Topps Auctions Bogus Ripken RC Sheet
ripkenintheminors
Posts: 2,186 ✭✭✭
12-9-08
“Be careful”, “Do you homework”, and “Look for authentication” are some of the most repeated warnings given at RITM. These foundations of buyer confidence was challenged in 2007 when PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) slabbed a counterfeit 1981 WTF Rochester Red Wings card #1 (certification #31796188) as authentic. This was some six years after Beckett first released warnings about spotting counterfeit versions of the card. What we learned is that even trustworthy sources are human.
In October of 2008, the Topps Company reminded us that they are human as well. According to their ebay (www.ebay.com) store page (ebay ID thetoppsvault), "The Topps Vault offers a fast, safe way to find and purchase unique items directly from Topps, the unrivaled name in pop culture and sports. The Topps Vault auctions are exclusive to eBay and include new and vintage uncut sheets, one-of-a-kind original art, unique production materials, and much more. All auctions lots come with a Certificate of Authenticity."
With such a name and history, having the opportunity to buy directly from the source should eliminate any concerns when it comes to authentication. However, The Topps Vault auction (ebay 200268590346) that was listed as a "1982 Topps 8 Card Proof RC Sheet Cal Ripken Jr." was not an original or proof at all. The uncut sheet, which regularly appear online, featured an uncut sheet of 8 of card #21. The cards were “blank backed”, as they did not have text on the backs.
Bill Haelig, noted Ripken collector, is familiar with the sheets. Bill states, "The story goes that they were sold during the glory time period of the mid 1990's at shows in the New York City area. As a matter of fact, I sent a letter to SCD about these back in the day for the 'Readers Respond' section warning collectors about these." Once he noted the error, Bill contacted the Topps Vault about their auction.
The auction ended on November 3rd with a bid of $519.09 when “The seller ended this listing early to sell to the high bidder(s) at current bid price.” According to a representative at the Topps Vault, the sheet was not sold, but removed due to the fact that it may have been a reprint. The Topps Vault later stated that the sheet appears to be a reprint.
Although the auction was pulled, Haelig still has his concerns about the possible impact of the auction. "The consequences of Topps (highly respected card manufacturer) selling this sheet is wide reaching. Not only would a collector be ripped off buying this uncut sheet from them (last bids were in excess of $500 in the midst of a tough economy) but more troublesome, it would ‘lend credence’ to the 1000's of bogus sheets and cards that have been circulating in the hobby for over 15 years, opening doors for dishonest sellers to sell theirs for a new found premium by simply comparing theirs to one that Topps Vault ‘certified.’"
Fortunately Topps was willing to take responsibility for the auction. However, this is another reminder that even the most trustworthy of sources is no reason to let your guard down when purchasing Ripken memorabilia.
“Be careful”, “Do you homework”, and “Look for authentication” are some of the most repeated warnings given at RITM. These foundations of buyer confidence was challenged in 2007 when PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) slabbed a counterfeit 1981 WTF Rochester Red Wings card #1 (certification #31796188) as authentic. This was some six years after Beckett first released warnings about spotting counterfeit versions of the card. What we learned is that even trustworthy sources are human.
In October of 2008, the Topps Company reminded us that they are human as well. According to their ebay (www.ebay.com) store page (ebay ID thetoppsvault), "The Topps Vault offers a fast, safe way to find and purchase unique items directly from Topps, the unrivaled name in pop culture and sports. The Topps Vault auctions are exclusive to eBay and include new and vintage uncut sheets, one-of-a-kind original art, unique production materials, and much more. All auctions lots come with a Certificate of Authenticity."
With such a name and history, having the opportunity to buy directly from the source should eliminate any concerns when it comes to authentication. However, The Topps Vault auction (ebay 200268590346) that was listed as a "1982 Topps 8 Card Proof RC Sheet Cal Ripken Jr." was not an original or proof at all. The uncut sheet, which regularly appear online, featured an uncut sheet of 8 of card #21. The cards were “blank backed”, as they did not have text on the backs.
Bill Haelig, noted Ripken collector, is familiar with the sheets. Bill states, "The story goes that they were sold during the glory time period of the mid 1990's at shows in the New York City area. As a matter of fact, I sent a letter to SCD about these back in the day for the 'Readers Respond' section warning collectors about these." Once he noted the error, Bill contacted the Topps Vault about their auction.
The auction ended on November 3rd with a bid of $519.09 when “The seller ended this listing early to sell to the high bidder(s) at current bid price.” According to a representative at the Topps Vault, the sheet was not sold, but removed due to the fact that it may have been a reprint. The Topps Vault later stated that the sheet appears to be a reprint.
Although the auction was pulled, Haelig still has his concerns about the possible impact of the auction. "The consequences of Topps (highly respected card manufacturer) selling this sheet is wide reaching. Not only would a collector be ripped off buying this uncut sheet from them (last bids were in excess of $500 in the midst of a tough economy) but more troublesome, it would ‘lend credence’ to the 1000's of bogus sheets and cards that have been circulating in the hobby for over 15 years, opening doors for dishonest sellers to sell theirs for a new found premium by simply comparing theirs to one that Topps Vault ‘certified.’"
Fortunately Topps was willing to take responsibility for the auction. However, this is another reminder that even the most trustworthy of sources is no reason to let your guard down when purchasing Ripken memorabilia.
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Comments
It's scary that it made it as far as it did, but I'm glad the mistake was caught. Did Topps make an official statement somewhere? They owe it to collectors to make the truth obvious so others don't see these and get ripped off.
<< <i>Good post.
It's scary that it made it as far as it did, but I'm glad the mistake was caught. Did Topps make an official statement somewhere? They owe it to collectors to make the truth obvious so others don't see these and get ripped off. >>
I do not know if Topps made any form of release. Ending the auction with the terminology they used doesn't help. After all, it doesn't say that they closed the auction due to concerns. It says that they closed the auction to sell to the high bidder at the current price.
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<< <i>I though ToppsVault ended up listing another sheet not long after the first auction was pulled for "questionable authenticity?" >>
There have been other copies of these sheets floating since the TV auction. I would be stunned if they relisted the sheet after the auction I used as a reference.
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<< <i>
I do not know if Topps made any form of release. Ending the auction with the terminology they used doesn't help. After all, it doesn't say that they closed the auction due to concerns. It says that they closed the auction to sell to the high bidder at the current price. >>
Agreed. It seems like they definitely could have handled it in a better manner.
but with autographs and cut autographs!
Buyer beware!
Kevin
<< <i>Are we just now getting around to questioning the card companies over the authenticity of items? Urrr, this has been going on for years now and not with card
but with autographs and cut autographs!
Buyer beware!
Kevin >>
I agree with you and understand what you're saying. I know of all of the controversies in the past (and present) concerning the legitimacy of "autographed" cards. This was just my warning for people that use the logic of "Topps produced Cal's rc in '82 and Topps is selling an uncut sheet of said card. Therefore, this is a one of a kind proof of the card".
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