This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2015
During the 1998 season, Dan Marino pioneered his way into the exclusive 400 TD club. Previously, no quarterback had ever thrown 400 touchdowns. Marino made football history by setting the new standard for quarterback greatness.
Style: Regarding the style, the shirt is the aqua knit/durene shoulder combination pullover with straight tail and meted “v’ neck ribbed collar. The numbers are tri color tackle twill, white on orange with a black shadow. “MARINO” appears on the reverse with white on orange double tackle twill. The Starter manufactures logo appears on both sleeves and as part of the design, the Dolphin’s tail extends down into the sleeve stripes.
As required by Marino, the sleeves are cut directly below the bottom of the last stripe, and the side has custom spandex inserts. Rarely seen, this example has a crotch piece with a Velcro closure.
All of the traits compare favorably to available images with respect to style and customization. Available images (included) support this.
Manufacturer: Per the MEARS Official Tagging Database, the “Pro Line Authentic” Starter tag is consistent with examples supplied by the company during the 1998 season. Additional examples supplied by Starter include:
1. 1998 Marino Road
2. 1998 McDuffie
3. 1998 Huard
Therefore, Starter was verified as being the correct supplier for 1998 Dolphins game worn jersey.
Size (54): The shirt was measured and examined and verified that the tagged size of 54 matches the actual size when confirmed by measuring the chest. Other examples of size 54 Marino shirts to enter the hobby include:
1997 Marino (white)
1997 Marino (white, #2 example)
1998 Marino w/ letter
Therefore, size 54 is correct for Dan Marino during the era.
Game Use: Moderate game wear is present. Wear to the right side panel insert, wear and abrasions to the front 3.
Imagery Analysis: MEARS was able to compare the examined shirt to available images. We found the following consistencies:
1. Sleeve length compares favorably of actual jersey to image.
2. Dolphin patch which extends into the sleeve stripe applique is consistent with available image with respect to placement.
3. Side elastic insert panel is consistent when actual jersey is compared to available images.
4. NFL shield patch on neck and Dolphins team patch on jersey front is consistent with jersey when compared to available images.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): Per the MEARS official grading and authentication worksheet, when compared to the 5 categories used for evaluation, MEARS Determined: Examination of the shirt with respect to manufacture, style, size, and game wear is consistent with what you would expect to find on a jersey worn by Marino during the 1998 season. Additionally, with respect to grading, “Post 1987: Based on the merits of the actual jersey with respect to manufacturers characteristics, game wear, availability of non-game worn jerseys on the market, popularity of the player, and other factors that support game wear, jersey may be graded on the 10 point scale”. With the presence of the crotch piece, this is a feature that is not commonly found on Marino jerseys. This coupled with the strong comparisons to available images and the solid game use, the shirt was awarded the MEARS A10 grade.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS