What is Emmitt Smith's Rookie Card Worth?

By Eliud Alano March 19, 2024 03:52

Emmitt Smith, a legendary figure in the NFL, had a remarkable career and is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the league's history.

As a result, his rookie cards hold significant value in the sports card collecting world.

In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the current value of Emmitt Smith's rookie cards, analyzing various factors that contribute to their worth.

Historical Context

Emmitt Smith, born on May 15, 1969, played his first season as a rookie for the Dallas Cowboys in 1988.

Over his iconic 15-year NFL career, he also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Florida Gators before retiring in 2004.

With a total of 11,008 cards in our database, including 1 rookie card and 9,747 variations cards, Smith's impact and legacy in the world of football are undeniable.

Market Trends and Analysis

Tracking Sites' Insights

To accurately gauge the value of Emmitt Smith's rookie cards, it's essential to monitor their trends over time.

According to various tracking sites, these cards have shown significant fluctuations in value.

For instance, the 1990 Pro Set Emmitt Smith #685, despite being printed in large numbers, remains popular with fans and collectors.

The Gem Mint example of this card may run as high as $5,000 according to the sales tracking at PriceGuide.Cards.

Similarly, the 1990 Score Supplemental Emmitt Smith #101T, considered one of Smith's most popular rookie cards, has been tracked at a top price of $3,199 by Sports Card Investor.

Rarity and Demand

The rarity and demand for Emmitt Smith's rookie cards significantly impact their market value.

While some cards may have been overproduced, higher graded and exceptionally desirable cards such as the Pro Set Rookie, Panini Score Supplemental Rookie, and Fleer Update are selling for several thousands of dollars in Gem Mint condition.

The universal factors that drive the market, including demand, rarity, and condition, play a vital role in determining the prices of these cards.

Condition Grading and Monetary Value

Grading System

Sports cards are evaluated and graded according to a numeric grading system, with Gem Mint (graded 10) being the highest possible grade.

The grading system considers criteria such as corners, edges, surface, and centering. A Gem Mint card is flawless under 10x magnification and holds the highest monetary value.

Impact on Monetary Value

Grading can have a significant impact on a card's monetary value. As evident from the trends, the condition of the card, be it Gem Mint, Near Mint, or lower grades, plays a crucial role in determining its market value.

For instance, Gem Mint examples of certain cards have been tracked at prices ranging from $110 to $2,125, showcasing the substantial impact of condition grading on the card's worth.

Notable Sales Records

Sale Prices

Several notable sales of Emmitt Smith's rookie cards have been recorded, indicating the fluctuating market value of these collectibles.

For instance, the 1988 Burger King Florida Gators Emmitt Smith RC #2 was sold for $710 in July 2021 and $540 in June 2021. Similarly, the 1990 Score Supplemental Emmitt Smith RC #101T was sold for $1,491 in December 2023.

Unique Aspects and Impact on Value

Card Features

Each of Emmitt Smith's rookie cards possesses unique features, including action shots, vibrant colors, and distinctive designs. These characteristics, combined with the card's historical significance, contribute to its desirability and, subsequently, its value in the collector's market.

Collector Demand

The demand for specific cards, driven by factors such as rarity, historical context, and unique features, significantly impacts their market value. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for cards in exceptional condition and with distinct attributes, further elevating their worth in the market.

On the whole

Emmitt Smith's rookie cards hold substantial value in the sports card collecting realm, driven by factors such as rarity, condition grading, historical significance, and collector demand.

The market trends and notable sales records underscore the dynamic nature of the market and the fluctuating value of these collectibles.

As one of the NFL's most legendary figures, Emmitt Smith's rookie cards continue to command significant interest and value, making them prized possessions for football fans and collectors alike.

The current value of Emmitt Smith's rookie cards reflects a blend of historical context, market trends, condition grading, and unique card features, all contributing to their worth in the sports card collecting world.