I talked a few days ago about how some of the best sets of the year are on their way to shelves. One of the products that is similarly important for Panini has been out for a while, and is gaining steam as we move into the draft. 2012 Contenders has been my favorite Panini set in a long time, in terms of design, and yesterday we got our first live examples of one of the most important cards in the set.
With the addition of Percy Harvin, Russell Wilson’s cards have been on fire. The contenders autos were redemptions to begin with, and it hurt their value at first. Once Panini tweeted out that they had been signed, things started to get nuts. Well, they turned out extremely well from the examples posted so far, and its likely that they will overtake Chrome’s unfortunate stickers for Wilson in the value hierarchy.
2012 Contenders Russell Wilson Auto Ticket
2012 Contenders Russell Wilson Auto Ticket Variation /25
2012 Contenders Russell Wilson Auto Ticket Cracked Ice /20
Andrew Luck’s contenders autos have steadily climbed as the draft approaches as well, as collectors are beginning to realize he might be the most elite prospect of the decade. Although the Colts havent really gotten ridiculous in free agency, the weak 2013 class might have sparked a bit more interest in picking up the cards for 2012’s immeasurable popularity. These cards have also started coming back from BGS, and the higher grades are taking quite the premium. I love Luck’s Contenders auto this year, as I think that the 1998 design will forever work well. Even though the non-RPS autos are a disaster, these make up for it.
2012 Contenders Andrew Luck Ticket Auto BGS 9.5
2012 Contenders Andrew Luck Ticket Variation Auto BGS 9.5
Similar to Luck and Wilson’s success, Robert Griffin III’s cards have started to turn around with news of his rehab progressing so well. His cards had taken a hit after his severe injury during the playoffs, but he has gained some of it back with his doctor’s comment regarding his “super human” status. Dont get me wrong, I love RGIII as a player, but I have serious concerns about his durability and his legs. Collectors dont seem to care if he misses a few games at the beginning of the year, and are coming back to his being a top prospect in droves. RGIII’s variation is only out of 50 copies, so it sells the pants off of some of the other top variations, but im curious to see if the value holds when he doesnt make it back for week 1.
2012 Contenders Robert Griffin III Auto Ticket
2012 Contenders Robert Griffin III Playoff Ticket Auto /99
Im sure this could not be a more attractive situation to the card companies who are about to release their biggest products. They want these guys to get back on the value train, and as we come upon the NFL’s biggest offseason party, Im more excited than I can put into words.
Why would adding Harvin do anything for Wilsons value? He’s only played a full year once since he has been in the league and that year he avg’d 5 catches per game…. as a comparison Greg Jennings hasnt done anything for Ponders value..
Even though the RGIII values have started to climb again the hobby is still leary based on the values paid for Kirk Cousins…
Contenders for the big boys has a simple design with on cards autos and a reasonable print run that makes them obtainable even if you want to buy them at auction… Wlison and RGII will always get the headlines but with the division Luck is in and the talent he has its not close for me…
When SP left the market Contenders became the sole number one rookie in the field for low price packs…
Like it or not (and I dont) there is a perception that Nat treasures is the best premium product there is even when the rookies are stickered. There is just something about 5 star that the general hobby doesnt like which is good for me. If Topps would get Rodgers and Brady on card I dont think it would even be a contest…