1994 Topps Finest Bronze MVP #3
Part of a 3-card issue made available to collectors on Topps' mailing
lists, Stadium Club Members, and a limited mail-order item.
During the early-to-mid 90's the use of solid metal "cards"
was the high-end market of collecting. I can recall during the early
days of eBay seeing these bronze sets consistently sell for more than
$150. Today, in 2008, expect to pay about $5 for the Big Frank version.
<g>
1994 Ameritech Phonecard
Made by Mitsubishi Corp and at the time offered by several different
phonecard dealers across the country.
Three years after this production - Pinnacle Brands subcontracted the
same corporation to create their own 'Precious Metal' inserts which
were inserted into 1997 & 1998 Donruss Preferred.
Here's one of the ad offerings
from back in '94.
1996 Leaf Preferred Gold #76
The hobby's first all-metal card issue, utilized sheets of steel
printed with colored inks.
I'm not a fan of these cards other than chasing down the rare variants
this issue produced, including a pair of very difficult promos. The
next 'big' update for 2009 will (finally) address these great collectibles.
Hang in there GL - it's coming!
{;-D
1995 Topps Finest Bronze Leaders #6
Another direct-mail offering. This time Frank was selected along
with five other award winners from the 1996 Season.
Long story
short - it took writing to T.J. Schwartz of Tuff Stuff Magazine
to shake loose my set from Topps. They happily took my money when I
placed my order, but after three months of waiting, my set never arrived.
When I called Topps for a status update - they said they were sold out.
But get this: They also refused to refund my money; saying that I had
to wait until "a suitable replacement could be found". Keep
in mind I didn't want a 'replacement' and told them that with a fair
dose of insistent frustration. See, Topps acted like that even back
then.
Thank you again T.J.
And guys - if you really need help - T.J. is one of the few hobby insiders
who can and will help = if he can.
His
eBay Store link.