taylor

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 Labonte Protoype card is actually a 1995 issue. The other two Protoype cards featured Kyle Petty and Jeff Gordon. The Labonte card, in mint condition, is likely worth $2-3. The Elliott car is a good piece that you don't see around much anymore. I'd place the collectible value at $20-25.

Q: I have a 1996 three-card boxed set of Viper Dale Earnhardt card consisting of the gold, silver and red. All cards are in mint condition. The box has snake skin covering. I'm just wondering how much this set might be worth. -- Steve

A: In mint condition, I'd say this set would be worth $35-45. It was available through a redemption program via a winning Viper Venom card.

Q: I have an "Artworks" postcard by Jeanne Barnes. It depicts a scene from the early NASCAR days on the beaches of Daytona and it is titled "In the Beginning". It measures 6-1/2" x 7". It is a copy of a nice pencil sketch. It is also signed by the artist. I have searched the Jeanne Barnes website and the internet but can find no information in this item. Can you help me? -- arep300

A: Jeanne Barnes is an amazing artist-one of the very best at capturing facial features. This postcard was created to promote her "In The Beginning" limited edition print. The postcard is likely worth $3-8 among racing postcard collectors.

Q: I recently acquired a 1996 Pinnacle Pole Position Early Years Dale Earnhardt card and was wondering about its value. -- Kevin

A: A good card to have, but not a lot of monetary value. It's worth $1-2, maybe a few dollars more to a big time Intimidator fan.

Q: I have a 1994 MAXX Autographs No. 24 Jeff Gordon card. I am trying to find out how much it is worth. -- sdw2448

A: This is by far the most valuable card in this insert series. In top condition, it has a collectible value of up to $250. By comparison, the next most valuable card in the set is worth about a third of that, and most are worth $25 or less.

Q: We have a NASCAR Helmet that was signed by Dale Earnhardt and the rest of the drivers in 2000. It is 9 of 10 with the authenticity paper. Would like to get an estimate of what it is worth. -- Jessie

A: An item like this is really hard to appraise, so this opinion is purely arbitrary If you asked 10 different people you'd likely get 10 different answers. Of course, a "promotional" helmet like this is worth only a fraction of the value of a race-used helmet from one of the top stars like Earnhardt, Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon. And too, you get to a point where you have to weigh perceived sentimental value against "what someone would actually pay." Personally, I'd place the value in the $600-800 range, perhaps as much as $1000-1500 to a die-hard fan with a special interest in autographed memorabilia-particularly the Earnhardt signature.

Q: I have a personalized license plate given to me by Cale Yarborough from his personal vehicle in "1974". I would never sell it, but was curious about its possible value. It is in very good condition, and I am sure that it would be easily authenticated. -- Greg

A: In my opinion, this is the best kind of memorabilia-something that wasn't made to be a collectible but became that way over time. If it is in perfect condition, I'd say this license plate is probably worth $50-75.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhadt card with him and seven gems on the front. On the back it says, " Since he roared on to the scene in 1970, Dale Earnhardt has claimed his rightful place among NASCAR royalty. He rules the sport with seven Winston Cup Championships, a reign commemorated by the seven gems adorning this card. And though nothing in racing is set in stone, you can bet that Earnhardt's fortunes will continue to rise." It is dated 1996. What is the value of this card. --Ryan

A: This card included pieces of amethyst, citrine, emerald, peridot, ruby, sapphire and topaz. It's worth about $50

Q: I was given a picture from my aunt. She asked Dale Earnhardt if she could take a picture of him in his car and said he said, "Yes." So I have this one a kind picture of Dale in his car. There is no other picture like this. Is it worth anything? -- B52

A: There are thousands and thousands of amateur Earnhardt photos out there. This picture doesn't carry much values, a few dollars at best.

Q: I have 1998 Racing Champions commemorative die cast of Buddy Baker (No. 10). Any idea what it might be worth? Also, did Budweiser ever sponsor a No. 11 car? -- Joey

A: The Baker car is a replica of the No. 10 Ford Galaxie 500 he raced in 1964. It is worth $4-6. Drivers who piloted the No. 11 Budweiser car for team owner Junior Johnson included Darrell Waltrip, Terry Labonte and Bill Elliott.