The little magician was instrumental in leading Argentina to success at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and his style of play continues to be emulated in today’s game.

His death in 2020 was met with an outpouring of grief amongst the world footballing community and his legacy continues to develop, even after his passing.

After making a name for himself at Boca Juniors, Maradona went on to be a roaring success at Barcelona before making his career defining move to Napoli.

In the industrial south of Italy, Maradona won two Serie A titles, as well as the UEFA Cup – in a period where he was the undisputed best player on the planet.

His playing days continued at Sevilla, before he wound up his career with Newell’s Old Boys and back at Boca Juniors in the 1990’s.

Off field problems always plagued Maradona, who enjoyed a hedonistic lifestyle away from the pitch and his untimely death at the age of just 60, was one of the great sporting tragedies.

However, he remains one of the most iconic footballers to have ever played the game and his global appeal remains as prominent today, as it ever has been.

Here is a rundown of some of the most valuable Diego Maradona cards on the market:

Diego Maradona Rookie Cards

1979 Industria Argentina Super Futbol Diego Maradona

Non-Autograph

Despite beginning his career in the mid 1970’s, it took until later in the decade for Diego Maradona to be depicted in card form, when he was part of the 1979 Industria Argentina Super Futbol range.

In the red of his first ever club, Argentinos Juniors, Maradona is youthful in stature as he stands with hands on hips, after participating in a match or training session.

As with all cards from this era, information regarding the print runs is always difficult to come by, making owning any of these cards a real coup.

In terms of dates, it is the first graded and recorded card attributed to Diego Maradona, making it his rookie offering.

1982 Panini FIFA World Cup Diego Maradona Rookie Base Sticker

Non Autograph

Whilst this card doesn’t originate from Diego Maradona’s rookie seasons, it is the first card in which the Argentine legend is featured in a FIFA World Cup collection – often a big tick in the box for collectors looking for niches.

The 1982 World Cup in Spain was arguably the most important competition of Maradona’s career to this point, as he and Argentina made a name for themselves with their impressive performances and enigmatic playing style.

Key to the value in this sticker is the classic blue and white striped Argentina kit Maradona is wearing, a symbolic jersey throughout his time playing for the national team.

Niche spotters will also notice the inclusion of the middle name Armando, not often seen with Diego Maradona memorabilia – making it even more of a collection piece.

Best Diego Maradona Cards

1982 Diego Maradona FC Barcelona Este La Liga Sticker

By the 1980’s, football stickers had become a big deal across Europe and beyond and the top division in Spain La Liga and by 1982, Diego Maradona was one of the biggest name footballers on the planet.

Despite only spending two seasons at Barcelona, Maradona captured the hearts and minds of the passionate fans at the Nou Camp, for his incredible performances.

Here in the 1982 Diego Maradona Este La Liga Sticker, the Argentine is pictured in action, in the infamous red and blue stripes of Barcelona – making it a real collectors piece.

1979 Panini Calciatori Diego Maradona Argentina

Arguably the most sought after Diego Maradona card on the market is the 1979 Panini Calciatori Diego Maradona Argentina sticker hailing from Italy.

Symbolic imagery on the card shows Maradona in the blue and white of Argentina, complete with Adidas logo on the jersey and his name – Maradona, making it an iconic sticker.

Few images in world sport are as instantly recognisable than Diego Maradona in an Argentina shirt and the simplicity of the sticker is one of its USP’s.

The Maradona sticker came within a set with other iconic players of the time such as Kevin Keegan and Michael Platini, with the Argentine’s sticker by far the most valuable.

2021-22 Panini Mosaic Auto Diego Maradona Prizm Card

Panini have long held a handle on the trading card and sticker market and they as relevant today as they ever has been.

The 2021-22 Panini Mosaic Auto Diego Maradona Prizm Card features Maradona’s signature and a sleek refractor design, with Maradona in the iconic Barcelona kit of the 1980’s.

With so many cards and stickers on the market featuring Maradona in an Argentina kit, the change up of Barcelona attire, makes it a sought after recent piece.

Diego Maradona Card FAQs

Is a Diego Maradona rookie card, a good investment?

With his career first beginning in the mid 1970’s and concluding in the mid 1990’s, Diego Maradona’s appeal across the world of football was monumental.

Maradona’s untimely death in 2020 saw an inevitable boom in the associated Diego Maradona memorabilia market and consequently, any rookie card depicting the great Argentine is highly sought after.

One of the key issues when purchasing a Diego Maradona rookie card is the initial cost but they should always hold value in any resale market.

What are the best cheap Diego Maradona cards

When it comes to iconic footballers, Diego Maradona can certainly hold a claim for being one of the most instantly recognisable players of all time.

Consequently, all Diego Maradona collectables are hard to come by at a reasonable price and investors should always be willing to part with some significant cash to get into the Maradona market.

More recent Diego Maradona cards tend to be cheaper, such as the aforementioned  2021-22 Panini Mosaic Auto Diego Maradona Prizm Card, which should hold value moving forward, whilst the 2018-19 Diego Maradona Panini FIFA 365 Album Sticker, also does a similar job.

The post Diego Maradona Rookie Cards and Other Best Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

Having any trading card graded is a basic pre-requisite for collectors as it adds to the authenticity of any piece and in turn, this also develops any potential resale value further down the line.

It goes without saying too that having a quality grading service is hugely important for any collectors looking to ensure any cards they have at their disposal are genuine and the associated grading markets are growing, with more and more sports trading cards than ever before out there for people to get hold of.

Grading however is of course in the main subjective, which can add an element of inconsistency across cards, with some collectors having a preference for a specific grading service.

That said, most grading services have a hard and fast criteria by which they look to grade each card and PSA and Beckett have revolutionised the sports trading card grading market in recent years by being able to develop a system that accommodates for all levels of card collector.

Often personal preference is the difference between using PSA and Beckett or any pricing structures that either company may have in place but such is the quality of both operations that deciphering which service to use can be tricky business.

PSA Grading

The original and for many the most reputable grading service around is PSA (the Professional Sports Authenticator) who have been operation in the United States and beyond for over 30 years.

With such a rich history and heritage within the sports trading card game, PSA have an unmatched reputation and claim to have graded over 40 million cards throughout their three decades in operation.

Such is the hold on the market that PSA have had for many years, that they do set the blueprint for most cards that hit the market, with rival companies often following suit in terms of any pricing value they place upon a card.

What makes the PSA so sought after is their grading service across a range of sports card internationally, as well as Pokemon cards and even general sporting memorabilia.

PSA grading cost

To many, PSA are the oracle when it comes to the valuation of any collectible and as a result, having a card or item graded by them is often pricey business.

For standard card collectors, the grading service will cost anywhere between $10 per card and up to $500 per card, depending on the value of the card and the grading times requested, which inevitably takes a serious chunk out of any potential resale value.

Any card collectors with a really expensive piece on their hands can expect to pay up to $5000 if their card is worth six figures or more and whilst the percentages don’t stand out, PSA are remunerated handsomely for their services.

PSA grading system

Part of the reason that PSA are able to charge so much money to collectors to have their cards graded is due to the fact that they in essence, invented the grading system that is universal today.

Ranging from ‘PR 1’, which represents a card in ‘poor’ condition, through to ‘GEM-MT 10’, which references a card in perfect nick, the PSA grading system is recognised the world over in the sports card collection sphere and adds real authenticity and value to any piece.

Of course, having to fork out a serious sum in the first place when selling a card can seem counter intuitive but once a card is graded, it does carry serious sell on value and collectors are always keen to see their card higher up the PSA grading scale.

Factors such as colouring, marks, staining and being off-centre are always focused upon by PSA graders, which inevitably to impact both the grading score and the subsequent value but collectors are always happier to have had a PSA grader take a look at a card, before they choose to part ways with their hard earned cash to buy it.

Beckett Grading

Any industry in which only one company rules the roost is often seen as a bit of a monopoly and as a result the emergence of Beckett as sports card trading graders in 1999 has impacted positively on the overall market.

Originally setting out as a baseball card grading service, Beckett has developed exponentially over the past 25 years and are now one of the major players in the sports trading card grading system.

Comparisons to PSA are always drawn and inevitably, each company has pros and cons in terms of the service they manage to deliver for their customers.

Beckett grading cost

Pricing and grading waiting times are two areas of consensus where Beckett tend to prevail, with much more affordable options on the table for traders looking to get their cards valued.

In addition, Beckett pride themselves on their smooth turnaround times, which enables collectors to become more reliant on the services they offer and also assists when it comes to reselling.

Beckett grading system

The Beckett grading system is also seen as a pro for collectors looking to use their services, as they offer a grading to .5 of a number, rather than the whole number service offered by PSA.

Arguing the benefits of each system can be an arduous process but for many collectors, the Beckett system is seen as easier to use and it enables customers to gauge exactly where their card fits on the sports trading card market.

However, the reputation enjoyed by PSA does supersede that of Beckett, meaning an equivalent graded card with both PSA and Beckett will carry more value if it has been graded by PSA.

Taking a deep dive into the relative merits of both PSA and Beckett only serves to prove that they are both excellent sports trading card grading companies, that can add value to any potential resale with their approval.

With PSA providing an elite level service, for those traders who take their collection super seriously and Beckett offering an affordable, but quality option, there is something on the market for everybody with PSA and Beckett.

The post PSA vs Beckett Grading – Which is Better? appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

Best Devin Booker Rookie Cards

2015 Panini Flawless Devin Booker Rookie Card

Autograph

As the 13^th NBA Draft Pick by the Phoenix Suns back in 2015, Devin Booker was expected by many to have a hugely successful career in the NBA and that is indeed how it panned out.

The 2015 Panini Flawless Devin Booker Rookie Card is the most sought after from the Phoenix Suns star, not only because it heralds from his debut NBA season but also due to the print run of a mere 25.

As ever, Panini are at the forefront of sports card innovation and their ‘Flawless’ range are some of the most expensive offerings on the market, for all levels of collector.

Booker is depicted on the card with ball in hand, poised to make another defence splitting pass and his youthfulness on the image is a clear indication of the card coming from his rookie campaign.

Whilst the 2015 Panini Flawless Devin Booker Rookie Card certainly wouldn’t be an option for budget collectors, it is the most lucrative Devin Booker offering available currently.

2015-16 Panini Select Devin Booker Rookie Card

Non – Autograph

Another innovation from Panini was the introduction of the Select range. There are three levels of card collectible: Concourse, Premier and Courtside – a tip of the hat to the paying fans in attendance across NBA arenas.

The 2015-16 Panini Select Devin Booker Rookie Card is available in all three of the aforementioned parallels, with the Courtside offering being the most sought after.

Booker is sporting the infamous white colours of the Phoenix Suns, poised with ball in hand to orchestrate yet another flowing attack.

Each of the parallels of the card are recognisable by the coloured flanks on either side of the card, with silver and gold prizm versions generally carrying the most resale value.

2015-16 Panini Prizm Devin Booker Rookie Card

Non – Autograph

As mentioned, Panini have very quickly developed somewhat of a monopoly on the NBA trading card market and the 2015-16 2015-16 Panini Prizm Devin Booker Rookie Card is one of the most sought after pieces around.

Often key to the popularity and success of the Panini Prizm card range is their sleek design and once again the 2015-16 Panini Prizm Devin Booker Rookie Card is instantly eye-catching for all levels of collector.

The simple action shot of Booker in action, sits in front of a chrome background and once again, clearly depicts Booker in his rookie season.

Whilst this card is unavailable in an autographed version, all of Booker’s collegiate statistics are visible on the back of the card, a real keepsake for any die-hard Booker or Phoenix Sunds fan.

2015-16 Panini Black Gold Devin Booker Sizeable Signatures Rookie Card

It became quickly apparent in his rookie season that Devin Booker was a player destined for greatness and his impact on the Phoenix Suns has continued to grow since his debut.
The 2015-16 Panini Black Gold Devin Booker Sizeable Signatures Rookie Card became an instant hit amongst collectors and it remains a highly sought after piece today.

In terms of card design, simplicity is key, with Booker pictured with ball in hand and his signature adorning the bottom of the card in gold – all only adding further to the potential sell on value.

2017 Panini Revolution Galactic Devin Booker Card

Whilst not a card from his maiden NBA season, the 2017 Panini Revolution Galactic Devin Booker Card has become another much wanted piece in recent seasons.

Depicting Booker in action, in the white alternate colours of the Phoenix Suns, the Panini Revolution Galactic range has relatively limited print runs, making it an instant collectible for all levels of enthusiast.

Although 2017 wasn’t necessarily a hugely successful year in relation to the Suns, it was seen by many as the year Booker firmly established himself in the NBA and his career has boomed subsequently.

Devin Booker Card FAQs

Is a Devin Booker rookie card a good investment?

Modern day NBA stars often burst onto the scene for a couple of seasons and fade but Devin Booker has more than proved his worth at this level for over 5 years.

Since becoming a first round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns have undertaken an overhaul both on and off the court and Booker’s involvement has been key to the successes they have started to enjoy.

With the Suns seemingly on the cusp of something big and with Booker as their franchise player, there is no better time to invest in a Devin Booker rookie card.

What are the best value Devin Booker cards?

Such has been the meteoric rise in notoriety Devin Booker has enjoyed over the  past few seasons, that finding cheap Devin Booker cards has become almost impossible.

However there are a number of cards from his rookie campaign that aren’t too expensive and that will hold value moving forwards, with the Devin Booker 2015-16 Panini Revolution Infinite Rookie Card perhaps being the best option on the market currently.

The post Devin Booker Rookie Cards & Other Best Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

Best Anthony Edwards Rookie Cards

2020 National Treasures Anthony Edwards Rookie Card

Autograph

Limited print runs of any card often yield significant returns of money and the 2020 National Treasures Anthony Edwards Rookie Card has quickly become one of the most sought after collectibles on the market.

Dating back to Edwards’s first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the card depicts the number one draft pick in the all-too familiar pose of ball in hand.

In addition to the value the autograph version of the card holds, there are only 99 of the patch versions in operations, all of which have a swatch of Edwards’s match worn jersey on the card.

Few NBA cards in recent history have yielded such significant returns as the 2020 National Treasures Anthony Edwards Rookie Card and his stock shows no signs of slowing.

2020 Panini Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket Anthony Edwards Rookie Card

Autograph

Panini have moved into the US NBA card and sticker market, after a successful spell dominating proceedings in the football collectible market in UK and Europe.

The 2020 Panini Contenders Optics release became highly sought after very quickly amongst NBA collectors and with Anthony Edwards being the number one draft pick of that year, his card was the most prized of the run.

Key to the USP of the card is the ticketing style which is instantly recognisable and is one of the most attractive features of the piece.

With Edwards lining up at the key in his traditional style on the card’s image, it is also very aesthetically pleasing, only adding further to its appeal amongst collectors.

2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Rookie Card

Autograph

As mentioned, Panini have very quickly developed somewhat of a monopoly on the NBA trading card market and the 2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Rookie Card is one of the most sought after pieces around.

The signature subsets range created by Panini in 2020 garnered a huge amount of attention on their release and as the first NBA draft pick of that season, the Anthony Edwards rookie card yields excellent returns.

With the base version of the card relatively easy to come by, yet carrying plenty of financial value and refractor and numbered parallel versions increasing dramatically in worth too.

The imagery on the 2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Rookie Card is one of the key appeal points too, in one of the most accessible yet valuable Anthony Edwards cards on the market.

2020 Panini One and One Downtown Anthony Edwards Rookie Card

Developing interesting and unique card runs is one of the key facets that have enabled Panini to operate at the very top of the sports trading card game for the past few generations and the Panini One and One Downtown collection is one of the most intriguing innovations in the recent sports card market.

Collectors purchasing the Panini One and One Downtown cards get two cards for their troubles, one regular offering and one ‘Downtown’ version, which is an artistic impression of 20 NBA stars of the time.

The 2020 cohort inevitably featured Anthony Edwards, the only Minnesota Timberwolves player to make the collection and it is a card that has steadily increased in value since its inception.

2020 Donruss Optic Anthony Edwards Rookie Card

In a similar vein, Donruss have also made good headway in the NBA card production market and the 2020 Donruss Optic Anthony Edwards Rookie Card is a hugely sought after piece.

Depicting Edwards winding up for a shot at the hoop, the imagery on the card is striking and both the signed and unsigned versions of the cards can yield significant returns for investors.

There are also plenty of parallel versions for collectors to get their hands on, meaning Anthony Edwards memorabilia collectors of all budgets can find something with the 2020 Donruss Optic Anthony Edwards Rookie Card.

Anthony Edwards Card FAQs

Is an Anthony Edwards rookie card a good investment?

Any player that makes a name for themselves as the first NBA draft pick becomes an instant hero and for Anthony Edwards, this dream became reality.

His impact at the Minnesota Timberwolves has been felt so far and should only continue to grow as his career develops and he looks to be on the very cusp of stardom in the NBA.

As a result, any Anthony Edwards rookie cards from the 2020 season are excellent investments, with his career seemingly on the verge of something very special.

What are the best value Anthony Edwards cards?

In comparison to some of the more established NBA players on the market, Anthony Edwards still has a fair bit to prove in terms of his long term holding value in the collectible market.

However, as a number one draft pick who looks to have the world in his hands, there are plenty of collectors gambling on Edwards being the next big thing in the NBA.

Consequently, there are plenty of affordable Anthony Edwards cards on the market, with the 2020 Panini Prizm Anthony Edwards Rookie Card perhaps being the pick of the bunch.

The post Anthony Edwards Rookie Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

One of the great footballing debates of the modern age centres around which player can be defined as the GOAT (Greatest of all Time).

Whilst the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, Diego Maradona, and the like all seem to have plenty of admirers, Lionel Messi is certainly a strong candidate to be classified as the greatest ever player to have played the game.

The diminutive Argentinian defied all predictions at the beginning of his career, with scepticism over his height and physicality, to become Barcelona and Argentina’s greatest ever player.

Having won all there is to win in the game at club level, Messi’s global appeal far transcends day-to-day football and his link with Barcelona will forever be etched into footballing folklore.

In the summer of 2021, Messi’s love affair with the Nou Camp outfit came to an end, as he opted to join PSG, a move that is yet to yield serious rewards on the pitch but has done wonders for the French outfit from a global reach perspective.

For Argentina, Messi was instrumental in propelling his side to the 2014 World Cup Final and in leading Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, Messi fulfilled a boyhood dream and cemented his status as one of the all-greats.

With such a worldwide platform, Lionel Messi is one of the biggest sporting superstars on the planet and all associated memorabilia is highly sought after.

Here is a rundown of some of the most valuable Lionel Messi soccer cards on the market:

Lionel Messi Rookie Cards 

2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Lionel Messi RC #71

Non-Autograph

The global profile of Lionel Messi simply could not be bigger in 2022, with his full list of achievements and accolades from a glittering career winning him billions of fans.

However, back in 2004 as a relative unknown, Panini were the first company to depict the Barcelona Academy graduate on their cards – interestingly when he was still plying his trade in Barcelona’s B team.

Few could have foreseen the incredible career Messi was able to go on to have and the 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Lionel Messi card depicts the great man in a trademark pose, with the ball glued to his feet, ready to terrorise defenders, in the iconic red and blue stripes of Barcelona.

As ever, rookie cards are highly sought after and, in this case, it is by far the most expensive Lionel Messi card on the market, but it could be an investment worth making, if it is possible to get hold of one.

2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks Barca Campeón/Campió Lionel Messi

Autograph (Printed)

From the same range mentioned above, the 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks Barca Campeón/Campió Lionel Messi card is a printed autograph version from his first full season as a Barcelona player.

This particular range is a special release for the side that went on to win La Liga and in the 2004/05 campaign, Barcelona enjoyed huge success on the pitch and the emergence of Messi was the icing on the cake.

Whilst the card design is quite simplistic, value lies in the fact there are both Spanish and Catalan versions of the card, only adding to the value of the piece.

In addition, it is a card from Messi’s first ever title winning campaign, which makes it a real collector’s item for any Barcelona and/or Messi collection enthusiast.

Best Lionel Messi Cards 

2004-05 Panini Colecciones Este La Liga Stickers Lionel Messi

Panini have long held the monopoly on the football sticker market in Europe and the 2004-05 Panini Colecciones Este La Liga Stickers Lionel Messi is an often overlooked rare piece.

Whilst the sticker originates from a run that wasn’t hugely rare, Messi’s profile wasn’t so big at the time and the simplicity of the sticker makes it all the more appealing for collectors.

The sticker has an action shot and a profile photo of Messi on the front, with his surname found at the base of the sticker. 

As ever with stickers, the condition of the piece does have a direct impact on the immediate value, but a well-maintained sticker can yield serious sums of money, especially for Messi collection enthusiasts.

2006 Panini World Cup Germany Lionel Messi

All first World Cup stickers or cards for any big name players yield serious sums of money and that remains the case with the 2006 Panini World Cup Germany Lionel Messi card.

Overall, the 2006 World Cup was relatively nondescript for Argentina, but Lionel Messi had certainly arrived on the world stage by this point and his rookie World Cup card remains a real collector’s item today.

Sporting the iconic blue and white stripes of Argentina, the 2006 Panini World Cup Germany Lionel Messi sees him in his familiar gait, with the ball at his left foot, ready to turn opposing defenders inside out at will.

2016 Panini Noir Country Signatures Lionel Messi

The relative outlier in the set so far is the 2016 Panini Noir Country Signatures Lionel Messi card, from a rare run published by Panini.

Only 10 players were selected in the range, with each player having 40 signed cards each in the run, making the Panini Noir selection a highly sought after set.

As ever, such is Lionel Messi’s profile that his was the most wanted card in the collection and as a result, the sell on value is currently very lucrative.

Lionel Messi Card FAQs

Is a Lionel Messi rookie card a good investment?

When he first burst onto the scene at the Nou Camp, FC Barcelona knew that had a player that would change the footballing landscape on their hands and Lionel Messi has exceeded expectation in every way.

Standing at just 5ft 5 inches, in theory Lionel Messi should be outmuscled and outran in modern day football but he cares little for the opinions of so called experts and he continues to prove himself as one of the best players to have ever graced the game.

By that mantra, any Lionel Messi rookie card is a seriously good investment – as his global appeal is as strong as ever, meaning fans will do all they can to get some Messi memorabilia, giving any rookie card a serious sell on value.

What are the best value Lionel Messi cards?

Cheap Lionel Messi cards aren’t too easy to come by, simply as anything associated with the great man carries financial clout.

However, the Lionel Messi FC Barcelona 2010-11 Panini sticker is a strong offering for those looking for value, coming from Barcelona’s incredible campaign that year, whilst the Lionel Messi Panini WCCF 2013-2014 Argentina Refractor Card is a well-priced piece from the 2014 World Cup year, where Argentina reached the final.

The post Best Lionel Messi Rookie Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

Few strikers in world football have enjoyed the level of instantaneous adulation that Erling Haaland has received since bursting onto the scene in 2019.

The young Norwegian became one of the most sought after footballers on the planet for his exploits for Red Bull Salzburg and he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Since first making a name for himself, Haaland has consistently put the ball in the back of the net for club and country and his consistent performances led to a whole host of suitors wanting to sign the young superstar in the summer of 2022.

Manchester City proved to provide the ultimate calling for Haaland, who has long been linked to the club he supported as a child and that his father, Alf Inge Haaland played for in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

Such is the global appeal and intrigue surrounding Haaland that the whole world is sure to be watching on eagerly to see how he performs at the Etihad and with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez providing the assists, Haaland looks set to have plenty of goal scoring opportunities moving forward.

Here is a rundown of some of the most valuable Erling Haaland soccer cards on the market:

Erling Haaland Rookie Cards 

2019 Topps Now UEFA Champions League #11 Erling Haaland RC

Non-Autograph

Topps have long held the monopoly on the football card market in Europe and beyond and their weekly Champions League runs are often highly sought after pieces.

In this particular instance, the Erling Haaland card depicts the young Norwegian celebrating after scoring for Red Bull Salzburg in a Champions League group game against Belgian side Genk in 2019.

The card is particularly sought after as it is in a run of just 178 printed, with extra weight placed on the value of the card as it captures a moment in time – Haaland’s first Champions League hat-trick.

Aesthetically, the card sports a sleek design, with the date, the UEFA Champions League logo, and the tag line ‘Wonderkid hits hat-trick’, all of which add to the value of what is the true Erling Haaland rookie card.

2019-20 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Erling Haaland RC Autograph

Autograph

Whilst this is not a true rookie card in that it is the first Erling Haaland card or sticker that hit the market, this is the first autographed Erling Haaland card that fans were able to get their hands on.

It is hard to believe that the young Norwegian was still a teenager in this hugely collectible item and he had already progressed from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund by this point in his career.

The Topps Chrome Bundesliga range is always highly sought after, with the biggest and best players in the German top-flight depicted in a slick chromium range and this was the first time Haaland made it into a Bundesliga collection.

In a relatively short space of time, the 2019-20 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Erling Haaland rookie card has become highly sought after by all levels of hobbyist and there is no sign that the interest surrounding Haaland rookie cards is easing anytime soon.

Best Erling Haaland Cards 

2020 Panini Obsidian Colour Blast Erling Haaland

Panini have always had their finger on the pulse when it comes to producing highly sought after cards and stickers through the generations and the Obsidian range has added a new element to card collecting among football fans.

The slick colour blast range, selects only 10 players in each set to be depicted on the cards and in 2020 Erling Haaland had become one of the hottest properties in the game.

Whilst the smart design is instantly attractive, the low print run is what holds the value and the 2020 Panini Obsidian Colour Blast Erling Haaland card is already a highly sought after piece.

2019 Panini Fussball Erling Haaland RC

For many, this is the true Erling Haaland rookie card, with Haaland still plying his trade for Red Bull Salzburg in this set of stickers released by Panini in Austria.

One of the key reasons as to why it hasn’t boomed in value is the fact that the Austrian sticker market isn’t too notorious and once it became clear that Haaland was destined for greatness, getting hold of the 2019 Panini Fussball Erling Haaland RC didn’t become too difficult.

That said, it is still a smart sticker, showing a particularly youthful looking Haaland looking down the barrel of the camera and it is a collector’s item as he looks set to develop even further in his career.

2019 Topps Finest UCL Erling Haaland RC

Another card from Haaland’s early career at Red Bull Salzburg, the 2019 Topps Finest UCL Erling Haaland RC depicts the big man in full flow once more.

From his debut season in the Champions League, there are two versions of the card, with the base offering in circulation amongst most card collectors.

The parallel versions however are much harder to come by, with refractor offerings in blue, green, gold, orange and red – all of which carry plenty of value.

Erling Haaland Card FAQs

Is an Erling Haaland rookie card a good investment?

At the time of writing, Erling Haaland is one of the most sought after and scrutinised young footballers on the planet.

Perhaps only second to Kylian Mbappe in terms of potential, Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022 propels him to another sphere and he will be looking to create a dynasty at the club he supported as a boy.

Consequently, the associated Erling Haaland rookie card markets are booming, with collectors predicting that the young Norwegian does indeed stand on the very cusp of greatness within the game.

There is no better time than the present to purchase an Erling Haaland rookie card.

What are the best value Erling Haaland cards?

As previously mentioned, Erling Haaland cards are currently more popular now than they ever have been and as a result, the price collectors are currently paying is at somewhat of a premium.

However, there is always value to be found in the card market and the 2019 Panini Fussball Erling Haaland rookie sticker is often a piece that is overlooked from his time in Austria, whilst the 2019/20 Erling Haaland Topps Chrome Base Card is available for a decent price too.

The post Best Erling Haaland Rookie Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

Whilst the days of popping into the local newsagent to pick up a pack of cards and stickers have long gone, there is still plenty of intrigue and suspense surrounding the sports card industry and they are now more accessible than ever before.

As with most commercial industries, the sports card trading market has moved heavily online, with the way in which people buy products becoming more accessible and convenient by the day.

Not all markets have enjoyed the transition to the online marketplace but sports card have certainly been a beneficiary, with more cards, sellers and buyers than ever before able to connect instantly.

However, this boom in the market has also brought about a huge number of different platforms, from which sports cards can be traded and not using reputable sports card trading services can have disastrous effects.

Issues such as wholesale forgeries, overpricing and undelivered cards are all common within the sports card marketplace but they are not explicit and a relatively small bit of research into the sports trading card marketplace can hugely assist sellers when they are looking to buy from genuine retailers.

Here is a rundown of some of the best places to buy sports cards:

1. eBay

Although it is by no means a new player on the sports trading card market, eBay remains the go-to place for most buyers and sellers when it comes to sports cards.

The USP for eBay on the market is the sheer volume of cards available to buyers, making it more convenient than ever for users to move their cards around.

In addition, eBay doesn’t discriminate against the budget of the user, with a range of cards available at every collectors disposal, making it a real vortex for those chasing sports trading card bargains.

eBay also dominates the marketplace when it comes to the flexibility of options it gives to buyers, making it easy for all those looking to buy cards through eBay to negotiate with the seller and it presents a real guarantee for a buyer, should the product not reach the selling standards required.

Users can also opt to engage in the infamous eBay auction when looking to buy their sports cards through eBay, adding to the potential to pick up bargains or they can make the plunge and purchase their chosen card through the ‘Buy it Now’ feature.

Whichever option the buyer goes for, eBay look to protect the rights of every buyer and for sports card purchasing, that is somewhat of a godsend.

2. Amazon

Amazon were a bit late to the party when it comes to sports trading cards, but they have lifted their game in 2022 and they now have a solid range of cards to buy.

The main benefit of Amazon is their fast postage, so if you need your cards in a hurry – Amazon is an excellent choice.

However, just don’t expect to find any rare and valuable singles for sale. The range of sports card singles is limited on Amazon and they are currently on the lower end of the market – but we expect this to change fairly quickly.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Buffalo Bills Cards: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Devin Singletary, Edmunds, Zack Moss, Jamison...	$26.99	Buy on Amazon
2		Kansas City Chiefs Cards: Mahomes, Kelce, Smith-Schuster, Valdes-Scantling, Edwards-Helaire, Jamaal...	$27.99	Buy on Amazon
3		Kris Bryant (5) Assorted Baseball Cards Bundle - Chicago Cubs Trading Cards	$14.69	Buy on Amazon
4		Devin Booker Basketball Cards Assorted (5) Bundle - Phoenix Suns Trading Cards	$17.99	Buy on Amazon
5		Football Cards: Fantasy QBs (27) Mahomes Brady Rodgers Wilson Allen Murray Jackson Prescott Brees...	$49.99	Buy on Amazon
6		Football Cards: QB Goats (12) Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Steve Young, Aaron...	$29.99	Buy on Amazon
7		Chicago Bears Cards: Justin Fields, David Montgomery, Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, Brian Urlacher,...	$19.99	Buy on Amazon
8		Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide 2022: The #1 Authority on Collectibles (The Beckett Baseball Card...	$39.95 $23.99	Buy on Amazon
9		Sticker Collector - Russia 2018		Buy on Amazon
10		Number Necklace for Boy Athletes Number Stainless Steel Black Chain 00-99 Number Charm Pendant...	$9.75	Buy on Amazon

3. ComC

Finding a platform that is both reliable and informed can be a real struggle for buyers within any industry but ComC bucks the trend in the sports card trading market.

Statistical analysis of the card in question is the USP for ComC, who present detailed such as the sales history, price checking for similar cards and multiple buying options, making it a real haven for sports card collectors.

There are some limitations with ComC, principally being the lack of lower value sports cards currently available on the platform but for collectors with higher financial aspirations, ComC is a vortex of opportunity.

4. Facebook

The pitfalls of buying any product through Facebook are instantly there for all to see and the horror stories associated with buying and selling through the Facebook marketplace have been well documented but in the sports trading card world, it is a viable option for most levels of collector.

First and foremost, whilst the sports trading card world is growing, it remains relatively small in the grand pantheon of markets available to users, meaning those who are looking to trade within it are generally pretty well informed.

In turn, this is hugely helpful for buyers, as it regulates many of the buying and selling prices available to users and the personal nature of Facebook, in many senses holds users to account in terms of over inflation of buying or selling price and any potential forgery issues on the sports trading card market.

Limitations of buying through Facebook are mainly found in the lack of hugely rare cards, a turn off for high end collectors, but as a resource to keep a collection ticking over, especially if collectors are releasing their collections in bulk, it is a great option at a collector’s disposal.

5. Box Breaks

Sports card breaks have become a big deal over the past few years for collectors, with the element of gambling proving to be hugely appealing for collectors, regardless of their current haul of cards.

Box breaks are sports card trading in a gambling format, where collectors buy in to a break and then get allocated a set of cards, should they happen to be released in the break.

Risk and reward dovetail here, as collectors can end up buying in to a break that gives them nothing they need, or they can stumble across a break that yields an incredible return.

Relinquishing control when sports card collecting is always a risk but for those chasing a bit of excitement within their sports card collecting, box breaks can be a viable option.

6. Hobby Shops

Hobby shops have long been a mecca for buyers and sellers in the sports trading card market and there remains a place for them on the market today.

As mentioned, being able to buy sports cards online has now become the way to go about things for most sellers but there is a burgeoning hobby shop industry available to buyers, which can often yield bigger profits if utilised correctly.

7. StarStock

One of the newest players on the game is StarStock – a specialist in the rookie sports trading card industry.

It is a very user friendly market place for buyers, as they look to move cards on for hefty prices, but it is emerging as an online selling platform, and it isn’t fully equipped for all collectors looking to pick up a bargain.

For buyers looking for investment cards however, StarStock has a proven track record, specialising in rookie card trading.

8. StockX

Having originally burst onto the scene in the sports apparel market, StockX now trade sports cards online and they are a decent option for buyers.

Being able to identify a card and directly negotiate with the seller is hugely appealing with StockX and their status within the sports trading card world is growing rapidly.

The post Where to Buy Sports Cards appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

In the world of sports trading card buying and selling, eBay has replaced the traditional hobby shops and sports card trading fairs, to become the biggest sports trading card marketplace on the planet.

One of the key appeals with eBay is the sheer number of people that can be accessed via the touch of a few buttons. eBay is incredibly efficient and connecting buyers and sellers all over the world and the sports card market has grown exponentially since its popularity on eBay boomed.

Becoming completely au fait with the workings of eBay has become essential for sports card traders, especially those who are looking to sell their products.

Whilst it can be a little overwhelming initially, once a seller gets to grips with eBay, they can open up their sports trading card business to a plethora of audiences, which can yield significant returns, for all levels of collector.

Here is a rundown of how to sell sports cards on eBay successfully:

1. Create an eBay Account and Get Selling

Having an eBay account is a rather obvious pre-requisite for anybody looking to sell through eBay but sports card traders are always advised to have a separate bank account for all their sports card dealings.

eBay do look to protect the rights of both buyers and sellers at every opportunity but inevitably, not all transactions can be moderated, meaning having a separate bank account for sports card trading is always recommended.

The actual creation of an eBay account is a relatively simple process, with a high level of usability on the eBay home page making navigation super simple – regardless of one’s level of IT expertise.

Once the eBay account is created and verified, users are all set to get selling.

Navigation to the ‘Sell’ page on the eBay home page is situated in the top right hand corner of the homepage and from there, sports card traders are good to go.

2. Listing the Sports Cards

How any item is listed on any online marketplace can have a huge impact in both the audiences the product can reach and the potential popularity of a specific item.

Sports card sales on eBay are huge business and as a result, eBay are very adept at suggesting appropriate titles under which each card is listed.

Google algorithms have taken a real hold across most online trading markets in recent years and that has transcended into the eBay sphere, making it essential that all sellers are on the ball when it comes to keywords and search engine optimisation.

Whilst much is made of ensuring that each card maximises its selling potential within the listing, ensuring that no exaggerations or white lies have been posted in the title is essential too, as buyers expect to get what they have paid for when shopping through eBay.

3. Categories, Descriptions and Details

The lack of human contact given to buyers and sellers when trading sports cards through eBay can open up a real grey area for traders.

Personal interpretation of each card is subjective and consequently, itemising each card appropriately and more importantly accurately, is essential.

Using keywords to categorise any cards is key and eBay work hard to help sellers find similar or even the same cards as the ones they are looking to move on.

From there, sellers can either opt to use a card ‘closest to theirs’ to get started with their listing or they can choose to create a ‘new listing’.

In relation to the details sellers should look to include when dealing their sports trading cards on eBay, accuracy and truth is key.

Particularly in high end sports card trading, each card will have been graded by PSA or Beckett, so optimising the information given to the seller from the outset could be helpful down the line.

In addition, if a card is of a certain age or condition, omitting it completely from the initial description will only cause further issues down the line, so full disclosure is always recommended for all sellers.

4. Types of Sale

One of the key innovations within the eBay marketplace over the years has been the advent of different payment options.

Initially, the auction mode appealed to plenty of users, with many sports card traders able to pick up bargains through unwanted or ill-informed sellers.

Nowadays however, sports card traders are far more au fait with the options available to them within the market.

The ’auction’ sales method remains the most popular for buyers, as they look to cut a chunk off the initial asking price and wait to see if they can hold out for a bargain of sorts.

Of course, this method can create a bidding war – the ideal scenario for sellers, so should a seller have a decent card in their midst, pushing the limits for how much it could go for can yield significant returns.

In more recent times, the ‘Buy it Now’ feature has become one of the most used buying methods on eBay, with buyers not looking to engage in bidding disputes with other users and choosing to bite the bullet and pay for the card they want.

Sellers are always encouraged to add a little more value to any card they are offering through the ‘Buy it Now’ feature, enabling them to guarantee a set return on any sale they make.

Negotiating within the ‘Buy it Now’ feature on eBay has also become a viable option for sports card traders but once again, ensuring the minimum payment received from the buyer is key before pressing ahead with the sale.

5. Pack and Ship

Once the set up and sale is done, it is then down to the seller to organise the packing and shipment of their sports trading card(s) to the buyer.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to packing sports trading cards but they are fragile pieces, so ensuring they are flat and well packed is key – as there is nothing worse than a paid for card being damaged in transit to its final destination.

eBay remains the biggest online sports card trading marketplace and it is a valuable resource for all levels of sports card collector.

The post How to Sell Sports Cards on eBay appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

With the online sports card trading industry taking hold in a way that has seldom been seen before, there are thousands of sports cards exchanging hands all over the world on a daily basis.

As a result, not all cards are shipped, packed or delivered in the same way, with each country, person and postal system having a different approach as to how each card reaches its intended destination.

Like most selling industries, having a trademark pattern in place is key, as buyers and customers get to understand the product and from there, can make their own decision as to whether they like the product(s).

The rise of independent sports card sellers however has left a subjective element to sports card trading and there is nothing worse as a buyer and/or seller, than a card being damaged in transit, especially as money would have exchanged hands previously.

Here is a guide as to how to ship sports cards efficiently:

1. Correct Materials are Key

All sports card sellers need to ensure they have the correct materials at their disposal in order to ensure their pieces get to the buyer in immaculate condition.

Bulk buying envelopes is always recommended, from the standpoint of price and continuity, where buyers can begin to become accustomed to the particular standards set by each seller.

Penny sleeves, plastic wallets and top loaders are absolute essentials in the sports trading card world, enabling sellers to ensure that their card is safely packed when it has left them.

More experienced sellers may look to use small scales to weigh their product to the last gram or may even use thin cardboard strips between their cards, to limit the potential of any damage in transit.

As a rule of thumb, being over prepared when selling sports cards is key and looking to protect the card from all potential pitfalls, is the best approach to have as a sports card seller.

2. Get to grips with the sizing

Every single country will have their own rules and regulations when it comes to postal weights and sizes and whilst remembering each international requirement is impossible, building up a database of different information for sports card sales can be hugely helpful.

Small, medium and large envelopes all have different requirements in each country, whilst the weight of each package can also influence the amount one can expect to pay on postage and shipping.

It perhaps goes without saying, that shoving sports trading cards into any old white envelope probably isn’t the best way to go for sellers, especially if the cards hold plenty of value, so understanding the sizing and cost of each sale is key.

3. Be Ready for the Sale

How many sales a sports card trader makes often depends on their aspiration as a collector and the popularity of their collection from a selling perspective.

Regardless of the aspiration of the seller, having a tried and tested method of packing each card is key.

Being ready for every sale entails ensuring that the envelope that the cards are being sent in is ready, with the address clearly written on it and the postage arranged.

The fragile nature of sports trading cards can become problematic for sellers who pack their cards in the envelopes before writing the details of the recipient on it – which can cause pressure and damage to the card in question.

Once the sale is finalised, packing the card safely and securely in the pre addressed envelope is a great habit to get into. From there all postage arrangements can be organised, safe in the knowledge that the card is going to its correct destination, with the card in pristine condition.

When selling graded cards, the stakes are even higher – simply due to the fact that each card being moved on carries a serious amount of value.

Penny sleeves and extra wrapping can seem to be a little bit of unnecessary faffing for sellers but in the long run, they can enable sellers to save huge amounts of money on refunds and time on dealing with disgruntled buyers.

4. Stay on top of the Postage

A small amount of research can go a long way when it comes to how much postage is owed on a particular sale and that additional cost should always be factored in by sellers when initially listing their sports cards.

As previously mentioned, many countries are different in how they price their postage packages and whilst there is no hard and fast rule generally, being better informed will always help sellers.

Postage is a broad church and many companies and postal services do things differently, it is often down to experience of selling when the whole concept of looking to move on cards effectively becomes easier.

5. Don’t Skimp

The temptation is always there for sellers to look to save some precious pennies by economising on envelopes, top loaders and plastic wallets. This fallacy can often have disastrous consequences to the reputation of any seller and precious cards can often return tarnished.

Working to the same logic can cause problems for sellers when they are choosing which method to actually send their packages via, as the transiting stage is always a risk for both buyers and sellers.

Having a rule of thumb is key when looking at how much one is looking to pay when packaging a sports card, as after all, they are hardly heavy items of packaging.

If the card equates to an amount that is affordable to reimburse should something go wrong, then packing the card in a basic envelope is a rational way of posting it.

However, if the card is worth a fair bit of money, saving a couple of dollars on postage is certainly not worth it, when there are plenty of tried and tested recorded postal services on the market.

Regardless of how a sports card is shipped, ensuring that all of the basic requirements are met is a pre-requisite for all levels of collector.

The post How to Ship Sports Cards – A Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on Sports Card Expert.

There are a multitude of reasons as to why the era was coined ‘Junk Wax’ which will be covered later but the affectionate term for the era is a retrospective one. Back in the 1980’s, the world was a very different place, particularly in relation to interests and hobbies and the advent of technology that immerses daily life these days had yet to happen.

As a consequence, sports trading cards became a big deal, which in turn became big business and every organisation worth their salt wanted a piece of the sports trading card pie. The knock on effect was the increase in the number of sports trading card companies, producers and retailers – which completely flooded a burgeoning market in a relatively short space of time.

Over 30 years on and onlookers can now reflect on the Junk Wax Era as a period of quantity over quality and the end result is thousands upon thousands of sports trading cards from that era not having any particular value – hence the term ‘Junk Wax’.

Here is a basic rundown of the Junk Wax Era – a time that shaped the way in which sports trading card collection takes place today:

When was the Junk Wax Era?

The Junk Wax Era of card overpopulation took place the mid 1980’s to the mid 1990’s – or more specifically, 1986 to 1993

Whilst it can sometimes be difficult for some sports trading card enthusiasts to accept, the reality is that there are perhaps more interactive and enticing options out there for the next generation, meaning that sports trading card collection arguably peaked during the Junk Wax Era.

As with any growing trend across the world, there will be plenty of companies jumping on the bandwagon and the overall production of sports trading cards during the Junk Wax Era boomed exponentially, beyond the means of the marketplace – hence the term Junk Wax being linked to the era.

Sports trading card collection has developed since this time though, with lessons learned from the Junk Wax Era and now card producers and collectors alike are more savvy when it comes to how they go about buying, selling and producing sports trading cards.

What was the Junk Wax Era?

Like many marketplaces and industries, once supply outweighs demand, there is an issue within the overall infrastructure for both producers and consumers.

As sports card production boomed in the mid 1980’s, production companies such as Topps, Panini and Donruss continued to pump out cards as quickly as they could. In the initial stages, collectors could not get enough of them, with swap shops opening and children trading their cards on the playgrounds, a common sight the world over.

However, as the 1990’s came around a change in societal habits were on the horizon and sports trading cards were beginning to see a fall in relative popularity. This did not deter the sports trading card producers of course but inevitably; supply began to overpower demand and there became a huge wealth of unwanted and low value sports trading cards congesting the marketplace.

One of the key developments within the Junk Wax Era was the depiction of cards across a variety of players and a wealth of sports, meaning almost every professional athlete from the big 4 sports leagues in America (MLB, NHL, NFL and NBA) were available in sports trading card form – diluting the market somewhat.

With sports trading cards more accessible than ever before and no sense of intrigue or suspense surrounding each sports trading card out there, the mass overproduction of cards effectively killed the market for the next generation of collectors.

Coining the time as the Junk Wax Era has happened subsequently, with observers and commentators referencing the fact that many of the cards produced around that time have little to no sell-on value – even 30 years or so after the initial cards have been produced.

Are there any cards from the Junk Wax Era worth buying?

One of the common misconceptions surrounding the Junx Wax Era is that all cards from that time are worthless and are not worth collecting. Simply put, this could not be further from the truth as there are multiple instances of valuable rookie cards being heralded from the Junk Wax Era.

In comparison to more recent times, there most cards from the Junk Wax Era aren’t part of limited print runs or don’t have any hologram features – meaning that there is generally a lot of the same card on the market – diminishing any resale value.

However, there are plenty of reputable rookie cards from the mid 1980’s to the mid 1990’s, which have gone on to hold value in today’s congested and competitive market. Like anything to do with card collecting, researching the cards and ascertaining the market trends are far more important than which era a particular card has been produced in.

Generally speaking, most card collectors do have an aversion to cards produced in the Junk Wax Era and as a consequence, they are not the most sought-after investment pieces – simply because their value is not expected to rise.

However, there are plenty of decent cards that were produced from the time – which have gone on to hold and exceed value. In addition, not all card collectors engage in the hobby for resale value – so if a card from the Junk Wax era takes your fancy – go for it – just don’t expect to make huge sums of money from it!

Are we entering another Junk Wax Era?

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