How can you tell the 1994 Finest refractor and regular cards part?

rtimmer

When Looking on ebay where I can't touch the card is there a definitive way to tell if a raw 1994 Finest card is a refractor or regular version card? I know in 1996 they are designated refractor on the backs but I don't see that on 1994's.

Any help is appreciated!

gregmo32

The easiest way to tell is to get the card in direct sunlight. If you move the refractor slowly back and forth, you will see a rainbow type glow under the surface of the card. If you use this technique and have a refractor and a regular card side by side, it makes it very easy to tell.

Stingray

It seems that if the seller is taking the picture at the right angle, you can see the rainbow glow on the card. Straight on shots might be a little harder to tell.

LarkinCollector

Without having it in hand, it's nearly impossible to tell from a raw scan. Photos usually make it clear and capture at least a portion of the rainbow effect. 93 Finest, 94 Bowman's Best, and some 95 Bowman's Best are similar with no refractor notation on the card. I've purchased many from these sets advertised as refractors that clearly were not when in hand. Check sellers feedback and make sure they're familiar with refractors from those years is the best you can do. I've only had an issue with COMC determining if they were a refractor correctly once out of probably a dozens of refrator purchases.

1976ToppsCollector

<< <i>The easiest way to tell is to get the card in direct sunlight. If you move the refractor slowly back and forth, you will see a rainbow type glow under the surface of the card. If you use this technique and have a refractor and a regular card side by side, it makes it very easy to tell. >>



"When Looking on ebay where I can't touch the card..."

rtimmer

<< <i>Without having it in hand, it's nearly impossible to tell from a raw scan. Photos usually make it clear and capture at least a portion of the rainbow effect. 93 Finest, 94 Bowman's Best, and some 95 Bowman's Best are similar with no refractor notation on the card. I've purchased many from these sets advertised as refractors that clearly were not when in hand. Check sellers feedback..... >>



Thanks, that was what I feared. I will have to rely on the sellers I guess and only buy from those with retun policies.

1976ToppsCollector

<< <i>I will have to rely on the sellers I guess and only buy from those with retun policies. >>



forget that. if its not as described youll win

saucywombat

I can tell the difference. Very subtle but the base cards have a very dull flat appearance while even in the scans the refractors will pop just a little bit more.

Also you can usually pick up on the refractor lines that are not present on the regular card. (not that all refractors have the lines but a large number do) Useful if a lot of cards is advertised.

If you link the auction or PM I will give you my opinion.