Gallery Cards Section IV, Page 3

Gallery - Cards, Section IV
Page 3, On Card Autographs (Polar Opposites)
Collector's Note: You might have noticed that over the last few months, when financially feasible, I've been purchasing on-card autos that I already have in my collection. It's a personal buying trend. I believe that as long as Upper Deck and Big Frank work together - sticker autos will be the only type available for the foreseeable future. From a pure bang-for-your-buck 'trade bait' position, I feel on-card autos will become more in demand the longer stickers become the standard fare available to collectors.

2000 Pacific Omega Signatures #5
When this first came out - based on the style and stroke of the signature - I honestly thought these were autopened (a metal template used by some celebrities to accommodate the crush of fan requests) - or a printed facsimile. It was just "too good".

You should've seen my face when I discovered they were just really nice on-card Big Hurt sigs. <lol> :-D

Polar Side: Steal. Got it for about $30, goes for double that nowadays.

1998 UD Pros & Prospects Autograph
I regret not being getting the gold version when they were easily available. 10 years later it's now transformed itself into a 'thorn' that won't go away. <lol>

Polar Side: Burn. Got talked into paying $125, which was 'over book' even when released. Today (2008) it goes for about half that, a bit more with the right auction hook.

2001 UD Ultimate Silver #d to 24
One of those issues that I ended up regretting not investing in when they were easily available. Now I have to 'hunt' for the limited Copper version.

I don't know about everyone else, but for me, it's a very tough balancing act trying to decide where my entertainment dollars will go. And ultimately, as the years go on, what will become truly valuable and what will fall to the wayside as 'semi-nice' and easy pick-ups. Very tough indeed.

Polar Side: Burn. Could've gotten the entire run (a.k.a. 'Rainbow') for a couple hundred when released. Today? The Copper alone opens at that level. Should've bought 'em when I could.

1999 UD Century Legends Epic Signatures #'d to 100
Glad I waited to pick this one up. I would say that for a good 5-6 years, this regularly broke $200 when it hit the secondary market. But around 2006 I started to notice that prices weren't as strong. By 2007 they were down right reasonable. And by 2008 - I had one in my hand for $75. To some that's still a ridiculous price for a card issued to one hundred. But for me - I had waited long enough. Add into the mix the movement toward 'on-cards' and that sealed the deal as far as I was concerned. <g>

Polar Side: Steal. Patience has its rewards, easily saved 50%.