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 a 1954 NASCAR driver's ring. It is silver, square, and it has two cars that are facing each other. It has two flags across it and the writing on it is backed by blue color. It belonged to my boyfriend's mom who recently passed away. So we do not have any background on the ring. I have tried to find a list of drivers to possible look for a name we know but could not find a complete list. Also at the top in a circular pattern it says "NASCAR" and on the bottom. It also says 1954 and under that it has "DRIVER." It is a very large ring. - Kathy

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A: Kathy, this is the neatest collectible I've been asked about in a long time. I'd heard of these rings but never actually seen one. NASCAR used to issue pins designated as being for drivers, owners and mechanics, and I think the rings were a spin-off of that. Knowing which driver this ring belonged to ould be a huge help in accessing a value. Without knowing, and assuming it was not the property of a big name value, I'd place its worth at $100-200. If it belonged to a driver of superstar status-say a Curtis Turner, Tim Flock, Herb Thomas caliber driver-the value could fall in the $300-500 range.

Q: I have a No. 22 green Chevrolet Camaro die-cast car with logos from Texaco, Wrangler, Hanna, Scott Video, Energizer and more. Can you tell me anything about this car? It is 1.43 scale. - Alberta

A: This die-cast is a generic piece that is not specific to NASCAR or a particular driver. If it has any value, it would be as a toy or a collectible for someone who collects all genres of die-cast. I'd place the value at around $5-10.

Q: I am trying to find the value of a Jeff Gordon card I have. It's a 1997 Pinnacle Precision (Precision Steel) Steel card. It still has the protective film over it and the card number on the back is 9. I cannot find any info on this card but would really like to know its value. - Jeremy

A: This is part of a 77-card set. Its value tops out at around $5.

Q: I have two collectibles, and I am hoping you can help me out. The first is a picture from the 80's (I believe 1984 or '85) in which a group of a dozen or so top drivers are all flipping off the photographer.

I also have a white hat that I am curious about. It is from Neil Bonnett Racing when he was with Citgo. Neil's signature is embroidered on the hat. I have signatures in permanent marker from Bill Elliott, Alan Kulwicki, Kyle Petty, Harry Gant, Sterling Marlin, Bobby Allison, Ken Schrader, and Davey Allison. I would like to find out how to get the signatures authenticated, and find out what it is worth. The hat has never been worn, the bill has not been bent, but it has a signature that is not readable since it was signed in pink or red ink. Can you help me? - Donna

A: Wow! I had forgotten about this photo. I saw a copy of it about 15 years ago. The drivers were playing a prank on the photographer. If I'm not mistaken, the photographer was the late David Chobat. Also, if memory serves correctly, Richard Petty was the only one in the group who didn't go along with it. I'd place the value at $20-25. As for the hat, those are some great autographs. About the only way to authenticate the ones of the deceased drivers would be to hire an expert. If they are authentic, the value would be in the $200-250 range, with the Allison and Kulwicki signatures making up the lion's share of that appraisal.

Q: I have the cover from a Coca Cola vending machine of a life-size Dale Earnhardt standing in his Goodwrench racing suit. I am wondering what this might be worth. I would appreciate a response. - Dave G

A: These things were bringing huge sums of money shortly after Earnhardt;s death. I know of one selling for $800. In today's market, I'd place the value at $100-150.

Q: I was wondering what the value on a 1:24th scale Winners Circle Dale Earnhardt No. 3 blue and yellow Wrangler (hood) Goodwrench (rear side panels) would be worth? I do believe the year is 1998. - Scott

A: A good Winner's Circle piece. It was actually from 1999 and is worth $50-75.

Q: I have two 1995 Upper Deck Rusty Wallace trading cards. One is signed 339/1000 and the other is the same card unsigned. I have been unable to determine the value of these cards. Can you help me out? -Terrie Shafer

A: The unsigned card is worth a maximum of a couple of bucks. The autographed version should be worth $30-35.

Q: I have a Mark Martin Press Pass card from 1999. On the front it has his name and at the bottom in silver letters, the number 6. On the back it has the number 2 in the left hand corner and gives his 1998 stats. What is it worth? - Sper

A: A very common card here. It is worth about $1, give or take 50 cents.

Q: I have a 1989 Maxx No. 3 Dale Earnhardt card in mint condition. What is it worth? - Deolivem

A: Technically, this is Dale's Rookie card. I'd place the value of a card in excellent shape at around $50-60. Possibly more to the right collector.

Q: My son has a 1999 gold collection 1:64 scale Dale Earnhardt Winner's Circle car. It is unopened and the packaging is in pristine condition. Would this car have any collector value? There is no autograph. - ChaosRus

A: A nice piece here. It ought to be worth $35-50 in terms of collectibility.