Every collector has their grail, the piece that feels just out of reach. For many, It’s not about price- it’s usually just impossible to find. The National is where those impossible-to-find diamonds in the rough finally show up. This isn’t your local card show; it's the hobby’s last resort...

My own collecting journey began with my grandfather. When I was a kid, he’d take me to flea markets searching for Harry Heilmann cards, a Hall of Famer who played alongside Ty Cobb for the Detroit Tigers between 1914-1930. My grandpa shared Heilmann’s last name and claimed we were related. I’ve come to terms with that most likely being untrue, however any seasoned collector will tell you, collecting’s more fun when it has a purpose.


When my grandpa passed away, I inherited his Harry Heilmann collection. Regular card shows rarely have Heilmann, but The National always comes through.


I’m not alone. For many collectors searching for their grails The National is their hail mary. We asked our Mantel community what they’ll be searching for at the National that they can’t find anywhere else. Here is some of what we heard.

• CardPortfolio is searching for an elusive PSA 10 Hulk Hogan from the  2013 Upper Deck Employee 6 card set. He writes: 

I am one Hulk Hogan PSA 10 away (my BGS 9.5 pictured) from completing this 2013 Upper Deck Employee 6 Card Set in a perfect PSA 10 set which is incredibly hard to do considering:

• There were only 125 of each card produced

• These grade incredibly hard with the highest pop of the 6 card set in a PSA 10 being the Michael Phelps in a Pop 8

• I haven’t seen one PSA 10 Hogan card at auction since I started trying to complete this set in 2020, HELP PLEASE!

More info on set 

• Mantel user clrshonuff is searching for one of the longest running card sets you’ve never heard of. He says:  I will be searching for 1938, 2011, & 2013 Horrors of War cards for my sets/collection.

• There are 1st Bowman’s and then there is this. Mantel user CPFJAY is looking for John Smoltz’ very first baseball card and it’s not from Topps. It’s a card from his junior year at Waverly High School. 

• For many collectors searching at the National, it’s all about the aesthetic. And perhaps a little bit about price. Some people like McFarm21 are very specific about their grading company, for him it’s SGC Black Labels only... He says:  I will pay PayPal plus shipping and a finders fee for any of these three at a reasonable price. SGC black label slab. Color is more important than grades. Pirates Topps team cards: 1966 #404, 1967 #492 and 1970 #608

Whether you're chasing vintage gems or modern rarities, every collector can find a reason to make the pilgrimage.

What are you looking for at The National? Let us know on Mantel.