1999 marked the debut of the highly anticipated Collector’s Edge First Place football card series. Among the many standout players featured in this set, one name stood out above the rest: Edgerrin James.
Selected as the third overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, James quickly made a name for himself in the league. He wasted no time in proving why he was worth such a high draft pick, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first season, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
To commemorate James’ exceptional rookie year, Collector’s Edge released card #170 in their First Place series, featuring the electrifying running back in his iconic Colts uniform. This card garnered much attention from collectors, in part due to its stunning design but also because of its premium “graded” status.
Graded cards have become increasingly popular in the world of trading cards, and the 1999 Collector’s Edge First Place #170 Edgerrin James card was no exception. Grading is a process by which professional third-party companies evaluate a card’s condition, assigning it a numerical grade between 1 and 10. This gives collectors an insight into the card’s quality and authenticity, making it an essential aspect of the trading card market.
The First Place #170 Edgerrin James card received an impressive grade of 8 from Backett, one of the most reputable grading companies in the industry. This high grade confirmed the card’s condition as near-mint to mint, which meant that it was free of any noticeable flaws and handled with care since its release.
Due to the limited number of graded 1999 Collector’s Edge First Place #170 Edgerrin James cards, it has become a sought-after item among collectors. Its rarity, combined with James’ impressive career statistics, has resulted in this card’s value steadily increasing over the years. As of 2021, a graded 8 version of this card can sell for hundreds of dollars, with some even reaching the thousand-dollar mark.
In addition to its value, the 1999 Collector’s Edge First Place #170 Edgerrin James card holds historical significance as one of the earliest cards of a player who would go on to have a successful and memorable career in the NFL. For fans and collectors alike, it serves as a reminder of James’ dominance on the field and solidifies his place among the greats of the game.
In conclusion, the 1999 Collector’s Edge First Place #170 Edgerrin James graded 8 from Backett is a must-have for any avid collector or fan of the running back. Its unique design, rarity, and high grade make it a valuable addition to any trading card collection and a testament to James’ remarkable career.