In the world of trading cards, spotting potential trading cards can give you an early lead in the race. And if you’re the kind of person, who keeps on asking your collector friends or shop owners about your next card purchase, then you have come to the right place.
According to The Business Research Company, the global trading card market is expected to reach an overall market valuation of $348.59 billion in 2025 from $324.2 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This means that there will be more money poured into the trading card market by investors.
In such a case, you should be ready to take your bets fast before someone else cuts you out of the loop.
In this blog, we shall cover the 5 best — $10 trading cards that can make you a significant amount of profit. So, here we go!
Caution: Readers are advised to take any purchase decisions only after doing their own market research and risk analysis.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Trading Cards To Collect for Profit:
5. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks Edition)
The first player, who is on our list, is none other than Karl-Anthony Towns. Karl’s card market has been very soft in recent years.
Even after reserving a position as the NBA All-Star in 2024, the limited market of Minnesota didn’t provide him with great exposure.
Thanks to his recent trade to the New York Knicks, his card prices are expected to grow significantly, especially in case of a strong playoff performance.
As per earlier predictions, Jalen Brunson’s NT cards after the trade to the New York Knicks saw a similar 3x meteoric rise in their card prices.
Card Recommendation: Look for any 2015-16 Karl-Anthony Towns’ Prizm Rookie Cards in graded conditions (PSA 9 or better). In January 2025, they are selling at $10 to $15, on average!
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Second-Year Cards)
Let’s hop into the next pick of the list. Experts believe that Giannis’ cards are wickedly underpriced in 2025 and are not complimenting his current performances.
There are several second-year Giannis cards circulating the market that were formerly priced at $100 but are currently selling for under $10.
Some believe that this is because of his injuries in the last few seasons that his card market is crumbling.
That said, if Giannis manages to come into the spotlight again and manages a strong-performing season, then his card prices are definitely going to resurge. In such a case, since his first-year cards are already too expensive, it would be best to look for his second-year cards to make a good profit off of them.
Additionally, it is quite possible that the Greek Freak would want a move if Bucks’ becomes a hindrance in his path to win, which might act as a catalyst for his card pricing.
Card Recommendation: 2014-15 Giannis’ second-year Prizm cards are ideal to make a good profit. These cards—were once valued at over $100—have seen a steep decline, but with a trade or another championship run, they could rebound dramatically.
3. Kevin Durant (2006 Fleer Rookie Cards)
On the number three, we have the most popular on this list, Kevin Durant. His cards are also fairly underpriced. Kevin Durant still hasn’t lost his prime time charm but has had some hard luck at playoff success in the recent years.
Still, there is a lot of upside in his card market, which can be confirmed by looking at the card prices of some of the other players with the same caliber.
The cards can also be purchased from a long-term investment perspective as he reaches close to his retirement years. It is fair to say with his kind of popularity, he’ll still remain relevant for a lot of years even after his retirement.
Card Recommendation: You can focus on 2006 Kevin Durant rookie cards around $10. It is certainly hard to find them at this price point, but cards such as 2006 TOPPS MCDONALDS XRC #B19 KEVIN DURANT RC, even in a grade 8 wouldn’t be a bad purchase.
2. Brock Purdy (Future Star Potential)
Brock Purdy cards have seen a massive decline in their prices. Despite a down year for the 49ers due to injuries, Purdy’s individual stats remain impressive, and he’s positioned as the team’s future quarterback.
Purdy’s cards have dropped over 20% in the last 90 days. If you also believe that Purdy is the face of the 49ers, then this bet can be low-risk but high-rewarding as he returns back to his prime form.
Card Recommendation: You can try to get your hands onto 2022 Brock Purdy Prizm cards under $6-$7 so that the total cost + shipping comes close to $10. You can check out cards such as the 2022 Panini Chronicles Prizm Black BROCK PURDY RC on eBay.
1. Sam Darnold (A Surprising Pick)
As surprising as it may sound, Sam Darnold’s cards are also pretty underappreciated. Especially as the season progresses, Sam Darnold is looking to be leading one of the best teams in the NFL right now.
It was also surprising to see how many people lost hope for Minnesota after JJ McCarthy went down. But surprisingly, the team held it together and is looking better than before.
Hence, the Vikings are potential contenders for the NFC Crown. Them making it into the playoffs could be a flipping opportunity for Darnold’s card prices.
Card Recommendation: Invest in 2018 Darnold’s low-population Prizm cards. These are available for $5 to $10 and have tremendous upside potential, especially with a potential Viking’s playoff run.
See also: Mastering the Art of Early Detection: Spotting NBA Trading Cards in 2025
Conclusion:
There are various fluctuations in the trading card market right now. Keeping your eye open and analyzing the trends that lead to a rise in trading card prices can make you a huge amount of profit. For that, the above list can help you to take your bets and is also made considering not to be a big burden on your pocket. So, follow the leads and do the necessary.
FAQs:
What types of Trading Cards are most profitable?
For profitability, collectors generally look towards basketball, football, baseball and soccer cards in sports and pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards in non-sports cards category.
What is the Best Trading Card to get into?
Although, sports cards are expected to grow faster than non-sports cards, both have a significant collector fan base. The best trading cards will be the ones that you like. In this way, you’ll be able to give your full heart into it.
What Trading Cards to Collect in 2025?
Here is a list of top 5 best trading cards to collect for profit in 2025:
1. 2018 Sam Darnold’s low-population Prizm cards
2. 2022 Brock Purdy Prizm cards
3. 2006 Kevin Durant rookie cards
4. 2014-15 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s second-year Prizm cards
5. 2015-16 Karl-Anthony Towns’ Prizm Rookie Cards
The best part about these cards is that you can get them under $10.
Where to take Trading Cards to get them graded?
According to popularity, PSA graded cards are the collector’s favorite and are sold at a much higher rate than graded cards from other companies.
Where to sell Trading Cards for best profit?
You should sell your low priced cards on popular online marketplaces such as eBay, with a “buy it now” option. And, you should sell your higher end, rare, or vintage cards on eBay on “auction” or on other popular auctions sites such as Heritage.
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