The Holy Grail of Football Cards: 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable
Are you a football card collector looking for a treasure that’s worth its weight in gold? Then look no further than the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card. This card is the holy grail of football cards, and for good reason. In this article, we’re going to take a humorous look at what makes this card so special, why it’s so valuable, and why collectors are willing to pay top dollar for it.
What is the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card?
The 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable (UMV) card is a limited edition card that was released with the Upper Deck football set. Only 5,000 of these cards were made, making them incredibly rare. The card was created to commemorate the NFL’s most valuable player award, which was won that year by Thurman Thomas of the Buffalo Bills.
The card features a hologram of the NFL logo that serves as a seal of authenticity. It also includes a picture of Thomas on one side and his career statistics on the other. The card is printed on thick card stock, with a glossy finish that makes it stand out from other football cards.
So, what makes this card so valuable? Let’s take a closer look at its history and why collectors are willing to pay top dollar for it.
The history of the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card
When the 1991 Upper Deck football set was released, collectors were excited to get their hands on it. However, they soon discovered that the UMV card was missing from the set. It wasn’t until later that year that collectors discovered the limited edition card was released separately, in a special set that included a total of nine cards.
The set was called the “1991 Upper Deck NFL Award Winners” set, and it included cards commemorating various NFL awards, such as the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year. But it was the UMV card that stood out from the rest.
Collectors were willing to pay top dollar for this limited edition card, which quickly became one of the most sought-after football cards of all time. The card’s rarity, combined with its high-quality design and holographic seal, made it a must-have for serious collectors.
Why is the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card so valuable?
The UMV card is valuable for a number of reasons. As we’ve already mentioned, its rarity is one of the main factors. Only 5,000 cards were made, and it’s estimated that fewer than 2,000 of them are still in existence today.
The card’s design is also a factor. The hologram of the NFL logo and the glossy finish make it stand out from other football cards, and the thick card stock adds to its durability.
But the main reason why the UMV card is so valuable is its association with Thurman Thomas. Thomas was one of the most dominant running backs of his time, and his career statistics speak for themselves. He rushed for over 12,000 yards and scored 88 touchdowns during his career, and he helped lead the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances in a row.
The UMV card celebrates Thomas’s achievement as the NFL’s most valuable player, and it’s a card that every serious collector wants to add to their collection.
How much is the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card worth?
So, how much is the UMV card worth? Well, that depends on who you ask. The value of the card fluctuates based on a number of factors, including its condition, the current market, and the demand among collectors.
As of this writing, a graded and authenticated UMV card in mint condition (graded as a PSA 9 or higher) can sell for as much as $20,000 or more. Even cards in lesser condition can sell for upwards of $2,500.
That’s a lot of money for a piece of cardboard, but for serious collectors, the UMV card is worth every penny.
Where can you buy the 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card?
If you’re looking to add the UMV card to your collection, you have a few options. The first is to scour eBay and other online auction sites, where the card is occasionally listed for sale. However, be prepared to pay top dollar for a mint condition card.
Another option is to attend collector’s shows and conventions, where you might be able to find a dealer who has the card for sale. This can be a great way to get a closer look at the card before you buy it, and you might be able to negotiate a better price with a dealer who is looking to make a sale.
Finally, you could try networking with other collectors in the hobby. Joining online collector’s clubs and forums can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts and hear about the latest deals and sales.
Conclusion
The 1991 Upper Deck Most Valuable card is the holy grail of football cards. Its rarity, high-quality design, and association with one of the NFL’s greatest players make it one of the most sought-after and valuable cards in the hobby. While it’s not a card that most collectors will ever own, for those who are lucky enough to add it to their collection, it’s a true treasure.
Sources:
[1] https://www.beckett.com/news/holy-grail-friday-thurman-thomas-1991-upper-deck-most-valuable-card/
[2] https://www.psacard.com/cardfacts/football-cards/1991-upper-deck-most-valuable-thurman-thomas/9883
[3] https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/1991-upper-deck-most-valuable-card-thurman-thomas/