Mike Ditka
Date of Birth: 10/18/1939
Rookie Card Year: 1962
Investment Rating: 6.5
Overview
Mike Ditka revolutionized the tight end position in the NFL. His pass-catching ability combined with his ferocious blocking attack, laid the blueprints for the position as we know it today. As a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Chicago Bears, Mike Ditka cards and autographed memorabilia are cherished by Bear's collectors.
The Mike Ditka rookie card is part of the 1962 Topps Football set. He also has a Topps Buck insert. Post Cereal also included Ditka on their checklist the same year. While considered by most not to be a rookie card, it is a short-print in the set and carries a premium.
His first certified autograph card is from the 1989 Goal Line Art Set. He is also included on the 1991 Pro Line Portraits Autographs checklist.
Ditka has relatively few memorabilia cards. His first game-used cards were issued by Donruss/Playoff in 2005 where he appeared in multiple products.
Mike Ditka autographed memorabilia has always seen strong demand. He is a rather public figure and a willing in-person signer. He participates in several autograph signing events throughout the year. His rookie card, footballs and 1985 Super Bowl memorabilia are some of the items he is most frequently asked to sign.
Mike Ditka Rookie Card
1962 Topps Mike Ditka RC #17
Cards from the 1962 Topps set can be difficult to find in high-grade condition as the black borders are susceptible to edge and corner wear. Professionally graded copies receiving grades of 9 or higher carry a significant premium. Ditka's rookie card is the key card in the set.
 | Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Autograph Guide
Mike Ditka Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Mike Ditka'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, and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Mike Ditka Cut Signature Exemplar:
Mike Ditka Key Signature Attributes:Â An authentic Mike Ditka signature autograph is very difficult to replicate and will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Smith's signature has been very consistent through the years, so regardless of the item being signed or the time period in which it was signed, look for the following signature features:
Mike Ditka Signature Characteristics
- The entire signature is legible. The lettering is small. The most pronounced letters are the "M" and "D".
- The "i" in 'Mike' is dotted. The "k" consists of  a small loop and downward connecting line to the "e" which usually does not display an opening.
- The "D" is written on an awkward angle so that it resembles a diamond or oval shape on its side.
- The "i" in 'Ditka' is usually not dotted.
- The "k" is formed in the same manner as in the first name.
- The "a" is open and a ling tail comes back across the top of the signature to haphazardly cross the "t."
Mike Ditka Signed Football Pricing:
Active Listings for Mike Ditka Signed Footballs
Mike Ditka Signed Jersey Pricing:
Active Listings for Mike Ditka Signed Jerseys
Mike Ditka Signed Helmet Pricing:
Active Listings for Mike Ditka Signed Helmets
Mike Ditka Signed Photograph Pricing:
Active Listings for Mike Ditka Signed Photographs
| Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
More Info
For general information about Mike Ditka as well as his player statistics, visit:
