Dan Marino
Quarterback · Miami Dolphins
Pro Set Collect-A-Books ##2
Year & Era
1990 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Mini-Booklet / Insert
Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Common; high production volume typical of 1990 Pro Set products.
Overall Assessment
A classic relic of the 1990 junk wax era featuring a Hall of Fame legend, though this specific copy lacks the condition required for hobby value.
Condition Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Difficult to assess due to image angle/blur, but appears reasonably centered within the design.
Surface Condition
Heavy wear visible; notable vertical creasing/bending down the center typical for this booklet format.
Corner Condition
Significant rounding and fraying on all four corners; heavy wear visible on the top right corner.
Edge Condition
Considerable chipping and whitening along the green borders and white spine edge.
Print Quality
Average for the era; features the standard Pro Set color palette, though the photo is high-action.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 USD (Raw)
Comparison to Known Examples
Lower than average condition compared to most surviving copies which are often kept in sets.
Authentication Tips
Authentic examples have specific card stock thickness and the distinct Pro Set 'NFL' logo; counterfeiting is extremely rare due to low market value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended; grading fees would exceed the market value of the card by a significant margin.
Red Flags
Heavy surface creasing and corner rounding suggest poor handling and storage.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed as part of a series of mini-booklets, often sold in complete retail sets or packaged as cereal/food premiums.
Historical Context
Released during the height of the hobby boom; Marino was the premier passing threat of the NFL at the time.
Market Trends
Stable/Flat; Marino remains a legendary figure, but high supply of 1990 Pro Set keeps prices low.
Investment Potential
Low; purely a nostalgia or player-collection piece rather than a financial asset.
Similar Cards
1990 Pro Set #204 Dan Marino, 1990 Score Dan Marino, 1990 Topps Dan Marino.
Display & Preservation
Suggest a standard penny sleeve and top loader, though the thickness of the booklet may require a 55pt or 75pt holder.
Interesting Facts
Collect-A-Books were unique because they opened up into a small 8-page 'book' containing stats and biographical info.