1986 Panini Supersport Italian Mike Tyson #153 True Rookie......

Dpeck100

This remains one of my favorite cards.

Mike Tyson was a wrecking machine. And there was no modern boxer like him.

The fact that his rookie card came from a sticker set from Italy where most were stuck to a sticker album and very few survived with the back on them makes this such an awesome rookie card.

With such a flimsy back having razor sharp corners is really tough and I continue to believe this is a card that is in a huge uptrend.

There are a few on EBAY right now and I think collectors realize that no 1980's collection is complete without one.

Here is an example of a very nice one.

tsalems1

He will be in Houston in January, cant wait to meet him!

MattyC

Huge fan of the guy; have hung with him several times in different cities, and he's always warm and friendly.

I've always thought of getting one of those, but heard they keep pouring raw out of some sellers on eBay and thus the pop could explode. Of course there are always unfounded rumors and exaggerations in the hobby. Never heard anyone who is very familiar with the issue speak on it so can you tell us a little more about it, how it was initially distributed, the pop that is believed to be out there, etc?

What is the market like for boxing cards these days-- is it growing or shrinking and does Tyson sort of transcend that? Sorry for all the questions but I have seen that card before and was always tempted to get one but lacked the knowledge on it. Thanks!

Dpeck100

There has been one seller hit the market with these in high grade raw on EBAY. It was not a ton but certainly a few that I purchased and so did others.

I have no way of knowing what his remaining supply is and what kind of other remaining supply exists.

At this time there are four PSA 9 mint copies mislabeled with 1985 and eight copies properly labeled with 1986. There are two PSA 10's of the Italian and two of the UK version for a total of four.

Here are the population links.

http://www.psacard.com/pop/Detail.aspx?c=43220


http://www.psacard.com/pop/Detail.aspx?c=43218


http://www.psacard.com/pop/Detail.aspx?c=43222


The primary reason I think this card/sticker is going to stay strong is that Mike Tyson was one of a kind and so many collectors in my age range if they buy a boxing card will buy a copy of his.

I do not know how these were released in Italy other then they came in little sticker packs that came 100 to a box and there was an album that you could attach the stickers to.

The reason this is huge is because guys like me in 1986 were buying Fleer stickers of baseball players like Dwight Gooden and participating in the sticker album craze.

We never had a chance to buy these.

MattyC

I used to love those sticker books. I remember being huge into those "cards" that were on the backs.

What is the difference between the UK and Italian? Is one considered more desirable?

Lastly, where would I go to try and find one of the extant 9's? Thanks again.

Dpeck100

I am really not sure which is more rare as most the stickers are mislabeled and many of the UK version are in Italian labeled holders or the year is wrong and says 1985.

The Italian sticker would be considered his true rookie with so many other major rookies from prior sets of Panini.

There is no Tyson foil card in the Italian version but instead he is in the UK set so I would consider his UK Foil sticker to be the better of his UK offerings.

It is very condition sensitive as the foil stickers out of the pack are in terrible condition.

These do not come up very frequently in high grade and you just have to check EBAY for new listings.

I think the thing that makes this a must own is the picture. It is Kid Dynamite.

A good picture and a good story make for a great sports card.

Big80s

I agree with everything, David has said.

To your questions, Matt - I think this card transcends boxing cards. As a collector of boxing cards in general - this card gets attention from all sports card collectors. I set up at a show a few weeks back and had a Tyson PSA 9 in my case, along with baseball and football cards. The Tyson card was by far the most asked about item.

In regards to the Italian vs the UK version of this card. I personally feel see fewer UK versions come up for sale, with the UK foil coming up far less than the regular issue UK card. However, he shares the foil card with Hagler - so this might make it less appealing than his individual card to some collectors (myself included):


Overall - this card has established itself as the king of modern boxing cards. As well as a key card for 80's sports card collectors, in general.

MattyC

Thanks for the info. Very cool card.

What does a high-end copy hammer/sell for? Have the prices been within a consistent range or more volatile?

Big80s

From what I've seen (and I think DPeck has been better about tracking the sales, than I) - the prices have been strong. The only volatile sales numbers that I've seen have been on cards that have been mislabeled on eBay. As David mentioned, some of the cards have been slabbed as '85 instead of '86 - and a few of the mislabeled cards have slipped through the cracks.

PSA 9's consistently sell in the $500 range, and the only PSA 10 I've seen for sale went for over a grand. The most surprising sales have been for either nice raw examples (going for between $150 and $300), and low grade copies selling for over $100. To me that solidifies the fact that it's a sought after card.

MattyC

If you guys happen to come across a deserving 8 or 9 and don't want it for self, please feel free to give me a shout. Thanks.

Big80s

Will do. Just FYI - the PSA 9 BIN's that get listed on eBay seem to move pretty quick - so if you see one you like I'd recommend making an offer.

miconelegacy

I bought that PSA 10, and will bring it to the Sun Times show where I will be setting up. I still have 2 unopened boxes, which I know are good for at least 4 Tyson's, but have stayed reframed so far from ripping into them.

Big80s

Mike, are your boxes Italian or UK? I think four Tyson's per box might be a little high. Doing the math, I was thinking two - maybe three if you're lucky - but I've been wrong before.

miconelegacy

I meant 4 total, I've opened two and both had 2.

Big80s

Gotcha. I've opened one box and got two, as well. I was going to be a little upset if you'd been averaging 4 per box

miklia

Anyone ever seen a Tyson-on-top pack? I have no idea how these packs run, but that would be a pretty sweet score.

Big80s

<< <i>Anyone ever seen a Tyson-on-top pack? I have no idea how these packs run, but that would be a pretty sweet score. >>



Not I. But that would be a very interesting piece.

Dpeck100

I opened one box and the Tyson was in the same sequence in the middle of the pack both times.

I did not even think to consider recording sequencing as I was so nervous opening the packs. It took me like 30+ packs to get my first Tyson and then it was like bam there it is.

The pack had the Marvin Hagler foil sticker in it and a few others I don't recall.

The problem with these boxes is you get tons of the sport stickers that are not an athlete and so with 221 stickers in the set you are lucky to get two of one athlete.

What is scary is the glue that keeps the packs sealed in many cases has dried and they are slightly opened already and the stickers can shift where they are almost exposed to one side and this could seriously hurt the corners.

The foil stickers are in brutal condition at this point in almost all cases and many of the stickers in the packs are EX-MT.

A box is a good investment as you are essentially getting each sticker for $1 and there are a number of high profile athletes in the set.

Many of the commons can sell for a few dollars or more so I do not think you lose money busting one of these.

I got very lucky and nailed a PSA 10 Larry Bird so that paid for a good chunk of my box and I also hit two PSA 9 Tyson's.

These boxes are a rare and Mike since you already have a PSA 10 keep them sealed for now is my advice. Good luck if you break down and bust them.

Dpeck100

I just noticed that the Tyson foil card has Marvin Hagler on it from the UK set.

As I stated before the Tyson's from the Italian set I pulled came in the same pack as the Hagler foil card.

I find this interesting and while I can't confirm any connection it does seem plausible that the stickers were packaged in the same factory and there could be a sequencing connection here.

gstarling

I know the Panini card is the defacto Tyson rookie, but I REALLY like the Question of Sport card. That's the one that made it into my "favorite cards" display case. I just prefer the look.

Big80s

I agree that the QOS card has a better shot of him. That PSA 10 is nice!

gstarling

<< <i>I agree that the QOS card has a better shot of him. That PSA 10 is nice! >>


Not mine, that's from the Bay. My card is a 9. The QOS is 1/5 the price of the Panini right now. If I had to bet, I imagine it moves to closer to 1/3 to 1/2.

Big80s

I think the issue that people are having with the QOS card is that there's a debate as to whether its from '86 or '87. I always thought it was '86, myself - but a lot of people think its actually a second year card.

Dpeck100

The last Question of Sport on EBAY in a PSA 9 sold for just over $50 in August. The last Panini PSA 9 to sell on EBAY went for $540.

These cards are not in the same realm and I think if anything the spread will continue to widen not narrow.

In many cases you can pick up a raw Question of Sport for under $20 that is in reasonably good shape and I just don't see this card taking off like the Panini.

It is a great action shot for sure and would be perfect for getting signed but the Panini is the rookie and nothing will change that.

Dpeck100

1987 BGS 9 Forman


It appears that BGS may be grading these now with the year 1987. My BGS 9.5 Mike Tyson was graded with the year 1986 and perhaps after seeing both PSA and SGC label them from 1987 they have made this change.

Dpeck100

1987 Question of Sport Boardgame


This is the set the card comes from. In the description you can see the instructions say 1987. I think that pretty much solves that mystery.

gstarling

<< <i>The last Question of Sport on EBAY in a PSA 9 sold for just over $50 in August. The last Panini PSA 9 to sell on EBAY went for $540.
>>


Yes, but an 8.5 went for just over $100 2 days ago, and it's been quite a while since a 9 sold. Both QOS and Panini cards are selling for quite a bit less than they were earlier this summer (I track the prices on both cards). I think Tyson cards are cooling a bit, but I think they'll continue to be a great investment.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on Panini vs. QOS. I just really prefer the QOS card, and I think it's size is more appealing to a lot of collectors. I've owned them both. I've even busted a Panini box and subbed the Tyson's. I'm a big fan of Iron Mike. I like the value of the QOS vs Panini at the moment. That being said, I would have been VERY wrong on the wrestling cards - you nailed those. Although I've been really accurate on UFC.

gstarling

Also, there is absolutely precedent for a 2nd year card being the more desired card. Favre and Mantle just to name a couple.

Big80s

<< <i>1987 Question of Sport Boardgame


This is the set the card comes from. In the description you can see the instructions say 1987. I think that pretty much solves that mystery. >>



I'm not sure that's the Tyson set in question that their selling in that shot. There is a 1987 QOS set, as well - and it look exactly the same except the cards are a little bit smaller that the Tyson card in question. I'll have to dig mine out and check. It would be good to great to end the debate with a conclusive answer though.

thenavarro

I prefer the QOS myself. Here's a trio of mine, also have the Italian Panini version signed as well, just not pictured. If I could own only one, I would choose the QOS

Dpeck100

Mike those are awesome!!!

Thanks for sharing those in this thread!

The Question of Sport is perfect for signing and your amazing example shows that!

KNAPP

I like those signed Tyson cards.

Dpeck100

Tyson



This looks like a nice raw example.

Big80s

I was watching that myself. I can't bring myself to pay over $200 for a raw example, as I know how hard they are on grading this card. But that's one heck of a sharp card!

Dpeck100

It looks good in the scan for sure.

One touch of a corner and it could be a NM card.

The last super sharp example a collector paid $245 and it came back a PSA 9 so this could be a good gamble.

I am very anxious to see what this goes for.

thenavarro

That seller is a fellow board member. He's a good guy. I wouldn't hesitate in buying from him if it's something you are looking for.


Mike

Big80s

That's good to know!

Dpeck100

Finished strong at $258.

The seller listed another one right before it finished.

It is said to be mint but is 80/20 on centering.

Big80s

It seems like the supply of high grade Tyson panini rookies are drying up. There were quite a few more nice raw examples available for sale a year ago.

Do you think collectors are hanging on to these for the long run? I don't see the prices going anywhere but up.

Dpeck100

I think a lot of the cards are in the market.

I just opened a box with not one. The seller who made it possible for a number of these to make it to America is a fraud at this point.

I am not selling any of mine.

Big80s

I have a strong hunch that the legitimate unopened product from the Italian version has run dry.

mcadams

<< <i>I think a lot of the cards are in the market.

I just opened a box with not one. The seller who made it possible for a number of these to make it to America is a fraud at this point.

I am not selling any of mine. >>



Fraud? Searched packs or fake copies?

Big80s

<< <i>

<< <i>I think a lot of the cards are in the market.

I just opened a box with not one. The seller who made it possible for a number of these to make it to America is a fraud at this point.

I am not selling any of mine. >>



Fraud? Searched packs or fake copies? >>



Definitely searched packs. I have yet to hear of a fake copy of the Tyson rookie.

DanZW

Hi,

First post on the forums so apologies if I've got the wrong thread, but I recently moved house and discovered a huge box of picture cards/stickers etc in my loft from when I was a kid. And just rooting about seeing if anything is worth anything.

I do however have the card you're talking about here. Or at least believe I do. I have basically hundreds of these Supersport Panini stickers that are in excellent condition. One of which is this Mike Tyson sticker (#153).

My question however, is it still worth anything if it is a UK version as the writing on the back is English? And if so, are any of the other cards in this series worth anything?

Sort of new to this, after 20 years away, and unsure what to do with all these cards.

Dan

Big80s

Hi Dan! Welcome to the boards. To answer your question - yes, it is worth something. In fact - I see a lot fewer examples of the UK version than the Italian. There are several graded UK versions out there that are mislabeled as "Italian", but I still think I've seen fewer UK's. I wish I still had the original UK psa 9 I sold a long time ago. Congrats on your find.

As for the rest of the set - nothing comes close to the Tyson in value. If they're all UK, you might check to see if you have the Tyson/Hagler dual card from that set - it's got a reflective silver border. That's another great card. Other than those two - if you find a really nice Carl Lewis or some of the American tennis stars might do okay. I believe Maradona from the soccer stars is okay, as well.

DanZW

Many thanks Jeff for the info. Hopefully I will find some other cards of value, but then again I may try and find a couple of the ones I am missing and try and complete the set.

Another question What do you mean by PSA 9/10 etc?

Dan

Dpeck100

Dan there is a grading scale from 1 to 10.


PSA grading standards


As Jeff said there are a few other key cards in the set. One he failed to mention is Greg Norman the golfer.

The Mike Tyson sticker is dramatically more expensive then any other one in the set.

Dpeck100

I am working on upgrading my Mike Tyson foil sticker and recently purchased one from the same seller I got the 87 Panini from. It has sharp corners but I am just not certain how it will do with the surface. I sent in the other one I have just to get it in a holder and it came back a PSA 4. You can see in the scan the damage to the card and so the grade was not much of a surprise. I plan to send this new one in and see what happens.



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Vegas2014

Hi All,

I'm not a trading card collector as such, but rather a collector of Mike Tyson memorabilia.
I have one graded Tyson RC (a PSA 9) but also have this ungraded card. Anyone care to guess what this may grade if i sent into PSA? thanks

/Users/craigthomas/Desktop/photo-8.JPG

Vegas2014

sorry, having trouble attaching the photo......

Vegas2014

i hope this link works, sorry, not sure how to display the photo on here.

Photobucket link;

http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/craig_thomas4/media/photo-8_zps0e93c73b.jpg.html