What are the best Randy Moss rookie cards?

One of the greatest receivers of all-time, Randy Moss still holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record (23 in 2007), along with the NFL single-season touchdown reception record for a rookie (17 in 1998), and is second on the NFL all-time regular season touchdown reception list with 156.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, Moss was named to the National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team a year later. 

Here’s a roundup with five of the best Randy Moss rookie cards to collect, featuring signed options and various rare parallels.  

The Best Randy Moss Rookie Cards

Randy Moss rookie cards were released in 1998, in a season in which he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 21st pick. 

5. 1998 Skybox E-X2001 Randy Moss RC #55 (eBay)

The first Randy Moss RC to make the list is found in the 1998 Skybox E-X2001 collection. It’s not especially expensive by any means, because the Moss base card was included in the majority of boxes. However, pristine copies are still fairly valuable, more so if they’ve been graded by a reputable company like PSA or BGS. You’ll also be able to find an Essentials Credentials Future card, and a Stardate parallel within the set. 

Check prices of 1998 Skybox E-X2001 Randy Moss RC on eBay 

4. 1998 SP Authentic Randy Moss RC #18 (eBay)

Limited to 2,000 copies, the 1998 SP Authentic Randy Moss RC also has a die-cut version with a print run of just 500. When looking at the base edition, despite being serial numbered, only pristine versions have managed to hold major value over the past 25 years. (For example, a PSA 8 copy recently sold for under $400.)

It features two images of a rookie Moss in his debut year, and it’s one of the more popular brands overall. 

Check prices of 1998 SP Authentic Randy Moss RC on eBay

3. 1998 SP Authentic Player’s Ink Randy Moss RC #RM (eBay)

Sticking with the same 1998 SP Authentic set discussed directly above, this time we’re looking at a Randy Moss RC auto. As one of the only officially signed rookie cards featuring the player, it sells for a decent sum compared to the average base card. The signature is also of the on-card variety, which is always a perk for collectors. In truth, it doesn’t have the greatest design, but it’s still one of his top options.   

Check prices of 1998 SP Authentic Player’s Ink Randy Moss RC on eBay

2. 1998 SPx Finite Randy Moss RC #239 (eBay)

The 1998 SPx Finite is another premium Randy Moss rookie card that is instantly recognizable thanks to the ornate foil found in the middle. Base copies are numbered to 1998, while parallels include Radiance and Spectrum. With a print run of 325, Spectrum parallels are some of the rarest RCs to make the list. We’ve included an image below: 

Happily, base versions are fairly affordable, unless they happen to be pristine and graded. 

Check prices of 1998 SPx Finite Randy Moss RC on eBay

1. 1998 Playoff Contenders Randy Moss RC #92 (eBay)

There’s no better Randy Moss RC than his Rookie Ticket, which is found in 1998 Playoff Contenders sets. It uses a traditional RT design, with an image of the player superimposed over the orange and white background. There’s a signed version, coming in with a print run of only 300 copies. 

(The set also contains a Peyton Manning Rookie Ticket Autograph. It is seen as one of the crown jewels of the modern hobby.)

In addition to the regular Rookie Ticket Auto, there are a couple of unsigned parallels, with the Red version being the most common. (It can be seen in the image above.)

A Gold version is numbered to 25 and doesn’t show up very often. Because of the print run, it commands strong prices as a rare Moss collectible.

Check prices of 1998 Playoff Contenders Randy Moss RC on eBay

Randy Moss Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide 

What do we think of the market for the best Randy Moss rookie cards to collect?

As they were released in 1998, print runs were far higher than modern sets. There’s an abundance of base Randy Moss RCs to look out for, including options like the SP Authentic with 2,000 copies overall. 

The 1998 Playoff Contenders Randy Moss RC would probably be our pick as the best option. Most collectors are fans of the Rookie Ticket design, and it’s valuable if you’re looking at graded versions. Player’s Ink is always going to be the cheaper option in comparison. 

Final Thoughts 

Moss entered the Hall of Fame in 2018, which had a small impact on the price of his best rookie cards. On the other hand, he played in two Super Bowl games. They were XLII with the Patriots, and XLVII with the 49ers, although he was on the losing side both times. 

There are obviously going to be better investment options, but Moss is still one of the more important players in the recent history of the sport.