Pujols RC Autograph Buying Guide

This post is inspired by a PM I received from FCB member CAROLINA BOSOX who asked for advice on buying a Pujols RC Auto with a budget of $400-600. This range encompasses most of Pujols's 2001 Autos. Obviously the Bowman Chrome and some of the more limited DLP stuff is much more expensive, but there are plenty of solid options out there on this budget. Here's a look at the cards you could get in this range with some advice on what to look for and which may be good buys.

1. SPx /1500- This is a pretty solid card and falls towards the lower end of the price range, but there are a lot of potential problems with it. First, the SPx is one of the most trimmed cards in the industry. For this reason, I would never buy a raw copy. While that doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting a trimmed card (some do get past PSA/BGS), it's much better to have something slabbed than get a raw copy turned down. Due to the trimming issue, I'd also pay a premium for a card in the old BGS label (subgrades on back). The second problem with this card is the autograph. The stock/pen combo is terrible and most of the autographs are bubbly. This has led to some sellers tracing over or erasing the original auto and replacing it with a more solid signature. Here is a copy of the card I have owned, note the signature quality:

Now compare it to this one:

The SPx is really nice because it is an on card signature. The drawbacks are the high print run, trimming, and bad/altered autograph. BGS 8.5-9 copies can be had for $475-575. I would only buy a graded one, but I would look to some other options first.

2. Donruss Signature Series /330- I covered this card in the blog's first ever post available here. I maintain this is an extremely underrated card. There are only 330 made! That's almost 20% of the SPx print run and about 60% of the Bowman Chrome print run. The problem with this card is the foil borders are very prone to damage. That said, expect to pay a premium for anything graded BGS 8.5 or higher. A raw copy could be had for around $400, while graded copies would be closer to $600.

3. Fleer Legacy /300- In my opinion, this is the nicest Pujols RC auto. Due to the Fleer Bankruptcy, unsigned copies of this card got into the wrong hands and 90% of these are counterfeits. What makes matters worse is that some eBay sellers are now selling what appears to be an authentic copy but is actually just a photocopy. Some of the photocopied cards are even in PSA holders so EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION when purchasing this card. I actually fell for one of these scams, but I was able to get my money back. Here is my guide to identify counterfeits. I also have a database with each serial number and whether or not it contains an authentic autograph. I will be updating this soon, but here is the original post from December.

4. eTopps /32- This could be considered a buyback because the card was offered on eTopps in 2005. I consider it a rookie because it is a signed 2001 card. It is a very attractive card and is signed on card. The last copy traded for $800 but there are several listed as BIN/Best Offer on eBay as I write this. You may be able to sneak this in for $600, but I think $700 is more realistic. For those unfamiliar with the eTopps autograph program, each card is one of the originally issued eTopps cards signed by the athlete at a later date. eTopps offers the autographs at an IPO to users with the card to be signed in their portfolio. The Pujols was IPOed for $199 and traded on the secondary market for up to $1,500 post allocation. I have never seen forgeries of this card, but it wouldn't surprise me. Luckily eTopps has a registry where you can check the COA number.

5. Donruss Class of 2001 /100, Donruss Classics AU- Two more underrated DLP cards. I am a big fan of the DLP base RCs with the sticker autos slapped on them. The back of the Class of 2001 will show numbering /625 (the complete run of the base RC), but only the first 100 copies are the signed parallel. Expect to pay $500-550. The Classics is unnumbered but follows the same formula as the Class of 2001. Expect to pay $400-550. Both are somewhat condition sensitive, particularly around the edges. The Classics is more sensitive.

6. Topps Reserve Uncirculated /555- This is the cheapest option. These cards will go as cheap as $275 and won't cost more than $350. It's not a very attractive card at all. Basically, it's a PSA graded Topps Reserve card and instead of the regular PSA slip at the top of the holder, there is a piece of paper signed by Albert. This was actually my first Pujols AU RC, but I have since upgraded to the much nicer Reserve Rookie Autograph. I'm fairly certain that 554 of the cards were graded PSA 8 and 1 was graded PSA 9.

7. Topps Finest, Bowman, SP Authentic Chirography- I'll group these three together as well. The Finest will compete with the Topps Reserve for the cheapest option as most go for around $300. It's an awful card though because the pens used were terrible and most of the signatures have faded. As with the SPx, this has led many sellers to trace or redo the signature so be very skeptical of any card with a nice signature. I would NEVER buy this card. The Bowman and SP Authentic run slightly higher and are very gradeable. I am not a particularly big fan of either. Both are on card and the SP Authentic has a large space for Albert's signature. Expect to pay $400-500 for raw copies with graded increasing from there.

I hope that's a nice rundown. It gets a little more complicated at the higher price points, but there are certainly options available for those with a decent budget. I would rank the top three as Fleer Legacy, Donruss Signature Series, and Class of 2001/Classics.

Incredible Sale

On the eve of Albert's second multi-homer game of the year, there was a huge sale on eBay.

2001 Bowman Chrome 141/500, Raw condition $7,000 4/11/2010

The seller has only 68 (100% +) feedback and doesn't have any previous card sales in the 90 day history.

Here's the description:

"You are bidding on one the hottest cards out there. This autographed card of Albert Pujols is numbered 141/500. Albert Pujols is one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game and this is his best card!

As you can tell in the picture, this card has perfect centering and razor sharp corners. I have taken very good care of this card. It should grade out very good! Insurance is including in the shipping and handling.

Good luck with the auction!"

While there could be some shenanigans going on, the bid history looks relatively legitimate. I believe this is a substantial new all time high for a raw copy. Even in spring 2006 they only reached about $4,000. This is an exclamation point on a gradual uptick in this card's price. For the second straight year, these have dipped significantly over the off season only to rebound as soon as the season starts. Could it be related to concerns about Albert's elbow? He has had a procedure done each of the past two offseasons. Whatever the reason, if you are in the market for one of these, it's probably best to buy during the offseason.

Signed, Authenticated Pujols RCs

Sorry for the lack of posts in January. I had acquired Pujols's 2001 Studio and 2001 Ultimate Collection RCs to get signed at the Winter Warm Up over MLK Weekend. Albert would sign for $175. Unfortunately he sold out and I did not win the ticket lottery. eBay seller invest.in.legends had a similar idea. He got Albert to sign three RCs and submitted them to BGS/JSA (the seller did not acquire these at the Warmup). Now that the auctions have closed, would this be a profitable idea? I'll use $175 as the cost of obtaining Albert's signature and $20 as the cost of JSA authentication (not including shipping).

2001 Topps Reserve $306

This is probably the best looking of the three. For some reason, Albert did not insrcibe this with the +5(cross) like he did on the other cards. This also looks a lot like pack inserted retail rookie autograph. This card closes anywhere from $100-150, so if you were to do this, you would most likely break even.

2001 Bowman Heritage $290

Again, this is a great looking card. I was hoping to pick this up for around $200. I was really surprised at how high each went. Since this card costs about $30 to acquire, it is undoubtedly the most profitable out of these three.

2001 Topps Traded Gold $286.99

This was most interesting to me. This was the most valuable card (sells for $120-140 with more consistency than the Reserve) and the dark background doesn't lend itself very well to the signature. It looks like other bidders agreed with me as it closed for the least out of the three.

Complete Run of Pujols National or Fanfest Promos

I finally completed the complete set of all Pujols National or Fanfest promotional cards. Here they are:
2001 Bowman Heritage National (Limited to 500, distributed in sealed packs)

2005 Donruss Fanfest (Open 5 Packs of DLP Product)

2006 Topps Fanfest (Open 5 Packs of Topps Product on Sunday)

2006 Upper Deck Fanfest (Open 5 UD Packs on Friday, Sunday, or Tuesday)

2006 Upper Deck National (#'d /500)

2007 Upper Deck Fanfest (Open 5 UD Packs on Friday, Sunday, or Tuesday)

2009 Topps Fanfest (3 Packs of Topps Product any day)

2009 Upper Deck Fanfest (3 Packs of UD Product on Friday)

2009 Topps Fanfest Patch (Must purchase factory set)

2009 Topps ASG Factory Set Bonus (Purchase Set for $50)

Fake Topps Reserve Autograph Listed

Here is the auction in question. Someone must have gotten hold of a blank card stock, signed Pujols's name, and then added an authentication sticker from another Topps autograph. It is clear this signature is not authentic. The seller attempts to cover himself by saying he is not an autograph expert. Obviously, he knows it is fake. My best guess would be this is a big time seller using a new account to dump this.

2001 Donruss Studio Masterstrokes Prime

I was thrilled to acquire this card. Pujols only has 100 2001 issued patch cards. There are 25 on this card and 75 on the Studio Diamond Cut Collection card (actually two cards, 25 are autographed 50 are not). Needless to say this is an awesome card. The two other copies I have seen feature much smaller patches. For around 60% of a Bowman Chrome auto, this is a heck of a deal. The trouble is finding one.

2001 Ultimate Collection

The 2001 Ultimate Collection set is beautiful. When it was released, it featured three of the year's top cards in the Mark Prior, Mark Teixeira, and Ichiro autographed rookies. Each card is #'d /250 and signed on card. With Prior's injury, his fell by the wayside. Despite Teixeira's outstanding play, his hovers around the $200 mark. The Ichiro, however, has soared. Many of the copies are locked in personal collections, so when a nice one (many have a faded autograph) shows up on eBay, they usually close for over $1,500.

Albert did not have an autographed card for some reason. His base card is still #'d /250 and features the exact same design. Despite being unsigned, it is the second most valuable card in the set going for $250-300. As with all cards in this set (autographs included), chipping is a problem. Expect to pay a high premium for a good looking copy. The BGS population report lists only 4 9.5 "Gem Mints" out of 27 copies graded (15%).

I'm hoping to get this signed by Albert. I purchased a lot of base Ultimate cards to try to test various kinds of pens on them. What if UD had made this an autographed card rather than an unsigned base card? How much would it go for today? Ichiro's card commands the high price because it is one of his only signed RCs (SPx). I think the BC would still be the best RC, but if this were signed, it would probably be his second best card. I think it would sell for around $1,300.

2001 Fleer Legacy In Depth Report

I have been tracking all versions of Albert's 2001 Fleer Legacy card for about one year. As explained in this post, there is quite a deal of controversy surrounding this card. To summarize: unsigned copies of the card featuring the "authentic autograph" stamping were sold at Fleer's bankruptcy auction. These cards were forged and have been sold on eBay. Luckily, most collectors have gotten wind of this and the fake versions sell for about half as much as the authentic versions. As a refresher, below is a copy of an authentic version (top) and a fake version (bottom).




The authentic versions have a compact signature in the middle, lower portion of the card while the fakes contain a large, looping signature closer to the middle of the card.

Here is the data I have gathered regarding this card. To date I have tracked 129 (actually 126, 3 have popped up with the same serial number as both unsigned and non authentic signed) different copies of this card. Here is the summary:

Non Signed: 16
Signed: 113
Authentic Signed: 17, 15% of signed
Non Authentic Signed: 96, 85% of signed

This only represents 16% of the 799 print run, but it's clear the authentic signed versions of this card are very scare. Currently the unsigned version goes for about $125. Projecting my findings out to the whole print run, it appears that the unsigned version is just as scarce as the authentic signed version. (Here is my tracking sheet)

Another interesting issue surrounding this card is Beckett Media's coverage of the controversy. In the past year, I've browsed through a Beckett Baseball at the bookstore on two occasions. Both times I was shocked to see this:




If Beckett truly wants to be "Leading Source of Hobby Information", this is unacceptable. Either Beckett does not know about the controversy or Beckett is not doing its duty by providing its readership with accurate information. To the best of my knowledge, Beckett has never acknowledged this problem anywhere. For any card, let alone a card that is usually on its hot list, shouldn't it report on this? Even worse, perhaps the reason it has not reported on this card is because it does not know about it. To me, this is just another reason why Beckett is becoming less and less relevant in this hobby.

Edit
1. As Topnotchsy (excellent guide here) points out, it is misleading to suggest the unsigned version is just as rare as the signed version. There are suppose to be 499 unsigned versions and 300 authentic versions. Obviously, the authentic versions are much less, but there is nothing to suggest the unsigned copies are anything less than 499.

2. Further clarification on the authentic signed vs unsigned scarcity- most of the authentic signed versions I've tracked are in personal collections and will most likely not come up for sale, whereas almost all the unsigned versions tracked were on eBay. If you are in the market for an authentic signed version, you should probably jump at the first one you see.

2001 Bowman Chrome 5/500

There are certain members of the hobby that will do anything to make an extra buck on a card. In the old days, dealers could use Sharpies to touch up the borders on their black-bordered cards. Today, trimming is one of the worst problems with the hobby. There are certain cards that no educated consumer should ever buy raw (Pujols SPx, ARod SP, etc). Some sneakier dealers have taken to rubbing off signatures or serial numbers and redoing them to their liking (There are rumors that many Pujols SPx autographs have been subject to this). Serial numbers are another issue. Luckily most are machine stamped, but hand numbered cards present a problem. Unfortunately, Pujols's 2001 BC autograph has hand serial numbering. On the old Beckett boards, Colorado Rockies Fan (first name: John) had an extensive listing of all Pujols BC copies he had seen on eBay. He listed the certification number, grade, and serial number. It was very complete. No one knows where he is today and I unfortunately deleted the file at some point over the years. Someone on the PSA boards saved the portion dealing with the 5/500 copies:

5/500 Topps sticker #3040260 PSA 9 PSA serial #40002731
5/500 Topps sticker #3040227 BGS 8
005/500 Topps sticker #3040244 BGS 9.5
005/500 Topps sticker #3040359 PSA 9 O/C serial #30119083

As you can see there are multiple copies. There is no way to tell which is real. This one is currently listed on eBay.

2001 Donruss Elite Status

Like the 2001 Fleer Legacy cards, a large amount of these were backdoored. The backdoored versions DO NOT have serial numbering. The authentic versions have serial numbering to 68 on the face of the card. These rarely show up for sale, so it is hard to pinpoint a value. Over the summer, a Red Aspirations from the same set was sold. The Aspirations has a print run of 32. The 6/32 copy was sold in BGS 9 form on August 5th, 2009 for $721.43. Based on this, I think anywhere from $400-450 would be market value for an authentic status.


This auction is currently listed on eBay. Not only is this an authentic status card, it is also Albert's jersey number (5/68), and autographed. This is a beautiful and unique card. What is it worth though?

The best indicator would be the Turn of the Century autograph from the same set. The most recent copy of these sold for $750 in October 2009. However, there are 100 of the TOC autographs. I think $1,000 would be reasonable for this card. Most of that premium comes from the 5/ serial numbering. While it's nice that Albert has signed the card, I like the look of the TOC much more.

Albert Wins Third MVP Award

Albert won his third career MVP award today. He took 32/32 first place votes. Bernie Miklasz has a nice write up of what this does for Albert's legacy.

Albert Pujols Clinches HOF Today

I will start posting more regularly. I realize I have posted mostly pickups the past couple months. I will try to post more about general Pujols collectibles.

2001 Bowman Chrome

Arguably the card of the decade and the best modern card ever produced. I used to own # 188/500 which was a PSA 9 but I sold it during Albert's huge surge in 2006. It's crazy that despite the numbers Albert has put up between then and now, I still got this card for less than I originally paid for mine back in 2004. It's already enroute to BGS.

Big Post Coming Soon

Recently made a big acquisition. I'm sending it to BGS ASAP so I may wait to post it when it comes back.

2001 Absolute Home Openers Souvenirs Home Run

This has long been one of the top cards on my wantlist. I missed the last one that was listed in June and closed for about 250, so when I saw this with a 300 BIN, I used the bing.com and an eBay coupon discount to get a nice deal. These cards are beautiful and I would not hesitate to purchase another copy if the opportunity presents itself in the future.

Pujols Figures

Outside of cards, I also enjoy collecting sports figurines. I have numerous SGA items (bobbleheads, statues, etc), but McFarlane Sportspicks are my favorite. They are very detailed and some of them (Griffey Wall Catch) are incredible poses. Here's what I have of Pujols. I have some holes to fill in terms of SGAs and variations on the McFarlanes.



This was Albert's first SGA at Busch Stadium.



Albert's first (Rookie) McFarlane figure. Terrible pose, but they didn't have much to go on in 2001.



I think this was released in 2004. They made a special edition 2 pack with Curt Schiling that featured a WS patch. This is the regular version.



This is my favorite because it shows Albert in his signature fielding pose. There is an Ultra rare version that has 2006 ASG emblems.

2001 Absolute

I love the look of this card. If it weren't a multi colored piece, I doubt I would have picked it up though. There are 700 of these cards and I have only seen 2 (including mine) that have multi-colored pieces. According to the back of this card, the base pieces used are from 2001 Opening Day bases. The Absolute Home Opener HR parallel has similar pieces and there are only 25 of those. I would estimate there are 15-20 multi-colored base set cards. I paid a 50% premium for mine.

Other Pickups

I love cards produced for special events like the Fanfest or National. After picking up this 2006 National promo, I believe I am only missing the 2006 Topps Fanfest card, 2001 Bowman Heritage National Promo and the 2003 Playoff Portraits Fanfest Green variation to have each card of Albert produced for these shows.


I picked up this bat RC for under $20, which is a steal considering they normally go for around $50. It's nothing special and I wasn't looking for it, but for $20 I couldn't pass.





These were dirt cheap and they are really nice. I'm not sure how many variations there are, but these are really attractive cards.

Finished 2009 Fanfest Set

I'll space a couple postings out over the next several days. I was recently able to complete the 2009 All Star Fanfest set. The last cards I needed were the exclusive Cardinal cards found in the Topps Factory Sets available at the Fanfest. I did not think passing up on the $50 I could get from these by flipping them on eBay was worth keeping the cards from mine, so I waited. At first, the cards spiked, especially the Pujols, but I was able to pick these up for around $20-25 total.

Quick Update

I should have a new mailday post coming up in a week or so. I'll be home for the Playoffs, so I'll have an opportunity to scan some of my new acquisitions. In the meantime, check out this feature on Albert from MILB.com.

One more Mailday

Thanks to some fast shipping from eBay, this arrived today:


This was one of Albert's hottest cards back in 2001 and for good reason: These were inserted as redemption into Donruss. They are uncommon, and one of his best true RCs in my opinion. For whatever reason I got this for $85 whereas a PSA 9 went for over $200 just days before.

Today I also took advantage of the BGS weekly special that grades Pujols cards for $7 at the 10 day level. I sent in both retrofractors (min grade 9) and my eTopps autograph (min grade 9.5). Hopefully they all meet or exceed the min grade!