1978 TOPPS SUPERMAN/CHRISTOPHER REEVE ROOKIE QUESTION

Chargers49ersTigers · April 1, 2007 6:35AM

Hi. Is one of the blue border stickers considered a Christopher Reeve rookie sticker? If so, would it be the "Portrait of Superman", as there are other main characters with Portrait stickers. Or would it be the blue border "Man of Steel" sticker? Just curious as I have the only "Portrait of Lois Lane" blue border in a PSA 9. As well as the 1978 Topps OPC Superman/Reeve #1 rookie card in a PSA 9oc. I am wondering as I have both blue border superman toppsvault key set proofs, and want to get them encased with PSA. Thank you to anyone who knows. I know it's not 1940's SP, or even the 60's. But the 1978 set with Reeve is still cool. Take care.

transparent · April 2, 2007 12:17AM

Hi!

I could be wrong, but I don't think that non-sports puts a premium on "rookie" cards, or the first appearance of a certain character on a card. The #1 card in the set, the last card in the set, error cards, and in some cases cards that are really nice (i.e. a particularly cool picture on that card) do drive value, as well as short prints or lower populations with grading companies.... but I've never seen anyone specifically collect, or put a premium on, "rookies".

Also, I recommend that you call PSA before sending in those ToppsVault key set proofs to make sure that they grade them. I bought a bunch of ToppsVault stuff and then opened up the ToppsVault cases and sent them to PSA - only to get them returned, as PSA does not grade them (mine were proof cards from various sets). I know that they will grade some of the test cards, but not the blank backed proofs (even with the COA's) and I'd guess that they would also reject the color key sets.

Paul H.

transparent · April 2, 2007 12:19AM

To be more specific, they wouldn't even holder my ToppsVault proof cards as authentic.

I hope they change their mind about that.

Paul H.

Chargers49ersTigers · April 2, 2007 9:37PM

Hey, I hear ya before you even said it! I called ahaed of time and asked. Spoke to a rep and she said they would at least holder the cards. She said it would be up to the graders if they assign a number grade. I asked if I needed to send the COA, and she said no. I know that BGS/BVG assign number grades. I saw a ozzie smith rookie yellow proof BVG 9 sell for $221. I don't want to, but if I have to, I will send whatever they don't holder to BGS/BVG. However, thanks for the tip and the info on non-sports.

transparent · April 2, 2007 10:38PM

If you can, post a scan when you get them back. I may try again with PSA on mine, or I may also try BGS or BVG to holder them....

Thanks!

Paul H.

Chargers49ersTigers · April 4, 2007 10:11PM

Hey, I got the email, they graded them a PSA 9 and PSA 8. I also have 15 other toppsvault that I should get the email on in about 10 days. So I am very pleased with that. I think you are the Paul that traded me the Luke UK PSA 9 and the Mexican PSA 8? If so, I am house of mantle on ebay. I found a wonderbread PSA 9 #1, so I have to sell the UK and the Mexican. I lost your email, if you are punker-paul, let me know. I'll email you through ebay. Take care.

transparent · April 4, 2007 10:16PM

Hi,

Yep, PUNKER-PAUL am I. My website is:

http://www.transparentrecords.com/starwarscards/Starwars.htm

You can see a lot of my collection there. That's really really cool that PSA holdered your ToppsVault cards. Were any of them blank-backed proof cards? You said that you got some "key set proofs" holdered - did they have multiple parts? blank backs?

I'd love to get some of my ToppsVault stuff holdered....

Too bad you have to sell the Mex and UK cards... it's very unfortunate that not many collectors are after them, I have traded a few away but they never pull down the prices on eBay that I think they are worth (being MUCH more rare, especially in high grade, than the U.S. counterparts).

Paul H.
transparentpunk@hotmail.com

ColleSystem · April 4, 2007 11:16PM

<< <i>I've never seen anyone specifically collect, or put a premium on, "rookies" >>

There is definately a premium on Star Wars Rookie Cards.

#1 - Luke Skywalker
#4 - Han Solo
#5- Princess Leia
#6 - Obi-Wan
#7 - Darth Vader
#8 - Governor Tarkin

I also recognize the Boba Fett's and Yoda's rookie cards in the ESB set.

transparent · April 4, 2007 11:22PM

I can see your point, but I actually think those cards are valued more because of the cool pictures, the specific set, or in the case of Luke because it's the #1 card. If the value was actually because of the "rookie" status, the same value differential would be applied to other sets where those "rookies" appear (not just Topps Star Wars). I.E. the rookie cards of the same characters would also be highly valued and sought after in the other sets that came out in the same year.... which isn't really true. Also, in raw cards the value would be higher for those "rookie" cards which again I have never really seen....

But I do see your point, within the Topps Star Wars set, PSA graded, there is a higher value on those cards.

Paul H.

1978 TOPPS SUPERMAN/CHRISTOPHER REEVE ROOKIE QUESTION

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