A high-grade, autographed card of one of the greatest running backs in NFL history is among the top lots in an elite auction of sports collectibles. Bidding is already underway for Heritage Auctions' Fall Sports Card Catalog Auction #50090, which concludes September 18-19, 2026.
With an estimate of at least $150,000, the 1976 Topps #148 Walter Payton graded CGC x JSA 8 with an autograph grade of 9 represents an opportunity to acquire one of the greatest collectibles from the Chicago Bears Hall of Famer. As of early September 2026, 289 examples of this rookie card are listed in the CGC Cards Population Report, but only 10 are graded higher.
In addition to its enviable condition, this particular card was signed by Payton, who spent his entire professional career (1975-1987) with the Bears. Payton's 16,726 rushing yards established a record that stood until it was surpassed by Emmett Smith in 2002. This included more than 1,500 rushing yards during the 1985 season, which ended with the Bears' only Super Bowl victory.
Other CGC-certified highlights in the auction include:
a 2025 Topps Museum Collection Dual Auto Jumbo Lumber Bat Book #DAJLB-IOH Ichiro/Shohei Ohtani certified as CGC Authentic (lot 80683), with an estimate of at least $80,000
a complete set of 1972 Topps baseball cards, including 33 that are graded by CGC (lot 80529), with an estimate of at least $6,000
a complete set of 1973 Topps baseball cards, including 15 that are graded by CGC (lot 80535), with an estimate of at least $3,000
a complete set of 1968 Topps baseball cards, including nine that are graded by CGC (lot 80479), with an estimate of at least $2,000
Estimates are provided by the auction house.