Horse racing is a sport that combines speed, strategy, and, most importantly, shiny collectibles. Yes, we're talking about horse racing autographed sports cards.
But the burning question is: are these cards just pretty pieces of junk collecting dust in your attic or are they actually worth something?
So, you’ve gone through the old stuff in your house and found an autographed horse racing sports card. Does this mean that you can retire early and sell it for $1.27 million like the Pikachu Illustrator card Logan Paul bought?
Well, not so fast. The worth of collectible cards depends on many different things. First, we have the condition, rarity, and last but not least, popularity of the cards or how big is the demand.
Horse racing sports cards are nowhere near as popular as Pokémon cards for example, but this doesn’t mean that they are worthless. After all, the worth of the card is down to finding the right buyer.
Let’s dive deeper into autographed horse racing cards and find out how much they are really worth.
The Value Spectrum of Horse Racing Cards
When it comes to the value of horse racing autographed sports cards, it's a bit like a day at the races - unpredictable and exciting. Some cards are like that underdog horse that surprises everyone, while others are, well, not exactly Triple Crown material.
Let's start with the big guns. We're talking about cards that make collectors' hearts race faster than a thoroughbred overcoming the TwinSpires odds to win the Kentucky Derby.Most Valuable Horse Racing Cards
For instance, the 1887 N184 W.S. Kimball John Murphy card, a true vintage gem, sold for over $400 in 2012. Then there's the 1888 N162 Goodwin Champions “Snapper” Garrison card, fetching a neat $418.25 at auction. And let's not forget the Secretariat cards - like a PSA 5 graded card from the 1977 Bimbo Los Records del Mundo set that went for $280.
The Middle of the Pack
In the middle, we have cards like Kent Desormeaux's 1993 Horse Star Jockey card, which can be snagged for $65. Not too shabby, right? Then there are cards like Jean Cruguet's 2008 Donruss Sports Legends Signatures, selling for a modest $8.99.
The Underdogs
On the lower end, we find cards like Gary Stevens' 2013 Goodwin Signed Autograph Card, which can be yours for just $9.95. These are like the horses that don't grab headlines but still deserve a spot in the race.
But all of these cards didn’t have an autograph. Imagine having a card that is signed by the rider on the picture. – What will the autograph do to the price?
Well, in most cases it will double the price, and go even more.
Factors Affecting Value - It's Not Just About the Autograph
So, what makes one card worth the price of a fancy dinner and another, well, just a cup of coffee? Here's the lowdown:
Rarity: Just like a rare horse breed, the fewer cards there are, the more they're worth.
Condition: A mint condition card is like a well-trained horse – more valuable.
The Horse or Jockey's Fame: Cards of legendary figures like Secretariat are like having a celebrity in your collection.
Historical Significance: Older cards, especially pre-World War I, are like owning a piece of history.
So, having an autographed card isn’t the only thing to be excited about. You have to do more in-depth research to find the actual history of the card and make sure that it is in mint condition.
PSA, the big kahuna in card grading, lists autograph prices for various jockeys and horse racing personalities, mostly around $25 each. It's like the entry bet at the racetrack – affordable but still in the game.
Investing in Horse Racing Cards
So, should you invest in these cards? Well, like any collectible, it's a gamble. But for the true horse racing aficionado, it's not just about the potential return on investment.
It's about the thrill of owning a piece of the sport's history. One thing is for sure, horse racing trading cards won’t make you rich, even if they are autographed.
Final Words
In the end, horse racing autographed sports cards can indeed be valuable, but like any collectible, their worth depends on various factors.
Whether you're in it for the love of the sport or the potential financial gain, remember - the value of these cards can be as unpredictable as the sport itself. But it is all about the journey of collecting horse racing memorabilia.
Maybe one day your connection might be worth a lot of money. After all, it all comes down to how popular horse racing is as a sport, and how many people are interested in collecting horse racing cards.
So, place your bets wisely, and maybe, just maybe, you'll hit the jackpot!
