Sports card collecting is a hobby that has been around for decades and has become increasingly popular recently, with some rare cards selling for millions of dollars.
When looking to sell your sports cards, it’s essential to know which types of cards are most valuable. So we go in-depth on press-proof-rated rookie cards and help you decide how to price them to sell.
Among the most sought-after sports cards are the Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards, known for their unique designs, rarity, and exclusivity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards and their rarity levels, the history of these cards, and the importance of card conditions regarding their value.
Different Types of Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards
The specific types and colors of Press Proof cards will depend on the sport and edition, but here are a few examples:
Black Press Proof:
Most Black Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards have a serial number out of 10, making each a super short print. An example is the 2020 Black Press Proof card of Tom Brady, the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Silver Press Proof:
Most Silver Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards have a serial number of 75, making each a short print. An example is the 2021 Silver Press Proof card of Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.
Gold Press Proof:
Most Gold Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards have a serial number out of 50, making each a super short print. An example is the 2020 Gold Press Proof card of Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.
Yellow Press Proof:
Most Yellow Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards do not have a serial number, and it’s rare when they do. An example is the 2019 Yellow Press Proof card of Saquon Barkley, the running back of the New York Giants.
Blue Press Proof:
Most Blue Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards have a serial number of 99, making each a short print. An example is the 2018 Blue Press Proof card of Baker Mayfield, the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
Red Press Proof:
Most Red Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards do not have a serial number, and it’s rare when they do. An example is the 2017 Red Press Proof card of Deshaun Watson, the quarterback of the Houston Texans.
Purple Press Proof:
Most Purple Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards have a serial number of 199, making each a short print. An example is the 2016 Purple Press Proof card of Ezekiel Elliott, the running back of the Dallas Cowboys.
Hyper Press Proof:
Most Hyper Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards do not have a serial number, and it’s rare when they do. An example is the 2021 Hyper Press Proof card of Zack Wilson, the quarterback of the New York Jets.
Premium Press Proof:
Most Premium Press Proof Rated Rookie Cards do not have a serial number, and it’s rare when they do. An example is the 2021 Premium Press Proof card of Mac Jones, the wide receiver of the New England Patriots.
Keep an Eye Out for Rated Rookie Raw Cards
Press Proof Rated Rookie cards have a unique foil-stamped design and print in smaller quantities than regular cards.
In addition, the different colors (such as Gold, Silver, and Black) often indicate different levels of rarity or exclusivity, with Black being the rarest and most valuable.
However, the specific details of each edition can vary, so it’s essential to research the specific cards you’re interested in to get a better idea of their value and rarity.
The History of Press Proof Cards
Press Proof cards have been around for several decades, but they have evolved into the sought-after collectibles they are today.
The history of ‘Press Proof’ cards traces back to the early days of printing. Printers often create a small batch of test prints before starting a large print run to check the ink and paper quality. These test prints would often get thrown out, but occasionally a printer would keep one as a sample. These early prototypes would eventually become sought-after collectibles.
As sports trading cards became more popular in the mid-20th century, Press Proof cards began to be used specifically for this purpose.
Printers would create a small batch of cards for each athlete, often featuring a different design or color scheme from the final product. Before starting the print run, these prototype cards help check the final product’s printing quality and color accuracy.
Over time, Press Proof cards evolved to become more sophisticated and collectible. Card manufacturers began to produce Press Proof cards with unique features, such as holographic foil or embossed designs, making them even more desirable to collectors. Today, Press Proof cards are worth $1K and can fetch high prices at auctions or on the secondary market—another reason they are worth selling.
Investing in Press Proof-Rated Rookie Cards
With the popularity of sports card collecting, many collectors are turning to Press Proof cards as a potential investment opportunity. While there is no guarantee that any given card will appreciate, Press Proof cards have a track record of being highly sought after by collectors. As a result, they can fetch significant prices on the secondary market.
When considering investing in Press Proof cards, it is essential to do your research and carefully evaluate the specific cards you are interested in. Factors to consider include:
- The player featured on the card.
- The rarity of the specific edition.
- The card’s condition.
It is also helpful to consult with a professional sports card appraiser or collector to better understand the card’s potential value. Use Sports Cards Investor to keep track of the price and look up the value of your cards.
These cards provide an excellent opportunity to flip when buying raw and getting graded.
It is also essential to remember that sports card collecting, like any investment, comes with some risk. For example, while some Press Proof cards have appreciated significantly over time, others have yet to. Additionally, the sports card market can be unpredictable, with fluctuating values based on player performance, supply and demand, and cultural trends.
Many collectors find collecting and investing in Press Proof cards rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, Press Proof cards offer a unique and exciting way to engage with sports card collecting. Press Proof cards will remain sought-after for years with their striking designs and limited availability.
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Sports card hobby enthusiast (originally from New York) who can’t resist ripping cards and eating donuts on the weekends. Passionate about all collecting, have been collecting football cards and other memorabilia for half a decade. Enjoys going to card shows, visiting card shops and getting to know other collectors. Owner of NOWCollectibles a collectible e-commerce business – online card shop for buying affordable cards helping connect sports fans with their favorite teams and players. Follow my personal IG to see PC: @NowCollects See my latest articles here: NowCollectibles Articles (thinksportscards.com)
