The Most Valuable Running Back Rookie Cards of the 1990s: A Collectible Journey Through Football History
The 1990s were a golden era for football, witnessing the rise of some of the most iconic running backs in NFL history. Alongside their on-field heroics, the rookie cards of these legends have become highly sought-after collectibles, with values that can astonish even the most seasoned collectors. In this article, we delve into the top 10 running back rookie cards from the 1990s, highlighting their values and the allure they hold in the sports card market.
10. Chris Warren – 1990 Action-Packed Update Rookie Card #62
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $30
Starting our list is the Chris Warren 1990 Action-Packed Update rookie card, numbered 62. Graded PSA 10, it sold on eBay in January 2024 for $30, making it an affordable entry for collectors looking to own a piece of 90s football nostalgia.
9. Ricky Watters – 1991 Stadium Club Rookie Card #60
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $35
Next up is Ricky Watters’ 1991 Stadium Club rookie card, also graded PSA 10. This card fetched $35 on the PWCC Marketplace in February 2023, showcasing the value of pristine condition cards from this era.
8. Terrell Davis – 1995 Upper Deck SP Rookie Card #130
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $147
Terrell Davis’ 1995 Upper Deck SP rookie card, number 130 and graded PSA 10, represents a significant jump in value, selling for $147 on eBay in February 2024. Davis’ legendary career adds considerable appeal to this card.
7. Eddie George – 1996 Upper Deck SP Rookie Card #5
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $150
Eddie George’s 1996 Upper Deck SP rookie card, number 5 and graded PSA 10, sold for $150 on the PWCC Marketplace in April 2023. George’s remarkable tenure in the NFL is well captured by the value and desirability of his rookie card.
6. Curtis Martin – 1995 Upper Deck SP Foil Rookie Card #18
- Grade: BGS 10 Pristine
- Sale Price: $432
The Curtis Martin 1995 Upper Deck SP foil rookie card, numbered 18 and graded PSA 10, commands a higher value, selling for $432 on eBay in January 2024. Its foil design adds an extra layer of allure, making it a coveted piece for collectors.
5. Thurman Thomas – 1989 Score Rookie Card #211
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $750
Thurman Thomas’ 1989 Score rookie card, number 211 and graded BGS 9.5 (Pristine), is a significant step up in terms of value, selling for $750 by PWCC in February 2022. This card celebrates the storied career of one of the 90s’ most versatile running backs.
4. Marshall Faulk – 1994 Upper Deck SP Rookie Card #3
- Grade: PSA 10
- Sale Price: $763
Marshall Faulk’s 1994 Upper Deck SP rookie card, number 3 and graded PSA 10, fetched $763 on eBay in February 2024. Faulk’s dynamic playstyle and contribution to the game are well reflected in the card’s value.
3. Jerome Bettis – 1993 Upper Deck SP Foil Rookie Card #6
- Grade: BGS 10 Pristine
- Sale Price: $1,625
Jerome Bettis’ 1993 Upper Deck SP foil rookie card, numbered 6 and graded PSA 10, sold for an impressive $1,625 on eBay in March 2023. Known as “The Bus,” Bettis’ legacy is immortalized in this highly valuable collectible.
2. Emmitt Smith – 1990 Score Supplemental Rookie Card #101T
- Grade: BGS 10 Pristine
- Sale Price: $4,920
Emmitt Smith Football Rookie Card Values
The second most valuable card on our list is Emmitt Smith’s 1990 Score Supplemental rookie card, number 101T and graded BGS 9.5 (Pristine), which sold for $4,920 on the PWCC Marketplace in October 2022. Smith’s record-setting career makes his rookie card a gem in any collection.
1. Barry Sanders – 1989 Score Rookie Card #257
- Grade: BGS 10 Black Label Pristine
- Sale Price: $13,221
Barry Sanders football card values
Topping the list is the Barry Sanders 1989 Score rookie card, number 257, graded BGS 10 (Black Label Pristine) – a one-of-a-kind collectible that sold for an astounding $13,221 by PWCC in August 2017. This card’s value is a testament to Sanders’ legendary status and the incredible demand for top-tier football memorabilia.
Conclusion
The 1990s were not only a defining decade for the NFL but also for the sports card industry. The rookie cards of the era’s top running backs have become valuable collectibles, with some reaching astonishing prices. From Chris Warren’s modestly valued card to the record-breaking sale of Barry Sanders’ rookie card, these pieces of cardboard capture moments of football history and offer a lucrative avenue for collectors and investors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, the allure of these
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
