Joe Montana Rookie Cards

Legendary quarterback Joe Montana is one of the greatest athletes to have graced the National Football League (NFL). The four-time Super Bowl winner played for the San Francisco 49ers for 14 seasons from 1979 to 1992. His jersey number 16 has been retired by the 49ers and he even got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Montana retired as a Kansas City Chiefs player and helped them win a division title for the first time in 22 years.

Joe Montana was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1979 NFL Draft when football rookie cards were not so popular. However, subsequent Joe Montana football cards became immensely popular, especially during the 1980s. Joe Montana’s football trading cards from the 1980s are the real collector’s cards that are immensely valuable and still hold a lot of value.

How many Joe Montana Rookie Cards are there?

Joe Montana has only one recognized rookie card from 1981. At the time Montana joined the NFL, trading cards were not as popular and they started gaining popularity later on during his career. His rookie card, however, set the trend of football card collections as it was the card that drove the card collection hobby through the 1980s.

His 1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card (#216) is the only recognized rookie card and it also has a PSA 10 grading which only 109 cards (0.6% of the total population presented to PSA) have.

Which are the Top Most valuable Joe Montana Cards in 2022?

Although only one Joe Montana rookie card is recognised and worth collecting, the legendary quarterback has a number of valuable trading card options that were printed later. Here is a list of the best Joe Montana cards in 2022:

1. 1981 Topps Joe Montana #216

The only Joe Montana rookie card on the list is the most valuable ‘Joe Cool’ trading card that you can collect. Although Montana entered the NFL in 1979, Topps waited till 1981 to print his trading card as he had not established himself as a starter for the 49ers. This card is probably the most valuable NFL trading card from the 1980s.

2.1986 Topps Joe Montana #156

This is another valuable Montana trading card from the 1980s which features a background mimicking the gridiron. With only 396 cards available from this set list, this is the second most valuable Joe Montana card.

3. 1991 Upper Deck Heroes Joe Montana Heroes Checklist/Autographs #9

This card is a special one for collectors as it features Montana playing for both the 49ers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This card is graded highly by both the PSA and BGS. An autograph from Montana increases the valuation of the card.

4. 2013 Panini National Treasures Joe Montana Colossal Jersey Number Signature - Prime #28

The 2013 Panini National Treasures collection is one of the most sought after by NFL trading card collectors. The Joe Montana Colossal Jersey Number card features Montana scrambling outside the pocket, a place where the quarterback was the most comfortable. This card features his game-worn patch (the iconic number 16 from his 49ers jersey).

5. 2017 Panini Flawless Distinguished Patch Autographs Joe Montana #DI-JM

This beautiful card features a three-set drop and features Montana from the 1990 season which was the best in his career and also for the San Francisco 49ers. The Montana signature is directly on the card which increases its value by a lot.

6. 2003 SP Authentic Sign Of The Times Joe Montana #JM

This card from SP is a homage to Montana as one of the best pocket passers in the history of the NFL. This card is extremely rare with only 25 in circulation.

7. 2000 Donruss Elite Passing the Torch Joe Montana Autographs #PT5

This rare Joe Montana card features Montana playing for the 49ers and in action. There are not any such records of this card being submitted to the PSA for grading and the BGS has only received 20 of these cards for gradation. The highest grade received was a BGS 9.5.

Which Joe Montana Rookie Card is the most expensive?

There is only one Joe Montana rookie card series and a mint condition rookie Joe Montana card is the most valuable Montana card that can be collected. The most valuable Joe Montana card is his 1981 Topps Joe Montana RC #216 as a PSA 10 grade sold on eBay for $60,000 on 5/24/2021.

Where can I purchase Joe Montana Football Cards?

Joe Montana football cards can be purchased from websites like Amazon.com and EBay.com. You can even purchase them from dedicated trading card websites like Topps.com.

ALSO READ: Joe Montana Super Bowl Wins