THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 1, 1995 TAG: 9501010213
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
The end of regular season football is an opportunity for collectors to evaluate the performance of their favorite players and those player's cards. Many athletes delivered performances in '94 that make collectors glad that they stocked up on those individuals. Other players failed to fulfill preseason expectations, and their card values reflect those shortcomings.
This year's ``winners'' include:
Drew Bledsoe, who delivered big achievements for the Patriots. His rookie cards have gained in value through the season; they're now extremely popular, and are becoming expensive. (Examples: 1993 Upper Deck No. 11, $4.50, 1993 Upper Deck ``SP''No. 9, $30).
Jerry Rice and Steve Young, whose cards have been consistently in demand as a result of their personal accomplishments and their team's success. (Rice rookie, 1986 Topps No. 161, is now worth $75-$80).
Marshall Faulk and Natrone Means, who took the hobby by storm as they excelled on the field. Faulk rookies (1994 Collector's Choice No. 14, currently $6 to $7, 1994 ProLine Live No. 329, $6) have doubled in price since the start of the season. Means' cards (1993 Sky Box Impact No. 399, $3, 1993 Upper Deck ``SP'', $20 to $22) have captured their share of price increases as well.
Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders are examples of perennial favorites who have retained their claims to enduring collector loyalty.
Players who may need another year to re-ignite collector fascination include: Rick Mirer, Reggie Brooks, Heath Shuler and Garrison Hearst.
It's been an eventful season for fans and collectors. There was plenty to watch on the field, and there's been a wealth of material for collectors to enjoy. Most hobbyists, hopefully, saw at least a few of their 1994 ``investments'' increase in value and collectibility. MEMO: Brian L. Bigelow is store manager and appraiser for Candl Coins &
Stamps, located on Independence Blvd. and North (Lynnhaven) Mall Drive
in Virginia Beach. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Jerry Rice's rookie card, left, with the San Francisco 49ers is now
worth $75-$80. Meanwhile, Drew Bledsoe's rookie card from last year
as a New England Patriot quarterback has gained in value through
this season.
by CNB