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Topps Proof(s) Question

julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
1- how were/are they distributed?
2- are they worth anything?
3- what is their purpose?
4- rube back yet?

J
image
RIP GURU

Comments

  • MeteoriteGuyMeteoriteGuy Posts: 7,140 ✭✭


    << <i>1- how were/are they distributed?
    2- are they worth anything?
    3- what is their purpose?
    4- rube back yet?

    J >>



    It is hard to answer these questions as it depends on what issues you are referring to. Assuming you do not mean any card from a pack, but rather stuff Topps sells on eBay from its vault, the purpose or proofs is to set up the print line, make sure the ink is right and the like. In other cases they may be example cards to be shown to upper management or whatever. That is pretty much the nature of all real proof cards, they are basically production scraps. Insert proofs are just inserts labeled proof.

    What they are worth depends on what player and what issue. For example, production scraps from a Nolan Ryan card are worth more then a Steve Sax. Production scraps from a RC is worth more then a non-RC. There is no guide, it is basically whatever someone will pay.

    Rube is sadly not back yet.


    Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards.
    Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
  • julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
    good to know, i didn't honestly know this.

    toppsvault on e-bay is where i have seen them.

    is the seller actually affiliated w/ TCG?

    J
    image
    RIP GURU
  • dontippetdontippet Posts: 2,615 ✭✭✭✭
    I believe it is Topps itself. They have been clearing out that vault for years now. You can get some great stuff. I am starting a collection of one particular player of just stuff from Topps vault.
    > [Click on this link to see my ebay listings.](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=&amp;_in_kw=1&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_udlo=&amp;_udhi=&amp;_ftrt=901&amp;_ftrv=1&amp;_sabdlo=&amp;_sabdhi=&amp;_samilow=&amp;_samihi=&amp;_sadis=15&amp;_stpos=61611&amp;_sargn=-1&saslc=1&amp;_salic=1&amp;_fss=1&amp;_fsradio=&LH_SpecificSeller=1&amp;_saslop=1&amp;_sasl=mygirlsthree3&amp;_sop=12&amp;_dmd=1&amp;_ipg=50&amp;_fosrp=1)
    >

    Successful transactions on the BST boards with rtimmer, coincoins, gerard, tincup, tjm965, MMR, mission16, dirtygoldman, AUandAG, deadmunny, thedutymon, leadoff4, Kid4HOF03, BRI2327, colebear, mcholke, rpcolettrane, rockdjrw, publius, quik, kalinefan, Allen, JackWESQ, CON40, Griffeyfan2430, blue227, Tiggs2012, ndleo, CDsNuts, ve3rules, doh, MurphDawg, tennessebanker, and gene1978.
  • MeteoriteGuyMeteoriteGuy Posts: 7,140 ✭✭
    As Don noted it is Topps. Pretty smart of them as well, imagine every card has several production scrap things and Topps has made a lot over the years. However, there is a good chance most was lost or damaged because they are not made for resale later. Still, leaves a lot of stuff.

    Something they also sell which is cool is "File Copy" cards. They are slabbed in BGS holders and noted as a Topps File Copy.

    Only made one purchase, it was shipped fast and the item/s well protected. They cut down an 8x10 top load to fit it and placed it in a bubble mailer lined with thick cardboard on both side. They "Topped" in packing and shipping time. If you search the forum for my Steve Young thread it will show the "proof" I purchased.
    Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards.
    Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
  • ICE9ICE9 Posts: 552 ✭✭✭
    Many proofs found their way into the hobby in 1989 when Topps did a massive clear out via an auction house. Topps then started selling proofs in 2001 via eBay as Topps Vault. They continue to list 20-30 new items daily.

    Mike
    "Must these Englishmen Live That I Might Die? Must They Live That I Might Die?" - The Blue Oyster Cult
  • julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
    i did see the over 20k transactions "toppsvault" has had on e-bay, truly massive.

    j
    image
    RIP GURU
  • goyegoye Posts: 454 ✭✭
    Additional info......back in the day Topps had / held special auctions in which alot of one of kind of stuff was made available regarding proof stuff......like the complete run / coloring process of a single card / sheet.

    prior coa days......
    1985-86 O Pee Chee PSA 910 Hockey
  • goyegoye Posts: 454 ✭✭
    crosspost......what Mike said
    1985-86 O Pee Chee PSA 910 Hockey
  • ICE9ICE9 Posts: 552 ✭✭✭
    Topps Vault releases some very unique items with little fan fare. My latest acquisitions were part of a test run of glossy-fronted 1971 6th series cards. Topps Vault auctioned about 30 individual cards that have a glossy coated front and complete back (ie not blank-backed proofs). I'm assuming that Topps tested this process on half of a 6th series sheet. Apologies to those who may have seen these before... image

    image

    image

    Mike
    "Must these Englishmen Live That I Might Die? Must They Live That I Might Die?" - The Blue Oyster Cult
  • RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,285 ✭✭✭
    Bet this will bring some bucks.

    Rickey rookie proof
  • ICE9ICE9 Posts: 552 ✭✭✭
    The R. Henderson rookie proof finished at $575.

    Mike
    "Must these Englishmen Live That I Might Die? Must They Live That I Might Die?" - The Blue Oyster Cult
  • prscott933prscott933 Posts: 1,976


    << <i>The R. Henderson rookie proof finished at $575.

    Mike >>



    Nice price! I had to buck up $433.88 for my 79 Ozzie Smith rookie proof. It's a beauty image Now if I could just find the rest of the film positives.

    Anyone see how much the Obama proof is going for? Wow!
    White Whales:
    1996 Select Certified Mirror Gold Ozzie Smith
    2006 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Chris Carpenter
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