Star Tribune Newspaper, April 2, 2002 (Kirby Puckett Tribute Issue) Appraisal
Category: Newspaper
Description
This item is a full-size newspaper, the Star Tribune, dated Tuesday, April 2nd, 2002, based on readily available historical archives which indicate a Tuesday date for April 2nd of that year. The newspaper is printed on typical newsprint, which is a thin, off-white paper. It is folded in half horizontally and appears to be laid flat. The primary image on the front page is a photograph of a baseball player in uniform, identified by the caption 'MINNESOTA'S TWIN' above the image and the name "Twins" and number "34" visible on the player's jersey. This is a tribute to Kirby Puckett, a beloved Minnesota Twins player who passed away around this time. The newspaper displays expected signs of its age and material, likely including yellowing of the paper, creasing from folding and handling, and potential minor edge wear or small tears, although specific condition issues are not clearly discernible from the image other than the fold. Other headlines visible on the front page include stories about a 'tragic baseball tale', 'Broadway's A-list', '30,000 jobs,' and a 'Prosecutor' claiming 9/11 could have been stopped, providing additional context for the publication date. There are various text columns and smaller images as expected on a newspaper front page.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the Star Tribune newspaper dated April 2, 2002, a known tribute issue to the late Minnesota Twins star Kirby Puckett. Based solely on the visual evidence, the item appears to be an authentic, full-size copy of this specific publication. The front page content, headlines including the prominent Kirby Puckett tribute, and the newspaper format are consistent with historical records for this date and event. The item displays characteristics typical of newsprint of this age, including the horizontal fold, which is a common storage method, and likely some degree of yellowing and handling wear, though precise condition details like extent of foxing, tears, or creases are not definitively ascertainable from the image. This newspaper holds primarily local interest due to its tribute to a beloved Minnesota athlete. While items related to prominent sports figures generally have market demand, a common newspaper issue like this is not inherently rare. Its value is driven by nostalgia and local fan interest rather than intrinsic rarity or premium paper quality. Comparable sales of similar tribute newspapers for regional sports heroes typically fetch modest prices. Factors significantly impacting value would be the overall condition (a completely flat, unfolded, and well-preserved copy would command a premium), and provenance, although provenance is less critical for a mass-produced item like a newspaper. Limitations in authenticity verification from images alone are significant. I cannot physically inspect the paper quality, verify the print type, or check for alterations or repairs. A full authentication would require in-person examination to assess paper feel, look for print anomalies, and confirm the absence of modern reprints or facsimiles.
Appraisal Value
$10 - $30