Top 2020 Football Cards: Rarest & Most Valuable!

Hey football card fanatics! Ready to dive into the world of rarest football cards from the 2020 season? If you're a collector, investor, or just a casual fan curious about the hobby's treasures, you've come to the right place. 2020 was a rollercoaster year, and that excitement translated into some truly amazing and hard-to-find football cards. We're talking about cards that not only feature the hottest rookies and established stars but also boast incredible rarity, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Let's uncover the most coveted cards from 2020, explore why they're so valuable, and give you the lowdown on what to look for when you're on the hunt.

The Rise of Football Card Collecting in 2020

Before we jump into the specific cards, let's take a moment to understand why the 2020 season was such a pivotal year for football card collecting. The hobby experienced a massive boom, fueled by a combination of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic kept many people at home with more time to pursue hobbies, and collecting offered an escape and a way to connect with others online. Also, the rise of e-commerce platforms and social media made it easier than ever to buy, sell, and trade cards. Then, the incredibly talented 2020 rookie class, including players like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa, generated huge buzz and demand. This influx of new collectors and the hype around these rookies dramatically increased the prices and the overall interest in football cards. Many people who had previously been out of the hobby or were just casual fans started to become serious collectors and investors. The market became incredibly competitive, with cards selling for record-breaking prices. So, the 2020 football card season wasn't just about the players; it was about the hobby itself experiencing a major resurgence, making that year's cards even more valuable and interesting for those involved.

Key Factors Determining Football Card Rarity

When we talk about the rarest football cards, several factors come into play. Understanding these elements is essential for identifying the truly valuable cards. First and foremost, print runs are critical. The fewer copies of a card that were produced, the rarer it is. Cards with print runs of less than 100, or even less than 50, are considered extremely rare. Another key factor is the type of card. Autograph cards, especially those with on-card signatures (as opposed to sticker autographs), are generally more valuable. Jersey cards, which include a piece of a game-worn jersey, also command high prices. Parallel cards are also very sought-after. These cards have the same design as the base card but feature different colors or patterns. The rarest parallels often include a serial number indicating how many were printed. Finally, the condition of a card is crucial. Cards that are in perfect condition (often graded by third-party services like PSA or Beckett) are worth far more than cards with flaws. The rookie class of 2020 was loaded with talent, including quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, which led to a surge in prices for their rookie cards, particularly the rare ones. The combination of limited print runs, desirable card types (like autographs and jersey cards), and pristine condition makes these cards incredibly valuable in today's market.

Top 2020 Football Cards to Watch Out For

Now, let's get down to the good stuff. Here are some of the rarest football cards from the 2020 season that you should keep an eye out for. These cards are highly sought-after and can command impressive prices.

1. Joe Burrow Rookie Cards

Joe Burrow was arguably the biggest name from the 2020 rookie class, and his cards are incredibly valuable. The Bengals quarterback’s rookie cards were highly sought after from the moment he was drafted. Look out for his autographed rookie cards, particularly those with low print runs. The National Treasures set is a premium brand, so any Joe Burrow rookie card from that set is going to be incredibly valuable, especially if it's an autograph or jersey card. The Donruss and Prizm sets also have high-value Burrow cards, as the Prizm parallels, especially the lower numbered ones like Silver, Gold, and Black, are particularly desirable. With Burrow's performance continuing to rise, the value of these cards can only go up. For collectors, owning a Joe Burrow rookie card from 2020 is like holding a piece of football history. So keep an eye on Burrow's cards; they are a safe bet for a high return on investment.

2. Justin Herbert Rookie Cards

Justin Herbert was another top rookie from the 2020 class, and his cards are also incredibly valuable. His rookie cards, especially those with autographs and jersey patches, have become highly sought after. Collectors and investors alike are looking to get their hands on Herbert's cards, so don't be surprised to see their value appreciate. The Panini Prizm and National Treasures sets are prime examples, with the rarer parallels like Gold and Black Prizms holding significant value. Herbert's on-field performance has fueled the demand, and his cards' value has soared. If you're lucky enough to find one of Herbert's 2020 rookie cards in excellent condition, you could be sitting on a gold mine. Therefore, consider investing in these cards and keep them in good condition.

3. Tua Tagovailoa Rookie Cards

While not as highly regarded as Burrow or Herbert in the short term, Tua Tagovailoa's rookie cards still hold value. Tua had a lot of hype coming out of college, and his rookie cards are popular among collectors. Autographed cards and those with unique memorabilia, such as jersey patches, are particularly valuable. Collectors often look for the limited edition and numbered parallels in sets like Prizm and Mosaic. As Tua continues to develop and improve as a player, the value of his cards will likely increase. Collectors interested in acquiring Tua Tagovailoa's rookie cards should look for high-grade cards with low print runs to get the best return. Keeping an eye on Tua's progress will help collectors determine the best time to invest in his cards.

4. Other Notable Rookie Cards

Besides Burrow, Herbert, and Tua, the 2020 rookie class had many other promising players whose cards are worth checking out. Players like Jonathan Taylor, CeeDee Lamb, and Jalen Hurts all had strong rookie seasons, and their cards are highly collectible. Jonathan Taylor's rookie cards, especially those with autographs and jersey patches, have seen a surge in value due to his dominant running performances. CeeDee Lamb's cards are particularly popular among Dallas Cowboys fans, with his autographed cards and rarer parallels being highly sought after. Jalen Hurts' rookie cards have also increased in value, particularly those with autographs or unique memorabilia. Keep an eye on these players as their careers progress, as their cards' value can change. Collectors looking for investment opportunities should consider investing in these cards. These lesser-known rookies offer a great opportunity for collectors to expand their collection and perhaps find some hidden gems with significant investment potential.

Where to Find and Evaluate These Cards

So, you're ready to start your hunt for these rarest football cards? Great! Here's where to look and how to evaluate them.

Online Marketplaces and Auctions

eBay: This is the most common place to find and buy football cards. It is an enormous marketplace with a huge selection of cards from all years. You can search for specific cards and filter by condition, price, and seller rating.

PWCC Auctions: PWCC is a popular auction site specializing in high-end trading cards. They have a reputation for transparency and have a vast selection of graded cards and cards with high values.

Goldin Auctions: Goldin Auctions is another leading auction house known for high-value sports cards and memorabilia. They regularly auction off some of the rarest and most valuable cards. Their auctions are highly competitive and attract serious collectors.

MySlabs: MySlabs is a newer platform that has gained popularity. It is similar to eBay but allows direct card grading and offers a straightforward platform for buying and selling cards.

Local Card Shops and Shows

Local Card Shops: Visit local card shops. Local card shops often have a great selection of cards, and you can build a relationship with the shop owners. They can also offer valuable insights and help you find rare cards.

Card Shows: Attend card shows and conventions. These events are great places to meet other collectors, view a wide range of cards, and often find rare and valuable items. There's nothing like seeing the cards in person and negotiating with dealers.

Grading and Authentication Services

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): PSA is one of the most respected grading services. They grade cards based on condition and authenticate autographs.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS): Beckett is another top grading service known for its detailed grading reports.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation): SGC is another popular grading option that provides reliable grading and authentication services.

When buying or selling, always use trusted grading services to verify the card's condition. Getting a card graded will significantly increase its value and provide confidence to buyers.

Tips for Collectors and Investors

Finally, here are some tips to help you navigate the world of rarest football cards:

Do Your Research

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current values, rookie performances, and market trends. Follow social media and online forums to stay connected with other collectors and get insights into the market.

Authenticate and Grade Cards

Verify Authenticity: Always make sure the cards are authentic. Use reputable grading services like PSA, Beckett, or SGC to verify the card's condition.

Consider the Long Term

Think Long-Term: Collecting is often a long-term game. Be patient and don't panic sell during market fluctuations. Hold onto your valuable cards and build your collection gradually, looking for key opportunities.

Build Relationships

Network: Connect with other collectors and dealers. Develop relationships with reliable sources to get first access to rare cards.

By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to find and enjoy the thrill of collecting the rarest football cards of the 2020 season. Happy hunting!