Dermontti Dawson
Center · Pittsburgh Steelers
1990 Score Football #Not visible (Estimated base set card)
Year & Era
1990 -- Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Card
Grade
Raw -- Appears Good to Very Good (VG-EX 4)
Rarity
Common base card from an era of massive overproduction with a very high population report.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic and historically significant card honoring a Hall of Fame legend, though hindered by visible corner wear and edge chipping that limits its collector grade and market value.
Condition Grade
Raw -- Appears Good to Very Good (VG-EX 4)
Centering Assessment
Front and back centering is noticeably misaligned with heavy left-to-right bias on the front border.
Surface Condition
Surface shows visible signs of handling, potential minor scuffing, and edge chipping along the purple borders typical of vintage Score cards.
Corner Condition
Corners show distinct rounding, softening, and edge fraying, particularly the top-left and bottom-left corners.
Edge Condition
Edges show noticeable chipping of the purple ink border along the left and top sides, exposing white cardstock underneath.
Print Quality
Standard 1990 Score print quality with purple borders prone to chipping and standard photographic saturation.
Estimated Value
$0.25 -- $1.00 raw
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy exhibits more corner wear and edge chipping than average, placing it well below typical well-preserved raw copies found in modern collections.
Authentication Tips
Verify standard card dimensions, cardboard stock thickness, and crispness of the Score logo and team graphics. Counterfeits are virtually non-existent for common offensive linemen from this set due to low market value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading (PSA/BGS/SGC) as the grading fees would far exceed the market value of the card in its current condition.
Red Flags
No signs of trimming or alteration, just natural wear from handling and storage over decades.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 1990 Score football wax packs or factory sets which were mass-produced and heavily collected during the peak of the Junk Wax Era.
Historical Context
Dermontti Dawson is a Pro Football Hall of Famer widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history, revolutionizing the position with his athleticism and blocking ability.
Market Trends
Stable to flat market trend. Common offensive linemen from the Junk Wax Era generally hold minimal monetary value unless part of a specialized player PC or master set build.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential for monetary gain due to high print runs, but strong sentimental or nostalgic value for Steelers fans and Hall of Fame collectors.
Similar Cards
1990 Topps Dermontti Dawson, 1990 Pro Set Dermontti Dawson, 1991 Score Dermontti Dawson
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and a semi-rigid holder or top loader in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading or edge damage.
Interesting Facts
Dawson was a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro selection, anchoring the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line for over a decade.