No longer just "Peyton's baby brother" or "Archie's son", Eli Manning has emerged as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. And with a second Super Bowl within reach, Eli Manning card and memorabilia collections are ready to take off. As a top college quarterback out of the University of Mississippi, Manning was the first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Diego Chargers, he was immediately traded to the New York Giants.
Expectations were huge for the young player, both within the NFL ranks and with Eli Manning card collectors. Although inconsistency plagued his early career, Manning had an amazing run through the 2007 NFL Playoffs. That season resulted in a Super Bowl MVP for Manning as the Giants beat the undefeated New England Patriots. It was a close game where Manning orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Unfortunately, Manning was unable to sustain the same momentum over the next few season. However, it seems that he may primed for another great playoff run in 2011 after a Pro Bowl-caliber regular season. While he will always be compared to his older brother, perhaps unfairly, Eli Manning has planted himself among the top-level of the NFL.
At one point, Manning was not even considered among the best of the 2004 rookie class, which also featured Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Schaub, Michael Turner, and Steven Jackson. Now, Manning is primed to take top billing.
Playing under the bright New York spotlight, Manning has seen his share of criticism but he maintains great nationwide exposure and a stable of endorsement deals. If 2011 marks his transformation into a consistent top-five quarterback, now is the time for collectors to invest before values take off. Another Super Bowl win would increase his hobby interest exponentially and even set him apart from Peyton, who only has one Super Bowl victory.
Eli Manning has nearly 50 rookie cards, which can be found for as low as a couple of dollars and all the way up to several hundred. The top rookie Eli Manning card options are all autographs.
Top Eli Manning Rookie Cards
2004 SP Authentic #216 Autographed Jersey #/299
Despite the awkward photo shoot image, the 204 SP Authentic Eli Manning card is a hobby favorite. Featuring a jersey piece, on-card autograph and low print run, the card is a great addition to any collection.
2004 Ultimate Collection #130 Autograph #/150
The 2004 Ultimate Collection Eli Manning card boasts a lower print run than the SP Authentic card and also includes an on-card signature. The clean layout has more mainstream appeal and the card should remain a hobby favorite for years to come.
2004 SPx #221 Autographed Jersey #/375
This card can easily be summed up in one word: blue. Amazing color variety aside, the 2004 SPx Eli Manning card features a sticker autograph and an x-shaped jersey piece. Although the sticker autograph and higher print run puts the SPx card at a lower level than the Ultimate or SP Authentic rookie cards, it continues to be heavily pursued by collectors.
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Eli Manning Rookie Card Checklist
Budget Rookie Cards
- 2004 Bazooka #200
- 2004 Bowman #111
- 2004 Fleer Tradition #331
- 2004 Playoff Prestige #151
- 2004 Score #371
- 2004 Topps #350
- 2004 Topps Draft Picks and Prospects #150
- 2004 Topps Pristine #87
- 2004 Topps Total #350
- 2004 UD Diamond All-Star #91
- 2004 UD Diamond Pro Sigs #91
- 2004 Upper Deck #201
Mid-Range Rookie Cards
- 2004 Absolute Memorabilia #225 Jersey #/750
- 2004 Donruss Classics #228 #/500
- 2004 Donruss Elite #134 #/500
- 2004 Flair #61 #/799
- 2004 Fleer Authentix #103 #/750
- 2004 Fleer Genuine #76 #/500
- 2004 Fleer Inscribed #76 #/750
- 2004 Fleer Platinum #136 #/299
- 2004 Fleer Showcase #110 #/599
- 2004 Fleer Sweet Sigs #77 #/999
- 2004 Greats of the Game #71 #/999
- 2004 Leaf Certified Materials #225 Jersey #/1250
- 2004 Leaf Rookies and Stars #275 Jersey #/750
- 2004 Leaf Rookies and Stars Longevity #275 Jersey #/299
- 2004 Playoff Hogg Heaven #173 #/750
- 2004 Playoff Honors #225 Jersey card #/750
- 2004 Reflections #114 #/450
- 2004 SP Game Used #184 #/425
- 2004 Topps Chrome #205
- 2004 Ultra #201 #/500
- 2004 Upper Deck Foundations #258 Jersey #/499
- 2004 Upper Deck Legends #160 #/650
Premium Rookie Card
- 2004 Bowman Chrome #225 Autographed #/199
- 2004 Bowman's Best #126 Autographed #/199
- 2004 Finest #110 Autographed #/399
- 2004 Hot Prospects #83 Autographed Jersey #/350
- 2004 Leaf Limited #225 Autographed Jersey #/150
- 2004 Playoff Contenders #131 Autograph, print run of 372 copies
- 2004 Playoff Prime Signatures #144 Autograph #/99
- 2004 SkyBox LE #61 #/99
- 2004 SP Authentic #216 Autographed Jersey #/299
- 2004 SPx #221 Autographed Jersey #/375
- 2004 Sweet Spot #290 Autograph #/150
- 2004 Topps Signature #90 Autographed #/299
- 2004 Ultimate Collection #130 Autograph #/150
- 2004 Upper Deck Finite HG #266 #/99
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Eli Manning Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Eli Manning's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not substitute for having your items authenticated by a wellrespected professional autograph authentication company.
Signed Football Pricing:
Average eBay Sales Price: $200
Lowest Amazon Price: $245.95
Signed Jersey Pricing
Average eBay Sales Price: $220
Lowest Amazon Price: $329
Signed 8x10 Photo Pricing
Average eBay Sales Price: $80
Lowest Amazon Price: $329
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