Patrick Mahomes Football Card Market Guide

Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, and his trading cards are some of the most sought after within the memorabilia market. But with so many different types and editions to choose from, it can take time to know which ones are worth investing in. This guide will help you navigate the world of Mahomes trading cards and ensure that you get your hands on those that could increase in value over time.

Patrick Mahomes’ NFL Career

Patrick Mahomes is being labeled as the most accomplished 27-year-old in the history of the NFL. In an era of young, mobile quarterbacks, Mahomes has separated himself from the rest of the pack with his rocket arm and mesmerizing playmaking ability.

Mahomes is the son of a former MLB pitcher, and he nearly followed in his father's footsteps as a baseball star. In high school, Mahomes was a highly touted pitcher, so it makes sense that he possesses incredible throwing abilities. On the football field, Mahomes can throw the ball from multiple angles, which makes him quite dangerous and unique for the position.

Despite his tremendous athletic ability, Mahomes' work ethic, leadership and commitment to the game help further separate him from any other quarterback in the league. In 2017, Mahomes was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft, and he later led the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory in 50 years. Since joining Kansas City six years ago, Mahomes has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. As of the 2022 season, he’s won two Super Bowls, two Super Bowl MVP awards, two NFL MVP awards and has been named to the Pro Bowl team five times. Only six years into his already legendary career, Mahomes has accomplished more than most QBs accomplish in their entire pro careers.

Are Partick Mahomes Cards a Good Investment?

Patrick Mahomes’ football cards are a good investment because there is still plenty of potential for their value to rise over the coming years. Not only did he have another terrific season in 2022, but the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the top teams in the NFL, which only drives up the demand for his cards.

While Mahomes is only 27 years old and playing in his sixth NFL season, his trading cards are already extremely popular and sought after by collectors. Mahomes' cards have jumped in value since his impressive performance in the 2018 season, and they will continue to increase as he continues to build upon his success.

It is also important to note that Mahomes currently holds the record for the most expensive NFL card ever sold, fetching a price of $4.3 million, with many others selling for over the $1 million mark. This leaves Patrick Mahomes at the top of the list regarding investing in football trading cards.

Different Types and Variations of Mahomes Cards

There are many different types and variations of Mahomes cards that you can purchase to add to your collection. Some of the most popular include:

Autograph cards: Autographed cards feature the signature of the athlete and are highly sought-after by collectors.

Rookie cards: These are the base versions of a card issued in their first year and often have a higher value than later editions.

Swatch cards: Swatch cards feature pieces of an actual jersey worn by Mahomes or other memorabilia and are very valuable in the collecting world.

Parallels and Inserts: Parallels and inserts feature a variation or alternate design of the base card and are often rarer than their base counterparts.

Next, we will break down some of the most expensive Patrick Mahomes cards and some of the more affordable options.

The Most Expensive Patrick Mahomes Cards

In July 2021, a Patrick Mahomes card shattered the record for the most expensive NFL card ever sold with a price of $4.3 million. This card is the pinnacle of Mahomes collectibles and features a 1/1 autographed, on-card patch. Here is a complete list of the most expensive Mahomes cards ever sold.

2017 Panini National Treasures Platinum #161 Patrick Mahomes – Auto #’d/1 ($4.3 Million)

This one-of-one card is the most valuable NFL card of all time and was sold for a mind-boggling $4.3 million in 2021. The National Treasures card features an on-card autograph and a patch from Mahomes' 2017 rookie season. The National Treasures collection is always one of the most popular releases from Panini, and this card is the highlight of that year’s high-end set.

2018 Panini National Treasures Colossal Material Signatures #18 Patrick Mahomes – NFL Shield #'d/1 ($1.3 Million)

Another card that broke the $ 1 million mark is the 2018 National Treasures Colossal Material Signatures Patrick Mahomes card, which sold for $1.3 million in 2021. This card is numbered one-of-one and features a jersey swatch of an NFL shield patch. Though many high-end brands come and go, 2018 Panini National Treasures has remained a constant for NFL collectors. This premium release includes six autographs or memorabilia cards per box. The Laundry Tag parallel is a 1/1 and drives the demand and price of this card.

2020 Panini Mosaic #1 Patrick Mahomes – Choice Nebula #'d/1 ($1.3 Million)

The Panini Mosaic set is a colorful optichrome set that features the most in-demand players across the NFL. This Patrick Mahomes card is numbered one-of-one and showcases a beautiful illustration of the quarterback surrounded by multiple colors. The back of this card also has an autograph from Mahomes and is his Super Bowl MVP card, making it a desirable piece for many collectors. This card is one of the rarest Mahomes cards around and sold for a staggering $1.3 million in 2021.

2017 Panini Prizm Instant Impact #8 Patrick Mahomes – Black Finite #'d/1 ($500,000)

Panini Prizm sets include colorful inserts, parallels and rookie autographs that collectors love. The Prizm collection averages three signed cards per hobby box, and nine numbered parallels.

The Instant Impact set has only 20 cards and three parallels, with the Black Finite being the only 1/1. This beautiful card showcases Mahomes in his Chiefs uniform, preparing to throw the ball. It sold for half a million dollars and remains one of the rarest Mahomes rookie cards.

2017 Panini Flawless Rookie Patch Autograph #4 Patrick Mahomes – #'d/25 ($152,000)

Panini Flawless is the ultimate high-end release, as it contains cards featuring the most popular athletes of the past and present. One of the unique parts of this collection is that investors get a metal briefcase that holds six autographs, two memorabilia cards and gem cards instead of a box. The 2017 collection has a print run of 25, keeping the rarity of the cards high. The Mahomes Rookie Patch Autograph card features a perfect image of the QB from his college days at Texas Tech, along with a patch. In 2020, the rare card sold for just over $152,000.

Most Popular Patrick Mahomes Cards

Even though he holds some of the most valuable cards in all sports, there are still some more affordable Patrick Mahomes cards on the market. Here are some of the most popular Mahomes cards available for those who don’t have thousands to spend:

2017 Panini Prestige #232 Patrick Mahomes ($181)

Panini Prestige includes four autographs per box, mixing rookies and veterans with several parallels that drive the value up on these cards. This card features Mahomes wearing his Texas Tech jersey, where he played out his college career.

The base card can be found for as low as $181 online, making it another excellent option for those looking to get their hands on a Mahomes rookie card without breaking the bank.

2017 Panini Score #403 Patrick Mahomes ($160)

Panini Score is a massive series known as sports' most extensive base set. This set consists of 110 rookies and 330 seasoned players, with multiple parallels and inserts. Due to its size, many collectors want to complete the entire collection. A base card of Mahomes can be found for around $160.

2017 Sage Hit Premier Draft #5 Patrick Mahomes ($64)

Another excellent option for those looking for a cheaper Mahomes card is the 2017 Premiere Draft set from Sage Hit. Each box should have fifteen autographs, an increase from the 2016 collection. The Patrick Mahomes card from this set has him wearing his Texas Tech jersey and has a sharp look to it. The base card can be found for around $64, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.

2017 Panini Donruss Elite #42 Patrick Mahomes – Red ($54)

The Donruss Elite collection comprises past, present and future stars in the sport. Each hobby box should have two autographs, eleven inserts, one relic and some parallels. This is another large collection that leads to a lower price. However, the Patrick Mahomes card from this set is in high demand and can be found for as low as $54.

2020 Panini Donruss #1 Patrick Mahomes ($31)

The Donruss collection is one of Panini's most popular mainstream sets. Each hobby box contains one autograph and one relic card and is made up of 400 cards.

A base card Patrick Mahomes from this season can be found for as low as $31 for a perfectly graded card, making it a terrific option for those looking for an affordable card.

Where Can I Purchase Patrick Mahomes Cards?

If you are looking to get your hands on Patrick Mahomes football cards, there are many ways to do so. Here are some of the most popular ways to find his cards based on rarity:

Common - To find standard Patrick Mahomes cards, you can check out online retailers such as eBay or local stores such as Walmart.

Rare - To find rare cards, you may look into smaller hobby shops or local card shows specializing in high-end collectibles. Some good online retailers will offer rare Mahomes cards as well.

Exclusive - If you are looking for exclusive Patrick Mahomes cards, auction houses and card conventions are excellent places to look. The biggest card convention in the world is the National Sports Collectors Convention, which should have a wide variety of Mahomes cards for sale.

How Are Patrick Mahomes Cards Graded?

Grading cards means assessing a card's condition and assigning it a numerical grade. Cards graded by professional companies are considered authentic, and you can better understand the fair market price for that card. Here are some of the primary considerations for identifying the grade of a card:

Centering: The card's centering should be even and straight.

Surface: The card should have a smooth, clear surface without scratches or tears. The corners should also be sharp and without any creases.

Edges: The edges should be clean, with no chipping or white lines.

Overall condition: The condition of the card should be considered, with no defects or signs of wear.

Once the cards are assessed on these parameters, they are scored 1-10. 1 being the lowest condition, and 10 is traditionally the highest. However, there is now a score above 10, and that is called a Pristine 10. A Pristine 10 is flawless under 10X magnification and is an incredibly rare sight.

For further information on CGC Cards’ 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CGCcards.com.

Conclusion

Patrick Mahomes trading cards are a great way to add value to your collection and will likely make for an excellent investment opportunity. With his continual success at the pro level, now may be the best time to get your hands on a rare Mahomes card. By following this guide, you should better understand the types of cards available, where to buy them and how they are graded. Good luck, and happy collecting!

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.