THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410230165
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
It's been a transient year for Redskins fans, especially in regard to the changes at quarterback. The season isn't halfway over and three individuals have been tabbed as starters in different games.
Those collectors who approach the game from a historical perspective have the advantage of looking at relative stability over the years. The Skins quarterback position has had several durable stars who stand out as fan favorites.
Sammy Baugh was the Skins' franchise player long before the term acquired salary-cap significance. The Hall of Famer appeared on cards from 1948-52; these cards are now among the team's premier collectibles.
The '60s and '70s were dominated by Sonny Jurgensen (Topps and Philadelphia Gum Co. cards 1964-72) and Billy Kilmer ('72-78 Topps cards). Their cards are newer and much less expensive than Baugh's. As a consequence, they sell quickly and are sometimes stubbornly difficult to locate. The early cards of both Kilmer and Jurgensen are subjects of frustration to Redskins-only team collectors, since both their rookie cards depict them with other teams.
Joe Theismann was the most recent quarterback to develop a lengthy tradition of Skins cards, enjoying a long run from 1975 to 1986. His cards are readily available and, especially in comparison to other QBs of the same period, reasonably priced.
For those collectors who are disenchanted with the last couple years in Redskins quarterbacking, the veteran players are a refreshing alternative.
Rookie card prices:
Sammy Baugh:
1948 Leaf No. 34 $300-$350
1948 Bowman No. 22 $300-$350
Eddie LeBaron: 1953 Bowman No. 1 $100-$125
Sonny Jurgensen: 1958 Topps No. 90 (as Philadelphia Eagle): $100-$125
Billy Kilmer: 1962 Topps No. 151 (as S.F. 49er): $25-$30
Joe Theismann: 1975 Topps No. 416: $25-$30 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
Joe Theismann is the most recent quarterback to develop a lengthy
tradition of Redskins cards.
by CNB