Dick Butkus
Rookie Card Year: 1966
Investment Rating: 6.0
Few people in football caused outright fear in opposing players but that's what helped set Dick Butkus apart from his peers. The hard-hitting middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears' Monsters of the Midway was a punishing defender. His play on the field earned him a reputation as a tough guy and collectors love tough guys. Because of this fact, Dick Butkus cards and autographed memorabilia have earned a place of honor in many collections.
The Dick Butkus rookie card can be found in 1966 Philadelphia Football, which is considered by many football card collectors to be one of the top vintage sets of all-time. Player collectors can also pursue the highly collectible Coke Caps from 1965 and 1966 that feature Butkus.
1991 Pro Line Portraits Football was responsible for producing many football players' first autograph cards. Butkus is one of them. Collectors would have to wait for several years for his first memorabilia cards. These came in 2002 in three different products: Donruss Classics, Donruss Elite and Leaf Certified.
Dick Butkus is a frequent guest at numerous autograph signing events around the country. As a result his memorabilia is plentiful. Thankfully, due to his popularity, demand remains strong helping to ensure future collectible value of his autographed memorabilia.
Dick Butkus Rookie Card
1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus RC #31
The design of the 1966 Philadelphia football cards is a classic. It features a close-up posed three-quarters profile photograph and is framed by white borders. The masthead at the top of the card includes the player's name, team and position as well as the official NFL shield logo. It was the first time it was used on a trading card.
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Dick Butkus Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find examples of what an authentic Dick Butkus autograph 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, Steiner, Tristar and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Dick Butkus Cut Signature Exemplar
Dick Butkus Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Dick Butkus signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- A fairly legible and even handed signature written on an even horizontal plane with a distinct lean to the right.
- The letter "D" is defined by the fact that it is not a fully closed letter and contains what can be described as a very narrow cursive "l."
- The "i" is dotted but not always over the letter.
- The "c" often does not make a curl, making it look much like the previous letter "i."
- The "k" is discernible but not fully written.
- The "B" is very legible with a small loop loop on top and larger on the bottom.
- The "u" is legible as is the "t" which often has a crossed "l" look to it.
- The "k" is once again discernible as is the "u" and "s."
Dick Butkus Signed Football Pricing:
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For general information about Dick Butkus as well as his player statistics, visit:
