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What is your Holy Grail in your collection? (Mine is a special 1992 Atlanta Hooters 500 NASCAR ticke

Every collection has that "special" piece that ranks as the best item in a collection. Whether it's signed, game used, 1/1 or whatever, lets see what you're most proud of. I'll start it out and include a picture of my item.

I'm a ticket stub collector, well known in the NASCAR ticket collecting community (of which there are probably a whopping 5-10 collectors). I've been lucky to collect some pretty rare and pretty special tickets and related memorabilia over the years. Whether it's a ticket to the first Daytona 500 in 1959 or an unused ticket to the first Southern 500 in 1950, I've got some nice pieces.

But my #1 ticket is an unused ticket from the season ending race at Atlanta in 1992, the Hooters 500. (More on this ticket later, and why it specifically is so special...) Widely considered the greatest NASCAR race of all time. Going into this race, no less than SIX drivers had a shot at winning the Winston Cup Championship. Not only that, it was Richard Petty's final race and was the very first career start for future legend Jeff Gordon.

Davey Allison led the standings coming into the race, with Bill Elliott second, and Alan Kuwicki third. Davey Allison was eliminated after a crash and the race and Championship came down to Alan Kulwicki and Bill Elliott.

Bill Elliott won the race and led 102 laps during the day. However, Alan Kulwicki finished 2nd and amazingly led one more lap (103) to clinch 5 bonus points for the leading the most laps, winning the 1992 Winston Cup Championship by only 10 points. (At that time, the closest championship finish ever).

From the amazing finish, to the fanfare surrounding Richard Petty's final race, and the fact that this was Jeff Gordon's first start, this race was truly special.
This race was sold out and pretty much impossible to get a ticket to. The grandstands were absolutely packed and the hype surrounding Richard Petty's "Fan Appreciation Tour" was unbelievable. He WAS Nascar. He was the Beatles, Elvis, and Babe Ruth rolled up into one. Nobody was bigger than Richard Petty, his records are STILL untouchable. A true NASCAR legend for all time. Anything with #43 on it was collectible.

Which brings me back to this special, full unused ticket from this race. I've been able to collect more than one unused ticket from this race, and used ticket stubs are plentiful and highly collected, but this one, especially to true NASCAR fans and even more so to Richard Petty fans will leave no doubt as to why it's my favorite piece.

This ticket was to a seat in the East Turn grandstand and was for section #43, seat #43, row #43. This ticket is not a reprint or a special item in tribute of Richard Petty, it is a real unused race ticket featuring his #43. It is in near mint shape. Any light or dark spots are from the protective sheet.

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Collector of Nascar ticket stubs from 1949-present. 1,464 different tickets and growing! Visit www.nascarticketstubs.com to see which ones I need.

Comments

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    Sorry, I don't have a scan, but it is a 1935 National Chicle Bronco Nagurski PSA 6.

    Brian
    1911 C55 hockey
    1935 National Chicle
    1961 Golden Press
    1962 Bell Brand Dodgers
    Top 200 cards in the hobby
    Top 250 cards in the hobby
    All time lakers
    All time Dodgers
    1957 Disney Characters
    1965 Donruss Disneyland
    1966 Get Smart
    Brian
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    otwcardsotwcards Posts: 5,291 ✭✭✭
    Perhaps not much to some, but since most know my set of passion, this original 1948 Leaf wax box probably holds a top spot at the moment (still have yet to know of another):

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    fkwfkw Posts: 1,766 ✭✭
    as far as mystery, rarity, and overall attractiveness..... this one cant be topped

    1933 R340 Sport Kings Premium (??) Babe Ruth (unique)

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    unique 1/1 (known), only known example from what is thought to be a R340 Goudey Sport Kings Premium, that was never issued as intended (per wrapper mail-in offer of 50 wrappers).

    This is NOT a R309-1
    1. green name plaque and extra green border, unlike the gold name plaque of the R309-1
    2. it is about 1/2" wider and taller than a R309-1 because of the extra green border
    3. the image is far superior in contrast and quality when compared to the common R309-1
    4. back easel is of a different design, ie square top instead of the rounded top on R309-1
    5. this premium matches exactly the Goudey Proof (Originated from the files of the Goudey Gum Co.) that sold in 2005 at REA for over $4K

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    R340(?), Goudey Proof, R309-1

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    if anyone knows of another one of these, please let me know, I try to post this a few times a year and have never heard of another in the 5 years Ive own this piece.
    thanks
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    This is my crown jewel:

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    I'm building a 1968 and a 1970 Topps set. I have lots of 1970s and 1960s to offer in trade.
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    KNAPPKNAPP Posts: 654 ✭✭✭
    1st Generation photo from the 1889 John L. Sullivan / Jake Kilrain fight. This was the last bareknuckle heavyweight championship fight. It measures 20 x 16 with the photo measuring 16 x 10.

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    the KNAPP collection - specializing in boxing and wrestling
    Always looking to buy or trade for Andre the Giant autographs
    psacard.com/psasetregistry/non-sports/famous-personage/andre-giant-master-set/alltimeset/180400


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    Brady has 5 different 1/1 RCs, still hunting the other 3 down. Id like to think of these as his "Superfractors"

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    Greatly overpaying for a 2000 Fleer Showcase Tom Brady PSA 10
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    llafoellafoe Posts: 7,220 ✭✭
    Here's my Holy Grail:

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    WANTED: Cincinnati Reds TEAM Cards
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    DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,220 ✭✭
    The custom card that Doran made for me. I could not believe when I found the personalized auto on eBay back when. Not the most valuable but I have to say it's very special.

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    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
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    Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some really superb stuff guys!

    I don't have a "grail" - unfortunately - at least not yet.

    I do have what I consider a "special" collection - as many know - sheet music for Take Me Out to the Ball Game by Jack Norworth - 1908.

    I've been working with the HOF for about 2 years now - and have catalogued more variations than anyone else.

    Tim Wiles - the Director of Research - who co-wrote a book on the music estimated that there's probably something like 30 different variations - but until I contacted them - they had 6 less than I did.

    I now have a total list of 29 variations - and currently have 28 different pieces.

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    It's believed that the copy with Sadie Jansel is the "first" edition of the sheet music - I have no idea if anyone has true documentation to back that claim.

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    Merry Christmas everyone!
    Mike
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    stevegarveyfanstevegarveyfan Posts: 579 ✭✭✭✭✭
    OK, Stone193, first off, I disagree. Your whole sheet music collection is, collectively, a holy grail. That is fan-TAS-tic! Wish I had those in my collection!
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    please deleteimage
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    lahmejoonlahmejoon Posts: 1,668 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Here's my Holy Grail:

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    image >>




    He chose...poorly.
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    vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭
    Awesome stuff guys!

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    vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭


    << <i>please deleteimage >>



    Wrong card? If you owned that thing I would be showing it off!
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    I too, do not feel that I have a particular Holy Grail YET! I guess one of my nicest is my Marichal rookie PSA 9, even though he's a SF Giant. Here's a scan of the high kicking, bat slinging, roosterfighting, SF Giant Dominican:

    image
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    Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,910 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice card!

    I read your post and decided to look up Marichal on Wiki.

    WOW. Some crazy stories!!


    Johnny Roseboro incident
    Marichal is also remembered for a notorious incident that occurred on August 22, 1965, in a game played against the Giants' arch-rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers.[23] Twice in the first three innings, Marichal had thrown near the head of Dodger leadoff batter Maury Wills. As Marichal was batting against Sandy Koufax in the last of the third inning, Dodger catcher Johnny Roseboro's return throws to the mound flew too close to his head and one grazed his ear. Words were exchanged, and Roseboro, throwing off his catcher's helmet and mask, rose to continue the argument. Marichal responded by repeatedly hitting Roseboro's unprotected head with his bat.[24] The benches cleared into a 14-minute brawl, while Giants captain Willie Mays escorted the bleeding Roseboro (who would require 14 stitches) back to the clubhouse.
    Marichal was ejected, suspended for nine days and fined $1,750 (equivalent to $12,906 as of 2012)[25]. He was also barred from attending the Giants' final series with the Dodgers, in Los Angeles on September 6–7. Photos of the incident (Official Baseball Guide 1966, Sporting News, p. 19) also show Tito Fuentes (who was in the on-deck circle) wielding a bat threateningly, but Fuentes did not actually hit Roseboro and was not ejected. Roseboro sat out the next couple of games and returned to the lineup on the 25th.[26] Roseboro filed a lawsuit against Marichal, but eventually settled out of court, supposedly for $7,000 ($51,624 as of 2012),[25]. Marichal and Roseboro would eventually go on to become close friends, reconciling any personal animosity and even autographing photographs of the brawl. It is possible that the settlement agreement, terms of which are not public, may have required Roseboro to refrain from displaying any animosity toward Marichal.
    Many people protested the apparently light punishment meted out, since it would cost Marichal only one or two starts. The Giants were in a tight pennant race with the Dodgers (as well as the Pirates, Reds, and Braves) and the race was decided with only two games to play. The Giants, who ended up winning the August 22 game and were down only 1⁄2 game afterward, eventually lost the pennant by 2 games. Ironically, the Giants went on a 14-game win streak that started during Marichal's absence and by then it was a two-team race as the Pirates, Reds, and Braves fell further behind. But then the Dodgers won 15 of their final 16 games (after Marichal had returned) to win the pennant. Marichal won in his first game back, 2–1 vs. the Astros on September 9, (the same day Koufax pitched his perfect game vs. the Cubs,) but lost his last three decisions as the Giants slumped in the season's final week.



    Juan Marichal
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    mrmint23mrmint23 Posts: 2,249 ✭✭✭
    My first Mantle rookie and the nicest graded 69 white letter autographed.
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    AlbertdiditAlbertdidit Posts: 560 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Brady has 5 different 1/1 RCs, still hunting the other 3 down. Id like to think of these as his "Superfractors" >>



    Wow!....those Brady cards would bring in some serious cash!!!!!
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    mcadamsmcadams Posts: 2,611 ✭✭✭
    1) My '77 and '78 Topps PSA 10 Dale Murphy RCs from the Dmitri Young collection.
    2) 86' Fleer Jordan RC given to me at Christmas '90 when I was 13 by parents. Will never trade that card.
    Successful transactions with: thedutymon, tsalems1, davidpuddy, probstein123, lodibrewfan, gododgersfan, dialj, jwgators, copperjj, larryp, hookem, boopotts, crimsontider, rogermnj, swartz1, Counselor

    Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
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    MattyCMattyC Posts: 1,335 ✭✭
    For me it's more like a trinity...

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    MattyC, those are some seriously impressive cards you have there.

    Well anyways, here is mine. I cant imagine getting something else that would replace this one.

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    Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,910 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A


    I can't pick one card out. My Holy Grail is my #1 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A set. By far the most valuable set of wrestling cards that exist.



    Here are a few scans.




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    royalbrettroyalbrett Posts: 620 ✭✭✭
    Here's the best of mine:

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    Yeah, I uploaded that KC icon in 2001
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    CWCW Posts: 1,200 ✭✭✭
    Some phenomenal stuff already posted, guys!

    In my collection, it would be this....

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    Big80sBig80s Posts: 2,758 ✭✭✭
    Awesome cards, guys! I love seeing the cards that come out of the woodwork in threads like these.

    I consider a few different cards to be the Holy Grail of my collection, and this is one I don't think I've shared yet on the board...

    1928 Yuenglings Ice Cream - Lou Gehrig (PSA 7)
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    Let's Rip It: PackGeek.com
    Jeff
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    swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,911 ✭✭✭
    Here is my true 1 of 1...

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    Looking for 1970 MLB Photostamps
    - uncut


    Positive Transactions - tennesseebanker, Ahmanfan, Donruss, Colebear, CDsNuts, rbdjr1, Downtown1974, yankeeno7, drewsef, mnolan, mrbud60, msassin, RipublicaninMass, AkbarClone, rustywilly, lsutigers1973, julen23 and nam812, plus many others...
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    Beck6Beck6 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭
    I love this old ticket. Full unused and came back authenticated by PSA this year. Picked it up at the National. It is my favorite piece right now, but I reserve the right to change in 2013.


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    Registry Sets:
    T222's PSA 1 or better
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    MattyCMattyC Posts: 1,335 ✭✭


    << <i>Some phenomenal stuff already posted, guys!

    In my collection, it would be this....

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    DAAAAMN. Been looking for that card in that grade for a hot minute now-- to no avail. What a piece!
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    milbrocomilbroco Posts: 2,709 ✭✭✭
    Nice stuff guys. I do not have a photo as of now because whatever happened to villagephotos.com, but mine would be a 1909 Panoramic World Series Photo. It is a beautiful item and I will try to get a picture and posta a scan tomorrow.
    Bob
    ebay seller name milbroco
    email bcmiller7@comcast.net
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    Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,351 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>OK, Stone193, first off, I disagree. Your whole sheet music collection is, collectively, a holy grail. That is fan-TAS-tic! Wish I had those in my collection! >>

    Thanx for the kind words. Never thought of it that way.

    Merry Christmas!
    Mike
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    orioles93orioles93 Posts: 3,464 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Its one of these 2. I couldn't decide on just one!

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    What I Collect:

    PSA HOF Baseball Postwar Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 77.97% Complete)


    PSA Pro Football HOF Rookie Players Set Registry- (Currently 19.26% Complete)


    PSA Basketball HOF Players Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 6.02% Complete)
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    MrNearMintMrNearMint Posts: 1,209 ✭✭✭
    It's almost embarassing talking about my best cards after seeing some of the cards you all have. But as of right now the best (most valuable) card I own is a 57 Topps Johnny Unitas rc that's actually being graded by Beckett right now. My favorite card I own is a 67 Topps Mickey Mantle psa 7 because it was the first vintage card I bought and I'll probably never get rid of it.
    I know their not super high end but just like everyone, I have to start somewhere.
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    gregm13gregm13 Posts: 5,798 ✭✭✭
    It's tough having to choose only one, however this is my current favorite auto'd rc in my collection:

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    Rgs,

    Greg M.
    Collecting vintage auto'd fb cards and Dan Marino cards!!

    References:
    Onlychild, Ahmanfan, fabfrank, wufdude, jradke, Reese, Jasp, thenavarro
    E-Bay id: greg_n_meg
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    CWCW Posts: 1,200 ✭✭✭
    MattyC said:

    "DAAAAMN. Been looking for that card in that grade for a hot minute now-- to no avail. What a piece! "

    thanks, Matty! Picked it up on eBay back in '09. Not sure how it escaped the caramel stains. Your "trinity" was amazing as well. Let's just say I wouldn't kick your '52 Topps Mantle out of bed for eating crackers.... image

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    MattyCMattyC Posts: 1,335 ✭✭
    Thanks. And please, never sell that Cobb without trying me first, LOL; it's now the example to which every one in that grade must measure up!
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    As a Jordan guy, it these two for me all day:


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    blee1blee1 Posts: 713 ✭✭✭
    This is my graded jewel, until I get my 78' Dorsett PSA 10..........my actual jewel is my 65' Namath which I don't have a scan of.
    image

    ...and I'm still looking for a 52' Bowman large Landry ..if you have one.
    Skips PSA Exchange
    Successful transactions with: yankeeno7, raiderguy10, Beck6, CDsNuts, DaveP01, Dboneesq, Elemenopeo, gameusedhoop, georgebailey2, Goldlabels, gstarling, justmichael, etc

    Working on.........
    Tony Dorsett Master Set
    1977 Topps Mexican FB (raw)
    1957 Topps FB Set (raw or graded)
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    Some awesome stuff you guys have! Really nice museum pieces right in this forum alone. I cant speak for myself on individual cards as I have not focused much on any one card to get. So at least I can say for the time being is an 84 Donruss sealed box courtesy of BBCE. We will see what 2013 brings. image
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    I don't really do cards, my passion is Pro Football Hall of Fame autographs. I have, what I consider, 6 or 7, extraordinary items, but, If I had to pick just one, it is really pretty easy. That one, would be, the back side of a check, that was endorsed by Charles Bidwill. There are VERY few known autographs of Bidwill, and his is definitely, the 2nd toughest, signature of the entire Pro Football Hall of Fame to find.

    Rocke
    WANTED:Football Hall of Fame Autograph's;Hugh Ray,Tim Mara,Charles Bidwell,Walt Kiesling,Bill Hewitt,Len Ford,Fritz Pollard,Curly Lambeau,Steve Owen & Joe Carr. FOR SALE : 100's of auto'd HoF 8x10's & dozen's of auto'd HoF cards.
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    BunchOBullBunchOBull Posts: 6,188 ✭✭✭
    For my Frank Thomas Collection:

    Cards -
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    Tickets - 1st HR & 500th HR
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    Memorabilia - Signed and inscribed piece of the Metrodome underwhich he hit both his 1st and 500th HR.
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    For my Clemente Collection:

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    Collector of most things Frank Thomas. www.BigHurtHOF.com
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