Dan Marino
Date of Birth: 9/15/1961
Rookie Card Year: 1984
Investment Rating: 7.0
Overview
Few will question Dan Marino's place among the all-time great quarterbacks. That said, when discussing the Dolphins legend, the fact that he never won a Super Bowl is mentioned almost as frequently as the records he accomplished. Ring or no ring, Dan Marino cards remain some of the most popular in the hobby. In particular, his earliest cards and numerous autographs command a lot of attention on the secondary market.
Part of the historic 1983 rookie class, Marino was taken in the first round of the draft with the 27th pick. The Dolphins ended up getting a steal. Marino is one of football's most prolific passers, breaking several NFL records. The league's MVP in 1984, Marino was also a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
Dan Marino has just one rookie card, 1984 Topps Football. That said, he also has several oddball issues that remain extremely affordable. For collectors looking for high-end Dan Marino cards, the quarterback has plenty of different autographs and memorabilia cards. He continues to sign today, although not in huge amounts.
Dan Marino Rookie Card Checklist
Population reports current as off 11/13.
1984 Topps Dan Marino RC #123
The 1984 Topps Dan Marino rookie is one of the most popular and iconic cards of the 1980s. Instantly recognizable, it features an in-game shot of the quarterback. It's framed by several diagonal lines and notes his Pro Bowl selection. Him and John Elway both have their rookie cards in the same set.
1984 Topps Dan Marino RC BGS Population Report:
# Submitted: 7,265
Pristine 10: 58
Gem Mint 9.5: 334
Mint 9: 579
1984 Topps Dan Marino RC PSA Population Report:
# Submitted: 16,987
Gem Mint 10: 232
Mint 9: 2,433
Early Dan Marino Oddball and Insert Cards
1984 7-Eleven Discs Dan Marino #E15
These mini lenticular discs were part of a convenience store promotion. About 1 3/4" across, the Marino remains cheap, partially because it's not a traditional trading card. Some would argue it's not a card at all, but it still shares a lot of the same traits.
1984 Dolphins Police Dan Marino
Given out locally by law enforcement officials, the 1984 Dolphins Police Dan Marino is probably the most popular of his 1984 non-rookie cards. The bold design certainly stands out as well. Cards in the set measure 2 5/8" by 4 1/8".
1984 Topps Glossy Dan Marino #3
The 1984 Topps Glossy Dan Marino is an insert card. Still, it holds solid value on the secondary market. In fact, the one card accounts for nearly the entire value of the small 11-card set. Its bold blue borders make it easy to spot.
1984 Topps Stickers Dan Marino #222
Topps and Panini stickers are some of the most overlooked pieces in the hobby. Selling for a small fraction of their trading card counterparts, these smaller alternatives are a cheap option for those who want to go deep in a player collection. The 1984 Topps Stickers Dan Marino is somewhat hindered by the fact that it doesn't have his name on the front either.
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Autograph Guide
Dan Marino Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Dan Marino's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Tristar, Upper Deck Authentic and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Dan Marino Cut Signature Exemplar
Dan Marino Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Dan Marino signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item signed or when in his career, look for these signature characteristics:
Dan Marino Signature Characteristics
- The signature is written with a right lean on an even horizontal plane.
- The letter "D" is an elongated oval shape with a connecting line allowing the pen to not lift as it flows into the next letter.
- The letters "a-n" are implied but visible.
- The letter "M" starts out of the letter "n" from "Dan."
- The letter "a" is more legible in "Marino."
- The letter "r" is legible, as is the "i" with no dot.
- The letter "n" is somewhat implied.
- The letter 'o" is over-sized in nature and not fully closed.
- Marino almost always inscribes his autograph with his jersey number "13."
Dan Marino Signed Football Pricing:
Active Listings for Dan Marino Signed Footballs
Dan Marino Signed Jersey Pricing:
Active Listings for Dan Marino Signed Jerseys
Dan Marino Signed Helmet Pricing:
Active Listings for Dan Marino Signed Helmets
Dan Marino Signed Photograph Pricing:
Active Listings for Dan Marino Signed Photographs
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Other Resources
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