Joe Montana Signed Limited Edition Football Art Print by Daniel Smith Appraisal
Category: Sports Memorabilia / Signed Art Print
Description
This item is a framed, limited edition art print depicting an American football scene, most notably featuring NFL legend Joe Montana (wearing jersey number 16 for the San Francisco 49ers, identified by the red jersey with white stripes and white pants with red stripes). Montana is depicted in a throwing or pre-snap stance, pointing, with other players identifiable in the background. The print is housed within a gold-toned metal frame, a classic and durable choice for framing, and appears to be matted with a multi-layered mat board, indicated by the white and red borders around the image itself. The mat features a unique stepped design at the bottom, breaking from a simple rectangular opening, adding a touch of custom craftsmanship. The print is hand-signed by Joe Montana and also by Daniel Smith, likely the artist. The signatures are clearly visible in the lower right portion of the mat. Below the main image, in the lower left, there is a numeric marking '173/750', indicating this is print number 173 out of a total edition of 750, signifying its status as a limited edition. The visible condition of the print appears good, though there are significant glare lines from an external light source (likely blinds) reflecting off the protective glazing, making it difficult to assess the exact condition of the print itself or the glazing for scratches or dust. The colors appear vibrant and consistent with photographic print quality. The overall construction suggests a high-quality collectible, likely produced in the late 20th or early 21st century, aligning with Joe Montana's active playing career and post-career memorabilia market. The combination of a famous athlete's signature and the limited edition nature enhances its collectible value.
Appraisal Report
Upon examination of the provided images, this framed art print, titled and created by noted wildlife and sports artist Daniel Smith, is a compelling piece of sports memorabilia. The print is a limited edition, numbered 173 out of 750, which adds to its desirability. The signatures of both Joe Montana and the artist, Daniel Smith, appear to be authentic based on known examples, though a definitive conclusion cannot be reached from images alone. The custom matting and gold-toned frame are of good quality, enhancing the overall presentation. The print itself appears to be in excellent condition with vibrant colors, although significant glare in the photography obscures a full assessment of the surface. Key value drivers are the dual signatures, the limited edition size, and the iconic status of Joe Montana. The market for high-quality, signed Montana memorabilia remains strong among 49ers fans and general football collectors. Comparable limited edition prints signed by Montana and a reputable artist typically trade in the $300 to $600 range, depending on the specific edition size, quality, and sales venue. This piece sits comfortably within that range. For a full authentication, in-person examination would be required to assess the paper, printing process, and signatures under magnification. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable third-party authenticator like PSA/DNA or JSA would be necessary to confirm the signatures' authenticity and maximize market value.
Appraisal Value
$400 - $600