AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a 1994 Ted Williams Card Co. trading card featuring Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, which has been aftermarket-enhanced by Jersey Fusion. The card is encased in a professional protective hard plastic slab. It features a bold, blue ink on-card signature from Tarkenton, which is graded as '9' (MINT) by the grading service. Additionally, the card incorporates a 'Jersey Fusion' element, which includes an authentic game-used swatch of fabric embedded into the card's presentation. The visual design shows Tarkenton in his classic purple and white Vikings uniform with a yellow helmet, holding a football. The labeling at the top of the slab identifies the item as '1994 TED WILLIAMS NO. 64 FRAN TARKENTON' and notes the presence of both an 'AUTHENTIC AUTOGRAPH' and a 'GAME USED SWATCH'. The condition appears excellent with sharp corners visible through the slab and no significant fading on the blue autograph. This unique collectible combines a vintage mid-90s base card with modern 'fusion' memorabilia and a certified signature, representing a 'triple threat' for sports collectors. The background indicates it was likely acquired or sold through a specialized hobby outlet.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1994 Ted Williams Fran Tarkenton Jersey Fusion. This item combines a base card with a secondary-market 'fusion' of an authentic game-used swatch and a certified blue ink on-card signature. The autograph appears bold and fluid, consistent with Tarkenton's known signing habits, and the '9' grade suggests high visual appeal with minimal streaking. The slabbed housing protects the card's edges and corners, which appear sharp through the plastic. While Jersey Fusion is a recognized brand, it reflects an aftermarket modification which some 'purist' collectors value less than original manufacturer-issued patches. However, the 'Triple Threat' nature of having a retired legend, a signature, and a relic keeps demand steady. Market comparables for Tarkenton autographed relics in Similar slabs fluctuate; recent sales for modern 'cut' or 'fusion' style cards featuring Hall of Fame quarterbacks range from $120 to $275 depending on the patch quality. The purple swatches are desirable as they represent the 'Purple People Eater' era. Note that this appraisal is based on digital images alone. For definitive authentication, an in-person inspection is required to verify the 'Jersey Fusion' factory seal, the texture of the swatch, and the ink's penetration into the card surface to rule out high-quality reproductions. Provenance documentation from the original Jersey Fusion issuance would further solidify value.