Refractor advice for the modern-ignorant please

dgbaseball

I bought a ton of cards from a dealer gone out of business 4 years back. It kick started my own business, and I am still sorting through that original bunch of cards today. My company deals almost exclusively in vintage 50s and 60s (and occationally 70s PSA), so when I came across some 2003 Topps heritage in the box, and put them up on ebay, I just wrote:

"You are bidding on a beautiful lot of 8 MINT 2003 Topps Heritage Chrome cards. I have no idea if these are "refractors" as I don't know what that means."

Which lead me here to ask.... just what the heck is a refractor, how does one identify a refractor, and why are they more valuable than regular cards?

Just looking for the quick refractor 101 answer. Thanks.

I guess I probably should've asked here before listing the auction rather than look like a dummy, but it's the only post-1980 auction we've ever done, so I assume our bidders will understand...

Here is the auction link - not trying to spam, but curious if someone can tell me if the Guzman is indeed a refractor.

Topps Heritage

pandrews

yes, the Guzman is a refractor..

dgbaseball

gracias.

Did you know that because it is extra shiny and reflective or because of the number?

pandrews

the extra shiny color was the first tip off, then i saw you had the serial # listed as /554, and thats a giveaway..

BigRedMachine

Yeah, the numbers are a dead giveaway. I believe the ones numbered to 1954 are considered Heritage Chrome, and the ones numbered 554 are Heritage Chrome Refractors. Both are inserts and have a "HIGH" book value in the $8 to $20 range, not that anyone would pay that much.

Shawn.

joestalin

LOL..also topps write refractor on it by the #

Good Luck

JS

dgbaseball

Thanks to you all.

Now, which one of you wants to buy these wonderful cards...