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 bought a clock for my father about 10 years ago. It has a picture of Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt, both on one knee at the Brickyard. I would like to know what the value is, because I have not seen another like it. It was bought as a Christmas gift. What is its value?-Greg

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A: The big question is, is this clock licensed? There were a lot of "homemade" clocks produced during the early 1990s. These were usually made by simply adding a photo to a plaque-type wall clock. They were popular around flea markets, and most were not licensed by NASCAR, the drivers, or the teams. If your clock is licensed, it will have verbiage on it identifying it as a licensed product. If so, it is worth $50-75. If it is not licensed it basically has no value, as it would be classified as counterfeit.

Q: I have a battery-operated child's replica of Davey Allison's No. 28 Black Texaco car. It still operates and in very good condition. Can you advise how much it is worth? - Harry Sherrill

A: Hard to give an appraisal without more information. I am not sure if you are describing a remote control car, or one that a child actually rides in. Both were produced in replication of the No. 28. a remote control car would be worth $35-50. A ride-in car would be worth around $300.

Q: I recently came across a complete rear clip from Dale Jarrett's UPS Ford. I am inquiring about the value of this item or the approximate value. - L.J. Franklin

A: Sheet metal is a bit tricky because prices vary greatly from case to case. Based on what I've seen, this particular piece would likely be worth $600-850, perhaps more to someone with a special need or interest. The most sought after sheet metal pieces are hoods, quarter panels, whole sides, and deck lids because they are easier to display.

Q: I have a $5 Richard Petty poker chip from 2000. It is from Sam's Town Gambling Hall in Las Vegas. I t also says they were limited to 5000. There is a picture of Richard on the front of the chip with signature. Is it worth anything? - Ray

A: Right now, it is probably worth around $10, maybe a little more to a die-hard Petty fan. This is one of those items that could gain a lot of value in the future, however, because it is associated with two very collectible American institutions, Petty and Las Vegas.

Q: I have a question about the value of a Dale Earnhardt coin I acquired. It is a one pound Troy Proof Silver coin produced by Gold Performance Mint commemorating his Daytona win in 1998. He has the certificate of authenticity with it. I have found other silver Earnhardt coins on eBay and other sites; but have not been fortunate enough to find this particular coin with the Daytona 500 win. He says it has the words "Finally" on it and Earnhardt's face is on one side. He keeps bugging me to help him find out the value of it; but I haven't had any luck. Can you help me? - Lloyd

A: Unfortunately, silver coins -- even Earnhardt coins -- never really caught on with collectors they way they really should have. They regularly sell on eBay for under $50. I think their collectible value is more than that. I think your coin is worth $60-75.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt numbered collectors tin with playing cards that are in their original packaging. I have no idea what they might be worth. If it is something of value I want to keep it and keep it in mint condition. Would you please let me know if you have any clues as to its possible value? - Lester Cobb

A: This is most likely the deck produced by United States Playing Cards. it is a great collectible and definitely worth hanging onto in mint condition. At this time, the value is only about $10. But in 15-20 years, this could be a much sought-after item that could potentially gain a lot of value.

Q: I won a Richard Petty hat at a raffle. Richard said he wears them a few times then donates them to charities. It is signed on the brim. It was custom made by Charlie 1 Horse in Texas. Any ideas on what it's worth?-Ralph Branch

A: It's hard to put a dollar value on items like this because they rarely change hands. And when they are sold at auction, the prices they bring vary greatly. Personally, I would put the value in the $250-300 range. However, a devoted Petty follower might pay a lot more.

Q: I have a Legends Sports Memorabilia Magazine of Dale Earnhardt. It is still sealed and has a Gold-Foiled Collectible inside. Its the Special Edition with a UPC code of 74470 98790, it has the No. 15 above the right side of the code. Could you tell me the value of this item? - Darrell

A: A great Earnhardt keepsake, but nothing really earth-shattering in terms of value. I'd place the value at about $10-15, although it is sure to increase in the future.

Q: I have two ball caps that were signed by Richard Petty when he was involed with International Trucks Racing. These are brand new condition. I also two postcards signed by Richard Petty : one featuring Richard and the STP Team 18-wheeler and race car and one with him and the race car. Plus, I have an STP 25th Aniversary postcard featuring five No. 43 race cars and Bobby Hamilton This card is signed by Bobby Hamilton. I searched all over and have not been able to find any items close to be able to assign a value to them. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. - Roger

A: The signed ball caps are likely worth $20-25 based largely on the value of the autograph. The postcards are fairly recent, so likewise, most of their value is derived from the signature. The two Petty cards are worth about $15 each. The Hamilton card is about $10.

Q: I have a 1986 or '87 Remote Control Dale Earnhardt No. 3 Wrangler car. Its in great condition, but, I don't have the box anymore. I've seached all over the net and collector's guides and I can't find any information on this item. I have found a magazine with a black & white picture of Dale Earnhardt Jr playing with one just like it. What would this little piece be worth? - Mikey

A: A good collectible toy here. It would be worth quite a bit more with the original packaging, but I still think it would be worth $35-60.