USA TODAY Sports Weekly Keepsake Edition: Yankee Stadium Appraisal
Category: Collectible Newspaper
Description
This item is a special Keepsake Edition of the USA TODAY Sports Weekly newspaper, commemorating Yankee Stadium from its opening day to its last day. The physical form is a standard newspaper, folded as typical for the format, and appears to be printed on newsprint paper. The predominant colors visible are blue and white for the large masthead text 'YANKEE STADIUM', with 'Sports Weekly' and 'Keepsake Edition' highlighted in red bands. The main image on the front features a black and white photograph of Yankee Stadium, likely from an earlier era, showing vintage cars parked outside. The headline reads "From opening day to the last day at the House that Ruth Built". Below the image, notable features described include reference to "Eras of greatness Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, the Boss", "Signature teams 1927, 1941, 1961, 1998", and "Other highlights Bronx, fans, NFL's greatest game". A price of $4.95 is visible, along with the website "www.usatoday.com" and a barcode. A label also indicates "On sale, Spring 2008". The item is currently sealed in a clear plastic bag, which is slightly wrinkled but appears to be intact, suggesting the newspaper itself is in perfect condition, as indicated in the context. No visible damage or wear is apparent through the plastic. This appears to be a promotional or commemorative publication from 2008. The craftsmanship is typical of newspaper printing.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image and details of this 2008 USA TODAY Sports Weekly Keepsake Edition commemorating Yankee Stadium. The item appears to be the original publication, sealed in its original plastic packaging. The visual condition through the plastic bag suggests the newspaper inside is indeed in perfect, likely unread, condition. The print quality and design are consistent with a mass-produced commemorative newspaper from that era. Authentication based solely on imagery is limited; a physical examination would be necessary to confirm the integrity of the seal, the absence of hidden defects within the newspaper itself, and to compare the print details against known authentic exemplars if counterfeits were suspected (though unlikely for this type of item). Market demand for commemorative sports publications varies. While Yankee Stadium and its history hold broad appeal, this is a relatively recent and mass-produced item. Comparable items, such as other commemorative newspapers or magazines from that period, typically sell for modest amounts unless signed or associated with a significant event beyond the publication itself. Rarity is low given its nature as a widely available newspaper publication. The primary value drivers are its subject matter (Yankee Stadium's closing) and its reported perfect, sealed condition. Without in-person inspection and detailed provenance, I am relying on the owner's assertion of 'perfect condition still sealed in plastic'. Further authentication would require a physical inspection to confirm the seal's originality and the condition of the contents.
Appraisal Value
$5-15