Clemson Tigers National Championship Collectibles hit the market

Clemson football fans have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to commemorative National Championship gear, apparel and memorabilia.

One thing is for certain: Clemson fans know how to show their team spirit.

At every home or away game, you can spot the bright orange that is unmistakable Clemson Tiger faithful. From hats to shirts to jackets, if you are at a game, you gotta be sporting your team’s emblems in order to show support.

And now that the Tigers have captured their third College Football National Championship with a convincing 44-16 victory over Alabama in last year’s title game, it is only natural to celebrate with more clothing and collectibles to show off the team’s newest title.

"“We are proud to have things showing Clemson’s accomplishments. And it’s another thing in a long list of things that South Carolina can’t do in football,” said Nick Baker, a 22-year Clemson season ticket holder. “Plus, when we wear championship things, it pisses them off.”"

There are a few companies that have gone out-of-their-way to produce products and collectibles that will display the excitement and devotion of that special moment while capturing that twinkling for all time.

The Highland Mint has two new products that are rather high-end, but very special.

The first is a specially minted commemorative coin. This two-tone coin is fine silver plated with 24 KT gold highlights. The imprint on the front side has the National Championship football logo along with the stamping “National Championship Bay Area 2019.” The reverse side has a special logo that states “2019 National Champions Clemson Tigers” along with the iconic tiger paw logo.

The commemorative coin is officially licensed and measures 39 MM in diameter and comes with a custom-fitted plastic capsule, a certificate of authenticity, plus a very handsome cherry wood display box which measures 4” by 6”. Each coin is stamped with a number on its edge with a limited production run of just 2,018 (to coincide with that football season year).

On highlandmint.com website it has a price of $99.99, but can be found on fansedge.com for less; however, the fine-crafted cherry box is replaced by a velour jewelry case.

The second item from The Highland Mint is a tribute ticket display with commemorative coin. This officially licensed shelf item involves a 3 ½” by 9” vertical piece of acrylic which contains a specially printed ticket and at the bottom a custom minted bronze coin which states “3-Time Football National Champions” with a football helmet and the years of the championships. The ticket backside is a complete narrative of the three titles.

The coin measures 39 MM and also fits into the acrylic holder with the front imprint “Clemson University Tigers 3-Time Champions” and a football helmet. The coin reverse displays the tiger paw logo along with the imprint “Clemson University Tigers.” The acrylic sleeve is set up so that the actual game ticket can be inserted if the purchaser happened to attend the game and wanted a cool way to display and protect it. The base is a solid wood platform. The Highland Mint website has this listed for $49.99.

Another business that has recently offered Clemson National Championship collectibles is FOCO. This company specializes in highly-crafted bobbleheads which make a perfect shelf piece. For Clemson fans, this company has four National Championship collectibles available.

The largest and most impressive bobblehead is a double piece. This features Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney along with the mascot “The Tiger.” This item is constructed of resin and measures 7” at its longest point at the base by 3 ½” wide by 8” tall. The two are doing a high-five with two championship trophies on a makeshift field complete with painted field hash marks. A Clemson football helmet resides at the feet of Tiger. On the bottom front, it reads “Best is the Standard”, “The Tiger” and “Dabo Swinney.”

“For the Dabo bobbleheads we worked with Clemson Licensing on a number of revisions to get the likeness just right,” explained Anthony Davino, Marketing Coordinator for FOCO. “After clay molds are approved the factory sends painted photos which are also sent to the licensors for approval.  Once a painted sample is approved we go to mass production.”

This dual bobblehead is a limited production of 2,019 and is fully licensed. On the foco.com website, it lists for $70.00. All of the artwork is hand-painted with only a few decals attached.

Two other bobbleheads feature The Tiger.

The first has him standing with his arms down by his side while his tail curls at his feet. It measures 3 ½” wide by 3 ¼” deep by 8 ¼” tall. Between his legs is a trophy with the words “National Championship” on its base. Although his jersey numbers are decals, everything else is hand-painted and is very articulate. The resin base has the Clemson National Champions logo with the words “Clemson Tigers” inscribed on its front. This lists for $40.

The second Tiger bobblehead has him standing with one foot up on a Clemson helmet, one hand on his knee while the other hand is signing “number one.” The Clemson National Champions logo is also by his feet as well as imprinted on the base.

This bobble measures 4 1/8” wide by 2 ½” deep by 8” tall. There is a special feature with this Tiger bobblehead. Behind him is a flat wall section with a ghosted photo of the National Championship trophy raised up. However, on the reverse side of this wall is the complete 2018 undefeated schedule complete with scores and opponent’s logos with the moniker “15-0” at the bottom. This bobblehead is $45.

It is amazing how well made these collectibles are, and the hand-painted work is precise.

“The fans and collectors who are spending the money on this type of collectible are expecting a level of quality and detail”, added Davino. “After initial artwork approval, the artwork is sent to China where the 2D designs are recreated out of clay by sculptors at our factory.  Those clay molds are sent back to the U.S. for comments and revisions.”

So what is the allure of having Clemson National Championship collectibles that find their home on a shelf in a fan’s home?

“They are great conversation pieces with other Clemson fans, and some really grow in value over the years,” offered Baker. “Most of all, sharing stories with new fans and younger family members. When they see collectibles they ask questions and seeing is believing when making a choice to be a fan. It leaves an impression.”

The final FOCO bobblehead comes shipped in two pieces. This $55 hand-painted item depicts Dabo standing inside Clemson’s home arena – Memorial Stadium.

Coach Swinney has his right hand up pointing “number one” wearing an orange letterman’s jacket with white sleeves complete with pockets. The stadium is remarkable. The stands are carved out just like bleachers with four overhead stadium lights and a striped football field.

On the front is a mini National Championship trophy, the words “Dabo Swinney” plus the Clemson National Champions logo. The collector has to “set” Dabo into the stadium and “attach” him with the provided wingnut which is very simple. Even the outer shell of the stadium has building details and is precisely hand-painted.

“FOCO wants to make sure we are developing products that are unique and special – something that sets us apart from all of the other products in the market,” Davino said.

One item to note on all these bobbleheads: the spring motion of the headpieces are excellent and not cheaply done. The problem with a lot of bobbles manufactured today is that the spring is too thin and over time the head will droop instead of bobble, which defeats the whole reason for the collectible. That does not seem to be the case with these.

Clemson football fan loyalists have great pride in their team as well as the best collections. Whether you sport a new ball cap with “National Champions” emblazoned, a car window decal or a unique bobblehead for that special place in your home, being able to show the nation that your team was the best in 2019 is important.

And with the continued success the coaches have found on the recruiting trail, perhaps next year another round of National Championship collectibles will become necessary and available.