Error cards are all over the place in the sports card hobby. Mistakes happen at all stages of the card production process. There can be design errors, informational errors, and actual printing errors. Cards that have some sort of error or mistake on them are not rare at all, and you will never find a yearly series that doesn’t have it’s share of errors if you look close enough.
So how do we know which error cards are worth more?
It all comes down to scarcity. If an error is detected somewhere along the production line – somewhere from design to packing – and is pulled off the line and corrected, that error card has the potential to be more valuable than it’s corrected counterpart. Assuming that there are far less of the error versions in existence (and assuming error versions actually made it into circulation). That’s what it boils down to.
Take one of the most famous error cards as an example, the highly sought after NNOF (no name on front) Frank Thomas 1990 Topps rookie card. The standard version of this card is not at all rare. It was produced during the height of the junk era of cards and there are hundreds of thousands of them, if not millions. However, there is a version that is MUCH more rare. Early in the production run of these cards, a series of them were printed with an error – Frank’s name was missing on the front. Some quantity of these made it through the production and packing process and went out into circulation before the error was caught by quality controlled. Once caught, they corrected it by adding his name and continuing the production process. When all was said and done, plenty of normal Frank’s were out there, and just a handful of the error variation.
Now, 30 years later, and you can still get a 1990 Topps Frank Thomas rookie for $5.00 or less. But, to get a NNOF Frank, you’re likely needing to shell out thousand of dollars. Now, if it has been the other way during production – say that the error version without the name made it through 99% of the production process before they caught it, then finished off with the corrected version at only 1% of the production run, this version wouldn’t be considered an error, but it would be much more rare and thus would be far more valuable. If an error is never corrected, then it has full production run and is no different than any other card in the set. Uncorrected errors are very common. So, essentially, that’s how it works.
But that said, it’s a subjective thing. There are many types of errors that are clear errors or mistakes, but are not desirable for one reason or another. Consider printing flaws such as print lines or marks, mis-registered designs, and any number of other issues. Generally, these are not considered “errors” – they are just flawed cards. But that said, there are collectors who specifically look for those types of things, so those cards may be worth more “to the right person”, but in the broader sense, they are just flawed cards, and probably worth even less because of that. It’s considered a quality issue, not a variation.
So this is a good way of thinking about it. Could the error be considered a “variation” as opposed to a quality flaw? Take grading for example. PSA will mark against a card’s grade if there is a print line running down the middle of it (especially on chrome cards, for example) because that’s considered a quality issue. PSA will not put a mark against the NNOF Frank Thomas for missing the name, because that was a design error that was later corrected – hence, two variations of the same card (with one being far more rare).
Are miscut cards worth more?
Generally no. Miscut sports cards are not considered error cards in this sense, they are usually considered print/production flaws. If anything, they should be considered worth less than the normal version. However, it’s certainly not unheard of for a card with an egregious printing mistake to be sold for a lot more money, especially if it is of a star player. Again, it’s subjective and if someone really wants it for their collection, they’ll pay what they want for it.
Print and production mistakes
As detailed above, there are a variety of print and production mistakes that are not generally considered “errors” in that sense.
Missing back or missing front, or wrong back
These will often just have a blank back or front, or could feature one card on front and something else entirely on the back. Often one side or the other will also be misaligned or miscut. These are all just due to a bad print run – perhaps the sheet got flipped the wrong way after printing one side, or the job was set up incorrectly initially. Often there may only be a very small handful of these cards, which certainly would make them far more rare. But as stated, generally they are just not desirable.
Missing foil, or other print elements
In the 1990s all the way up through today, this is a very common issue. It’s simply due to the foil not adhering or getting transferred to a card properly. Sometimes bits of the foil is missing as if only partially adhered, sometimes there no foil at all when there should be, suggesting the machine ran out of foil or perhaps it never made it to the foil machine. A lot of times you’ll find an impression on the card of where the foil should have been, but no foil (indicating the machine was just out of foil at that moment).
Material errors
Oof, these have gotten pretty bad lately. 2021 Topps is still pretty new and already it is clear that quality control on jersey swatch cards was pretty bad during their series 1 run. We’re seeing a lot of cards that simply have the jersey swatch missing. Some people find them really cool and interesting, but most see them as just bad quality control.
Informational errors on cards
When we’re talking about error cards that have a corrected counterpart, thus making the error version more scarce and desirable, there’s a good chance it’s due to an informational error. One could consider the NNOF Frank to be part of this group. Another example would be a 1952 Topps Johnny Sain, which includes the wrong bio (Joe Paige) on the back. This card was corrected, and the error card is quite sought after. Interestingly, the Joe Paige 1952 Topps also has an error with the Sain bio (they just got mixed up), but is not nearly as desirable as the Sain just do to Sain’s historical accomplishments (last pitcher that Babe Ruth faced, and first that Jackie Robinson faced). Other examples of informational errors include misspellings, wrong stats or information from a different player, any number of things. Again, if the error was never corrected, then it is not rare and is considered just the normal card.
Design errors
Next to informational errors, these are probably the 2nd most common, and are usually corrected, so we have a host of sought after error cards due to design mistakes. 2006 Topps Alex Gordon rookie is a good example as this card shouldn’t have even been in the 2006 set. Rumor has it Topps put it in the set thinking he would make the opening day roster, but as it turns out, he did not, so that card (flagship release) should not have been in the set. Another good example is the 1989 Upper Deck Dale Murphy Reverse Negative error – which shows the photo reversed. It was later corrected, so this rare error card is pretty sought after.
What are error cards worth?
And this is the big question. Error cards depend on 2 main factors: Whether or not they have production scarcity (they are far rarer than corrected counterparts) and what the subject is. There are lots of later corrected errors out there that are simply not desirable – probably a common no-name player. But in the NNOF Frank, you take an egregious error of a hall of fame hitter (they forgot his name!), that is FAR more scarce than the mass-produced corrected version (believed to be only 200-500 in existence, as opposed to probably hundreds of thousands of corrected versions), and you have a super sought after card (selling for 5 digits or more in high grade).
Error cards can be desirable and sought after, and thus valuable, for all sorts of reasons. So, it quite literally depends on the card. Take the “F-Face” Billy Ripken (just Google it if you’re unfamiliar), which is probably the most notorious sports error card in history. Or the 1977 Star Wars C-3PO “error” – which may be the most famous error card EVER. The list goes on and on.
One of my personal favorites is the 1990-91 Hoops Sam Vincent. Who? Exactly. But on the “error” version of this card, it shows Sam driving the hoop with Michael Jordan defending him – only Jordan is wearing #12, which happened for only one game. Hoops ended up pulling that photo from the production run and replacing with an entirely different photo.
My husband has a Fleer 94-95 #5 of 26 Card with Clyde Drexlers basketball photo on it on the front. Also has “Fleer 94-95” printed upside down on the front right corner. As well as having the name “Mark Price” also printed upside down on the top right corner. The writing on the back of the card is off centered too. It’s really difficult to find a collector or someone experienced enough to even know if this is worth anything. I wish I knew who to reach out to. This card sure seems as if it’s one of a kind.
Sorry, it’s #15. I thought it was just the #5, but it was the #1 cut off.
I was hoping you might be able to assist me. I have a tops American League 1960 home run leaders card featuring mantle, maris, lemon, and colavito on the face of it.
This card has an obvious production/printing error in which the top of the card is cut incorrectly as is the bottom. In searching a number of online sites I have not seen any other card like it.
Im hope to get some information on it with the prospect of selling.
I have a Jeff Cirillo 2000 Fleer Ultra #143 card. The silver ultra is printed over the Fleer instead of below it and His name and team are above the black when it should have been in the black. Is this just a printing error or is this something I should get checked out?
I have a topps Ozzie Smith, Cardinals (baseball) on one side of card and 1990 Gerald Riggs, Washington Redskins (football) on the other side. I can’t find one on the internet. How much is it worth? Does anyone know?
Hi thanks for the Read. I too have a error card with a few issues to mention. I figure I will attempt to seek information on it.
The card I have is recent so time will tell how many are out there.
I have a Alex Ovechkin H-3 card from the Tom Hortons 2021-2022 NHL set.
It is off centre with the top cut off partially and the bottom having a white space replacing the difference.
On the back the card is upside down but it is centred. The problem is the information is of player Sean Monahan’s Heroes stats.
Any Insight is appreciated.
I’ve got a 1990 opc Guy Carbonneau front with a Ron Francis upside down back.
Not too bad getting to HOFs on same card.
Crazy seeing another with near same prob.
Any idea on 2000 Fleer Feel The Game Tennessee Titan card? McNair game worn pants on front, back states Congratulations on getting Eddie George Game worn pants.
I have over 50 donruss 1990 errors cards are they worth any thing? All in great shape. Thank you.
Yes I have 3 panini chronicles football cards that have one name on font and another on back. Just trying to see if worth anything.
I’ve got a 1994 marvel masterpieces card with back marvel masterpieces and the front 1994 hoops basketball. Any idea that kinda value could send a pic.
Hi, I have a 1994 Marvel Universe card with the front also being an NBA Hoops Kevin Johnson West All-Star image and the back of the card is the back information of the Marvel Ravage 2099.
Do you have any information on these cards or its rarity?
I got a box of sage foot ball cards with a garantee three autographed cards in the box and one of the cards does not have a autograph where it should be does that make it worth more
I have a Cody Bellinger
“Welcome To The Show ”
Topps 2022 card that doesn’t have the card number in the top right corner on the back .
Which is supposed to 62/75.
Trying to find out the value or if this error has been reported.
Thanks for your time.
I have a Sam Vincent NBA Hoops Chicago Bulls card that doesn’t have his name on it . I contacted Beckett and they have no information on this card . Does anyone know if this card is of any value ?
i have one also?
what does a (NNO) stand for? when gradeing cards?
I have a error card from fleer ultra 93 94 with Scottie Pippen on the front in a Celtic uniform number 7 and on the back is him in his bulls uniform. Has anyone heard of this card
I have a misprinted 03 tops Juan Uribe 87 card with ken Macha A’s photo and Rockies border Juan Uribe info on photo. Can’t find anything about it.. I’m positive it’s a misprint
This is the most recent one. Got my Prizm #71 2021 card of Kevon Looney named to Eric Paschall or maybe the other way around😁
Definitely a fan more so of the error cards over the mis-cut card.
The quality control for some of these card manufactures has definitely gotten better over the years.
Love collecting these niche finds, especially when the person selling doesnt realize what they have!!!
Good list of errors, especially that Frank Thomas. Cant seem to get my hands on that yet.
Great article! I found it bc I’m doing research on a NNOF and Missing Foil combo 1996-1997 topps stadium club Rookies 1 #R12 Kobe Bryant. I’m wondering if you have seen or heard anything about this card. I have it graded and wondering if I have a card that not many ppl know about. I have been all over the internet looking.
I have û 2 sets nOf n 90 Donruss Cards,error. Sets. Ibrought them 1990′. One. Has numerous. Errors. , I brought. Several. Boxes. In. 1990 And put. Them. On a shelf. for. 30. Years. I have. Several. Error. Cards. , one. KenGriffey. Misspelled. On. Rev. afrank. Tomas and others
half. Dozen. Team. And. Jersey. Different. Iwould. Like. To. Sale. My cards. As. I. Am. Getting. Old,, I have. 50’ooo. Cards. Old. And. Newer. ,newer. Are. Pro lly. Be. before. 2000
..
Hi, I have a 1994 Marvel Universe card with the front also being an NBA Hoops Kevin Johnson West All-Star image and the back of the card is the back information of the Marvel Ravage 2099.
Do you have any information on these cards or its rarity?
I have a 1992 Stadium Club Football Legend card number 5 of 6. The front of the card is correct but on the back of the card it is nearly correct other than it has a photo of Terry Bradshaw’s 1974 Rookie Card instead of Roger Staubach’s. Has anyone seen this card? I have had since 1992 and have always been curious about it and have seen the correct original card back with RS’s rookie card on the back. Anyone have any info on it? Thank you and have a great day.
I have a 1981 NFLPA Number 221 Ron Bolton That has the top of the card cut off in the bottom of the card shows another card What might this card be worth?
I have a Mark Mcgwire 1988 ALL-STAR SET (#39 of 60) – correct copy. I also have another card with Mark Mcgwire pictured on front with Mike Greenwell information on the back of the card (#20 of 60). Is this of any worth?
Hi kids… I have a 2022 Prestige football card that I need anyone’s thoughts about the card.
It is the orange version of base card 141, Patrick Mahomes II.
There is no foil on the logo and players name.
Because this is the orange version, the card is numbered 18/75. The card is now a 1/1 because of the error.
Your thoughts, Richard
I have a 2021 patrick mahomes card where the print is off only one of its kind
How could you possibly know that it’s the only one there is?
This does not make it a 1/1. You have no way of knowing if that was the time that’s happened.
Hank Aaron SIDE B was recently publicly discovered and disclosed. Incredible such a rare card made it into circulation. Probably rarer than Frank Thomas NO NAME ON CARD and even Hank Aaron Rookie Cards.
Recently discussed in “The 30 Most Valuable Baseball Cards of All Time (2023 Update)” article online .
Can’t wait to see if Heritage Auctions takes this one
Hello! I have a Topps Star Rookie Limited card for Brian Calhoun (lions) from 2012. It is card 225, I believe. The front is a picture of Calhoun, but the bio is for Matthew Stafford. From my understanding, it looks like Calhoun only played in the NFL from 2006-2008 and Stafford didn’t start playing until 2009 and played for the lions until 2020 (before going to the Rams). Is this valuable?
I have a 2021 chronicles patrick mahomes off set printed card
I actually have a nhl goalie card (Devan Dubnyk) which has only his pic on the he front with nothing else. No brands no team name no his name nothing but his pic. Now the back of the card does not exist. It is just empty cardboard.. Hav you heard of such a card? I can send a pic or 2 if you want. What should I do with this card?
Is there significant more value to a 1965 topps luis tiant rc psa 8 #145 with wrong back #146 Hansen on the back? Nothing noted on google. A 1 of 1? Thank you.
I have a jack Clark 1987 Topps but on back it is Paul molitor and it is cut off on the stats but begins to run into another card is this maybe with something ?
I’ve got a Marty Barrett 2nd base 1988 monthly scoreboard card by tops It says 155 next to his name on the front it’s 2 pictures you can see part of Marty Barrett Red Sox only a bat and then there’s A whole other person where you can see only a quarter of the card and its name is BR something with a different border Also on the back the bottom portion of the writing of the card is cut crooked oppose to the top was it worthanother card you can see a 3rd of it with the letters BR something a different uniform
I am in possession of a score Patrick Mahomes fantasy stars card. The back however is a 2019 Daniel Jones Duke draft card. Can you tell me about it?
Hello, Well good morning. So, going through a box of cards I found a couple of misprints and one mis-cut. The misprint is Jose Canseco that if you follow cards a bit I imagine you may have seen it. The other one I can say is ONE OF A KIND! The cut is very obvious and the indentation that should outline the player is clearly not. The player happens to be Alex Rodriguez when he played for the Mariners. It is from a Topps Chome pack #153 , very good condition with NO bent corners. I’m not sure if you are a appraiser or if you could direct us to somebody who could help with value and what not. I would greatly appreciate it and surely if it was valuable I would be willing to pay you back for the assistance. Going to make this short. Hope to hear from you.
I have a 1985 circle K topps collectors series with Babe Ruth being born 2-6-95 & dying on 8-16-48 complete error
I have a 96-97 Michael Jordan fleer base card with no foil where there is supposed to be foil. I’ve looked around and couldn’t find another one online. Tons of Jordan error cards with similar errors but couldn’t find any of the one that I have.
Hello I have a 1999 Topps Football on the front it say Rich Gannon but its a complete different person and not Rich Gannon. Wondering if you could shed any light about if its worth anything.
What if a card has the wrong number and is listed in the set a different number. Another player has that same numbered card.
Do all you people not notice that nobody’s questions are being responded too? This isn’t the place to ask if your random error card is worth anything
I have a Pacific Trading Card with the front of football card #39 of Jermaine Lewis (#84 Baltimore Ravens) on the front and the back of football card #40 Ray Lewis (#52 Baltimore Ravens) on the back. Any idea how much this card is worth?
I have a sports card with Ozzie Smith on the front and Gerald Riggs stats on the back. How much would this error card be worth?