Whitney Houston’s legacy also seen on cards

By Chris Olds | Beckett Sports Card Monthly Editor

Six-time Grammy winning singer and film star Whitney Houston died on Saturday at age 48 leaving behind an immense legacy in pop culture.

And it’s a life that’s also reflected on trading cards.

Her performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl in 1991 was a memorable moment as the United States fought in the Gulf War, and it was captured on a 1991 Pro Set football card, No. 350. The card was a strong seller at the time — purely from its novelty as a card that was quite different from the others (along with some star power) — and it will likely be an item that gets attention in the wake of this evening’s news.

Houston, who sold more than 50 million albums, also appeared on a pair of Pro Set SuperStars MusiCards in 1991, a bit more obscure find, as her cards were only found in the UK edition of the set.

All three cards are of minimal value (pocket change) because of overproduction by the defunct Dallas-based company, but the first copy of Houston’s football card to sell on eBay following her death went for $4.95.

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