Dan Marino
Quarterback · Miami Dolphins
1994 Upper Deck Collector's Choice — Marino's Back #Not clearly visible (Subset card)
Year & Era
1994 — 90s Insert Era
Card Type
Insert / Subset
Grade
Raw — appears Very Good to Excellent (VG-EX) due to noticeable edge and corner wear
Rarity
Common insert. While part of a special subset, millions of packs were produced during the peak of the 1990s overproduction era.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic 90s insert featuring a legendary quarterback, though condition issues limit its value strictly to a sentimental or nostalgic collector's item.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Very Good to Excellent (VG-EX) due to noticeable edge and corner wear
Centering Assessment
Slightly heavy to the left side and top border on the front.
Surface Condition
Shows some minor surface scratching and typical gloss wear for a mid-90s paper-stock insert stored in a top loader.
Corner Condition
Noticeable softening and slight rounding on all four corners, particularly the top-left and bottom-left.
Edge Condition
Chipping along the dark borders, especially on the left edge and bottom edge where the colored foil/coating is worn away.
Print Quality
Standard 1994 Upper Deck print quality with dark green borders that are notoriously prone to showing chipping and edge wear.
Estimated Value
$1 to $5 raw, as mass-produced inserts from this era hold minimal monetary value in circulated condition.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is below average due to visible edge chipping and corner wear along the dark borders compared to pristine pack-fresh copies.
Authentication Tips
Counterfeits for this card do not exist due to its low market value; authentic cards feature standard 90s Upper Deck glossy cardstock.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth grading. The grading fees would significantly exceed the total market value of the card even if it received a high numerical grade.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard wear consistent with vintage casual storage.
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 1994 Upper Deck Collector's Choice hobby or retail wax packs.
Historical Context
Reflects the 1994 season comeback and narrative surrounding Dan Marino returning from an Achilles injury.
Market Trends
Stable to flat market. 90s inserts of Hall of Famers like Marino maintain nostalgic appeal but general market prices remain low.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential for financial gain; primarily a sentimental or PC (player collection) piece for Marino fans.
Similar Cards
1994 Upper Deck Dan Marino base, 1994 Fleer Pro-Visions Dan Marino, 1994 Score Gold Zone Dan Marino.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve inside a top loader away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the dark green borders.
Interesting Facts
Collector's Choice was Upper Deck's budget-friendly product line introduced in 1994, known for fun subsets and affordable inserts.