Needle in a Haystack: 1992 Donruss Elite
BunchOBull
Posts: 6,188 ✭✭✭
We all know how monumental the Elite inserts were in ushering in the modern era of cards, but as a Thomas collector, the 1992 series marked the inclusion of Big Frank's first pack inserted serialized card. Since childhood, my hope had been to find and acquire the copy serial numbered 00035/10000, Frank's jersey number. Admittedly, I assumed the card would spend eternity in an unopened case somewhere, as, had it been pulled already, it would have most likely seen the market. Well, last month, a collector found it in a case left over from the dead stock of his grandfather's '90s card shop, and I was able to acquire it. I don't share much, but thought I'd share my needle from one giant haystack.
Collector of most things Frank Thomas. www.BigHurtHOF.com
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Thanks for sharing!
That is a great hobby story right there.
I remember getting a Tony Gwynn Elite in 1991 Donruss. It was like winning the lottery for me back then. Now that card is probably worth all of a buck or two.
Edited to add:
On pulling the early Elites; I've only ever pulled one, a Sheffield from the '93 series, out of a $10 overstock box from Big Lots back in '94. It was my first "big" hit, but I sadly I traded it a few years later. Wish I still had it.
It was the end of a childhood(starting driving in 1993) and I really went hard after the Elite cards.
I just want to say I can really appreciate your "needle in a haystack" and glad you found it.
I remember pulling a Puckett Elite from a pack I bought at the local drug store back in the day. I had seen a few elites are card shows and I couldnt believe my luck in finding one and, as someone said earlier, it was like I hit the lottery. I remember going to the National in Chicago later that year and sold it for a hundred bucks. I was a happy guy at that point!!
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80 Topps Greg Pryor “No Name"
90 ProSet Dexter Manley error
90 Topps Jeff King Yellow back
1958 Topps Pancho Herrera (no“a”)
81 Topps Art Howe (black smear above hat)
91 D A. Hawkins BC-12 “Pitcher”
<< <i>What a deal!! >>
That was a great deal! Wow!!
Nice pickup Ross.
CDsNuts, 1/9/15
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
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Now I'll be on the lookout for the 1995 Leaf Statistical Standout specifically, but I'll always add the 35th serial number of any card when the price is right.
Re: Chipping -
Jeff, you're absolutely right...I'm so fortunate that this card didn't sit under a dealer case and trade multiple hands over the years...it's in stunning shape on the back and has no discoloration from improper storage. The stars aligned for me.
Seriously, I see that you won it for $40. I wonder what your highest bid / snipe was?
Shane
<< <i>Seriously, I see that you won it for $40. I wonder what your highest bid / snipe was?
At auction it would have sold for hundreds I'd venture. It was listed with a starting bid of $20 (which is the normal selling price for an everyday near-mint/mint copy) or a BIN at $40. I chose BIN!
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Currently collecting 1934 Butterfinger, 1969 Nabisco, 1991 Topps Desert Shield (in PSA 9 or 10), and 1990 Donruss Learning Series (in PSA 10).
Congrats !
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