Tony Gwynn
Date of Birth: 5/9/1960
Rookie Card Year: 1983
Investment Rating: 6.5
Overview
One of baseball's greatest and most consistent hitters, Tony Gwynn is also one of the game's greatest ambassadors. Easily one of the most popular players of the 1980s and 1990s, Tony Gwynn cards remain affordable.
Gwynn spent his entire career with the San Diego Padres, an impressive feat for someone from the modern era who played for two decades. A local talent, he was born in Los Angeles and went to San Diego State University. Gwynn racked up eight batting titles and was considered one of the game's hardest workers.
Tony Gwynn has four rookie cards. Released in 1983, they're relatively inexpensive as they were released at a time of growing print runs. Despite the overwhelming quantities available, high grade examples can command top dollar.
A widely accessible signer, Gwynn's autographs are very affordable as well, on both cards and memorabilia. Even in retirement, he still appeared regularly in newer sets. While the supply may be on the higher side and the prices a little flat, Tony Gwynn cards and memorabilia remain popular with collectors.
Tony Gwynn Rookie Card Guide
1983 Donruss Tony Gwynn RC #598
1983 Donruss Baseball is one of the company's nicer releases, even if it did borrow very heavily from the previous year's design. The Gwynn is the set's most popular card. Like all Tony Gwynn rookie cards, it's fairly easy to find at an affordable price.
1983 Fleer Tony Gwynn RC #360
The 1983 Fleer Tony Gwynn rookie card has a plain, almost drab look -- and that's still with the bright yellow of the Padres uniform. The value is comparable to the Hall of Famer's Donruss rookie card. Its plentiful supply has strangled values in recent years.
1983 O-Pee-Chee Tony Gwynn RC #143
If you're looking for the toughest Tony Gwynn rookie card, 1983 O-Pee-Chee is it. Originally distributed in Canada, the card is very similar in design to its Topps cousin. The logo on the front and bilingual text are the easiest differences to notice. As with most O-Pee-Chee sets, centering and poorly cut edges make truly high-grade cards tough to come by.
1983 Topps Tony Gwynn RC #482
The 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn rookie card is easily his most recognizable. Because of its iconic status and the set's overall popularity, it carries a premium over Gwynn's other rookies. But that doesn't mean it's not affordable. A large supply has helped ensure that prices haven't taken off.
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Autograph Guide
Tony Gwynn Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Tony Gwynn'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, Steiner and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Tony Gwynn Cut Signature Exemplar
Tony Gwynn Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Tony Gwynn signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- Gwynn possesses an odd and unique signature in that it is written but largely indecipherable.
- The letter "T" is over-sized in nature and contains a large lower loop resembling a corn kernel.
- The letters "o-n" are not legible.
- The letter "y" is indicated by a tail.
- The letter "G" looks more like a number "6."
- The letters "w-y" are legible.
- The pen lifts and an implied letter "n" is marked with an extending tail.
Tony Gwynn Signed Baseball
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Tony Gwynn Signed Jersey
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Tony Gwynn Signed Bat
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Tony Gwynn Signed Photograph
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More Info
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