Joe Montana's Rookie Card Tops Five Highest-Sale Cards

A former San Francisco 49ers quarterback has achieved significant success in the collectibles market, with his five highest-value trading cards selling between $38,000 and over $100,000. According to Sports Illustrated data compiled by D. Allen Thompson, Montana's 1981 Topps rookie card sold for a record-breaking $103,200 in March 2022 via Goldin Auctions after being graded PSA 10. This sale surpassed the price of another high-value item: a one-of-one SkyBox Legends of the Draft dual patch card featuring Montana and Tom Brady that fetched $103,000 on eBay in August 2025. The article notes Montana joined the NFL in 1979 before winning four Super Bowls with San Francisco and earning three Most Valuable Player awards. His legacy continues to drive value for limited-edition cards documenting his career across multiple teams.