What happened
The one-of-one Abraham Lincoln cut autograph from 2026 Topps Allen and Ginter has been pulled, and it is headed to Heritage Auctions' December auction, according to Collectibles On SI.
The collector, identified only as Chris, is a Cincinnati native living in Colorado Springs. He found the card in a $6.99 fat pack bought at Target, and SI reports he first flipped right past the autograph while going through his hits. He told SI he felt the card "belonged with someone who would really appreciate it," and plans to put part of the proceeds toward a house down payment.
What it could be worth
No lot number, starting bid or exact sale date has been announced. For context, SI cites these figures from Card Ladder:
- Card Ladder estimates the card's current value at about $37,000 (US).
- The top sale for a standalone Lincoln autograph card is $17,000, for a 2013 Leaf Cut Signature card in November 2024.
- The record for any Lincoln autograph card is $27,000, paid in September 2022 for a 2008 Razor card that also has a George Washington autograph on the back.
SI points out that these comparable sales are a few years old, so the estimate is a rough guide at best. The auction result will set a fresh benchmark.
Why it matters for collectors
Topps regularly inserts cut signatures of historical figures into Allen and Ginter, and this pull is a reminder that the biggest one-of-ones are not only in hobby boxes. A low-cost retail pack produced the set's most talked-about card.
What Canadian collectors should know
Allen and Ginter is sold at Canadian retail and hobby shops too, so the same chase cards are in Canadian packs. If you pull something unusual, check the checklist before you set it aside. Prices above are in US dollars.