10 Tokens of Super Bowls Past

By Marni Elyse Katz
January 28, 2011

Superbowl

Super Bowl XLIV Minnesota Vikings v New Orleans Saints September 9, 2010 (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images); Super Bowl XXV: Buffalo Bills v New York Giants January 27, 1991 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

For the most avid football fans, it’s not enough to just watch the Super Bowl. Or even go to the game. As with any pastime, there are accoutrements to be had. While “official” Super Bowl apparel is a dime a dozen (well, if only the stuff cost just a dime), serious Super Bowl memorabilia collectors aim for items that have actually been used in Super Bowl play. According to Liam O'Bannion, a dealer who specializes in sports antiques, the true “game used” Super Bowl collectibles are far more rare. The most valuable pieces have been used on the field or signed on the spot. Of course that doesn’t mean the cheaper, novelty items are any less fun.

As this year's game pitting the Packers against the Steelers approaches it's no surprise that on eBay, online auction listings for "Super Bowl" items in the Sports Memorabilia category are up 18 percent and sales are up 37 percent in a recent 30-day period (12/25-1/23) compared to the prior period.

10 Touchdown-Worthy Keepsakes from Super Bowls Past

Super Bowl XLIV Game Used Football Colts/Saints

(buy it now price, $6,999)

This Wilson NFL Game Football was used during the Super Bowl last year in Miami, and has the date, place, and location lasered into it. The ball comes with a signed and notarized letter of authenticity from the NFL.
Garrett Hartley Super Bowl XLIV Helmet

(buy it now price, $12,000)

Garrett Hartley, a placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, not only wore this helmet in Super Bowl XLIV, but he also signed it. As to be expected, there is some scuffing and the chin strap shows wear—but isn't that the point?
Super Bowl 36 XXXVI Ticket Stub New England Patriots

(buy it now price, $189.99)

This pristine silver ticket, with a halogram with the Lombardi Trophy, was for the Patriots versus St. Louis Rams game played at the Superdome in New Orleans. It was the first post 9-11 Super Bowl. This was Tom Brady’s first Super Bowl, where he won game MVP honors.
2004 Official Super Bowl Patriots vs. Panthers Patch

(buy it now price, $19.95)

This is an official Superbowl XXXVIII patch ffrom the Patriots verus Panthers game in 2004. The patch is mounted on a panel with a game summary and player stats.
1977 Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Championship Ring

(buy it now price, $4,200)

Copies can be had for a lot less, but this is an authentic ring made by Jostens. The Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27-10 in this 1977 Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XIV Program LA Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

(buy it now price, $49.99)

This program is from when the Los Angeles Rams played the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on January 20, 1980. Pittsburgh won, for the fourth time.
Tom Brady New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI Photo

(buy it now price, $5.95)

A glossy 8x10 (larger sizes also available) of one of the game’s best quarterbacks, Tom Brady, in action at Super Bowl XXXVI.
Joe Namath Signed "Super Bowl III Champs" Football JSA

(buy it now price, $149.99)

This is an authentic, certified hand-signed limited edition, numbered football. The flip side has a photograph of the star player.
New York Giants 2008 Super Bowl Newspaper Collage Print

(buy it now price, $19.99)

This 16x20 print includes 42 front page newspaper headlines from the day after the 2008 Super Bowl.
Dick Vermeil Signed Super Bowl XXXIV Hat

(buy it now price, $75)

This is a new hat signed by former St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil. The signature, which reads, “Dick Vermeil Super Bowl XXXIV” has been authenticated. Vermeil was also head coach for the Philadephia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.