THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410090201
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
Card collectors and football fans have the same objective at this point in the season: They wonder if the early winners have the staying power to remain on top of the game through the year's conclusion.
In the case of this year's AFC, two of the three leaders may provide surprises for collectors who haven't been paying attention to the teams.
The San Diego Chargers are 4-0. The Chargers are, typically, among the last NFL teams to garner (or merit!) the attention of hobbyists. That could change abruptly if the team builds on its strong start; in that event, San Diego personnel could become the market's hot commodities. Players such as Marion Butts (Rookie Card: 1989 Pro Set No.549; 50(CT)) and Junior Seau (1990 Pro Set No. 673; 75(CT) to $1) are woefully underpriced in terms of their individual talent, if not their team's customary rank in the standings.
The Cleveland Browns also could be the home of some hobby sleepers. Vinny Testaverde had a hot rookie card in 1988 (Topps No. 352). The card once sold for $4-$5; it's now worth about $1, but that's subject to change if Vinny has a strong season. Michael Dean Perry (1989 Topps No. 148; $1) is another player who's more important than his card price would indicate.
The Miami Dolphins round out the trio of AFC leaders. They're a different matter since, as proven winners, the ``secret is out'' in regard to their high-profile stars. Dan Marino's 1984 Topps Rookie, at $65 to $75, is definitely not a ground-floor bargain for the card speculator. Even the Dolphins, though, may harbor some younger players who still have reasonably priced collectibles: O.J. McDuffie (1993 Topps Stadium Club No. 56; $2.50) is an example.
It's true that the 1994 season still has two-thirds of its games remaining, and that a lot can happen in the careers of the players and in their cards during that span. It's still worth the time of the informed collector to keep an eye on the early leaders. The best time to buy cards of winning players is before success and publicity cause constricted availability and higher prices. MEMO: Brian L. Bigelow is store manager and appraiser for Candl Coins &
Stamps, located on Independence Blvd. and North (Lynnhaven) Mall Drive
in Virginia Beach. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Marion Butts' 1989 Pro Set rookie card is worth 50(CT), but it may
rise if the team continues to do well.
by CNB