Blank back cards?

clarkbar04

I just bought a lot which included a bunch of common 1984 topps cards in order to help complete some sets. I got 4 or so that have no printing at all on the back. How rare/common are these, and do they have any value as mint errors?

bobsbbcards

Assuming you're talking Topps baseball, you'll want to check the front of the cards to see if the player's head is totally enclosed in the small box. Here's a picture for reference:



Notice how Hubie's cap doesn't cover up the thick black line at the top of the box. If your blank-backed cards are like this, then they're unusual enough to attract a buyer (or two). If they're blank-backed-regular-issue '84 Topps cards, then they're interesting, but not too many people will pay a premium (unless they're popular HOFers).

jdip9

I had the same question because I have two 85 topps football cards with blank backs. I wasn't sure if I had something rare or not.

clarkbar04

Well, their caps definitely go through the black line, so I guess I have some cool cards that are still virtually worthless, well thats OK with me!

What is the deal with the ones you have pictured?

bobsbbcards

<< <i>What is the deal with the ones you have pictured? >>


I don't know that the ones I have pictured are any more interesting--they just have the advantage of being cataloged and listed as a set in the price guides. From the Standard Catalog (a must own):

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1984 Topps Proofs - Though still small in terms of actual numbers, the quantity of 1984 Topps proofs from the "A" sheet which have made their way into the hobby is relatively large. More precisely, 66 cards (half a production press sheet) are frequently seen in proof version. Like other true proofs, they are blank-backed but these have a very discernible difference from the issued 1984 Topps cards. On the proofs, the portrait photo at lower-left is completely within the black frame of the box. On issued cards, the cap extends above the box border. On the proofs, portrait photos of Steve Carlton and Gary Matthews are found on each other's cards and Manny Trillo is pictured in an Indians uniform, rather than the Expos livery (?) on which he appears in the regularly issued version. Single proofs in the market have been cut from half-sheets.

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elsnorto

Man, if Steve Carlton had a dollar for every time someone confused him with Garry Matthews, he could buy a 1984 Topps Gary Matthews card. You know, you throw George Bush back there in the stands behind Lefty and you have yourself a million dollar card.

Snorto~

bobsbbcards

<< <i>You know, you throw George Bush back there in the stands behind Lefty and you have yourself a million dollar card. >>


Really......hmmmm.......

elsnorto

<< <i>

<< <i>You know, you throw George Bush back there in the stands behind Lefty and you have yourself a million dollar card. >>


Really......hmmmm.......

>>





Send me your Paypal address and I shall remit payment in the amount of $1,000,000.00 post haste, good sir!

Snorto~

bishop

On of the 84 Encased Jackson cards is up on ebay

onlychild

I for one love this set, here are some for show. It's a bad scan...the cuts are all straight and square:







Kevin

thekid8

Would you know if Gary Carter is included in this grouping?

bishop

There are 66 affected cards, and Carter is one. They are like the regular isuued cards except fothe box, the Carlton and Mathews cards ( Carlton appears on Mathews card) and one card, I think Trillo, is in a different uniform from the regular set.

thekid8

Thanks for the heads up ---- that is one i missed

bishop

If you are looking for tuff Topps Carter cards, how about his two 1982 Topps Blackless cards, 344 and 730. Probably every bit as difficult as his 84 Topps Encased