What are the best Captain America cards to collect, and why are they so expensive in comparison to the average Marvel hero? Here’s a roundup with five top options to look out for.
The first Avenger, Captain America is potentially the most popular superhero from the Marvel universe. We’ve looked at heroes like Hulk and Spider-Man in the past, as well as major villains like Thanos.
But what about Steve Rogers? The name might have initially put some fans off, but Chris Evans was highly successful in converting a wave of new fans to the franchise. As of now, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has donned the famous shield.
The Best Captain America Cards
We’ve come up with a list containing five of the best Captain America cards, from affordable options to the rarest PMGs.
5. 1990 Impel Marvel Universe Series 1 Captain America #1 (eBay)
Where better to begin than the classic 1990 Impel Marvel Universe collection. Captain America is the first card within the base set, listed in the Super Heroes section. It features a traditional design for Steve Rogers with shield in hand, and it’s one of five to feature the first Avenger within the set. Unfortunately, he wasn’t included in the Holograms insert subset.
Check prices of 1990 Impel Marvel Universe Series 1 Captain America on eBay
4. 2016 Marvel Masterpieces Captain America vs Iron Man #BS-9 (eBay)
2016 Marvel Masterpieces is up next. Rather than the base Battle Spectra Captain America vs. Iron Man card, we’re looking at the Battle Spectra Gems release, which is limited to 99 copies.
It features the two heroes in the midst of battle, and comes with a serial number on the reverse. Given the low print run, it can be tough to locate. This also made our list of the best Iron Man cards to collect, mixing it up with two popular icons.
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3. 1994 Marvel Masterpieces Captain America #1 (eBay)
Featuring art by Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, 1994 Marvel Masterpieces is another classic collection that contains a duo of Captain America cards. Rather than the base version, we’d stick with the Holofoil insert, seen above. There are Bronze, Silver, and Gold Holofoils, and they’re all affordable unless you’re looking at rare PSA 10 graded versions. For example, PSA 9 copies of the Silver card can be found for roughly $20:
- Parallels: Bronze (1:4 Walmart packs), Gold (1:4 Jumbo packs), Silver (1:3 Hobby packs)
Check prices of 1994 Marvel Masterpieces Captain America on eBay
2. 2015 Fleer Retro Marvel Precious Metal Gems Captain America #5 (eBay)
This is where we begin to head into four-figure territory. Precious Metal Gems (PMG) cards are some of the more notable high-end hits within the hobby. The 2015 Fleer Retro Marvel Captain America PMG is extremely condition sensitive, chipping at the slightest touch. It features a superb illustration of the hero leaping towards the viewer.
Base copies are red, and are limited to just 100 copies. There are a further three parallels, with the Green PMG seen above. It’s hard to think of many superior options, unless you head back a few years to 2013.
- Parallels: PMG Blue #/50, PMG Green #/10, PMG Gold 1/1
Check prices of 2015 Fleer Retro Marvel Precious Metal Gems Captain America on eBay
1. 2013 Fleer Retro Marvel Precious Metal Gems Captain America #9 (eBay)
The 2013 Fleer Retro Marvel PMG Captain America card easily takes the top spot, with a hefty price tag and just 100 copies of the Red version. Wrapped in a familiar finish, the 2013 PMG release is the original, as it was the first time they made the leap from sports sets like 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe Basketball. (That’s why it’s more valuable than the 2015 PMG card seen above.)
- Parallels: PMG Blue #/50, PMG Green #/10
Check prices of 2013 Fleer Retro Marvel Precious Metal Gems Captain America on eBay
Why are Captain America cards so popular?
Captain America cards have exceeded expectations over the past two decades, fuelled by the popularity of the Marvel films, and the hero himself. There’s now a new Captain in the form of the Falcon, who donned the famous shield after Steve Rogers’ retirement in the finale of Endgame.
Aside from rare serial numbered options like the Marvel PMGs, the majority of older Cap cards are easy to obtain.
Captain America Cards: Final Thoughts
Captain America cards are some of the more valuable options in recent sets. The character is popular worldwide, and will be returning in a feature film in 2024. It’s easy to see why collectors are interested in the rarest releases.