Dan Marino
Quarterback · Miami Dolphins
Donruss Classics #Not visible
Year & Era
2006 — Modern Era
Card Type
Numbered Parallel Press Proof (/199)
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint (PSA 8-9 estimated)
Rarity
Semi-rare due to serial numbering out of 199 copies, though modern parallels of retired legends have moderate demand.
Overall Assessment
A visually striking, serial-numbered parallel of an all-time great quarterback ideal for Marino collectors or set builders focusing on mid-2000s football products.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint (PSA 8-9 estimated)
Centering Assessment
Front appears relatively well-centered with minor top-to-bottom skew common for this retro acetate-adjacent or glossy stock.
Surface Condition
Good overall gloss with a rainbow holofoil diffraction effect; minor micro-scratches possible on the top loader rather than the card surface itself.
Corner Condition
Sharp corners with minimal to no visible fraying or rounding under standard lighting.
Edge Condition
Clean edges showing standard factory cutting with no major chipping or denting.
Print Quality
High quality foil stamping with vibrant color saturation and clear prismatic reflection.
Estimated Value
$15 - $35 raw depending on exact card number and buyer demand; up to $60-$90 if graded PSA 9/10.
Comparison to Known Examples
Comparable to standard surviving copies from the 2006 Donruss Classics insert sets with intact foil and clean numbering.
Authentication Tips
Verify serial numbering stamp (063/199) on the front matches authentic Donruss foil characteristics; inspect for counterfeit glossy finishes.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or PSA; grading is generally only worthwhile if pristine (PSA 10) due to grading fees relative to raw value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard top loader protection shown.
Provenance Notes
Pulled from 2006 Donruss Classics hobby boxes which were popular for retro-themed designs and low-numbered parallels.
Historical Context
Dan Marino is widely regarded as one of the greatest pure passing quarterbacks in NFL history, setting numerous single-season passing records in 1984.
Market Trends
Stable market for Dan Marino retired star inserts and numbered parallels; prices fluctuate mildly based on off-season collector interest.
Investment Potential
Hold; stable long-term value as a retired Hall of Fame quarterback piece, though explosive growth is unlikely given it is not a rookie card.
Similar Cards
2006 Donruss Classics Tom Brady Press Proof, 2006 Donruss Elite Dan Marino status parallel, 2005 Donruss Classics legendary players.
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve inside a rigid top loader or magnetic one-touch holder, kept away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Interesting Facts
The 'Press Proof' parallel line originates from printing terminology where test sheets were stamped to verify color and alignment before mass production.