1996 Studio Silver Press Proof #93
|
|
|
After
9 years - NINE - I finally, finally located an example.
That it was available as a "buy it now" was stunning. That I got it
for $3... I'm speechless. Beyond anything I can describe in words.
Collector's Note: I was able to obtain an extra (for trade bait) because
the seller misidentified the year and type of insert. It actually read, "1997
Leaf Studio Proof/Refractor". Something to consider when you're doing web
searches - click on the link and see the scan. But confirm it's actually
the card that will be delivered. There are some slick sellers who prey on
the classic 'bait-n-switch' scam. <nod>
Additional info: This is another example of those pesky 'retail-only'
inserts. I actually spent several years just searching for (and when possible,
buying) unopened "Magazine Boxes". You have to remember that this
specific product line was intended for places like 7-11 and big box retailers.
How can you tell the difference? Magazine boxes were not issued with
a covered flap like standard boxes, instead they were sealed with plastic shrinkwrap
over an 'open faced' box. Again, you have to remember that regular issued boxes
are intended to be used as POPs
in addition to holding the packs. Not so with these retail boxes. Once the retailer
'opened' the box and removed the contents - the box was tossed.
Finally, because these packs were intended to be hung onto hooked displays,
you can spot a magazine pack by looking at their 'tops' - where the foil crimp
seal is found. Magazine packs have an extra large foil tab with a pre-punched
hole; very similar to what's seen in rack packs. This was in the mid-1990s when
retailers weren't overly concerned about shoplifting 'kids'. Not so anymore
- as most thieves of sports cards and collectibles tend to be adults. Sad but
true.