As the world prepares for Santa Claus to slide down chimneys and bring joy to children everywhere Christmas Eve, jolly ol' Saint Nick remains a favorite with card collectors as well.
Over the last four decades, Santa has made some 30-plus appearances on trading cards in the hobby.
If you are looking for Saint Nick instead of Nick Kurtz, here’s your primer on what cards are out there, plus a bonus on how to get his "rookie."
1. 1989 Pro Set Promo Santa Claus
This was a promo card given out to dealers around the holidays. While rare, they are definitely obtainable.
If you want a PSA 10, expect to pay between $575 and $750.
2. 1990 Pro Set Santa Claus Insert
In 1989, Santa was a player/coach. By 1990, he was now just a head coach.
This insert appeared in only one of 20 boxes, and the total PSA pop is only 33, with nine PSA 10s.
The record for the "head coach Santa" card is $1,920 for a PSA 10 at Goldin Auctions in December 2021. Collectors covet this one because it’s pack pulled.
3. 2022 Panini Donruss Downtown! Insert Santa Claus
This modern Santa Claus has commanded record prices due to how short-printed it is.
A raw copy sold for $5,200 on eBay in August. A PSA 10 sold later than month for $4,800.
4. 2022 Clearly Donruss Downtown Santa Claus
This card features the same popular (and rare) Downtown design — but it's even tougher to find. A PSA 9 sold for $4,500.
5. 1880s Liebig Meat Extract Card
Santa’s identity today was shaped by illustrator Thomas Nast of Harper’s Weekly, and his earliest cards came from Justus von Liebig’s meat extract company.
You can get Santa’s rookie for $10 to $20.
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Darren Rovell is the founder of cllct and one of the country's leading reporters on the collectibles market. He previously worked for ESPN, CNBC and The Action Network.