What's Hot in the Shop: Here’s To Hoping Panini Limited NFL Does Not Have Limited Appeal

Panini Limited football has always been one of the more interesting annual releases (other than in 2008 when they made it with a more standard pack configuration) and many of the collectors at my shop look at it as the Cliff-Notes version of a box.

For years they have gone with the three hit per box style with 7 total singles in one pack instead of having to take the time to muddle through 24 packs, accumulate numerous white deflectors and risk possible cuticle damage the pack busting experience.

Panini is holding true to its familiar packaging but what has me excited about this release is the inclusion of more than just rookies on the autograph list. Yes, it’s safe to say that Ishtar (if you got this than we are close in age and clearly need to get out more) generated more hype than the 2013 rookie class and sadly that has contributed to the demise of more than one 2013 offering.

Granted only 4 people can pull the Peyton Manning Monikers Autographs Gold cards and 1 person can pull the Joe Montana from the same set, but I am looking forward to labeling this box on my shelf once it lists in Beckett. Sadly earlier this year I had to post the #1 card in a 2013 release for $144 and this release will definitely be the exception. Some of the other non-rookies who appear in this set include – Eddie George, Andrew Luck, Michael Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, Art Monk (who one day might get some hobby love. Seriously, I wish he could somehow come back as a rookie now just to see how his rookie autographed cards would perform), Howie Long, Tim Brown, Jim Kelly, Michael Irvin and many others that we have at least heard of even if we do not play fantasy football.

All of the same players appear in the Material Monikers Black /1 and while they will never be listed in Beckett, at least I can offer these to my collectors knowing that there are a multitude of singles that can more than cover their box prices.

Of course I’m not a hater of the 2013 rookie class, they just need some more time to season and get the hobby love they deserve. Looking at the rookie Pen Pals checklist, I can see quite a few of these multi-signed cards justifying some shredding. Some of the 2 – 8 player combinations include – Eddie Lacy – Johnathan Franklin, EJ Manuel – Marquise Goodwin – Robert Woods, Geno Smith – Stedman Bailey – Tavon Austin, EJ Manuel – Geno Smith – Landry Jones – Matt Barkley – Mike Glennon – Ryan Nassib and even this 8 player gem which is sure to delight whomever is lucky enough to pull it of DeAndre Hopkins – EJ Manuel – Geno Smith – Giovani Bernard – Montee Ball – Tavon Austin – Tyler Eifert – Zach Ertz.

Once again Limited offers some stellar autographed rookie jersey cards with all of the big rookies from 2013 getting the sweet looking card treatment. Look for the big names listed above along with Marcus Lattimore, Manti Te’o, Le’Veon Bell, Denard Robinson and more.

Panini has made sure to include the real driver to this set, the autographed 1/1 rookie NFL shield cards. For years these have separated this release from so many others with a one of one card that lives up to the way it is numbered. Pull even the lowest tiered player from this set and you are still sitting pretty. Like this seller.

Look, I get it. 2013 NFL isn’t half of what 2012 was when it comes to the first year players, but Panini Limited is a strong offering with enough to intrigue big bangers who are used to dropping a C-note or so on a box of cards.

Mike Fruitman owns Mike’s Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, Colo. You can read his column here every week (or close to it), focusing on what products are selling best in hobby shops. See his eBay listings here. Enjoy new arrivals and big hits from Mike’s on Twitter. Mike’s is always looking for more friends on Facebook and you can email him at [email protected]