Larry Csonka
Date of Birth: 12/25/1946
Rookie Card Year: 1969
Investment Rating: 6.0
Overview
Larry Csonka was a key part of the Miami Dolphins dynasty of the early 1970s. The value and popularity of his football cards and autographed memorabilia reflect this prestigious honor. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl Champion (including a Super Bowl MVP), Csonka has solidified his place in football history. He has maintained a presence in football as a vocal antagonist to any team that comes close to obtaining an undefeated season, the reason being is that to this day, his 1972 Dolphins are the only team since the AFL-NFL merger, to accomplish this monumental task.
Larry Csonka has a single rookie card that is found in 1969 Topps Football. He also has a card that was issued in 1968 by Champion Corn Flakes, a regional food issue.
Interesting to note is that given his stature in the sport, he has a relatively limited number of certified autographs. His first was a Goal Line Art cards, circa 1989-1997. He's also included in the 1997 Upper Deck Legends Football Autographs set as a short-print.
In 2000, collectors were treated to Larry Csonka's first memorabilia cards. Donruss/Playoff included him on the checklist of two products, 2000 Leaf Certified Heritage and 2000 Playoff Momentum. Momentum has a total of three cards featuring Csonka. One features him solo and is serial numbered to 100. Another pairs him with Fran Tarkenton and is limited to 50 copies. The final card also includes Csonka's signature and is numbered to just 25. All of the memorabilia pieces are from a game-used football.
The 2000 Leaf Certified Heritage card would be the first that showcased an actual piece of a game-worn Larry Csonka jersey. It is limited to 100 serial numbered copies and is considered to be the most desirable of his early memorabilia cards.
A frequent signer at regional and national autograph events and sports collectibles conventions, Csonka has plenty of autographed memorabilia in the marketplace. Values remain relatively strong given the ample supply that exists due to his popularity and longevity.
Larry Csonka Rookie Card
1969 Topps Larry Csonka RC #120
Posed against a bright red background, the contrast of the Dolphin's teal uniform provides for a striking image. The placement of the Dolphins logo and the player details at the bottom of the card provide a nice blend of design elements.
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Autograph Guide
Larry Csonka Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find examples of what an authentic Larry Csonka 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.
Larry Csonka Signature Example
Larry Csonka Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Larry Csonka signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. His signature has varied over the years but has been primarily restricted to just a couple of letters, specifically the "K" in Csonka that, in more recent years, is printed. However, regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- A signature that is relatively easy to discern, written on a near-horizontal plain.
- The initials "L" and "C" of the first and last name are over-sized compared to the other letters. The loops of the "L", both top and bottom can very, sometimes forming complete loops and other times not.
- The pen lifts after the "r" to being the remaining letters, the "a" is not fully closed, the "r"s are legible and identical, the "y" has a very shallow loop with a tail that drops well below the horizontal plane.
- The "C" usually includes a curl on the top, the letters "s," "o" and "n" are easily discernible.
- The letter's "k" and "a" are the ones that can vary significantly, in the sample above they appear to have been replaced by an "l," while in some of the newer samples below you can distinctly see the "K" and the "a."
Larry Csonka Signed Football Pricing:
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Larry Csonka Signed Photograph Pricing:
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More Info
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