The Many Different Types of NASCAR Collectibles

With any sport, hand autographed (as opposed to stamped signatures), authenticated merchandise is a treasured collectible. NASCAR is certainly no exception. These are the types of gifts that have special meaning to both the giver and receiver. For the serious lover of NASCAR an autographed item can be one of the most treasured of possessions passed down from generation to generation. Autographed memorabilia are truly genuine pieces of history. The value of the oldest of these items is equal to items many times it's original value. These items should be considered investments and kept within the bonds of family as long as possible while they increase in value.

Anything with a verified signature has value. One man sent in a question to an online appraiser about a dollar bill he has which bears the signatures of Lee, Richard, Kyle and Adam Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. The appraiser notes this is not only a unique collectible but a valuable one, placing the value at $250-350.

Medallions are also a great collector item, though some are naturally more valuable than others. For example, medallions were given to each driver of the first Daytona 500 in 1959. One appraiser indicates the Inaugural Daytona 500 Medallions are quite rare and today, depending on the driver, would be worth $250-500.

Clocks are another interesting collectible. Like other items, their value increases depending on the driver. Clocks featuring the beloved Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison are now worth around $150-250.

Lithographs, shadow boxes and paintings retain or gain value depending on the driver, the artist of a lithograph, painting or print (Sam Bass is one of the most famous), and any peculiarities of the piece. For example, a Sam Bass lithograph published in 1996 featuring Dale Earnhardt, Sr. shows Earnhardt's car painted like an American flag in red, white, and blue to commemorate the summer Olympics in Atlanta. It also has several profiles of the driver in the background. It measures 18" x24" and had a limited edition run of 1996 prints, and the piece is now worth between $300 and $450.

Replicas of favorite or popular drivers' cars are always a big draw for collectors. NASCAR diecast cars typically come in two scale sizes, 1:24 and 1:64. Diecast haulers, motorcycles and other vehicles are popular, too.

Mugs, steins, plates, programs, race tickets and coins are collected by fans; and while wearables (shirts, hats, jackets) are always in fashion on the NASCAR circuit, they aren't considered collectibles. Autographed pieces might be one exception to the rule, and a driver's uniform or helmet might be two others.