10 Rare Trading Card Misprints That Turn Into Big Deals

While most people might overlook misprints, these imperfections can make trading cards highly valuable. A printing mistake can create a one-of-a-kind item that sparks the interest of collectors. The scarcity of these misprinted cards is what makes them so appealing in the market.

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1989 Fleer Billy Ripken FF Misprint

The 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken card gained notoriety when the image on the bat knob of Ripken’s bat showed a profanity (FF). The card was quickly pulled from circulation, but some copies made it to market, creating an instant rarity. This misprint has remained one of the most well-known errors in baseball card history. Today, the card is valued between $500 to $2,000, depending on its condition and whether it is in its uncorrected form.

Collectors are drawn to this misprint because of the story behind it and the limited number of cards that remain in circulation. The FF misprint became a piece of pop culture and a symbol of how even mistakes can turn into highly valuable collectibles. As a result, this card has maintained a high value over the years. It’s a must-have for serious baseball card collectors, especially those focused on unusual errors.

1990 Baseball Score Frank Thomas No Name On Front

The 1990 Score Frank Thomas card was printed with a significant error – his name was missing from the front of the card. This simple mistake made the card an instant collector’s item, as it was produced in a very limited quantity before being corrected. The misprint quickly became one of the most famous baseball card errors of all time. Currently, this misprint can be valued between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on its condition and whether it has been graded by a reputable service.

The value of the card comes from its rarity and the fact that it features Frank Thomas, one of baseball’s legends. This error has become a cherished piece for collectors, as it represents both a mistake in production and a key moment in baseball card history. As one of the most iconic misprints, it continues to be a big deal in the market today. The card’s significance only increases with its scarcity and historical context.

2000 Bowman Chrome Tom Brady Rookie Card (No Serial Number)

In 2000, Bowman Chrome released a rookie card of Tom Brady that was initially printed with a serial number on some versions, but a small batch was accidentally produced without the serial number. This misprint makes the Brady rookie card highly rare and desirable among collectors. The card’s value has increased significantly over the years, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on its condition and grading.

Brady’s status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history has helped elevate the card’s worth. The serial number error only adds to the card’s rarity and appeal. As time has passed, Brady’s memorabilia has become more valuable, with this misprint card being one of the most coveted among sports card collectors. The ongoing interest in Brady’s legacy ensures the card’s value will continue to grow.

1999 Electrode Jungle Misprint No Symbol Heavy Play

The Pokemon Electrode card from the Jungle set is notorious for a misprint where the symbol for the set is missing from the card’s corner. The error was caused during the production process and only a small batch of these cards were produced without the symbol. This misprint, while commonly found in heavy play condition, is still highly valuable, with prices typically ranging from $100 to $300 depending on condition. The card’s value is driven by its rarity and the fact that only a limited number of unmarked versions exist.

Collectors seek out this card for its historical significance in the Pokemon TCG and its unique variation. The missing symbol makes it a standout piece among other Jungle set cards, and finding one in good condition is difficult. Over time, the card has become more valuable, as fewer copies remain in circulation. Its scarcity, paired with Electrode’s popularity among collectors, ensures continued demand for this misprinted version.

2003-04 LeBron James Rookie Diary Missing Foil

The 2003-04 Upper Deck LeBron James Rookie Diary card features a misprint where the foil on the card’s front is missing. This error makes it a highly sought-after version of one of LeBron’s most iconic rookie cards. With the foil missing, the card’s design looks distinct compared to the standard issue, creating rarity and value. These misprinted cards can fetch anywhere between $1,500 to $5,000, depending on condition and grading.

This card is a significant collectible due to LeBron James’ legendary career and the rarity of the misprint. The foil error makes it particularly appealing to collectors looking for variations in high-profile rookie cards. As LeBron’s legacy grows, so does the value of this misprint. It stands out in the world of sports cards, especially for those who want a unique piece of basketball history.

1999 Pikachu Red Cheek Misprint

The 1999 Pokemon Pikachu card from the Base Set is famous for a misprint that resulted in some Pikachu cards having red cheeks, rather than the intended yellow cheeks. This misprint was caused during the production process, and while most cards had the proper yellow cheeks, a small batch was released with the red-cheeked variation. The value for these misprinted cards ranges from $300 to $2,000, depending on the condition and grading.

The red-cheeked Pikachu is highly coveted by collectors because of its unique variation and its connection to one of the most beloved characters in the Pokemon franchise. Despite being a small error, the card has become a significant part of Pokemon TCG history. The scarcity of these red-cheeked versions has caused their value to rise over time.

1990 Donruss Bo Jackson BC-1 MVP Double Error

The 1990 Donruss Bo Jackson BC-1 MVP card features a notable error with the printing of Jackson’s statistics and his image. The card was misprinted with both a missing period after Inc. on the back and sometimes a purple hat or tint, creating what’s known as the double error. This mistake, which was fixed after the initial release, makes the misprinted version much rarer and more valuable. Current prices for the double-error cards range from $100 to $400 depending on condition.

The misprint has made this card a key piece for Bo Jackson collectors, especially given his status as one of the greatest multi-sport athletes. The double error is a rare variation that adds to the card’s appeal for those looking to complete their collections with unusual and unique misprints. Over the years, the card has grown in value as fewer copies remain available.

1996-97 Fleer Michael Jordan HL No.123 Missing Foil and Gloss

In the 1996-97 Fleer set, Michael Jordan’s High Life No.123 card was produced with a rare error where the foil and gloss finishes were missing from certain copies. This misprint caused the card to appear flat, giving it a distinct, matte look compared to the standard shiny version. The card is highly collectible, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000 based on condition. The lack of the typical foil and gloss made these copies rare, and they’ve only grown in value over time.

Collectors prize this error card because it represents an unusual flaw in a highly sought-after set. The absence of the expected finishes makes it a unique variation that stands out from the more common versions of Jordan’s cards. Over time, the demand for these misprints has increased as more collectors become aware of their existence. With Michael Jordan’s continued popularity, the card remains one of the top misprints in basketball card history.

1966 Topps No.1 Willie Mays Misprint Double Image

The 1966 Topps No.1 Willie Mays card features a misprint with a double image of Mays on the front. This error occurred during production, resulting in a slightly blurred or doubled image, making the card a rare variation. The double image error makes this one of the most sought-after misprints in the 1966 Topps set, with current values ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on condition.

The unique double image of Willie Mays has made this card highly collectible, especially for fans of the Hall of Fame outfielder. The rarity of the error, combined with Mays’ iconic status, continues to drive up demand for this misprinted card. As one of the most well-known baseball card errors, it holds both historical and monetary value.

1999 Pokemon Vulpix Base Set 1st Edition Misprint Blue Dot

The 1999 Pokemon Vulpix Base Set 1st Edition card features a misprint where a blue dot appears in the front part of the card, near Vulpix’s tail. This blue dot was an error during the printing process and makes the card a rare variant within the first edition of the Pokemon Base Set. The value of this misprint can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the condition and whether the card is graded.

As a first edition card, this misprint has only increased in value over the years, becoming a highly desirable item for serious Pokemon card collectors. Its rarity, coupled with Vulpix’s popularity as a beloved Pokemon, ensures continued interest in this unique variant. This card remains a standout misprint in the history of Pokemon TCG collectibles.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.