Picked up an oddball 1979/1980 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie piece, is this what is termed a "proo

thenavarro · October 16, 2011 2:27PM

This piece caught my eye so I picked it up. This was described as a "Offered is a rare and possibly unique printing production piece pulled from the depths of the Topps Vault, all confirmed by the Topps Vault COA. The presented item was used for the printing of the 1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie card. It is a production mechanical for the warm red printing plate. What you see in white on this piece would eventually be printed in red on the final card"

It has a Topps Vault COA and matching hologram numbered sticker on the otherwise blank back.

Is this what is commonly called a "proof"?? Are they hard to get or was the description just typical hyperbole?

I might end up getting it signed through Gretzky's website for my HOF & Legends signed rookie card collection. I doubt there have been many of these signed, or if they are, I haven't seen them.

Toro · October 16, 2011 2:41PM

It looks like a very unique and expensive piece to own if it's original. Do you have the cert that identifies the item in detail or the generic ones with just the hologram number on it?

thenavarro · October 16, 2011 2:46PM

<< It looks like a very unique and expensive piece to own if it's original. Do you have the cert that identifies the item in detail or the generic ones with just the hologram number on it? >>

The hologram is numbered, but the cert doesn't identify the item in detail, it is just generic with the matching hologram number on it. I bought it from Heritage Auctions here in Dallas, so I'm relatively confident that it is original.

Mike

Toro · October 16, 2011 3:00PM

I was curious of that detail only because I own a proof of an Elway RC with only the matching numbers. Apparently the Topps Vault went away from the detailed cert describing the item somewhere along the line. I would call it a pre-production proof but maybe another member can chime in with better details as to what the exact terminology would be at that stage of production.

Ironmanfan · October 16, 2011 11:03PM

I wouldnt get that particular card signed IMO

IMF

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 16, 2011 11:44PM

<< I wouldnt get that particular card signed IMO

IMF >>

+1

Southsider · October 17, 2011 1:30AM

I agree with not getting that signed. I think that would only lower the value.

thenavarro · October 17, 2011 1:42AM

PSA won't slab Topps Vault items correct? Only BGS will?

What would the flip say? "1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky Pre-Production Proof"?

Mike

Beck6 · October 17, 2011 2:01AM

Sent you a PM Mike.

Planemonkey · October 17, 2011 3:11AM

Have him sign it at the bottom where his name goes, or something. Might as well get it signed while you can these guys won't live forever.

vladguerrero · October 17, 2011 5:58AM

<< PSA won't slab Topps Vault items correct? Only BGS will?

What would the flip say? "1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky Pre-Production Proof"?

Mike >>

PSA no, BGS yes

They typically call the title something in line with the original Topps Vault auction, seems like the seller kept that and some info that they passed along to HA, proof is a pretty general term and I would request 1979-80 Topps Wayne Gretzky Printers Proof, and i would get that baby slabbed sans auto.

Stone193 · October 17, 2011 6:24AM

Hi Mike

I would call it a "color separation proof" - any proof with a star went for way more than a common in auctions that I watched.

Today - I think they do color separations to see how much of each primary color will be used in the final product and it can be digitally recorded.

A cheap way to see this - but not accurate is by an "overlay proof" - which is taking acetate color plates and superimposing them on each other to see the final product.

I think - today - the final full color proof is called the "press proof" - which is at the actual printer - thus a pre-production proof - for final adjustment before letting the presses print out about a billion of each card!

edit: I agree with those who think you should keep this the way it is - and get a beater for a sig.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 17, 2011 6:33AM

<< Have him sign it at the bottom where his name goes, or something. Might as well get it signed while you can these guys won't live forever. >>

But that HUGE stack of unused stickers will.

sportscardtheory · October 17, 2011 7:57AM

Yikes. What a great item if 100% real. I know Topps Vault has had some issues in the past with releasing bogus Topps items. But man-oh-man if that is legit. Graded by Becket would still be better than not graded at all.

thenavarro · October 17, 2011 12:41PM

Thanks for the help guys. I was just kididing about getting it signed. I've already got both the Topps and OPC Gretzky rookies signed so I don't need another. This one will probably go straight from Heritage over to BGS where I'll get it slabbed. (I live close to both places)

Mike

leighfollestad · July 8, 2014 10:03AM

Hello. I know it's been a few years since you bought this, but I was wondering if you still have it, or whether you have sold it already.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best regards,

Leigh Follestad

thenavarro · July 8, 2014 10:13AM

I sold it shortly after having it graded by BGS.

Mike

leighfollestad · July 8, 2014 10:32AM

Ahhhh, too bad. I just missed on EBay recently too.

Thanks!

Dboneesq · July 8, 2014 11:52AM

MIKE! Where the hell have you been?

Big80s · July 8, 2014 12:03PM

<< MIKE! Where the hell have you been? >>

+1

thenavarro · July 8, 2014 12:45PM

<< MIKE! Where the hell have you been? >>

Still law schooling and working. Decided to go during the Summer as well in order to get it done faster. Have 1st session of Summer final exams next week, ugh!

Still keeping the younger students in the rearview mirror so it's still fun

My competitive nature won't let me slack off LOL

Davis · July 10, 2014 6:00AM

I'm curious about your comment about sending it in through Gretzky's website for his auto. I googled it and couldn't find anything. Curious on how to do it, the cost, and success getting it authenticated by PSA? I have a poor condition OPC rookie that would be awesome to have him auto.

vols1 · July 10, 2014 11:29AM

How would anyone know when these 'proof' cards are printed if the COA is generic and the card is not dated?

leighfollestad · October 10, 2022 7:34AM

I finally acquired the 3 of them that have been released.

It only took 20 years....

GroceryRackPack · October 10, 2022 7:55AM

@leighfollestad said:
I finally acquired the 3 of them that have been released.

It only took 20 years....

hey leighfollestad,
Those are Pretty Cool....

georgebailey2 · October 10, 2022 8:50AM

You should get those signed.

Very cool. Just don't call Gretzky the GOAT or the thread may derail.

Exited to add: Based on comments below, which appear to ignore the wink emoji:
"You guys do have sarcasm on this earth, right?" - Quentin Beck, aka Mysterio

estang · October 10, 2022 9:04AM

That's not an item that I would look to get signed.

Very cool & I have no idea how rare they are but they likely have a lot of value.

Goldenage · October 10, 2022 11:16AM

@estang said:
That's not an item that I would look to get signed.

Very cool & I have no idea how rare they are but they likely have a lot of value.

Gretzky has been upper deck exclusive since 2013.

He can not sign those or any other card except upper deck.

Goldenage · October 10, 2022 1:07PM

Gretzky UDE article 2013

https://www.cardboardconnection.com/wayne-gretzky-signs-new-long-term-autograph-deal-with-upper-deck/amp

Goldenage · October 10, 2022 1:08PM

I got in his last private signing with WGA in 2013 right before he went UDE.

Picked up an oddball 1979/1980 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie piece, is this what is termed a &quot;proo

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Picked up an oddball 1979/1980 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie piece, is this what is termed a "proo