The NFL trading card market has witnessed remarkable sales for rare and iconic cards. Here are five of the most expensive American football cards ever sold:
1. Patrick Mahomes 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Autographed Rookie Card
This one-of-a-kind card features Mahomes’ autograph alongside the NFL Shield patch. It was sold for $4.3 million in July 2021, setting a record for the most expensive football card ever.

2. Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autographed Rookie Card
This autographed rookie card of Tom Brady fetched $3.1 million in June 2021, highlighting its status as a prized collectible.
3. Justin Herbert 2020 National Treasures NFL Shield Autographed Rookie Card
This unique card, featuring Herbert’s autograph and the NFL Shield patch, was sold for $1.8 million in 2022, reflecting the high demand for rare rookie cards of emerging stars.
4. Patrick Mahomes 2017 Panini National Treasures Stars and Stripes Patch Autograph
This card, showcasing Mahomes’ autograph and a rookie-year patch, sold for $720,000 in 2021, underscoring its rarity and appeal among collectors.

5. Jim Brown 1958 Topps Rookie Card
A classic card of the legendary running back Jim Brown, it fetched $358,500 in a 2016 auction, demonstrating the enduring value of vintage football cards in excellent condition.

These sales underscore the significant value attributed to rarity, player prominence, and card condition in the NFL trading card market.