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Minnesota Vikings Memorabilia

Minnesota Vikings memorabilia is as varied as the players on the team. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that these guys are known as the Purple People Eaters. In addition, sports greats like Fran Tarkenton, Rich Gannon and Cris Carter have called Minnesota their home.



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Collecting Minnesota Vikings Memorabilia

Luckily, if you are new to collecting sports memorabilia, you will have no problem finding great items from the Minnesota Vikings. In addition, there are many websites to purchase items from, including:


Of course, you may also find these items through estate auctions and individual collectors. It is very rare to find an autographed item casually discarded at a garage sale or local thrift shop.

Who's Who

Half the fun of collecting Minnesota Vikings memorabilia is the chance to own something that was signed by your favorite player. It is akin to actually meeting a famous personality. Names to look for, both new and from the past, from this great team include:

  • Fran Tarkenton
  • Cris Carter
  • Rich Gannon
  • Brad Johnson
  • Eddie Payton
  • Alan Page
  • Daunte Culpepper
  • Roger Craig
  • Chester Taylor
  • Robert Smith
  • Randy Moss

If you are just starting your collection, and you're unsure about who's who on the roster, just check out the Minnesota Vikings official team website.

Start Collecting!

Many people start out their sports memorabilia collection, especially a football one, with either an official helmet or a football. There are also two ways to go about collecting these two items: either purchase the sports items new and then have your favorite player autograph them, or purchase them already signed. If you opt to have your favorite player sign them in front of you, it will be a moment you'll always remember and you'll know it is an authentic signature. On the other hand, if you purchase the item from a merchant or other sports enthusiast, and the price is pretty steep, you should have the item appraised by someone who is well known in the appraising field.




Educate Yourself

While the hobby of collecting Minnesota Vikings memorabilia and other sports items is a popular one, there are many unscrupulous people out there selling fakes and copies. There are two main ways to try and guard against the loss of money spent on fraudulent items. Educate yourself and shop with a knowledgeable friend. Learn more about the hobby by joining a sports collectors club and by reading anything you can find on the subject of sports memorabilia, such as collector price guides. Books on the subject include:

  • Instant Expert: Collecting Sports Memorabilia by Michael McKeever
  • Warman's Sports Collectibles: A Value & Identification Guide by Tom Mortenson
  • Ultimate Guide to Collecting by Kristen R. Stephens

Sports Collectibles Clubs

One way to find a friend to collect Minnesota Vikings memorabilia with is to join a sports collectible club. You may be able to find them locally or online. Some popular sports clubs online are:

Clubs are a great way to make friends in the community as well as learn quite a bit about the items you are interested in. Meetings usually cover important topics such as detecting fraud, ways to care for your special items, and current values. Collector clubs also offer fellow members an opportunity to buy and sell within the group.

Conclusion

Collecting Minnesota Vikings memorabilia is a great way to start collecting sports items. You can collect everything related to the Purple People Eaters, such as bobble heads, helmets, jerseys and, of course, autographed footballs. The scope of your collection can be as simple as a special item protected in a case, or FatHead wall stickers and team stadium throws- the choice is up to you. Be sure to educate yourself about the value and identification by reading collectible guides and books on the subject. Finally, if you really want to throw yourself wholeheartedly into collecting sports memorabilia, join a club locally or online.