1965 Coke Caps Vikings (King Size Coke Variation) #C4 Errol Linden

Errol Linden played end for the University of Houston football team from 1959 to 1960. He led the team in receptions in 1960 with 12. Yes, 12 for the season led the team. In UH's current offense, 12 receptions might not even lead the team in one game.

After his Cougar career, Linden was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 10th round of the 1961 NFL Draft and by the Houston Oilers in the 29th round of the 1961 AFL Draft. He played 10 seasons of professional football for the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints.

Today's item is another oddball, the 1965 Coke Caps Vikings #C4. The top of the cap has the Coke logo and a football graphic. The inside of the cap has a headshot of Errol and lists his name and team. Besides the base Coke cap, there are also Tab, Fanta, King Size Coke, and Sprite variations. The King Size Coke cap is pictured below.

I've never collected bottle caps, but I know a lot of people do. I imagine condition can be a challenge for bottle cap collectors. These aren't twist tops so you have to use a bottle opener. Opening the bottle could bend the top or sides dramatically or it could scratch up the top, ruining the images.