Emmitt Smith
Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back & NFL All-Time Leading Rusher · Football - NFL
Dallas Cowboys / Arizona Cardinals
Era
Circa late 1990s to early 2000s based on signature style and item type
Item Type
Limited Treasures Plush Bear Hang Tag
Condition
Condition: Excellent. The signature is bold with minimal bleeding. The tag is clean with no significant creasing, though part of the signature overlaps the hologram.
Rarity
Common for the signer; Emmitt Smith was a prolific signer throughout his career through paid signings and fan interactions.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, bold signature of an NFL legend on a common novelty item. Ideal for a Dallas Cowboys fan or a budget-conscious collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; confidence level: High. The signature displays the correct flow, loop angles, and specific E/S transitions consistent with his established hand.
Signature Style
Stylized script; features his characteristic large, loopy 'E' that transitions into a tall, peaked 'S' for Smith, often finishing with a quick underline stroke.
Signature Characteristics
Consistent baseline; high-speed execution; the initial 'E' is wide-looped; the 'S' is the tallest element; the final 'h' in Smith usually tapers into a horizontal whip.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker on a gloss-coated cardboard tag with a holographic security label.
Item Description
A 'Limited Treasures' brand collectibles hang tag attached to a Dallas Cowboys themed plush bear. Includes NFL and NFL Players Association logos and an official hologram.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Highly consistent with mid-to-late career examples. Matches specimens found on official PROVA or PSA authenticated memorabilia.
Authentication Tips
Look for the speed of the 'S' and the specific way he connects the mid-section. Forged examples often display 'shaky' lines when trying to replicate his fluid loops.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). Third-party certification would likely cost more than the current market value of the item.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the overlap with the hologram suggests it was signed in a controlled or official environment.
Provenance Notes
The presence of the NFL Players hologram is a strong indicator of an officially licensed signing event product.
Historical Context
Signed during or shortly after his record-breaking career where he surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL's all-time leading rusher.
Market Trends
Emmitt Smith's market is stable but saturated. Value is highest on jerseys and footballs, while 'novelty' items like plush toys remain affordable entry points for collectors.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential; best suited as a personal memento or entry-level collection piece due to the high volume of similar items.
Similar Autographs
Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent blue ink fading; store in a small acrylic cube or acid-free sleeve.
Interesting Facts
Emmitt Smith often includes his jersey number '22' in his signature, though it is notably absent or compressed into the flourish on smaller items like this tag.