Why do collectors go after Ultimate Shield cards?

[Breakaway Dealz]

I was just curious as to why collectors go after Ultimate Shield cards? I've seen on eBay that sellers sell these for around $500 and up.

And what makes these desirable to a collector?
Maybe part of this is I'm not sure what a Shield is? Is it part of an NHL jersey?

If you own one please share your comments as to why its an important part of your collection.

thanks!

 

[tuukkatime]

Hey there.

Ultimate rookie shields are generally considered the top rookie card of any given player. Firstly, it's a 1/1 meaning there is only one. Secondly, the patch is from right below the neckhole of the jersey and there's really own one per jersey. Lastly, it's always hardsigned and until recently was the only shield rookie available made by Upper deck. They now have some in the cup but I believe some aren't autographed and they don't have the same
Lineage as the ultimate version (10+ years of ultimate shields) to collect.

Hope that helps!

Here's mine:

 

[PADERBORN1907]

I agree! It's a 1 of 1 which is always something special as there's only 1 NHL Shield on the jersey. It's a True Rookie as it's part of the Ultimate base set (though this discussion might be controversial as it's actually a parallel of the base set and it isn't an RC on Beckett, yeah the hobby is complicated huh... ).
Super nice cards ... McDavid Ultimate Shield sold for 25k!

 

[Boom Boom]

Ultimate rookie shields are generally considered one of the top rookie year insert cards of any given player.

Respectfully....I had to correct this. These are inserts not true rookie cards. Its a parallel.

 

[creasecollector]

Shield cards alone are really sought after to begin with because of their 1/1 rarity, and not every player gets one, so they tend to be chased by many. Also, Ultimate has great shield designs, which usually can contribute to their preference over other rookie shield cards from The Cup.

 

[mark14h]

Shield = $$$

 

[gobuffalo2331]

The Ultimate shields are often the nicest designed shields as well, that adds to the chase.

 

[OilersRule]

In most cases, I would take an Ultimate RAP shield over a Cup version, as they are just that much valuable IMO

 

[porschegt3]

- ultimate shields have previously been single players; better for player collectors
- ultimate shields are typically numbered as opposed to insert set (look at back of card); thus, debatably best rookie and more desirable than Cup #/99
- ultimate shields are #1/1 and no patch faking (personally, huge one for me)