Eli Manning
Date of Birth: 1/3/1981
Rookie Card Year: 2004
Investment Rating: 7.5
Overview
While he might always be "Peyton's baby brother" or "Archie's son" to some, Eli Manning has been among the league's best while in his prime. Despite winning a second Super Bowl (and second SB MVP) with the New York Giants, Eli Manning rookie cards and autographs have been largely kept in a reasonable territory due to his rollercoaster career.
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.
Although inconsistency defined his long career, Manning had an amazing run during the 2007 NFL playoffs. That season resulted in a Super Bowl MVP for Manning as the Giants beat the undefeated New England Patriots and Tom Brady. A similar season unfolded in 2011, with the Giants again claiming the title over the Patriots and Manning earning the championship MVP award. He may not have been able to match the statistical level of his older brother Peyton Manning, but the two finished their careers with the same number of titles.
Eli Manning has nearly 50 rookie cards, with prices starting as low as a couple of dollars. Of course, the top Eli Manning rookie card options are all autographs.
Not likely to come as a surprise, the Mannings are frequently featured on the same autograph cards. This includes Eli and Peyton, Eli and Archie, and the entire Manning QB trio.
Top Eli Manning Rookie Cards
2004 Playoff Contenders Eli Manning #131 Autograph (PR=372 copies)
The Contenders Rookie Ticket line is a top choice every year and this is not any different for Eli's first season. While the set now boasts on-card autographs most years, 2004 offered large foil stickers. The card is not numbered but the announced print run is only 372 copies.
2004 SP Authentic Eli Manning RC #216 Autograph Jersey #/299
Despite the awkward photoshoot image, the 2004 SP Authentic Eli Manning card is a hobby favorite. Featuring a jersey piece, on-card autograph and a low print run, the card is a great addition to any collection.
2004 Ultimate Collection Eli Manning RC #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 Eli Manning RC #221 Autograph 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 put the SPx card at a lower level than the Ultimate or SP Authentic rookie cards, it continues to be heavily pursued by collectors.
Eli Manning Rookie Card Checklist
Eli Manning Rookie Cards - Budget List
- 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
Eli Manning Rookie Cards - Mid-Range List
- 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 & Stars #275 Jersey #/750
- 2004 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity #275 Jersey #/299
- 2004 Playoff Hogg Heaven #173 #/750
- 2004 Playoff Honors #225 Jersey #/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
Eli Manning Rookie Cards - Premium List
- 2004 Bowman Chrome #225 Autograph #/199
- 2004 Bowman's Best #126 Autograph #/199
- 2004 Finest #110 Autograph #/399
- 2004 Hot Prospects #83 Auto Jersey #/350
- 2004 Leaf Limited #225 Auto Jersey #/150
- 2004 Playoff Contenders #131 Auto (PR=372 copies)
- 2004 Playoff Prime Signatures #144 Autograph #/99
- 2004 SkyBox LE #61 #/99
- 2004 SP Authentic #216 Auto Jersey #/299
- 2004 SPx #221 Auto Jersey #/375
- 2004 Sweet Spot #290 Autograph #/150
- 2004 Topps Signature #90 Autograph #/299
- 2004 Ultimate Collection #130 Autograph #/150
- 2004 Upper Deck Finite HG #266 #/99
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