Top 5 Most Valuable Eagles Football Cards of All Time

October 27, 2023
5
min read

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the NFL. Founded in 1933, the Eagles have won multiple championships and produced some of the greatest players in league history. This has made Eagles football cards highly sought-after by collectors looking to own a piece of Philly football lore.

In this article, we'll countdown the top 5 most expensive Eagles football cards of all time. From legendary quarterbacks to electric wide receivers, these cards command big money on the collecting market.

#5 - 1960 Topps Norm Van Brocklin ($4,750)

Kicking off the list is this high-grade 1960 Topps card of Eagles QB Norm Van Brocklin. Dubbed "The Dutchman", Van Brocklin quarterbacked Philly to their last NFL championship in 1960 before the Super Bowl era began.

This clean cardboard specimen sold for $4,750 in 2018, demonstrating Van Brocklin's lasting legacy in Eagles history. The #5 spot seems fitting for the signal caller who wore that number in leading Philly to glory.

#4 - 1948 Leaf Steve Van Buren ($5,775)

Next up is a stunning gem mint copy of HOF running back Steve Van Buren's 1948 Leaf card. This scarce, vintage issue depicts Van Buren in an epic action pose.

Van Buren was the engine that powered the Eagles offense during the late '40s and early '50s. His electrifying runs led the Birds to back-to-back NFL championships in '48 and '49, earning SB MVP honors in the latter.

With its flawless condition and stunning eye appeal, it's easy to see why this rare Leaf card commanded nearly $6,000 at auction. Vintage cards of Eagles greats like Van Buren remain highly coveted.

#3 - 1964 Topps Timmy Brown ($6,600)

Cracking the top 3 is this sharp 1964 Topps issue of dynamic RB Timmy Brown. The halfback excelled as both a runner and receiver during his Eagles tenure from 1960-67.

Brown made three Pro Bowls as an Eagle and was the first NFL player to amass over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in consecutive seasons. This vintage gem exhibits the All-Pro back in a classic Topps photo, showcasing his elite versatility.

The awesome condition and Brown's electrifying skills explain why this '64 Topps single sold for over $6,600 at public auction. Vintage cards of the franchise's early stars continue to soar in value.

#2 - 1948 Leaf Steve Van Buren Rookie Card ($14,000)

Runner up for most valuable Eagles football card is none other than Van Buren's iconic 1948 Leaf rookie. This copy nabbed an impressive $14k at auction thanks to its razor sharp corners and centering.

As mentioned before, Van Buren was the heart of the Eagles offense and the team's first true superstar player. Collectors highly covet his rare, Low numbered Leaf RC for that reason.

On top of its scarcity, this spec sports Van Buren in his college uniform, adding unique appeal. It's the Holy Grail for diehard collectors of early Philly cards. Expect it to continue trading hands for big bucks.

#1 - 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Card (#106/150) - $900,000

Now for the Eagles card that tops them all - Tom Brady's 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket autograph rookie card. Yes, you read that right…Tom Brady.

Technically, this card pictures Brady in his Michigan Wolverines uniform before he entered the NFL. However, out of the 150 copies printed, card #106 would sell for an astronomical $900,000 in 2021, setting the record for most expensive Eagles card ever.

Here's the kicker - Brady was drafted by the Eagles in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL draft. So card #106 represents what could have been, had the Eagles kept Brady instead of trading him to the Patriots.

Instead, Brady won 7 Super Bowls for New England while the Eagles waited nearly 20 years for their first title. As a result, this Championship Ticket Brady RC has become the Holy Grail for Eagles collectors hungry for a taste of what might have been.

The astronomical price proves Brady's enduringlegendary status. And it turns this misprinted Pre-rookie card into the most coveted and valuable Eagles football card ever produced.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our countdown of the top 5 most expensive Eagles football cards. From early stars like Van Buren to misprinted Brady RCs, these rare cards represent the elite echelon of Philly memorabilia.

Owning a piece of Eagles history can be an expensive endeavor. But for diehard Birds fans, the investment is well worth it. Just be ready to pay top dollar if you're seeking one of these Holy Grail cards for your Eagles PC.