Terrell Owens Collector’s Dilemma: Signed Helmet vs. Rookie Cards
When it comes to the annals of all-time NFL receivers, Terrell Owens is among the best to ever play the game. While some may remember Owens, affectionately referred to as T.O., as a dynamic receiver that led the NFL in receiving touchdowns three times (2001-02, 2006), he is also remembered as much for his post-TD celebrations and, unfortunately, off-the-field issues.
Regardless, Owens retired from the game in 2010 second on the all-time NFL receiving list (15,934) behind Jerry Rice (22,895), now third after being passed by Larry Fitzgerald (17,492), and was second all-time in career receiving touchdown list (153) behind Rice (197) and later passed by Randy Moss (156).
Owens earned his late induction into the Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
The collector’s dilemma, on a limited budget, as a fan, would you buy Owens rookie cards or his signed memorabilia?
The Beckett Online Price Guide recognizes 10 T.O. Rookie Cards:
- 1996 Bowman’s Best #147 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Collector’s Choice Update #U59 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Crown Royale #39 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Donruss #237 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Finest #338 Terrell Owens B RC
- 1996 Pacific #381 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Pacific Invincible #132 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 SP #7 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 SkyBox Impact Rookies #62 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Stadium Club #342 Terrell Owens SP RC
Of the 10 Rookie Cards, the SP #7 Owens raw is valued highest with excellent condition pricing around $4 going up to $25 in mint shape. A graded near mint-mint can be found on secondary markets from $28 to $39.
The next tier in Owens’ RCs are the Crown Royale #39 and Finest #338, both with a high-end of around $15 in mint-raw form.
The least expensive cards to add to your collection, with each priced under $2 raw:
- 1996 Collector’s Choice Update #U59 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Donruss #237 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 Pacific #381 Terrell Owens RC
- 1996 SkyBox Impact Rookies #62 Terrell Owens RC
On November 16, a signed Owens San Francisco 49ers helmet sold during a Heritage Auctions event for $144 with a buyer’s premium.
Chances are the market for Owens’ Rookie Cards and memorabilia will not spike in the near future. Going in on any of the collector’s items is being true to fandom and that of a hobbyist.
Cards are easier to move, if needed, but a signed helmet is a centerpiece in most collections. Even if the smart purchase is $144 worth of Owens’ RCs, I’m going with the helmet.
What would you do?
Protect Your Collection With:
- Penny Sleeves — On Amazon | On eBay | On Fanatics
- Top Loaders — On Amazon | On eBay | On Fanatics
- Binders — On Amazon | On eBay
- 9-Pocket Card Pages — On Amazon | On eBay
