Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has built a cult of loyal fans whose interests surpass the races. Side bets, Race Cards, Diecast cars, and other Memorabilia became integral parts of the game as fans sought to connect with the Drivers.
Both Dale Earnhardt Snr and Dale Earnhardt Jr earned stellar reputations as champion drivers of their generation before an untimely fatal crash killed the former. In return, fans and sponsors traded mementos of their success on the race track stands.
These valuable racing mementos are some of the rarest left in the world today. An autographed Rookie Auto RC DNA retails for $75,000 on eBay.
Although racing fans aren’t as stoked to buy souvenirs as in the 1980s, some names still sway collectors. Here are the ten most valuable Dale Earnhardt collectibles.
Table of Contents
10 Of the Most Valuable Dale Earnhardt Collectibles
Here’s a list of the ten most valuable Dale Earnhardt Collectibles in the World Today. This list is carefully curated according to eBay listing on Jan. 19, 2022.
No. |
Name |
Year |
Price |
1 |
Dale Earnhardt #3 Vintage NASCAR Face Cap |
1999 |
$23,383.15 |
2 |
MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt POP 1/1 Psa9 Rookie Auto Rc DNA Autograph |
1988 |
$75,000 |
3 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed RACE USED Engine Filter |
1990 |
$44,500 |
4 |
Hershey Chocolate Bar |
2009 |
$10,083 |
5 |
Snap-on Dale Earnhardt Tool Box |
N/A |
$7,500 |
6 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed Winston Cup Jacket Size XL |
c. 1990s |
$4,000 |
7 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed Busch Beer Metal Tin Sign |
N/A |
$2,500 |
8 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr Signed Autograph Auto Daytona Win Ticket Pass JSA BAS |
1998 |
$1,999 |
9 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr, Richard Childress, and Bob Stempel Autographed Photo |
1990 |
$1,750 |
10 |
Dale Earnhardt Sr. Signed Autographed Race Used Goodyear #1 27” Tire PSA/DNA |
1999 |
$1,595 |
10. Dale Earnhardt Sr. Signed Autographed Race Used Goodyear #1 27” Tire PSA/DNA
Price: 1,595
This Race Used signed Goodyear tire comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA issued on Feb. 21, 2020. Dale Earnhardt signed the 27” wide tire at Daytona in 1999. The LF-3 written in red indicates it occupied the Left-Front position on the third lap.
9. Dale Earnhardt Sr, Richard Childress, and Bob Stempel Autographed Photo
Price: $1,750
These photograph features all three racing legends at Robert “Bob” Stempel’s Estatehas. It also has all three’s signature. Earnhardt hoists his Pepsi 400 trophy (his first Daytona win) while posing with the then CEO of GM.
8. Dale Earnhardt Sr Signed Autograph Auto Daytona Win Ticket Pass JSA BAS
Price: $1,999
This perfect 1998 ticket pass is third-party certified as authentic and comes in a protective plastic holder. It has all the original information, including “Non-Transferable” and “Admits only one.”
7. Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed Busch Beer Metal Tin Sign
Price: $2,500
Collectibles are often random items that become valuable because of the public figure. Take this Bush Beer Metal Tin design, for instance; an untrained eye would dispose of it as junks unwittingly losing a potential $2,500.
This particular design features Dale Earnhardt staring straight-faced at the camera in his famous dark sunshade. There’s a signature on the bottom right corner above the snow mountain.
6. Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed Winston Cup Jacket Size XL
Price: $4,000
Dale Earnhardt signed this Goodwrench jacket at the Dutchess County Fair in the 1990s. It is white, red, and black with “Winston Cup” embroidered on the left arm – white is the background, while black and red make for the decorations.
5. Snap-on Dale Earnhardt Tool Box
Price: $7,500
This Dale Earnhardt Sr. detachable tool-box in mint condition is a limited-edition item. It stands at 70-3/4” tall, 29-1/8” deep, and 54-1/4” wide with a KRL1001 bottom and KRL 1201 top.
4. Hershey’s Chocolate Bar
Price: $10,083
NOT FOR CONSUMPTION! Had to put that out there. This Chocolate bars are the epitome of motorsports collectibles. You can’t eat them since they’re way past expiration date but they’re limited-editions so you can enjoy having them as keepsakes.
3. Dale Earnhardt #3 Vintage NASCAR Face Cap
Price: $23,383.15
This Vintage face cap has Dale Earnhardt’s name and number #3 embroidered on the front in yellow. It’s a never-worn Wrangler design with a chase snap back.
2. Dale Earnhardt Sr Autographed RACE USED Engine Filter
Price: $44,500
This autographed engine filter is a part of Dale Earnhardt’s history-making race car. This collectible has a triple signature – twice by legendary Engineer Eddie Lanier and once by racing champion, Dale Earnhardt.
History has it that they made the appendages after the incredible Talladega win in 1990, a redemption after Earnhardt’s loss by a measly two points the previous year in Daytona.
JSA authenticated the signatures and insured the piece at $50,000 – $75,000.
1. MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt POP 1/1 Psa9 Rookie Auto Rc DNA Autograph
Price: $75,000
Dale Earnhardt’s #3 car is an iconic part of his history as a NASCAR racer, and this Rookie Auto RC DNA features an image of it with his signature. eBay describes “The Intimidator” as a once-in-a-lifetime collectible for enthusiasts.
Dale Earnhardt earned the nickname “The Intimidator” because he made cars make moves other drivers wouldn’t dare. It’s sitting protected in a plastic film that has its details labeled in a separate flap atop the card.
On the flip side, there’s a message from GM Goodwrench announcing the switch from Wrangler yellow and blue Chevy to its new hues of Black and Silver. This particular version was pre-owned, which could be a significant factor in the value.
Disclaimer: These listings change daily, so there’s no guarantee you’ll find these exact items when you go shopping. You would however, find other memorabilia probably more valuable (or less,) than the ones contained in this list.
Top 10 Dale Earnhardt Cards That Are Worth Collecting
This list was curated according to The Cardboard Connection’s Recommendation.
No. |
Name |
Year |
Price |
10 |
Pinnacle Totally Certified Gold Dale Earnhardt #3 #/49 |
1997 |
$49 |
9 |
Zenith Dale Earnhardt Seven Wonders #/94 |
1996 |
$50 – $88.96 |
8 |
Press Pass Burning Rubber Dale Earnhardt #BR3 Race-Used Tire #/500 |
1996 |
$30 – $100 |
7 |
1988 MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt #87 Winston Cup Champion |
1988 |
$189.95 |
6 |
Press Pass VIP Dale Earnhardt Firesuit |
1996 |
$60 – $200 |
5 |
1983 UNO Racing Dale Earnhardt #27 |
1983 |
$1,299 |
4 |
MAXX Dale Earnhardt #3 |
1989 |
$1500 |
3 |
TRAKS Autograph Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty #A1 |
1992 |
$1595 |
2 |
Press Pass Signings Dale Earnhardt #14 Autograph #/400 |
1999 |
$2,499.99 |
1 |
MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt #99 |
1988 |
$29,999 |
10. Pinnacle Totally Certified Gold Dale Earnhardt #3 #/49
Price: $49
The Pinnacle Totally Certified Gold Card was designed in tin foil with gold and silver gradients. It features a full-frame image of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in his Goodwrench racing suit, black face cap, and sunglasses. It also has the phrase Peel-Off written around the wheel.
Even though this is a rare Dale Earnhardt collectible card, it’s not on the top list because of its design. After such a long time, it’s unlikely you’d find the foil intact, causing it to depreciate, although it still holds some sentimental value.
9. Zenith Dale Earnhardt Seven Wonders #/94
Price: $50 – $88.96
In 1996, Dale Earnhardt Sr., tied a record seven-time Winston Cup Championship, earning a celebratory card in return. The Zenith Dale Earnhardt, Seven Wonders card includes seven tiny diamonds representing his achievement.
These rare cards have numbers 1 – 94 on their backs and contain 1:6,025 per pack. It features Dale Earnhardt posing with his 1994 Winston Cup Championship Trophy.
8. Press Pass Burning Rubber Dale Earnhardt #BR3 Race-Used Tire #/500
Price: $30 – $100
The Press Pass Burning Rubber card was the catalyst for the Dale Earnhardt card collection because it was the first to use memorabilia. Before its existence, the most valuable cards were the autographed versions.
With the Press Pass Burning Rubber card, the designers added real-life tire bits from seven racing cars in 1995.
The image on the front shows Earnhardt Sr.’s car flying over a giant rubber tire with the words, “Press Pass Authentic Race Used Rubber 3.” All the cards have numbers between 1 – 500 and come in 1:480 packs.
7. 1988 MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt #87 Winston Cup Champion
Price: $189.95
Dale Earnhardt’s racing car takes center stage on the MAXX Charlotte cards, though his likeness sometimes features. In this 1988 collectible, however, the legendary racer poses alongside his car and team after his Winston Cup Championship win.
6. Press Pass VIP Dale Earnhardt Firesuit
Price: $60 – $200
There are four designs of the Press Pass VIP Dale Earnhardt Firesuit card. Each one has a different color and number per pack, but they all feature Dale Earnhardt Sr., against a backdrop of burning “FIRESUIT” phrase and a front ring of fire.
The Green version has the highest number of cards per pack at 1:6,144, then the Blue with 1:2,048, Gold with 1:512, and the Silver (Walmart pack) is the least at 1:384.
5. 1983 UNO Racing Dale Earnhardt #27
Price: $1,299
As the first Dale Earnhardt card ever, it’s no surprise that the 1983 UNO Racing Dale Earnhardt is still quite valuable. The back looks like a UNO game card, while the front shows Earnhardt in UNO-sponsored regalia celebrating his Daytona qualifier victory.
All figures are curated from eBay and Mavin.
4. MAXX Dale Earnhardt #3
Price: $1,500
The #3 MAXX Dale Earnhardt card is one of his earliest designs, so the image is grainy and amateurish. Although collectors fondly refer to this version as MAXX’s rookie card, its poor design appeals to nostalgia.
This card features the same image as the #99 MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt but has a different background. Here the sunset gradient border fades into a white and red check box at the base and includes “Driver” underneath Earnhardt Sr.’s name.
3. TRAKS Autograph Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty #A1
Price: $1,595
This TRAKS card is valuable for two primary reasons – it features two racing legends and their autographs. It features Dale Earnhardt posing with Richard Petty, who wears a wide-brim hat and dark sunglasses.
2. Press Pass Signings Dale Earnhardt #14 Autograph #/400
Price: $2,499.99
The Press Pass #14 is famous as one of the Dale Earnhardt autographed cards. There are 400 numbered regular copies and 100 unique gold ink designs. Although the latter has a higher value than the former, they all fall 1:48 packs.
The card features a half shot of Dale Earnhardt Sr. folding his arms and looking sideways in his signature racing suit, face cap, and sunglasses combo. His autograph is on the side of the profile in blue ink, and a “Press Pass Authentics” stamp is on the bottom right corner.
1. MAXX Charlotte Dale Earnhardt #99
Price: $29,999
This card has an interesting backstory which makes it a fan favorite. Dale and MAXX disagreed over the price, causing the latter to withhold it from distribution. However, it reached the open market through bootlegging and became famous as an unreleased item.
Owing to its popularity, MAXX released some copies in 1994 under Redemption, and then Upper Deck re-released 100 buybacks – autographed and numbered – three years later. The card shows a close-up of Dale Earnhardt smiling in his racing uniform and Goodwrench face cap.
Also, the card has Dale’s hometown Kannapolis noted, which is an excellent identification method. Dubbed cards often misspell it as Kannapoilis, so beware.
How to Value Dale Earnhardt Diecast Collectibles
There are three significant factors to consider when valuing Dale Earnhardt diecast collectibles – Materials, Size, and Licensing fee.
Dale Earnhardt diecast cars were made from metal, at 1:24 scales, and undisclosed licensing fee. According to a spokesperson for Mattel inc., Donna Gibbs, speaking to the Chicago Tribune in 1991, “Traditionally, the auto companies had not charged any kind of licensing fee.”
That explains why Dale Earnhardt Diecast isn’t in the million-dollar or hundreds of thousands-dollar bracket.
What is the Value of Diecast Dale Earnhardt Cars?
Dale Earnhardt Diecast cars were handmade by artisans to ensure the perfection of every intricate detail. Unlike machine-designed toys that you can replicate severally, handcrafted diecast cars come in limited numbers.
Also, the production cost, including licensing fees, contributes to the bottom-line figure. Although Dale Earnhardt diecast cars aren’t the most expensive brand, they’re quite valuable in their own right. Here’s a short list of the most valuable Dale Earnhardt diecast cars.
#3 Brooks & Dunn 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo
Price: $4,500
The production company, Lionel, never approved this design, so only the six original prototypes exist. According to the Diecast Registry, it’s the most valuable Dale Earnhardt NASCAR diecast.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. #3 Daytona 500 Winner 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo
Price: $2,500
This original production NASCAR diecast is the most expensive Dale Earnhardt Sr., excluding prototypes and samples. It’s a rare collectible because only 100 pieces exist worldwide, and it’s not readily available at your average collectible store.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. #3 Bass Pro 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo 1:24 Action RCCA Elite Gold
Price: $1,800
The #3 Bass Pro 1998 Chevy is a 1:24 scale extremely rare example. Lionel distributed only 100 24k Gold Elite Chevys in a nationwide promotion in 1998 – the Gold Rush Sweepstakes.
Parting Words
Dale Earnhardt Sr collectibles are great for preserving history however, be smart. Since the price fluctuates, it’s best to wait before buying anyone.
You can also target the market peak when you decide to sell so you’ll earn more than you paid. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find buyers because many sellers complain of lack in demand. Also ensure you authenticate your collectibles, especially those that cost a fortune.
Here are some tips to start with;
- Dale Earnhardt Sr diecast cars are 1:24
- The Diecast cars should have #3 on the side
- Dale Earnhardt Sr diecast cars are all handmade
FAQs
Q: What are Dale Earnhardt collectibles worth?
A: Unfortunately, the value of Dale Earnhardt’s collectibles is dwindling by the day. People aren’t into NASCAR collection like before, so the bids have become lower. To better understand the situation, check out this video summarizing the top ten Dale Earnhardt collectible cards sold between Dec. – Feb. 2021.
Q: Where can I sell collectibles?
A: You can sell Dale Earnhardt collectibles at different outlets, from physical auctions to accredited online antique and vintage stores. For a hands-on approach, visit a physical auction targeted at sportscar collectors. However, if you’re laidback, you can post on a store online.
Forums and classified ads are also great for selling collectibles because you’ll meet your target audience in one place. Your collection size would determine the best option for sale, so if you have a large stash, you can consider becoming a licensed retailer.
Q: What’s the cost of signature items?
A: As a General Rule, autographed copies and rare versions are the most expensive cards in the lot. Drivers’ signatures on collectibles increase their value tremendously because it adds their personal touch. It’s, however, not a fixed price as other factors can counteract the effect.
For instance, this Dale Earnhardt Jr. Full Size Axalta Nascar Replica Helmet JSA retails for $589.99 on eBay, while this Autographed 8 x 10 photo sells less at $4.98.
Q: What’s the value of Dale Earnhardt Sr. collectibles?
A: You can’t place an exact value tag on Dale Earnhardt Sr. collectibles because they’re not hot in the antique market. Their price range varies from less than $1 to $75,000, depending on the item. Although there are some valuable cards, and items like signed helmets have higher premiums. Collectibles typically have a low resale value because they’re often many and available. However, some defy the status quo due to their limited stock and significance.
Would like to know the value of the race car cards ,40 of them 4 Dale in Jeff Gordon and punch oth from 91 to 94
I am having trouble finding information for a Dale Earnhardt sr. INTIMIDATOR JACKET that Dale Sr. Donated for an auction.
It has no number on it. Photos available.
How much is a 058HLX #8 RATCHETING SCREWDRIVER SET worth. Bought in 2006 never used, in original box it was bought in? [email protected]….thank you
I have a lot I mean boxes of Dale SR memabila how would I sell it and to who?
Hi my name is Tracy morrow, I have plenty of dale Earnhardt’s diecast 1:24 scale cars. And looking over your list I believe I have what some people may be searching for. How and who would i be able to talk to about putting these items up for sale.