Collectibles Q&A

NASCAR memoribilia 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 Dale Earnhardt Hi-Tech Brickyard 400 number 87 card for 1995. The card has Dale Earnhardt's face on the front and his car on the back which tell show he finished in the race. This card is in mint condition. I bought it in 1996 and have had it covered ever since. Any idea what it is worth?-- Crossons

A: One of the more valuable single common cards in this set. It's worth $2-4.

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Q: I have a 1997 Fleer Ultra NASCAR Dale Earnhardt card. It has Dale's signature done in gold with Richard Childress Racing printed underneath his name. It has a picture of Dale's car, and a picture of Dale wearing his white suit trimmed in black. How much is this card worth? -- Funhouse495

A: Same story here. A common card worth $2-4.

Q: What is the value of my Mark Martin 1:24 die-cast, 2001 Limited Edition, Team Caliber Owner's Series Gold car, in the box, hood and trunk open.--Charlie Hawkins

A: If you have the Viagra car, it is probably worth around $125. The Pfizer and J. R.'s Garage cars are worth about $75.

Q: I'm wanting to know the value of a trading card. It's a 1991 Jeff Gordon rookie signed with COA. It reads 1991 Traks Race Products, Inc on the back. -- Adriana

A: This is Gordon's first NASCAR trading card. It was not offered as an autographed card, so it was obviously signed after the fact. With the autograph, I'd place the value at $50-75, perhaps more to the right collector.

Q: I have a 1999 Coke machine cover with Dale Sr wearing a red Coke uniform and Jr wearing a black Coke uniform. I was wondering if you could tell me what it might be worth? -- G Rose

A: I heard stories about some of those covers selling for $600-700 shortly after Earnhardt's death. I know of two that sold for $300-350. The value of these covers has tapered off some. I still think there may be some folks who'd pay $300 for one. Personally, I think $100-200, more likely $100-150, would be a more reasonable appraisal in today's market.

Q: I have my ticket stub for the May 1991 race at Talladega which Davey Allison won. The ticket stub is autographed by him. I also have snapshots of him outside the press box signing the autographs. I also have a shirt autographed by him. Are any of they worth anything? -- J Porter

A: Yes, both the ticket stub and shirt have value, but the true worth lies in the autograph. The signed ticket stub is probably the most valuable of the two. I think it has a collectible value of $100, give or take a few bucks. I'd put the value of the shirt at around $75.

Q: I have a signed 1:24 scale Action No. 18 Bobby Labonte Interstate batteries car. The box says Sept 21st 2003 Dover 400. It has 3M on the hood. What's it worth? I also have a 1:24 scale Racing Champions 2002 edition Lowe's No. 48 car with rotating car in the box. -- Jen

A: The Labonte car is worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $75 in terms of collectibility. There were several versions of the Johnson car. The value could run from $40 for the most plentiful versions to $75-100 for the more upscale editions.

Q: I Recently came across an Action combo with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty ( 7 Time Champions) 1/64. First, I Paid $20 and then had Richard Petty Autograph it. Second, I discovered that the stats on the back said Dale was rookie of the year in 1979 and it also stated the same for Richard Petty. I know the part for Petty is a misprint. Could you tell me the value and if is was a good payoff? -- Bob

A: This set is probably worth $40-50 without the signature. Some die-cast purists will argue that the autograph detracts from the value. It's all a matter of preference. If it does indeed enhance the value, it would add $30-35.

Q: I have a Frost Cutlery Dale Earnhardt Bowie Knife. It is from 1993 or 1994. The blade says 6-time Winston Cup Champion, "The Intimidator" is in red, then the dates 1980-1986-1987-1990-1991-1993. There is a bust of Dale Sr. and his signature on the handle. No. 3 with checkered flags is on the tip. This also has a stand with the 6-time champion info. Do you have any idea what it is worth? -- Marvin

A: I like knives as collectibles. They make a handsome display and hold their value well. This particular Bowie is probably worth $150-175.

Q: I have an original 1950 Southern 500 program with original line-up sheet, unused general admission ticket, and a larger unused reserved box seat ticket that all came from a member of the Brasington family that built the track. I know the program goes for around $300+ in the condition that it's in. How much would the tickets be worth? -- Afarley2

A: Actually, as I mentioned in this column a few weeks ago, that program in mint condition could be worth up to $500. The line-up sheet helps keep it near the top of the appraisal range. To the right collector, those tickets would be worth $50-100.