Market outlook
Stable Outlook 7/10
The card benefits from evergreen demand tied to three famous quarterbacks, but its common base-card status limits explosive growth. Prices are likely to remain strongest in graded 10, graded 10, and other top-grade examples, while raw and mid-grade copies should move more slowly.
Next months. Expect stable pricing with modest fluctuations based on auction visibility and grade population changes.
Long term. Over 1-3 years, top-grade copies should hold value well and may appreciate gradually, while raw copies are likely to remain near current levels unless broader football-card demand rises.
History
This card features three of the most significant quarterbacks of the 2004 NFL Draft: Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. Eli Manning was drafted first overall by the San Diego Chargers and then traded to the New York Giants, where he became a two-time Super Bowl MVP and franchise icon. Philip Rivers was selected fourth overall by the Giants and immediately traded to the Chargers, where he became one of the NFL’s most prolific passers and a long-time team leader. Ben Roethlisberger was selected 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly established himself as a franchise quarterback, winning multiple Super Bowls. The card’s significance comes from pairing three elite quarterbacks from the same draft class on one rookie-era insert/base issue, making it a key modern football collectible.
The card was first released in 2004 as part of Fleer Tradition Football, specifically card #351 in the 2004 Fleer Tradition base set.
- It is a rookie-year card for the famous 2004 quarterback draft class trio.
- Market listings identify it as card #351 in 2004 Fleer Tradition Football.
- Price guides show strong grade sensitivity, with graded 10 and graded 10 copies selling far above ungraded examples.
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Common
- Print run
- Very High
- First printed in
- 2004 Fleer Tradition Football
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- High
- It is a base/common card, not a serial-numbered or autograph issue.
- Supply is relatively abundant in raw form due to the 2004 production era.
- High-grade examples are scarcer because the card’s paper stock and print quality make gem-mint copies harder to obtain.
Collector notes
Condition. Check centering, corner wear, edge chipping, surface scratches, and print defects. 2004 paper football cards are especially prone to soft corners and edge whitening, and high-grade copies require strong centering and clean surfaces. Because this card is commonly collected graded, small flaws can significantly reduce value.
Storage. Store in a penny sleeve and rigid top loader or card saver, ideally inside a team bag for dust protection. Keep the card in a cool, dry, dark environment to avoid warping, fading, and surface damage. For long-term preservation, avoid handling the edges and consider professional grading if the card appears gem-mint quality.
Authenticity. Authentic copies should match the standard 2004 Fleer Tradition stock, design, and print quality. Verify the card number, player names, and back printing against known examples. For higher-value graded copies, confirm the grader’s certification number and label details, since this is a common enough card that altered or counterfeit slabs are possible, though raw reprints are not widely associated with this specific issue.
Sources: sportscardspro.com, allstarcardsinc.com, collectrea.com, fanaticscollect.com, collectibles.com
