1998 Skybox EX2001 Destination: Cooperstown #2
Not a particularly interesting die-cut, but I put this up since it's one not seen very often. A pretty tough pull: 1 in every 720 packs or 1 in every 2 Cases. But it is interesting in that it's designed as a 'luggage tag' - notice the hole - it supposed to "tag" the player for a trip to upper New York. Get it? "Destination: Cooperstown". <g>
Collector's Note: You'll never find one in mint condition. The production did not account for the fragile nature of dark borders and thick cardstock, so the tops of these cards are consistently found chipped. I have never seen one that even closely resembled mint state. Never.
1998 Stadium Club Triumvirate #T4C - Luminescent
Another underrated issue from the 90's. And, in my opinion, the grand prize winner in The Most Difficult Insert To Pronounce By An Average Collector Category. <lol>
I'm guessing the creative person behind this was a history major. Who else can we blame for something named after an ancient Roman political power structure? <g>
To this very day I have yet to complete a 'rainbow'. Remember we're only talking 3 cards from either series. The closest I've come is what you see above - this one from the first series - a "Luminescent"; the second-tier of difficulty. And get this: 10 years later and I have yet to confirm what the heck constitutes the top tier "Illuminator" version. I believe it's an embossed refractor, similar to other Topps' top level inserts from this period. Can anyone confirm this with a scan? Your report will be credited.
1997 Fleer Lumber Company #17
Considered simplistic in today's market, but I genuinely love the design and craftmanship. And notice that the die-cut has a point, not just a gimmick created for no apparent reason, like those insane Pinnacle XYZs from 1998.
1996 Ultra Hitting Machines Gold Medallion #9
To really appreciate this card you have to hold it against a strong light source to get a sense of the intricate die-cut pattern. Love this card.
Also one of the most underated-price-versus-insert-ratio chase cards. These Hitting Machine Gold Medallions were inserted at a shocking 1:2,880 packs. That was one in every 8 CASES.
In 2007 I saw an auction for this card that sold for a high bid of $16. Go figure.