Fran Tarkenton
Date of Birth: 2/3/1940
Rookie Card Year: 1962
Investment Rating: 6.5
Overview
Fran Tarkenton football cards and autographed memorabilia are highly collectible as a result of his stellar playing days and notable post-retirement career in broadcasting. Drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, Tarkenton would make his pro debut later that season.
The nine-time Pro Bowler led his team to three NFC Championships and won the league's MVP award in 1975. Known for his mobility, Tarkenton changed the idea of quarterbacks simply being pocket passers.
Fran Tarkenton's lone rookie card hails from the 1962 Topps Football set and is one of the famed short-printed cards. In addition to his base card, Tarkenton also has a Topps Bucks insert from the set. He also has food issue cards in 1962 Kahn's Football and 1962 Post Cereal.
Tarkenton's first autographed card was part of 1989 Goal Line Art Series 1. His first memorabilia cards would be produced by multiple companies in the year 2000, most with print runs of 100 or fewer. A handful of these cards also include Tarkenton's autograph.
Fran Tarkenton has always been a willing in-person signer and is a frequent participant in autograph signing events. Despite bringing the Giants out of the league cellar, he is still best remembered as a Viking and it is those items that carry a premium.
Fran Tarkenton Rookie Cards
1962 Topps Fran Tarkenton RC #90
The 1962 Topps Football set is distinct and iconic for its layout and design. The horizontally oriented cards feature two images on the card front: a large, posed color image of the player and a smaller black and white game action shot. A bright yellow background and contrasting red lettering list the player's name, while smaller black text list his team and position.
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Autograph Guide
Fran Tarkenton Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find examples of what an authentic Fran Tarkenton 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.
Fran Tarkenton Cut Signature Exemplar
Fran Tarkenton Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Fran Tarkenton 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 very legible and even handed signature written on a nearly horizontal plane.
- The signature letters of 'F" and "T" are very similar in that the look like the numeral "7" with the only difference being the "F" is crossed with a horizontal line.
- The letter "r" is written with a slight rise and the "a" is closed, the "n" is small and wide.
- The letters of the last name are legible with the "k" looking like more of an "h."
- The "t" is written like a bow shape.
- The "o-n" are implied.
Fran Tarkenton Signed Football Pricing:
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Fran Tarkenton Signed Photograph Pricing:
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More Info
For general information about Fran Tarkenton, as well as his player statistic, visit:
