Below are some of my cherished acquisitions for the month, and I am thrilled to share them with you. I hope the cards showcased and the insights shared herein ignite a spark of enthusiasm within you, encouraging you to explore and perhaps acquire a few of these captivating pieces. In this narrative, I delve into the rationale behind selecting these cards, be it a prized addition to my Personal Collection (PC) or a calculated investment venture. I warmly invite you to share your perspectives on these acquisitions. Was the investment justified? Your feedback is invaluable. Now, without further ado, let’s embark on this exciting journey…

2021 Panini National Treasures Dan Marino #S-DM 1/10 Auto

Picked Up For $130 eBay Auction | Reason: PC | Raw Card Price: $165
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $500

The 2021 Panini National Treasures Dan Marino #S-DM Gold autographed sports card encapsulates a piece of football history, making it a treasure for enthusiasts and collectors. The autograph of Dan Marino, a quarterback legend, adds a layer of authenticity and value to the card. Being part of a limited series with only 10 copies, the card’s scarcity further elevates its desirability. Having this card grade a PSA 10 signifies that the card has maintained its pristine condition over time, which is crucial for its longevity and value retention. This card is not merely a collectible, but a blend of sports heritage and top-tier preservation, making it a noteworthy acquisition to my collection. The card will be sent to PSA for grading and I will share the final grade received.

2020 Donruss Elite #101 TUA TAGOVAILOA Aspirations Die-Cut Rookie RC /24

Picked Up For $30 local hobby shop | Reason: PC | Raw Card Price: $70 COMC
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $175

The 2020 Donruss Elite #101 TUA TAGOVAILOA Aspirations Die-Cut Rookie card is a unique and rare collectible item. This card is part of the Aspirations Die-Cut series, making it a standout piece with a distinct design, characterized by its die-cut edges which provide a visually appealing and unique look as compared to standard rectangular cards. With only 24 copies in existence, this particular card is a limited edition, which significantly boosts its value and desirability among collectors​¹​.

Tua Tagovailoa, the player featured on the card, was a highly touted rookie entering the NFL, and his cards are sought after by many collectors. Being a rookie card, it captures the early moments of Tua’s professional football career with the Miami Dolphins. The card’s scarcity and the player’s potential make it a notable piece for both Tua fans and sports card enthusiasts. The card’s serial number, indicating its specific number in the limited series, further authenticates its rarity and value​¹​.

The market value of this card is indicative of its rarity and desirability. As of the latest data, it’s listed for a price of $70.40 on COMC, showcasing its monetary value in the sports card market​¹​. The card’s value may fluctuate based on Tua’s performance and the overall market conditions for sports memorabilia. Collectors looking to acquire or invest in Tua Tagovailoa’s cards would find this particular card to be a prized possession due to its limited availability and the promising career of the athlete it represents. The card will be sent to PSA for grading and I will share the final grade received.

2021 Trevor Lawrence [Black Gold Die Cut] #43 Panini Select

Picked Up For $10 on WhatNot | Reason: PC | Raw Card Price: $12.00
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $130

The Trevor Lawrence [Black Gold Die Cut] #43 2021 Panini Select card is a sought-after collectible due to its exquisite design and the promising career of the featured player. The card boasts a Black Gold Die Cut design, which is not only visually striking but also adds a level of rarity to the card. The Die Cut design, combined with the black and gold color scheme, makes it a distinctive and desirable piece among collectors. Trevor Lawrence, as a high-profile rookie quarterback, adds significant value to the card, making it a noteworthy acquisition for both fans of Lawrence and sports card enthusiasts.

The card’s value is significantly impacted by its condition, with graded cards fetching higher prices in the market. According to PSA, a reputable grading service, the card has been sold at various prices depending on its grade. For instance, a card graded as GEM – MT 10 (Gem Mint 10) has recently been sold for $131.50, while a MINT 9 graded card fetched $16.50, and a NM-MT 8 (Near Mint – Mint 8) graded card was sold for $11.50​¹​. The grading not only authenticates the card but also provides a clear indication of its condition, which is crucial for determining its market value.

The 2021 Panini Select series offers different levels of rarity and designs, including the Black Gold Die Cut design, among others like Green, Pink, Razzle Dazzle, and various numbered parallels​²​. The Trevor Lawrence [Black Gold Die Cut] #43 card stands out due to its limited availability and the prestige associated with black and gold die-cut cards. Collectors and investors alike see potential value in acquiring such a card, especially as Trevor Lawrence’s professional football career unfolds. The card encapsulates a blend of aesthetic appeal, player potential, and the excitement surrounding the 2021 NFL season, making it a significant piece in the sports card market. The card will be sent to PSA for grading and I will share the final grade received.

Joe Burrow #CL-1 [Rookie] 2020 Panini Chronicles Classics

Picked Up For $3 on WhatNot | Reason: Investment | Raw Card Price: $3.00
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $96

The Joe Burrow #CL-1 [Rookie] 2020 Panini Chronicles Classics card is part of the 2020 Panini Chronicles series which encapsulates a variety of designs and sub-sets, offering a rich collecting experience. This particular card belongs to the Classics sub-set, showcasing a traditional design that pays homage to the past while highlighting new rookies on the block. Joe Burrow, being a highly touted rookie quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, is the star of this card, and his promising NFL career adds a layer of desirability to this particular piece of memorabilia​¹​.

This card, as with many sports cards, has a value that can fluctuate based on various factors including the player’s performance, the card’s condition, and the overall market demand. As per a price guide, the card’s value ranges from around $5 to $90, depending on the condition and grading. Cards graded by reputable agencies like PSA tend to fetch higher prices. For instance, a card graded PSA 9 Mint is listed for prices ranging from $29.47 to $47.49, and a PSA 10 Gem Mint graded card is listed for $89.99​²​.

The Joe Burrow #CL-1 [Rookie] card is not only a piece of sports memorabilia but also an investment for some collectors. The card’s price can reflect Joe Burrow’s on-field performance and potential future success in the NFL. It serves as a tangible connection between fans and the player, capturing a moment in time from Joe Burrow’s rookie year. Collectors and Cincinnati Bengals’ fans alike might find this card a worthy addition to their collections due to its aesthetic appeal, the player it features, and the potential for increased value over time​³​​⁴​.

Joe Burrow [Prizm] #T20 [Rookie] 2020 Panini Select Turbocharged

Picked Up For $3 on WhatNot | Reason: Investment | Raw Card Price: $26.00
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $100

The Joe Burrow [Prizm] #T20 [Rookie] 2020 Panini Select Turbocharged card is a fascinating piece of sports memorabilia from the 2020 Panini Select series. This particular card features a ‘Turbocharged’ design theme, combined with a ‘Prizm’ finish, which is known for its reflective and shiny characteristics. The card showcases Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, who had a notable rookie season in the NFL. The card’s aesthetics coupled with Joe Burrow’s potential make it a desirable collectible for football fans and card collectors alike​¹​.

This card is part of the Panini Select’s Turbocharged sub-series which has a unique design layout, making it stand out from other cards in the 2020 Panini Select series. The Turbocharged design is known for its dynamic and modern visual appeal, and when combined with the Prizm finish, it creates a visually captivating card. The card number is #T20, which identifies its position within the Turbocharged sub-set, and being a rookie card, it captures Joe Burrow’s early moments in his professional football career​²​.

In terms of market value, the prices for this card can vary based on its condition, any grading it may have received from professional grading services, and the demand among collectors. On COMC, listings for this card were found with prices around $4.79 and $4.85​³​. It’s a card that not only celebrates a promising player’s entry into the professional league but also serves as a potentially valuable item for collectors who appreciate the distinctive design elements brought together by the Turbocharged and Prizm features in the 2020 Panini Select series.

Tua Tagovailoa [Xtra Points Signature Premium Red] #65 2021 Panini Prestige Auto

Picked Up For $75 on eBay Auction | Reason: PC | Raw Card Price: $95.00
PSA 10 Estimated Value: $300

The Tua Tagovailoa [Xtra Points Signature Premium Red] #65 2021 Panini Prestige card is a part of the 2021 Panini Prestige collection. This card showcases Tua Tagovailoa, the promising quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, whose performance in recent games has been exceptional, leading the Dolphins to a notable win streak​¹​. The card is marked with the “Xtra Points Signature Premium Red” designation, making it a special variant within the series.
The market price of the Tua Tagovailoa [Xtra Points Signature Premium Red] #65 2021 Panini Prestige card could potentially rise due to several factors. Tua Tagovailoa’s continuing success and development as a quarterback could boost the card’s value. The card’s “Xtra Points Signature Premium Red” designation also adds a level of rarity and desirability among collectors. Furthermore, as time passes, the card’s condition and preservation could also contribute to an increase in its market value. Lastly, the overall market trends and the popularity of football cards can also play a crucial role in determining the card’s future market price. The card will be sent to PSA for grading and I will share the final grade received.

In conclusion, the treasure trove of cards acquired in October showcases a rich blend of rising stars and exquisite design variations. Each card, with its unique aesthetics and the athletes it represents, holds a promise of value, both sentimental and monetary. As the players continue to etch their mark in the sports realm, these cards, too, shall ascend in their worth and desirability among collectors. The journey of these cards from being mere collectibles to potentially valuable assets is a thrilling narrative, much like the evolving careers of the athletes they feature. The October collection is indeed a reflection of the dynamic and exciting world of sports card collecting.