Top 10 Colin Kaepernick Rookie Cards
When the 2012 season began, Colin Kaepernick rookie cards were starting to collect a thin layer of dust in many collections. With Alex Smith nabbing a new contract, it looked like Kaepernick would be watching the season from the sidelines. As a result, even the most expensive rookies of the 2011 draft pick could be found easily for less than $50.
Funny how an injury can lead to big changes, both on the field and in the hobby.
Following an injury to Smith, Kaepernick was given the ball. And he didn't disappoint. With the University of Nevada product at the helm, the 49ers all of a sudden became hot. That momentum continued through to the postseason with Kaepernick guiding San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance.
Not surprisingly, Colin Kaepernick rookie cards have soared just as much as his stock on the field. Those high-end cards now move in the hundreds, and briskly at that. In fact, Kaepernick has passed Cam Newton as the top rookie card in the 2011 class.
With so many Colin Kaepernick rookie cards to choose from, it's easy for some to get lost in the shuffle. Here's a list of our ten favorites that should remain popular well into the future. Value plays a part in the rankings, but we also wanted to represent a range of different cards that have strong followings.
Top 10 Colin Kaepernick Rookie Cards
10. 2011 Elite Colin Kaepernick RC #120 #/999
A foil-heavy card, the 2011 Elite Colin Kaepernick rookie benefits from being part of a brand with a long history, a common theme on this list. As far as mid-range rookies go, it remains one of the most consistent. Somewhat readily available, it's a popular option for those who might not be looking to add an autograph to their collection.
9. 2011 Topps Chrome Colin Kaepernick RC #25
The 2011 Topps Chrome Colin Kaepernick is far from his most valuable. Yet, it remains one of his most widely collected cards. Collectors can't get enough of the Topps Chrome brand and its many Refractor parallels. This card remains affordable and should, even as Kaepernick's popularity grows.
8. 2011 Panini Gold Standard Colin Kaepernick #262 Autographed Jersey #/525
The 2011 Panini Gold Standard Colin Kaepernick has a lot going for it. The autograph-jersey combination leads, but the same can be said for many of his top rookies. Most of the jersey swatches feature multiple colors. The card is also hard-signed using silver ink, something else that helps it stand out. Numbered to 525, it's one of the most plentiful Colin Kaepernick rookie cards that has an autograph and a jersey.
7. 2011 Topps Inception Colin Kaepernick RC #126 Autograph #/500
Bolstered by a unique look and an on-card autograph, the 2011 Topps Inception Colin Kaepernick is one of his most striking cards. The heavily stylized image may appeal to some and be a bit of a turnoff for others. As the Inception brand solidifies itself over time, this could emerge as an even stronger option as some collectors. It's one of the few Kaepernick rookies that's hard-signed and doesn't have a jersey swatch.
6. 2011 Panini Limited Colin Kaepernick RC #212 Autographed Jersey #/299
The combination of the on-card signature, jersey swatch and low numbering are all enticing. The die-cut window that reads "49ers" helps the 2011 Panini Limited Colin Kaepernick rookie card stand out from other similar cards.
5. 2011 Panini Playbook Colin Kaepernick RC #110 Autographed Patch Book Card #/399
This is the biggest Colin Kaepernick rookie -- literally. This book card has both and autograph and a huge patch swatch. The other side of the card has both an intense action shot and a nice portrait. The card has a lot going on, but there's a nice balance to it.
4. 2011 Panini Crown Royale Colin Kaepernick RC #202 Autographed Jersey #/299
Part of the Rookie Silhouettes subset, 2011 Panini Crown Royale has one of the most distinct Colin Kaepernick rookie cards. A die-cut image of the quarterback is layered over top of a large patch swatch. The bottom of the card also delivers an on-card signature.
3. 2011 Playoff Contenders Colin Kaepernick RC #227 Autograph
The 2011 Playoff Contenders Colin Kaepernick is proof that serial numbers aren't everything and that sometimes brand loyalty is an important with collectors. The Rookie Ticket theme has long been a favorite with football fans. Despite unconfirmed quantities, this card remains one of the top-selling Kaepernick cards on the market.
2. 2011 Topps Five Star Colin Kaepernick RC #181 Autographed Patch #/65
This is the rarest Colin Kaepernick rookie -- but is it too rare? Limited to just 65 copies, the QB's 2011 Topps Five Star card doesn't show up very often. As a result, it flies somewhat under the radar. That said, as the Five Star brand gathers steam, it could emerge even stronger. Few are going to complain about the on-card autograph that is complimented by a patch piece (although the patch window is also smaller than some other brands).
1. 2011 Playoff National Treasures Colin Kaepernick RC #325 Autographed Patch #/99
National Treasures has established itself as one of the top ultra high-end brands in the hobby. The 2011 Playoff National Treasures Colin Kaepernick has a massive patch swatch that is complimented by a hard-signed autograph. Numbered to 99, it's also one of the rarest Kaerpernick rookies. This perfect storm of factors make it the top rookie card of the 49ers quarterback.
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Terrell | Jan 22, 2013 | Reply
#4… I had the GREEN version. Sold it for $75 a year ago… all I can say is.. DOH!
Jeff | Jan 22, 2013 | Reply
Ryan,
I have his Exquisite autograph #/75.Should that be on this list?BTW..Long time 9er fan.
Ryan Cracknell | Jan 22, 2013 | Reply
Jeff » Exquisite is a great set, but it’s a college card, not NFL. As a result, we don’t view it as an official RC so it’s not on the list. If we were doing a top Kaepernick cards of all-time or 2011, it’d be on there (with SP Authentic).
Jeff | Jan 22, 2013 | Reply
I forgot about that being a college card.Thanks Ryan.
Mike | Jan 22, 2013 | Reply
I have the Ultimate Leaf Draft #2/5 and was wondering how much it is wanted by collectors.
James S | Aug 28, 2013 | Reply
Great read, thanks. Go 49ers!!
Jamie | Jun 27, 2015 | Reply
I just pulled a 2011 Crown Jewel Rookies Kaepernick Autograph 9/10. I have been told that it is worth less than $60 but I have a hard time believing that. Do you know what it’s worth today? Thanks