Art Monk
NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver · Football - NFL
Washington Redskins (now Commanders) / New York Jets / Philadelphia Eagles
Era
Active Career - circa 1981
Item Type
Memorabilia Piece (Likely a helmet, football, or ceramic plate)
Condition
Good. While the ink is bold, the item itself has a structural crack that disrupts the 'k' and the year inscription.
Rarity
Common. Art Monk was a frequent and gracious signer throughout his career and retirement.
Overall Assessment
An authentic, bold example of a legendary Redskins player's early-career signature. Despite the item's damage, the autograph itself remains clear and desirable for Washington fans.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (Confidence: 95%). The flow is natural and reflects the specific lettering transitions used by Monk in the early 1980s.
Signature Style
Cursive stylized script with a distinct year inscription ('81). Features a connected first and last name with a looping 'A' and a trailing 'k'.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid, high-speed execution with no hesitation. The 'A' is rounded and slightly detached from 'rt'. The 'M' has localized pressure at the peaks.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie style). The ink shows minor saturation consistent with age and medium absorption.
Item Description
A white smooth-surfaced item, showing a significant crack or seam running through the signature, likely a ceramic or hard plastic substrate.
Estimated Value
$40 - $80 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 1980s exemplars; modern signatures of Monk have become more compressed and shaky, whereas this '81' example is smooth.
Authentication Tips
Look for the unique vertical loops in the 'M' and the way the 't' in Art often blends directly into the 'M' of Monk. The '81' inscription should have a high-placed apostrophe.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), as they are leaders in NFL memorabilia.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The natural bleed of the ink suggests an authentic hand-signed origin.
Provenance Notes
The inclusion of the year '81' suggests this may have been signed during his second professional season, adding historical interest.
Historical Context
Art Monk was the first player in NFL history to record 900 career receptions and was a key member of three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Market Trends
Stable. As a Hall of Famer, his value remains consistent, though the market is well-supplied.
Investment Potential
Low long-term growth due to high availability; primarily a piece for personal enjoyment or a team-specific collection.
Similar Autographs
Darrell Green, Joe Theismann, John Riggins (Redskins legends).
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent ink fading. If the item is ceramic, a custom display case with a stable base is recommended.
Interesting Facts
Art Monk was notoriously quiet and humble, often referred to as 'The Quiet Man' of the NFL during his record-breaking years.