The Ultimate Guide to Randy Moss Football Cards
Summary & Career Highlights
Rookie Year: 1998-99
Iconic Rookie Card: 1998-99 Topps Chrome #35
Highest Public Sale: 1998 Ultra Masterpiece #207P for $36k on Fanatics Premiere on February 21, 2025
Similar Career Players: Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, Michael Irvin, Jerry Rice, Rod Smith, Torry Holt, Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Marvin Harrison
Players with Similar Cards to Check Out: Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Tony Gonzalez, Edgerrin James, Torry Holt, Brian Urlacher
Career Highlights
NFL Hall of Fame
1998 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
4x All Pro
6x Pro Bowl Selection
HOF All 2000s Team
NFL 100 All Time Team
4th All Time in Career Receiving Yards (15,292)
2nd All Time in Career Receiving TDs (156)
Iconic Cards
Icon Key
Prospective Card Cost:
💰 - Under $250
💰💰- Under $1,000
💰💰💰- Under $5,000
💰💰💰💰- Under $15,000
💰💰💰💰💰- Over $15,000
Rarity:
💎 - Common & High Serial Number
💎💎- Serial Numbered or Pop Under 200
💎💎💎 - Serial Numbered or Pop Under 100
💎💎💎💎 - Serial Number or Pop Under 50
💎💎💎💎💎 - Does this card even exist? Serial Number or Pop under 10
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1998-99 Skybox E-X2001
#55 Essential Credentials Now /55
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Randy Moss’ 1998 E-X2001 Essential Credentials epitomizes the bold and innovative designs of the 1990s. Its design combines acetate card stock, silver foil, and layered depth to create a visually stunning masterpiece The card also introduced the “Mirrored” serial numbering system. The “Essential Credentials Now” cards were numbered to a player’s position in the base checklist (e.g., /55 for Moss), while the “Essential Credentials Future” cards were numbered based on their distance from the bottom of the checklist (e.g., /6 for Moss). Moss’ 1998 Essential Credentials Future has yet to sell publicly.
1998-99 Leaf Rookies & Stars
#69 Red /25
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: The 30-card “Crusade” insert set was distributed as part of the 1998 Leaf Rookies & Stars and was released in three colored parallels: Green /250, Purple /100, and Red /25. Although it wasn’t the first insert set to feature a rainbow chase element, it has become a popular collecting project since its debut. Its iconic design is bolstered by its cross-sport popularity, with its baseball counterpart being one of the most sought-after cards of the 90s.
1998-99 Skybox Premium
#240 Star Rubies /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: The 1998 Skybox Premium design was shared across its football, basketball, and baseball releases and remains one of the most recognizable sets of the late 90s. While the iconic Star Rubies parallel was limited to 50 copies in basketball and baseball, some of the football Star Rubies were even rarer. The first 210 cards in the checklist had their Star Rubies serial-numbered to 50, while the final 40 cards, which were all rookies, were short-printed to 35 copies. Moss, Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Hines Ward, and Fred Taylor, all 1998 rookies, were included in the /35 group.
1998-99 Metal Universe
#190 Precious Metal Gems /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Randy Moss’ 1998-99 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMG) /50 card held the record for the highest public sale of any Moss card for three years before getting dethroned by his 1998 Ultra Masterpiece 1/1. While this marked the second year of the Precious Metal Gems parallel, it was the first PMG issued for Moss. The all-foil “Scope” design gained cult-like popularity among collectors in the late '90s, celebrated for its unique look, scarcity, and nostalgic appeal. As with all rookies in the set, Moss is shown in his college uniform. The 1998-99 Metal Universe set is also home to Moss’ Gem Masters 1-of-1 parallel, widely regarded as one of his best cards, which sold publicly in an August 2018 PWCC auction.
1998-99 SP Authentic
#18 /500
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: All SP Authentic rookie cards carry the 'Future Watch' designation. First introduced in 1997, the Future Watch tag has been a staple of SP Authentic football, baseball, basketball, and hockey releases. With the base version numbered to 2,000 copies, Moss’ Future Watch rookie card is already scarce compared to some of his other base rookies. Its foil design makes it prone to chipping, making high-grade copies even harder to find. For collectors seeking an even rarer option, there’s a die-cut version limited to 500 copies, which we have pictured here.
1998-99 Bowman's Best
#109 Atomic Refractor /100
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Bowman's Best is like the wild, older step-sibling of Bowman Chrome—loud, bold, and unforgettable. While the base version is appealing on its own, the parallels are what helped this set make its mark on the hobby. The refractor is serial-numbered to 400, but it’s the Atomic Refractor serial-numbered to 100 that steals the show. Bowman’s Best first introduced the Atomic Refractor in the 1996-97 release, but the 1998-99 version, featuring a cracked-ice design, has become the favorite among collectors.
1998-99 Fleer Brilliants
#140TG 24kt Gold /24
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Few one-and-done sets have achieved the lasting legacy of 1998-99 Fleer Brilliants and its iconic 24KT Gold parallel. Widely regarded as one of the finest examples of a gold refractor from the 1990s, this card's allure is amplified by its extreme scarcity, with only 24 serial-numbered copies in existence. Public sales are rare, often occurring only once every few years, as most of Rany Moss’ copies are securely held in private collections. At the time of this Player Profile's publication, only 8 public sales of this card had been recorded.
1998-99 Topps Chrome
#35 Refractor
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎
About the Card: The third-year Topps Chrome release features a clean gold-bordered design, framing rookie Randy Moss mid-route. While it’s not his most iconic rookie card or the most flattering image, collectors appreciate its connection to the prestigious Topps Chrome brand. The 1998 Topps Chrome set included just one parallel: an unnumbered refractor. However, collectors should be aware that, like many early Topps Chrome refractors, the 1998 edition is prone to 'greening'—a condition where the refractor finish takes on an opaque green hue over time.
1999-00 Metal Universe
#131 Precious Metal Gems /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎💎
About the Card: While Moss’ 1998-99 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMG) card continues to set new price records as a rookie card, I can’t get past the fact that he’s shown in a Marshall University jersey. Personally, I’d prefer Moss’ 1999-00 Metal Universe PMG. The grungy sheet metal design may not have been for everyone, but I think it’s an upgrade over his 98-99. The gold foil material makes this card exceptionally condition-sensitive, making high-grade examples incredibly hard to come by.
1998-99 Fleer Brilliants
#7 Shining Stars Pulsars
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎-💎💎💎💎
About the Card: 1998-99 Fleer Brilliants is most well known for the 24KT Gold parallel, but the set also has an insert set that’s worth some attention too. The 15-card “Shining Stars” insert set was a fairly common insert falling 1:20 packs. But it was the Pulsars parallel of the Shining Stars set that shone bright (Pun intended). Shining Stars Pulsars featured a refractor finish and was 20x as rare as the base version, falling 1:400 packs. If you want a beautiful card with an element of rarity from 1998 Fleer Brilliants, and can’t pay the 24KT price, this is the card for you.
2002-03 Finest
#22 X-Fractor /20
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰-💰💰💰💰 (No recent sales)
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Several Finest cards could have made this list before reaching 2002—his 1998 Refractor and Finest Futures Refractor /75 come to mind. However, what makes Moss' 2002 Finest cards stand out is the rarity of the parallels in the set. While there weren’t many, each one carried significance. The 2002 Finest lineup includes a Refractor numbered to 250, a Gold Refractor numbered to 25, and the debut of X-Fractors, which, limited to just 20 copies, were the rarest of the group. You can’t go wrong with any of the three.
2004-05 Ultimate Collection
#USPRM Game Jersey Super Patch /15
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: In the second year of Ultimate Collection football, Upper Deck introduced the Game Jersey Super Patch. The memorabilia card featured an oversized patch of a game-used jersey and is one of the largest early Moss patch cards. Serial numbered to 15 copies, Upper Deck selected high-quality patches that have stood the test of time.
1999-00 Donruss Elite
#16 Passing the Torch Carter/Moss Auto /1500
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: There wasn’t a better 1-2 wide receiver punch than Randy Moss and Cris Carter in the 1999-00 season. Moss’ quick ascendence to elite WR status made him an easy choice for card manufacturers to feature prominently across key inserts and set chases. One set to do so was Donruss Elite in their “Passing the Torch” autographs. Moss is featured twice in the insert autograph set with a solo autograph numbered to 1500 and a dual autograph with Carter numbered to 1500. Both cards provide an excellent entry point for collectors looking to add an early Moss autograph.
1998-99 Ultra
#406P Platinum Medallion /66
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: 1998 featured a few notable “Firsts”, but one of the biggest was the first year of the numbered Ultra Platinum Medallion. Ultra introduced the Platinum Medallion parallel in the 1997-98 set and was inserted every 1in 100 packs. According to Fleer, the print run was less than 150 copies in the 1997 debut. Fleer followed up the popular parallel debut with a serialized version in 1998, numbering each parallel to 98 copies. 1998 Ultra also introduced the 1-of-1 Gem Masters which is identical to the front of the Platinum Medallion. The only difference is a purple foil stamp on the back of the card that says “The Only 1 of 1 Masterpiece”.
1998-99 Flair Showcase
#5 Legacy Collection Row 1 /100
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Randy Moss’ 1998 Flair Showcase ticks many boxes for collectors: rookie card, significant set, multiple variations to chase, and stunning designs. The set's four-tier configuration (Rows 0, 1, 2, and 3) offers collectors a choice of unique designs. However, the standout feature is its parallels. The Legacy Collection parallels, limited to just 100 copies, and the 1-of-1 Masterpieces bring an added level of rarity to these already exquisite cards. One important caution: watch out for backdoor copies. The easiest way to verify authenticity is to check for the player’s name in blue foil on the back of the card—a key distinguishing feature of legitimate copies.
A Few of My Favorites
Our favorites list features plenty of ink, a mix of minimally designed cards, and unique designs that laid the foundation for popular future designs. Make sure to check out the honorable mentions list below too, there were another dozen cards that could have easily made the list!
1999-00 UD Retro
#RM Inkredible
Why It's a Favorite: I’m not sure if UD Retro was a product built with kids in mind, but they gave collectors of all ages some amazing cards to collect. From the collectible tin/lunchbox the cards came in, to a clean base card design, it looked like a fun rip. But the reason the set stays relevant more than 20 years later is because of the Inkredible autograph insert set. The 30-card insert set was released in an unnumbered base version and a gold parallel that was serial numbered to the player’s jersey number. I like the look of the silver on the base better than the gold, but appreciate the rarity and look of the hand numbering on the gold. If you can’t pick just one, why not grab both?
1999-00 Upper Deck Century Legends
#RMC Epic Signatures Gold /100
Why It's a Favorite: Upper Deck Century Legends’ Epic Signatures Century Gold autograph checklist features an epic 28 Hall of Famers in the 29-card checklist (Sorry Doug Williams). The card is minimally designed and provides plenty of white space for the attention to be drawn to the player’s signature. Love it or hate it, the 100 copies are also hand-numbered, which adds another unique element. It’s an intriguing insert set to collect, and I think looks much better than its baseball counterpart.
1999-00 Stadium Club
#CS5 Co-Signers Moss/Rice
Why It's a Favorite: Moss’ electric rookie campaign, a season where he was first-team All-Pro, pulled in 17 TDs and had over 1,300 receiving yards, earned him a spot alongside Jerry Rice in Topps’ Stadium Club Co-Signers card. This was the first dual auto to feature the two greats, and although it’s not numbered, the card has been transacted under 100 times to date. It doesn’t get much better than a dual on-card autograph of these guys unless…
2018-19 National Treasures
#12 Synced Signatures Brady/Moss
Why It's a Favorite: Tom Brady played with a lot of great receivers, but none of them matched rivaled Moss’ talent or production. Moss pulled in a record 23 receiving TDs in 2007 and notched 1,493 yards on top of it. The 2018 National Treasures Synced Signatures dual autograph isn’t the first dual autograph of the Brady and Moss, but it is the first on-card autograph of the pair. Moss is featured twice in the checklist with his other appearance being alongside Cris Carter.
2000-01 Topps Gallery
#GH6 Gallery of Heroes
Why It's a Favorite: Many of the most popular modern card designs have roots that can be traced back to the 90s. Panini’s Stained Glass insert is one of the more popular Prizm inserts, given its combination of aesthetics and rarity. But long before Stained Glass was a thing, lived the “Gallery of Heroes” from Topps Gallery. First introduced in 1997, Gallery of Heroes was an insert set that was designed around the stained glass look. Moss’ Gallery of Heroes is a really cool die-cut card printed on acetate card stock that can be picked up without breaking the bank.
Honorable Mentions
1999-00 Skybox Dominion #9 Atlantitude Warp Tek /84
1998-99 Fleer Brilliants #7 Shining Stars Pulsars
1998-99 Leaf Rookies & Stars #199 Longevity
1999-00 Skybox Premium #9 2000 Men /100
1999-00 E-X Century #50 Essential Credentials Future /41
1999-00 Leaf Certified #128 2-Star Mirror Gold
1999-00 Skybox Premium #1 Shining Star Rubies /30
1998-99 Skybox Premium Autographics /50
1998-99 Playoff Contenders #92 Rookie Ticket Gold /25
1998-99 SP Authentic #RM Players Ink
1998-99 Skybox Thunder #242 Super Rave /25
1998-99 Topps Certified #A1 Autograph
1998-99 Finest #F13 Futures Refractor /75
2012-13 Prizm #168 Gold Prizm /10
2000-01 Donruss Elite #PT13 Passing the Torch RIce/Moss Auto /500
2002-03 Fleer Throwbacks Greats of the Game Auto
1999-00 SPx #51 Radiance /100
1999-00 Fleer Mystique #1 Star Power /100
1999-00 Metal Universe #9 Linchpins
1998-99 Bowman #A7 Certified Autograph Silver