The last two years have been a blast. I've created countless custom trading cards for my collection. I've cut up a game used bat and even went to my favorite player's house (Jose Canseco) to have him try on several jerseys, just so I could cut them up and make my own "player-worn" custom cards (don't worry, they weren't his old A's gamers). I wasn't … [Read more...] about Custom Card Kit Gives New Life to Old Memories
relic cards
2015-16 SPx Gives Hockey Collectors Clear Choices
It’s clear that Upper Deck is changing its style when it comes to its 2015-16 SPx Hockey product. That’s clear, as in acetate. For example, the rookie cards are a dramatic departure, highlighted by an acetate-window player image next to autographs and/or memorabilia. Hobby boxes will hit stores and online outlets on Wednesday. Upper Deck is promising one rookie auto … [Read more...] about 2015-16 SPx Gives Hockey Collectors Clear Choices
2016 Topps Tier One Baseball Preview and Checklist
2016 Topps Tier One Baseball will mark the return of an “all hits” product to the mid-season calendar with two autographs and a relic card in each one-pack box. 2016 Tier One should land at $90-110 per box upon release June 8. A preview gallery of sample cards is below along with a full checklist. Among the ‘relic’ inserts in will be pens (or maybe pieces of the pens) that … [Read more...] about 2016 Topps Tier One Baseball Preview and Checklist
Triple Threads 2015 MLB Box Break/Review
Triple Threads is another of those lines of products where base cards are almost an afterthought. As I mentioned in a recent review, my personal belief is down the road many of these base cards will be in comparatively short supply and add yet another layer of value to these releases. During a Facebook discussion with a friend of mine, he pointed out that instead of base cards … [Read more...] about Triple Threads 2015 MLB Box Break/Review
Topps Tier One Arrives
2015 Topps Tier One is out, with the high-end product offering two autographs or auto relics and one relic card per pack. Topps says it will be packaging “a percentage” of the product for sale in Japan. It's the latest in the annual line of products from the New York-based company that began in the winter with their flagship 2015 Topps Series 1 issue. Single and dual … [Read more...] about Topps Tier One Arrives
Ramblings: Answering the Mail and Thoughts on Flawless
Answering some reader emails and offering my two cents on the Panini Flawless football patch problems. Our first email comes from someone who found my Ramblings from last fall on Mike Cramer, who founded Pacific Trading Cards years ago. Ironically, my name is also Mike Cramer. And I even have a J as my middle initial. And I am a huge sports fan and have been a collector … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Answering the Mail and Thoughts on Flawless
Editor’s Blog: The Trouble With Relic Cards
Last week’s revelation that some cards in Panini’s Flawless Football set may not carry game-worn player swatches created quite a buzz among those have an interest in the new release market. While I’m guessing the firestorm may not have been quite as big if it had happened in a product that didn’t cost so much, it was a little puzzling because it’s far from the first time that … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: The Trouble With Relic Cards
Panini Says Flawless Snafu a ‘Regrettable Mistake’; More Wrong Patches Surface
Panini America acknowledged Tuesday that some of the jersey swatches cut up for use in 2014 Panini Flawless Football were actually event-worn patches rather than the game-worn material they were professed to be. However, the issue may be deeper than even company officials realize. Some astute collectors on the Blowout Cards forum compared the Russell Wilson patches to … [Read more...] about Panini Says Flawless Snafu a ‘Regrettable Mistake’; More Wrong Patches Surface
2015 Topps Baseball Series One Preview and Checklist
Topps is increasing the size of its flagship baseball product. 2015 Topps Baseball Series One will include 350 base cards, another 350 for Series 2 and a grand finale of 400 cards in 2015 Update. The company has released preliminary information on next year's set. Series One boxes are scheduled to be released the week of February 4. There is a full image gallery and full … [Read more...] about 2015 Topps Baseball Series One Preview and Checklist
Editor’s Blog: Not for Everyone But Ginter’s Just Fun
If you’re a traditional baseball card guy you probably scoff at products like this. Normally I’m in that group. The traditionalists, not necessarily the scoffers. But the summertime release that has allowed us to see what collectors sometimes refer to as the 2014 Topps Allen & Ginter ‘personalities’, is one I look forward to. It may be based on an old-time product—one … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Not for Everyone But Ginter’s Just Fun