One of the most successful modern era sports trading card releases, Panini National Treasures is a high-end issue produced on thick, high quality stock. Multiple on-card autographs and cards with large memorabilia pieces are the hallmarks of each box. It originated as an NFL product in 2006 but was expanded to other sports including basketball in 2009-10 and baseball in 2012. National Treasures sports cards on eBay are among the biggest sellers in terms of individual card prices for current era cards.
National Treasures boxes are sometimes out of reach for average collectors but many participate via box and case breaks where the initial outlay allows for participation at a lower cost level.
While boxes can be a high-risk, high-reward proposition for collectors, National Treasures is exceptionally popular in the secondary market. The brand is often home to an athlete’s most valuable rookie cards, usually the serial-numbered patch cards with a signature. NT is usually released near the end of the product calendar, giving Panini the chance to include good quality images of rookies and secure on-card autographs.
Dozens of cards sell for $10,000 or more in the course of a year with eBay usually the most active space. For example: a 2009-10 Steph Curry letter patch auto for over $36,000 a BGS 9.5 Curry auto patch card for over $32,000; a 2013-14 Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA # to 5 for $35,000 and a 2016 Babe Ruth bat barrel relic card for $20,000.
Standard autograph cards from NT won’t cost that much, however, especially for non-rookies. Snaring signed cards of Hall of Famers or current stars is often cheaper than buying an autographed photo or piece of memorabilia and the cards themselves are very attractive. And if you’re looking for cheap NT, click here to find some you can own for next to nothing.
The best cards usually wind up in eBay auctions where competition can be fierce among those who buy for their own collection and those looking to invest for the long haul.
Below is a list of the current most watched National Treasures cards on eBay:
