5 Trading Cards Under $500 (November 2025)
Trading cards under $500 for November 2025—five data-backed picks with prices, sales volume, and trends.
5 Trading Cards Under $500 (November 2025)
Welcome to figoca’s monthly budget buys—five trading cards under $500 chosen for liquidity, recognizable sets, and clear 30‑day trends. This tier fits collectors who want meaningful players and brands without stretching the wallet.
We prioritize steady sold comps, true rookie identifiers, and entry points that hold up for newcomers and hobbyists alike. Think budget trading cards you can research quickly and resell if you change direction.
If you’re new, start here: 10 smart tips every collector should know and PSA vs CGC vs BGS vs SGC: Grading guide for 2025.
TL;DR
- Budget first: Keep total spend near $500; include shipping/tax.
- Demand & liquidity: Favor stars/rookies with consistent 30–90 day sales.
- Risk-aware: Balance momentum with durable, low-drama holds.
- Sets that matter: Topps/Topps Chrome, Prizm/Select, Donruss/Optic.
- Verification: Check sold comps, parallels, and condition before buying.
Not financial advice. Prices and availability change—always verify sold comps and condition.
Best trading cards to buy for a $500 budget
Shohei Ohtani
2018 Topps Holiday #HMW17 PSA 10
Seasonal Topps rookie-year card of a global two‑way star with cross‑market demand. 125 sales in the last 30 days support liquidity. PSA 10 keeps condition risk low—treat as a patient hold and buy clean, centered copies.
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Drake Maye
2024 Donruss #379 PSA 10
Rated Rookie of the 3rd overall QB with clear hobby attention. 58 sales in 30 days and a moderate entry price make this a low‑risk, small‑bet slab. Expect gradual re‑rating with development; prioritize centering and surfaces.
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Victor Wembanyama
2023 Select #87 PSA 10
Hyped rookie in a recognizable chromium line with strong global interest. 64 sales over 30 days indicate healthy liquidity. Confirm base vs parallel before buying—rarer tiers price higher and carry more variance.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2019 Topps Chrome #201 PSA 10
Flagship chromium rookie of an established MLB slugger with real production. 73 sales in the last month and a recognizable brand make it a liquid lane. Buy the copy, not the listing—eye appeal drives outcomes.
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Birthday Pikachu
2021 Celebrations: Classic Collection #24 PSA 9
25th‑anniversary reprint of a beloved promo that blends nostalgia with modern holo appeal. 64 sales in 30 days and accessible PSA 9 pricing support liquidity. Inspect for print lines and edge whitening before buying.
View on eBayHow to Use This List
- Check sold comps across 30–90 days; ignore single outliers.
- Buy the copy, not the listing: centering, corners, and surfaces matter most.
- Plan grading intentionally—only when condition and value delta justify the fee.
- Stay disciplined: set a max price per card and stick to it.
- Parallel sanity check: confirm base vs parallel (esp. Select/Prizm/Topps Chrome).
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Related Guides
- 10 smart tips every collector should know
- PSA vs CGC vs BGS vs SGC: Grading guide for 2025
- Fake PSA slabs: a 60-second check
- On-card vs sticker autos: what collectors value
- Use the figoca browser extension to see comps on eBay
FAQ
What are the best rookie cards under $500 in November 2025?
Topps Chrome (MLB), Donruss/Optic and Select (NBA), and recognizable NFL rookie lines offer steady demand. Prioritize cards with proven sold volume and clean condition.
Are these budget trading cards good candidates for grading?
Sometimes. Grade when the condition and projected value delta justify the fee. PSA 10s/9s reduce condition risk and often improve liquidity versus raw.
How do I find cheap trading cards without overpaying?
Use recent sold comps (30–90 days), compare multiple sales, and verify parallel identifiers. Set a max price and wait for a clean copy—patience beats chasing asks.