We specialize in buying:

• Vintage Collections: We are particularly interested in collections from the 1980s and earlier.
• High-End Cards: We are always looking for rare and valuable cards, including rookie cards, autographs, and memorabilia cards.
• All Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Football, even non-sports cards.

We offer:

• Fair and Competitive Prices: We will provide you with a fair and competitive offer for your collection.
• Fast and Convenient Service: We can come to you to appraise your collection at your convenience.
• Discreet and Professional Service: We handle all transactions with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation! Email rorz.cards@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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This guide will dive into the PSA grading scale, providing a detailed look at what each grade signifies and the specific characteristics that define a card at each level.

Understanding the Foundation

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand that PSA evaluates cards based on four key factors:

• Surface Condition: This encompasses scratches, print lines, surface wear, and any other imperfections visible on the card’s front and back.
• Centering: How perfectly aligned the card’s image is within the borders.
• Corners: The sharpness and condition of the card’s four corners.
• Edges: The cleanliness and condition of the card’s edges, including any chipping, whitening, or wear.

The PSA Grading Scale: A Detailed Breakdown

PSA 10: Gem Mint (GEM-MT)

This is the holy grail for collectors. A PSA 10 is considered virtually perfect. Imagine a card that appears brand new, with no visible flaws whatsoever.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: Flawless. No scratches, print lines, or any other surface imperfections.
• Centering: Near-perfect. The image is centered within a very tight tolerance (typically 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front and 75/25 percent on the back).
• Corners: Perfectly sharp with no wear or rounding.
• Edges: Clean and free from any chipping, whitening, or wear.

PSA 9: Mint (MINT)

A PSA 9 is a superb card with only the slightest of imperfections. It’s incredibly close to perfect, but not quite flawless.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: May exhibit a very slight wax stain on the reverse, a minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders.
• Centering: Excellent centering, typically within a tolerance of 60/40 to 65/35 percent on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: Sharp with minimal to no wear.
• Edges: Clean with minimal to no wear.

PSA 8: Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT)

A PSA 8 is a high-end card that appears very close to a PSA 9 at first glance. Upon closer inspection, minor flaws become more evident.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: May have a very slight wax stain on the reverse, the slightest fraying at one or two corners, a minor printing imperfection, and/or slightly off-white borders.
• Centering: Very good centering, typically within a tolerance of 65/35 to 70/30 percent on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: May have the slightest fraying at one or two corners.
• Edges: Clean with minimal to no wear.

PSA 7: Near Mint (NM)

PSA 7 card exhibits slight surface wear that is noticeable upon close inspection.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: May have slight surface wear, slight fraying on some corners, and a minor printing blemish. Slight wax staining is acceptable on the back.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 70/30 to 75/25 percent on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: May have slight fraying on some corners.
• Edges: Clean with minimal to no wear.

PSA 6: Excellent-Mint (EX-MT)

A PSA 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect, but these flaws do not significantly detract from the card’s overall appeal.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: May have visible surface wear, a very light scratch, minor wax stain on the reverse, and/or very slight notching on the edges.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: May have slightly graduated fraying.
• Edges: May exhibit very slight notching.

PSA 5: Excellent (EX)

At this level, minor rounding of the corners becomes more evident.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: More noticeable surface wear or printing defects. May have minor chipping on the edges. Loss of original gloss is more apparent.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: Very minor rounding of the corners.
• Edges: May have minor chipping.

PSA 4: Very Good-Excellent (VG-EX)

The card shows noticeable wear and tear at this stage.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: Noticeable surface wear, light scuffing, or light scratches.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
• Corners: Slightly rounded corners.
• Edges: May have light scuffing or scratches.

PSA 3: Very Good (VG)

Rounding of the corners is more evident, and surface wear is becoming more pronounced.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: Some surface wear, light scuffing, or light scratches. Focus may be somewhat off-register.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 90/10 or better on the front and back.
• Corners: Some rounding of the corners.
• Edges: Noticeable wear.

PSA 2: Good (GOOD)

The card shows significant signs of wear and tear.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: Scratching, scuffing, light staining, or chipping of the enamel.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 90/10 or better on the front and back.
• Corners: Accelerated rounding of the corners.
• Edges: Noticeable wear.

PSA 1.5: Fair (FR)

The card exhibits significant wear and tear, with extreme wear to the corners.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: Advanced stages of wear, including scuffing, scratching, pitting, chipping, and staining.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 90/10 or better on the front and back.
• Corners: Extreme wear, possibly affecting the framing of the picture.
• Edges: Significant wear and tear.

PSA 1: Poor (PR)

The card is in very poor condition with significant damage.

Key Characteristics:

• Surface: May be missing small pieces, heavily creased, or severely discolored.
• Centering: Good centering, typically within a tolerance of 90/10 or better on the front and back.
• Corners: May be missing pieces or severely rounded.
• Edges: May be severely damaged.

Factors Influencing Grade

• Centering: This is a critical factor. Even minor misalignment can significantly impact the grade.
• Corners: Sharp corners are highly valued. Any rounding, chipping, or fraying will lower the grade.
• Surface Condition: Scratches, print lines, and other surface imperfections will negatively impact the grade.
• Printing Defects: Minor printing imperfections may be overlooked in higher-grade cards, but they can significantly impact the grade of lower-quality cards.

Conclusion

Understanding the PSA grading scale is crucial for navigating the world of sports card collecting and grading. Check out our in-depth primer into grading sports cards.

The post The PSA Grading Scale Explained: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Rorz Cards.

If you’ve been buying and selling sports cards online, you’ve probably come across the term “shill bidding’. Shill bidding is an unethical practice where a seller or someone acting on their behalf artificially inflates the price of a sports card in an eBay auction. This is usually done by creating fake bids or having someone else place bids on their sports cards to make them appear more desirable and drive up the final price.

How can I tell if shill bidding is happening on a sports card auction?

• Review the Bidding History:
  • Look for patterns like multiple bids from the same account or from accounts with very few or no reviews.
  • Check for bids that are placed and then retracted, especially if they occur close to the end of the auction.
• Examine the Bidder’s History:
  • Investigate the bidding history of accounts that seem suspicious.
  • Look for accounts that primarily bid on sports cards from the same seller or have a high percentage of retracted bids.
• Compare Prices:
  • Research the sports card’s fair market value by checking other listings, completed sales, and sports card price guides.
  • If the winning bid seems significantly higher than the sports card’s actual value, it could be a sign of shill bidding.
• Trust Your Intuition:
  • If something feels off about an auction, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Remember: Shill bidding is against the rules of most online marketplaces and can have serious consequences for the seller. If you suspect shill bidding, report it to the platform (like eBay) and document your findings.

The post What is ‘Shill Bidding’ – Definition – The Sports Card Glossary appeared first on Rorz Cards.

Here’s my selection of some of the most valuable football cards of the 1980s, in no particular order.

1986 Topps Jerry Rice Rookie Card #161

Jerry Rice goes down as the most accomplished pass catcher in NFL history, making his 1986 Topps #161 rookie card a must-have for football card nerds

The 1986 Topps design consists of green borders and white pinstripes that resemble a football field, with an image of Jerry Rice lined up to run a route. Collectors seem to love or hate the look of Rice’s first card, but it really gives off the ’80s vibes and sports card hobby during that era.

Rice’s 1986 Topps #161 rookie card is one of the most expensive PSA 10 cards on this list, with less than 60 in existence. In November of 2024, one sold at Goldin Auctions for $63,000.

1986 Topps Steve Young Rookie Card #374

Let’s continue with another rookie card from 1986 Topps Football and a fellow teammate of Jerry Rice: Steve Young. Despite having an unofficial rookie card in 1984 before his time in the NFL, Young’s official NFL-licensed rookie card from 1986 Topps was released during his second season with the Buccaneers.

The price surrounding this card in a PSA 10 grade may surprise some collectors, but the main factor surrounding its value is its extreme scarcity in Gem Mint condition. In March of 2022, one of the eight PSA 10 examples in existence sold for $120,000 at auction.

1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216

4 time Super Bowl Champion and 3 time Super Bowl MVP. Joe Montana is without a doubt, the most decorated QB of the decade, so it’s no surprise to see his 1981 Topps #216 rookie card make this article.

Football card collectors generally gravitate towards players’ rookie cards who’ve achieved a legacy of winning, and today’s cost of Montana’s 1981 Topps #161 reflects that. Of the 32,000 examples of Montana’s rookie card graded by PSA, less than 125 copies have received a Gem Mint 10. In August of 2024, one sold at Fanatics Weekly auction for $40,260.

1984 Topps USFL Reggie White Rookie Card #58

Although Reggie White’s 1986 Topps #275 is known as his mainstream rookie card, the first unofficial rookie card depicting White is from the 1984 Topps USFL (United States Football League).

Despite being known as sort of an oddball set, the limited quantities produced and the inclusion of debut cards of other future Hall of Famers make it a sought-after release for football card collectors of the time.

This card in a PSA 10 is limited to less than 10 copies, with the most recent sale eclipsing $20,000 in 2021.

1984 Topps John Elway Rookie Card #63

John Elway is the best QB in Denver Broncos history and has contributed to the franchise’s 3 Super Bowls as a player and general manager.

1984 Topps is arguably one of the most stacked rookie card classes the football card-collecting community has ever seen. The iconic set features five rookie cards of NFL Hall of Famers, with John Elway’s #63 being the most valuable.

PSA 10 examples of John Elway’s first Topps card sell for between $7,000 to $8,000.

1982 Topps Lawrence Taylor Rookie Card #434

Lawrence Taylor is considered one of the top defensive players in the history of the NFL and arguably the best Linebacker ever. Despite the general lack of popularity around collecting or investing in defensive players’ rookie cards, Taylor’s 1982 Topps #434 is an exception to the rule.

LT’s Topps rookie card graded a PSA 10 goes for around $5,000, but examples of the rarer BGS (Beckett) 10 Pristine sells for even more.

1984 Topps Dan Marino Rookie Card #63

The go-to rookie card for Dan Marino fans can be pulled out of 1984 Topps Football packs. It is one of the key rookie cards behind John Elway. The Dolphins gunslinger was one of the best during the decade and may be considered the greatest quarterback never to win a Super Bowl.

There are less than 75 copies of Marino’s #63 Topps rookie card with a BGS 10 Pristine grade and one sold for $4,575 in November 2024. 

1984 Topps Eric Dickerson Rookie Card #280

1984 Topps Football makes its third appearance on this list with Eric Dickerson’s #280 rookie card. Not only was Dickerson one of the most popular Running Backs of the decade, he still holds the record for the most rushing yards in a single season.

Although Dickerson’s most desired rookie card is not as pricey as the other key rookie cards from 1984 Topps, PSA 10 copies sell for over $2,000.

1989 Score Barry Sanders Rookie Card #257

Topps mostly produced NFL-licensed football cards throughout the 1980s, until 1989 when Score introduced one of the most popular football sets of the decade.

Barry Sanders 1989 Score Rookie Card #246 headlines as the most expensive rookie card of the set. There are roughly 2,500 PSA 10s of Sanders’ most in-demand rookie card, selling for around $1,250.

1989 Score Deion Sanders Rookie Card #246

It only felt right to add the other Hall of Famer with the last name “Sanders” from the iconic 1989 Score Football set to this list – “Prime Time” Deion Sanders. The former shutdown cornerback is still the topic of discussion and is making headlines as the head football coach for the University of Colorado.

Deion’s 1989 Score #246 is the second most valuable rookie card of the set and will cost you between $500 to $600 in a PSA 10 grade.

Conclusion

Football card prices can fluctuate and vary based on numerous factors. Cards in gem mint condition (as determined by grading companies like PSA and Beckett) can increase their value significantly. The booming growth of card collecting in the 1980s resulted in more cards and sets being produced than ever before. As a result, many of the decades’ most valuable cards are based on the print run, condition, and population of Gem Mint 10 graded cards.

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Another striking example of this phenomenon is with Ken Griffey Jr., who is universally adored in the hobby even though he debuted at the height of the junk wax era and played through the steroid era. A combination of those factors has historically equated to overall hobby disinterest (look no further than rookie card prices of most other 90s sluggers). Not so with Griffey. The Kid burst onto the MLB scene in 1989 and the hobby has loved him ever since. These days, Griffey is one of the most common names card show dealers hear in response to “what players are you looking for today?” Just like Mantle, the hobby’s obsession with Ken Griffey Jr. stems from one particularly iconic rookie card. Let’s take a look at his five most iconic rookie cards and what they’re worth.

1989 Bowman Baseball #220 Ken Griffey Jr.

Nowadays, Bowman is the go-to product for baseball prospect cards. “1st Bowmans” are often a player’s earliest cards, joining rookie cards as their most sought-after cards. While that distinction has formed over the last few decades, the 1989 Bowman baseball set was closer to a standard release with an emphasis on rookie cards. However, it was particularly notable because the 1989 set was the reintroduction of Bowman baseball after a 34-year hiatus. Fittingly, Ken Griffey Jr. was the featured member of the 1989 rookie class. This Bowman set featured oversized cards that matched the dimensions of 1950s Bowman baseball cards… so if you ever acquire a 1989 Griffey rookie, please don’t try jamming it into a standard-size BCW box! While you can grab a raw copy for about $5-10, those larger dimensions have made Griffey’s Bowman rookie a rather tough grade. A PSA 10 copy of the 1989 Bowman Baseball #220 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is worth north of $250!

1989 Topps Heads Up! #5 Ken Griffey Jr.

If you’re familiar with the hobby whatsoever, you may very well know what’s coming at #1 on this list, but if you’re rather new to the hobby, you might be surprised about what’s included here at #4… the 1989 Topps Heads Up Ken Griffey Jr. card. Well, “card” might be a stretch… it’s more of a miniature, pre-Fathead-era, Fathead-like-thing. Okay, just look at the picture. This “card” came with a suction cup so you could hang it up on a window or wherever it would stick. The 1989 Topps Heads Up! set was a test issue, so it had a very limited print run, resulting in incredible scarcity. If you consider it a card, this is the rarest Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card in existence. There is currently a PSA 6 up for auction on eBay with a starting bid of $35,000!

1989 Fleer Glossy #548 Ken Griffey Jr.

This set was the short-lived Fleer version of Topps Tiffany. Much more limited in print run than Griffey’s 1989 Fleer flagship rookie, the glossy Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is the chase-able version. With that old “M’s” logo in the top right corner, this card features another mean-mug photo from Griffey. At least it’s more than a floating head! If you go searching for a Griffey Fleer Glossy rookie, be careful… and buy it slabbed. As is often the case with Topps Tiffany, many people mistake their flagship versions with the glossy versions. Grading companies won’t make that mistake, and you’ll be sure to know it’s the glossy variety because the slab will say so. This doesn’t stop eBay sellers from listings 1989 Fleer Griffey rookie slabs as glossy versions… so just be vigilant if you’re chasing this one down. A PSA 10 copy of the 1989 Fleer Glossy #548 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is worth about $4,500, based on recent auctions, while raw copies are worth between $30 and $250, the variance likely due to the risk that the card actually isn’t from the glossy set.

1989 Topps Traded Tiffany #41T Ken Griffey Jr.

Topps may have made a grave mistake by not including Griffey in its flagship 1989 set, but he did make the 132-card checklist for 1989 Topps Traded. The Tiffany version of the set has a microscopic junk wax era print run of about 15,000, making it potentially the most rare Griffey rookie card other than the 1989 Topps Heads Up! “card.” Because of that, it’s also subject to counterfeiting, so again, be careful when you’re on the lookout for a 1989 Topps Tiffany Griffey rookie. Man, doesn’t it look like that bat is just taking a quick siesta before being used as the centerpiece of an inevitable and beautiful Griffey uppercut that will send a ball deep into orbit?

Based on recent auctions, a PSA 10 copy of the 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany #41T Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is worth abut $3,500, while raw copies have recently sold for between $10 and $350 depending on condition and auction house.

1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr.

Well, we have arrived at the obvious and unmistakable #1 on this list of most iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards, and as you assumed, it is the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie. In the era of overproduction, how in the world does this card hold value? Well, friends, here’s a simple lesson in supply and demand. Even with a massive supply (over 110,000 copies of this card have been graded by PSA alone), the even more massive demand keeps the value of this 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card at about $100 a pop raw and in solid condition. Speaking of condition, according to Wikipedia, “The card was situated in the top left hand corner of the uncut sheets and was more liable to be cut poorly or have its corners dinged.” Because of Upper Deck’s return policy and Griffey’s popularity, “Many Griffey cards were returned and the result was that Upper Deck printed many uncut sheets of just Ken Griffey Jr.” (Wikipedia). Based on recent auctions, a PSA 10 copy of the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is worth about $3,500.

Ken Griffey Jr. was, in many ways, a baseball unicorn… a super slugger who was good for 40+ homers in any given year, he was also one of the best centerfielders to play the game. He also played with a universally loved pizzazz… who can forget that backwards hat? So it’s fitting that Griffey is a hobby unicorn as well. His Upper Deck rookie is not universally loved because of scarcity, but in part because Upper Deck made a genius move to make a rookie the centerpiece of their flagship set and in part because, well, we all just ate it up. Obviously Griffey delivered thereafter on the field, never got wrapped up in any steroid controversies, and here we are 35 years later with the ’89 Upper Deck Griffey rookie as one of the most iconic baseball cards in existence. Also, have you ever noticed that out of all of Griffey’s rookie cards, this is the only one on which he looks like he’s having a good time? Maybe our subconscious hobby minds just drew us to a smiling Kid.

The post The Most Iconic Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Cards appeared first on Rorz Cards.

Hobby boxes usually have the following features:

• Exclusive inserts and parallels: Hobby boxes often contain cards that cannot be found in retail boxes. You’d refer to these as “hobby box exclusives.”
• Guaranteed hits: You’ll often see hobby boxes advertised with the number of guaranteed autographs (or other “hit” cards such as memorabilia cards) you’ll find inside.
• Potentially higher hit rates

The post What is a ‘Hobby Box’ – Definition – The Sports Card Glossary appeared first on Rorz Cards.

While inserts will be listed on the sports card product’s checklist alongside the base card checklist, they will be identified by a unique card numbering format. Usually if you see a card numbered with some combination of letters and numbers (eg. AH13), it can be safely assumed that it’s an insert.

Types of inserts include: autographs, memorabilia/ relic cards, special themes (such as award winners or all stars) and other short print cards.

Inserts are usually more flashy than base card designs and can come in unique shapes (die cut cards), finishes (foil designs) and colors.

The post What is an ‘Insert’ – Definition – The Sports Card Glossary appeared first on Rorz Cards.

For example, a base card might have several parallel versions, such as:

1. Color Parallels: Sports cards with borders or designs in colors like gold, red, blue, etc. They often indicate different levels of rarity.
2. Foil or Refractor Parallels: Cards with a shiny or reflective finish that adds a premium look to the design.
3. Numbered Parallels: Short print (SP) or Super short print (SSP) sports cards that are sequentially numbered, indicating how many of that particular card were produced.
4. Patterned Parallels: Cards with unique designs, like cracked ice, camouflage, or prism effects.

These parallels are often chased by collectors, especially those who aim to complete a “rainbow” set, which includes all variations of a specific card.

The post What is a ‘Parallel’ – Definition – The Sports Card Glossary appeared first on Rorz Cards.

Sports Card Stores in Springfield, Missouri

These are some of the local card shops in Springfield that I frequent most and recommend to anyone traveling through the area.

• Fastbreak Sports
• Arrowhead Sports Cards
• Centerfield Sports Cards

Scroll down to learn more about each — and if you’re in the area, check ’em out!

Fastbreak Sports

Address: 3109 South Campbell Avenue Springfield, MO
Website: fastbreaksportsfanshq.com
Phone: 417-886-2273

This local shop, a cornerstone since 1992, helped my love for the hobby grow from a young age. Though it’s moved over the years, its current spot off Campbell Avenue in south Springfield is my favorite. Walking in, you’re greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. To your left, star boxes, dime boxes and quarter boxes, while to the right, jerseys and memorabilia.

This card shop, owned by a former coach with a passion for collecting, sprang from his own personal collection that started back in 1969. It’s more than just a store, it’s a community hub. Collectors gather for Topps Hobby Rip Nights, anniversary celebrations, and trade nights (which often include baseball and football breaks). With comfy spots to crack packs and sleeves readily available, it’s a must-visit for every pack ripper, collector, and sports fan alike.

If you find yourself with some time on your hands driving down Campbell Avenue this is the spot to be. Having the time to sit and rip packs, while your significant other checks out the in-store boutique is a great often to keep the rest of your family or significant other happy. Oftentimes showing up at local shows to give out free dice rolls (an in-store game) and rip some wax, this store is a key part of the hobby, keeping one foot in the shop and the other in the local community.

Arrowhead Sports Cards

Address: 210 West Sunshine Suite B Springfield, MO
Website: www.arrowheadsportscards.com
Phone: 417-328-8946

Nestled near the first-ever Bass Pro Shops you’ll find a great card shop called Arrowhead Sports Cards. While this is the newest shop in the Springfield area, the owner has been wheeling and dealing cards on the side for over twenty years. Once a teacher, this owner’s focus is to grow the hobby for the younger generations and give them the opportunity to learn through their collecting journey. Through trade nights, shows, and even booths at their local antique malls they spread their love of the hobby.

While owning a hobby shop and still collecting can be hard, this owner still finds the time to do so. Bumping into him at the National I was shocked to see some of the incredible cards he had picked up for his personal collection. Through the process of growing his own collection, running a shop, and doing shows he’s been able to make connections with super collectors, set builders, and so much more. Building these stronger connections and relationships has truly helped this shop stand out in our local community.

Whether you’re looking to trade in, trade up, or just rip some wax this shop has it all. With trade night going down the same day as local shows you’re sure to spend a whole day seeing cardboard. Sure, this space may be smaller than some card shops, but the hearts of these owners are large. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve stepped in for my hobby addiction to see kids ripping their first packs or a deal being done to get a grail card into the hands of a customer. Here it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or the new young gun, at this shop everyone belongs.

Centerfield Sports Cards

Address: 427 North Boonville Avenue Springfield, MO
Website: n/a
Phone: 417-831-7675

In the heart of downtown Springfield sits Centerfield Sports Cards. Established in 1992 by a high school student turned card dealing pro, this shop has a great selection for a collector of any level. Whether it’s singles or sealed wax from modern day to the 1980’s this shop has it all. Opening his shop while still in high school, this owner gained experience by traversing shops and shows alike to gain his wealth of knowledge. As the years passed the surrounding antique malls and record stores may have been replaced by boutiques and art galleries but this hobby shop still holds its own.

While he credits some of his shop’s success to the historic home run chase between Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa in 1998 and the rookie class of 2001 including Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, and Tiger Woods I would credit the success to something else entirely. When I walk in and see the posters of my childhood heroes I’m pulled back into a simpler time where collecting was about pure enjoyment and love of cardboard. Looking around and seeing hundreds of options for wax and stacks of boxes to go through it’s easy to see how someone could spend a whole day here.

Something that I personally love about this shop is that this shop owner keeps things local. This means that once products are shipped directly to his storefront they are not sold online through eBay, Facebook, and/ or any other method other than in person. When I was there today I got to see the pure joy on one customer’s face as he pulled a redemption for a rookie autograph of Paul Skenes. That joy and happiness is also the exact reason this shop owner hasn’t opened wax in years, as he told me he’d much rather a customer pull something incredible than himself. 

Home is where The Hobby is

Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned pro I would recommend visiting any of these hobby shops. Each one has knowledgeable, kind, and hard-working staff members who want to grow the hobby for the next generation. Whether they are holding events, attending shows, or sitting behind a counter, the professionalism of these shops could act as a blueprint for anyone who wants to start a shop. The best thing about all of these shops is that they are all unique and yet still find a way to cater to collectors of all ages. They all grow the hobby and they are all positive lights in this wonderful community. As someone who visits these shops often I am truly happy that at any time I can stop in and buy something, but even if I don’t I know that friendships are always free.

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2022 Panini Donruss #374 Brock Purdy Rated Rookie

While not the most valuable Brock Purdy card, this rookie is one that many collectors should have in their collections. As a true flagship rookie, the rated rookie monogram ordains the card of a once third-string, practice squad quarterback who would, just a year later reach the Super Bowl. With not much confidence bestowed in a last pick, the back includes a quote from his head coach speaking to his talent and consistency.

2023 Zenith #CG-5 Brock Purdy Color Guard Relic

While not a rookie relic, this great relic card showcases a color match that is appealing to the eye. Coming from his second year in the league, this relic card comes from a product that was popular in the 1990s and contains many of the same types of inserts. This is an especially great card for those who have been collecting since the 90’s as these cards serve as a reminder of how far this specific product has come in the almost two decades since its last release.

2024 Leaf Electrum Heavy Metal Brock Purdy Autograph

Certainly not the cheapest card on this list, this Brock Purdy autograph is a great example of a rare, yet affordable autograph. With Leaf not being as mainstream as Panini and Topps, these autographs have a great look, while not breaking the bank. At a price of less than $200, this autograph numbered to just seven makes this card not only rare but very collectible as well.

2023 Contenders Optic #86 Brock Purdy Season Ticket Red

If you’re like me, you are a sucker for a great color match and if you’re new to the hobby let me explain. A color match is essentially when the color of the jersey the player is wearing matches the main color of the card. Oftentimes, the card is numbered and in this case, the card is numbered to just 175. Certainly not as incredibly rare as the last card on this list, a color match is a must for any Brock Purdy Collector on a budget.

2023 Prestige #TS14 Brock Purdy Throwing Stars

Being a case hit with a very low print run, the odds of pulling this card are extremely low as this specific card can only be found in roughly one in twenty cases (as there are twenty different players with this case hit insert in this exact set). What makes this particular card special is the fact that it’s a die-cut. Keeping these in good shape all the way from the production line, to the packs, and then into the collector’s hands can be quite the challenge. With fourteen corners rather than the usual four it is no wonder that only ten PSA 9’s exist and zero PSA 10’s are currently floating around. However, if you do end up grading one of these as a ten, you’d have a card that was truly one of a kind.

2023 Panini Prizm #266 Brock Purdy

A card that any collector could afford has a simple, yet elegant silver design. While this card isn’t incredibly valuable and would be overlooked by many collectors, it is one card that has an incredible shine to it. With the simplicity of silver, matching a similar background color this card pops in any kind of lighting. Odds are, this card can be found in dollar boxes across the nation, making it possible to start a Brock Purdy rainbow chase.

2024 Panini Score-A-Treat #244 Brock Purdy Pumpkins

Halloween and Christmas cards always make me smile when the season comes around. With the Score-A-Treat packs and boxes being quite affordable ($22 for 40 packs), these cards could put anyone in the holiday spirit, even if that holiday is all about candy. With spiders, slime, jack o’lanterns, and cobwebs adorning this card it reminds those who aren’t young of the days of sugar highs and the sweet treats that are soon to come.

2022 Panini Instant #193 Brock Purdy Playoff Debut RC (Rookie)

Making the playoffs is no small feat, especially for a seventh-round rookie quarterback. With this card signifying his first playoff game and victory collectors could only buy this card through the Panini website, thus making it harder to find only a few years later. Having a print run of only 3099, these odd cards aren’t seen as highly collectible, but remind us of the importance of a specific game over a full season.

2023 Immaculate #IDJ-SF Brock Purdy Dual Jerseys

Last but certainly not least, this list could not be complete without a dual relic with one of, if not the best dual threat running backs of all time. While their stories couldn’t be more of a polar opposite with Purdy being a seventh-round pick and McCaffrey being a first-round pick, this card is a must-have for any 49ers fan. Numbered to just 49 and out of one of the more expensive products in the hobby this card is surprisingly affordable with the last sale under $60.

Not So Irrelevant After All

Taking the journey from the unknown to the known can be difficult for anyone, but Purdy took that chance and ran with it. With rumors circulating that his next contract is going to break the bank for the 49er’s any of these cards could see increased value down the road. But for now, enjoy these cards for the person on them and the journey he’s been through. Just remember, whether you have a dollar or two-hundred dollars you can afford any number of cards from this list and any of them would make a great addition to your collection.

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