Looking for info on Fleer Bankruptcy auction

Aric · May 7, 2010 5:45AM

I would like to learn more about the auction that took place for the Fleer bankruptcy in 2005. Does anyone have a link to an article or blog that discusses it?

Was it a single auction? Was there an auction catalog? What were the lots made up of? Was it mostly unused redemption stock? What kinds of prices were realized?

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · May 7, 2010 6:19AM

Never heard of or seen a catalog. Unsure on how they were sold as somehow I didn't follow it.

Found this.

In 2005, Fleer Trading Cards declared bankruptcy and their remaining assets were sold at auction. Among the amazing offerings were a treasure trove of collectibles that Fleer had kept for itself.

It appears that one of every card that was ever made by Fleer, at least for the last five years or so, was stored in a vault of some sort at the company. These 'file copy' cards are exactly like the jersey cards and autos that would hit packs except for some major differences that make them truly unique, one-of-a-kind collectibles that collectors of any particular star will be sure to want to add to their collections.

If the card was a jersey, dual jersey or auto the actual piece of memorabilia was NEVER affixed to the card. Instead, most of these gems have an empty space w the jersey or auto is on the common card found in packs. They are not individually numbered but the lack of the usual numbering, jersey, or auto, as well as their origin direct from Fleer's own auction clearly makes them infinitely unique... and likely one of a kind. The backs of the cards are just like the regular issue with the "Congratulations" note on them. A small percentage of these cards have a double and some lots may contain parallels.

Bosox1976 · May 7, 2010 6:22AM

I remember a furor when they sold off stacks of unautographed "autograph" cards - each stamped authentic and some serial numbered - do it yourself autos with guaranteed Fleer COA. Lots of big names too. Am sure people are still being swindled. They also sold off some game used jerseys and partially chopped up game used stuff too.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · May 7, 2010 6:59AM

I used to have a pic of a partial sheet of the Mays Auto stickers they sold.

tedh111 · May 7, 2010 7:51AM

Most of the cards missing game used and autographs are from the 2003-2005 sets. Most of the older stock was "sold" to a dealer who was supposed to take control of the redemption process. The redemption system was a big mess and many collectors were screwed in the process... As for the auction, there were lots of intersting items auctioned including many sticker sheets that were to be used in cards as well as millions of cards that were sold by the room. Some rooms were full of commons, other rooms has tons of good stuff. Fixtures and other offuce materials were sold at the sale as well.

Aric · May 13, 2010 4:22AM

Hey guys
I'm still looking for info on this auction. I found this thread where a guy refers to seeing the hammer prices for the auctions so I'm hoping there's some sort of online record I can look at.

Old Thread

byronscott4ever · May 13, 2010 4:54AM

They also sold off jerseys that were partially cut up for sets and I'll agree with the post about the redemption replacement process being a total joke. It was two jerseys and an autograph for each card you had which sounds good but considering that some people dropped big $, it wasn't a great deal when they got scrubs in return. I actually did okay because I didn't have any big dollar redemptions and got some cards that hadn't been released so people were happy to buy them online.

Aric · May 13, 2010 5:21AM

<< <i>They also sold off jerseys that were partially cut up for sets and I'll agree with the post about the redemption replacement process being a total joke. It was two jerseys and an autograph for each card you had which sounds good but considering that some people dropped big $, it wasn't a great deal when they got scrubs in return. I actually did okay because I didn't have any big dollar redemptions and got some cards that hadn't been released so people were happy to buy them online. >>

Cool, thanks for the info. Did the unreleased cards that they sent you eventually get cataloged, ie listed in Beckett? This is part of the reason I would like to find more info on what was released. I'm a Marvin Harrison collector and came across a guy who had some stuff from the bankruptcy auction. One of them is a serial numbered card /5 among others. My concern is that the 1/5 is not unique because maybe it was meant as a replacement or some other reason.

meuandthelot · May 13, 2010 8:34AM

I wonder if you may track something down through their "Bankruptcy update" site. I too remember seeing the pdf sheets, both before the auction, and realized prices..most cards(which weren't given away for awaiting redemptions) were sold in huge lots, nothing itemized that I can recall. I'll see if I may have saved a copy.

http://www.fleerabc.com/

byronscott4ever · May 13, 2010 11:55AM

<< <i>

<< <i>They also sold off jerseys that were partially cut up for sets and I'll agree with the post about the redemption replacement process being a total joke. It was two jerseys and an autograph for each card you had which sounds good but considering that some people dropped big $, it wasn't a great deal when they got scrubs in return. I actually did okay because I didn't have any big dollar redemptions and got some cards that hadn't been released so people were happy to buy them online. >>

Cool, thanks for the info. Did the unreleased cards that they sent you eventually get cataloged, ie listed in Beckett? This is part of the reason I would like to find more info on what was released. I'm a Marvin Harrison collector and came across a guy who had some stuff from the bankruptcy auction. One of them is a serial numbered card /5 among others. My concern is that the 1/5 is not unique because maybe it was meant as a replacement or some other reason. >>

I would be shocked if any of the previously unreleased cards made it to Beckett. I know that Beckett still lists Byron Scott cards that were from redemptions and never made because even after all the bankruptcy cards hit ebay, there was never even a hint of one. I know that some of the stuff that came out without an autograph or jersey swatch were used by fakers to make cards but I also know that some of it got PDA graded as being from Fleer Archives as I have one in my collection and passed on other versions of the same card.

Looking for info on Fleer Bankruptcy auction

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