This year Upper Deck had a new and exciting idea to get you
“closer to the game”. They cut up an original All
Star Jersey from the 92 All Star game and inserted small square
pieces of the actual jersey between the layers of the card. They
left an opening on the front side of the card so you can see and
feel the jersey of Michael Jordan. Collectors loved the idea.
Upper Deck then decided to produce a limited version by hand numbered
23 cards that are also “authentically” autographed
which gave the collector opening the pack the feel they may pull
a REALLY expensive card. If you did find the card, this card is
the most sought after jersey/autograph card in his career!! Challenge
for most people is:
1) finding one.
2) having the funds to pay for it if you can find it. :)
This year also features the first “Masterpiece” cards.
A masterpiece card is a limited card where only one is produced,
and numbered 1/1 on the card. The idea was created by Fleer for
the brands Flair and Ultra. This creates a problem for the Collector
who likes one of every card of his favorite player. These cards
made the Fleer brand packs like lotto tickets as Collectors opened
the pack looking for the “Masterpiece” card. Challenge
for Collectors is locating where the 1/1 is, and then having the
funds to paying it if, and when you find one.
Card brands he’s in are:
· Collectors Choice
· Bowman’s Best
· E-X2001
· Finest
· Flair
· Fleer
· Hoops
· Metal
· SkyBox Premium
· SP
· SPx
· Stadium Club
· Topps
· UD3
· Ultra
· Upper Deck
· Z-Force
This year also features from Stadium Club the “Triumvirate”
card. This card has several versions and has confused most Collectors
and Grading Companies.
I’ll help clarify the differences and share ways to identify
each version. There are two cards (T1B & T9B) and four versions
of each card.
1) The regular version is on standard cardboard stock.
2) Members Only is on standard cardboard stock, with the words
“Members Only” on the back.
3) Luminescent is on card board stock, if you hold it to the light,
you cannot see through it, and it has a refractor like finish.
4) Illuminator is on plastic stock, and holding the card up to
light, you can see through the top and bottom potions of the card.
The T1B does NOT have a refractor like finish on the front, and
the T9B card does.