Collectibles Q&A

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

Q: My Father-in-law has a brick that is supposed to be one of the originals from the Indianapolis Brickyard. The brick is marked with the date 1901, and there are other makings as well. How would he go about authenticating its origins? -- The Picks 1979

A: My suggestion would be to contact the museum at Indianapolis. If you've never been there, it's an awesome facility. If none of the museum's staff can provide authentication, they can most likely direct you to a historian who can.

Q: I have a 24k gold die-cast car by Racing Champions. The car number is "98." It is a NASCAR 50th anniversary edition Monte Carlo. It is 1 of 12,500. I would like to find out who drove the actual car and how much the car is worth? -- Kala Grand

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A: This is not a replica of an actual race car. The No. 98 represents 1998, the year of NASCAR's 50th Anniversary. In mint condition, this 1:64 scale commemorative car is worth $10-15.

Q: I recently came in possesion of a 1991 Racing Champions collectors edition set. The box is in good condition, and the cars have never been opened. Some of the drivers are Todd (No. 34), Geoff (No. 11) and Brett(No. 26) Bodine. Others are A.J. Foyt (No. 14), Sterling Marlin(No. 22), Dale Jarrett(No. 21) and Bobby Allison (No. 12.) Could you possibly give me any info on the value of this collection, or where I might get some info? -- Flatliner

A: A good 12-car set here. Racing Champions did two 12-car ensembles in 1991. One included Richard Petty, the other Bobby Allison. This set has a collectible value of $25-35.

Q: I recently purchased a 1:24 scale 2000 Mike Skinner Lowe's/Army car bank in the original box. The car is numbered and signed by Skinner and his wife Angela. Is it worth anything?-- LeesGirl

A: With the signatures, this bank is likely worth $100-125.

Q: I have a copy of the Southern Auto Racing News dating back to April 16,1979 featuring the article "Earnhardt Snares 'Southeastern 500,' First win by rookie Since 1974." It is in good condition and I was wondering what if any value it has. -- Brenda

A: Normally, these old racing papers don't carry much value. But this one is special because it covers Earnhardt's first Cup Series victory. I'd place the value at $15-25.

Q: I have a 1993 Pro Set Jeff Gordon card. (No. 83) It looks to be from early in his career. It says Finish Line Racing on it.Any idea what it may be worth? Thanks -- Tim Richardson

A: This is a base card, but it's worth a little more than most base cards. It carries a value of $2-4.

Q: I won an Action 1:32 Dale Earnhardt No. 3 Bass Pro Shops 1998 Monte Carlo Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Special Edition die-cast car and am trying to figure out what's it worth. -- Ken

A: Mint in the box, it has a collectible value of $60-75.

Q: Any price info on a 1994 Pro-Set Power Hologram card of Dale Earnhardt. Same as the no number x/3500, except with no Earnhardt info on back (instead says "PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY") and has no number. The were to be inserted one every so many cases (not in the boxes but in the case for dealers) but were not ready thus there was a redemption certificate for the card. -- NASCARStuff

A: Based on the last time I saw one of these sold, I'd place the value at $30-50.

Q: I have a 12" tall Bill Elliott figure made in 1992. It looks to be handcrafted out of clay. A few markings on the figure: T Clark, 26 inside a circle, the word "Carin" Have you ever seen one of these? Let me know if you have any knowledge on this piece. -- Ray Carter

A: Tom Clark's name is almost legendary among collectors of figures and statuettes. His line of Tom Clark gnomes are among the most coveted of all such collectibles. In the early 1990s, Clark created statues of five NASCAR drivers: Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, Harry Gant, Jeff Gordon and Bobby Hamilton. Based on the collectibility of Clark, Elliott, and Budweiser (Elliott's sponsor at the time), this statue is probably worth $100-125.

Q: I have a set of two Dale Earnhardt Sr. & Jr. coins. They are authentic silver dollars. Original wrapping and black velvet boxes, colored, with certificates of authenticity. Also a colored quarter of Dale Earnhardt Sr. What is their value for sale? I'm looking to sell them and am trying to figure out a rough ball park figure. -- Gary Madden

A: These things don't appreciate very rapidly. They've been selling on eBay for right around $10 each, although one did recently sell for $30. Taking into account the fact that eBay is an auction where people go to find bargains, rather than an exact barometer of worth, I'd place the collectible value at $35-50 each.

Q: I have a Maxx Race Cards 1991 Dale Earnhardt driver card. It is No. 3 of 240 it also tells his Stats and has comments on the back by Ned Jarrett and Ken Squier about Dale. Could you tell me the value of this card? -- TL Crump

A: This Earnhardt card in mint condition is worth $3-5.