San Francisco 49ers Memorabilia Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

One of the most-accomplished franchises in all of sports, the San Francisco 49ers made history on January 29, 1995 when they captured Super Bowl XXIX. As the Niners hoisted by Lombardi Trophy after a 49-26 trouncing of the San Diego Chargers, they etched their name in the record books as the first team in NFL history to win five Super Bowl Championships. Founded in 1946, many of the game's all-time greats have donned the signature red and gold. Pro Football Hall of Famers Steve Young, Joe Montana, O.J. Simpson, Ronnie Lott, Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, John Henry Johnson, Hugh McElhenny, Dave Wilcox, Bob St. Clair, Leo Nomellini and Fred Dean all made their greatest strides in those unmistakable colors. Of all the franchise's Hall of Famers, none may be greater than Canton-bound Jerry Rice. Rice played 20 NFL seasons, 15 with the Niners, and etched his name into the record books as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. When Jerry retired in 2005, he did so as the NFL's all-time career leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns. Remembered around the football world for his unmatched work ethic and dedication, it's no doubt that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is preparing a space for the great Jerry Rice as we speak. Aside from the unforgettable Jerry Rice, some of the game's all-time greatest have suited up for the City by the Bay. Three-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Joe Montana won four World Championships with the Niners before handing the team's reigns to the sure-handed Steve Young. Steve Young would win three Super Bowls, a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award and two National Football League MVP awards before being forever enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2005.

With some of the greatest players in NFL history slotting their all-time roster, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the elite organizations in all of sports. With a franchise so rich in tradition, it's probably not the easiest task to choose which pieces of memorabilia are right for your collection. I've created this list to highlight my personal top five picks for the serious NFL collector. Each and every selection highlights one of the game's greatest and comes with a certificate of authenticity from a trusted authenticator.

• Signed Steve Young Jersey: One of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, the Niners knew they had a special talent in Young, so much so that they traded Hall of Famer Joe Montana to hand Young the reigns of the franchise in 1993! Young would lead the Niners to three Super Bowl Championships under Young's tenure as starting quarterback while the athletic Young won two NFL Most Valuable Player awards. The highest rated passer in NFL history, Hall of Famer Steve Young has signed this red 49ers throwback jersey in distinct black ink. A great centerpiece for every Bay Area sports fan, this Steve Young autographed jersey comes complete with a Schwartz Sports Certificate of Authenticity. A great jersey that looks even better framed, make a Hall of Fame addition to your sports room today with this standout Steve Young autographed jersey.

• Signed Jerry Rice Photograph: Jerry Rice is widely considered one of, if not the, greatest wide receivers in NFL history.  When he retired in 2004, Rice held or shared an unbelievable amount of league records, including receptions, all-purpose yards, rushing/receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns.  Rice was a key member of three Super Bowl Niners teams and was selected to13 Pro Bowls.  This Jerry Rice autographed photo is authenticated by Mounted Memories and officially licensed by the NFL. 

• Signed Ronnie Lott Helmet: A man many remember as the greatest defensive back in NFL history, Ronnie Lott intimidated halfbacks, wide receivers and quarterbacks for the better part of his 15-year pro career. Acknowledged as the hardest hitting man in football, Lott intercepted 63 passes during his illustrious career, earning him 10 Pro Bowl selections in the process. His trademark No. 42 retired by the 49ers. Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott has hand-signed this authentic ProLine helmet in distinct dark blue ink. An absolute must-have for each and every Niner fan, this Ronnie Lott autographed helmet comes complete with an Athletic Promotional Events Certificate of Authenticity. A dynamite cornerstone for your sports room, draft a Hall of Famer your collection today!

• Jerry Rice & Joe Montana Autographed Photo:  The perfect centerpiece for a San Francisco fan’s memorabilia collection, or a great item for any NFL collector.  During their tenure with the Niners, Rice and Montana led the team to seven Super Bowl wins.  They also have a combined 21 Pro Bowl selections and four Super Bowl MVP awards.  This one is likely to appreciate in value as Rice nears Hall of Fame eligibility.  In addition to your photograph, you’ll also receive a Schwartz Sports Certificate of Authenticity, two tamper-proof holograms and a photograph taken at the signing. 

• Signed 49ers Greats Helmet w/ 38 Signatures: The San Francisco 49ers became the first franchise to win five Super Bowl Championships when they won it all in 1995. This piece, which commemorates five San Francisco Super Bowl Championships, has been signed by 38 former Niners greats.  Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Roger Craig, Bryant Young, Charles Haley, Merton Hanks, Dana Stubblefield, Carlton Williamson, Eric Wright, Keena Turner, Dwight Clark, Bill Romanowski, John Taylor, Mike Sherrard, Ray Wersching, Mike Cofer, Jamie Williams, Danny Stubbs, Don Griffin, Steve Bono, Willie Harper, Mike Wilson, Steve Wallace, Jesse Sapolu, Guy McIntryre, Tom Rathman, William Floyd, Chet Brooks, Wendell Tyler, Russ Francis, Tim McDonald, Jeff Fuller, Toi, Cook, Eric Davis, Gary Plummer, Rickey Jackson, and Junior Bryant have all added their autographs to this helmet. This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Mounted Memories and is officially licensed by the NFL. Add a true asset to you collection with this helmet today!

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