Card of the Day: Andrew “Rube” Foster 2001 Topps Chrome What Could Have Been Refractor #5

Q&A – How Can I Tell If A Topps Tiffany Baseball Set Has Been Searched?

Question: Could you please tell me which Topps Tiffany Baseball sets arrived from the factory sealed in cellophane?  Looking on eBay I see some that are and some that aren’t.  I don’t want to buy a set that’s been searched.

Answer: Between 1984 and 1991 Topps issued Tiffany sets to various dealers, hobby shops, and mail-in publications.  These cards look just like the normal flagship sets except they’re printed on high-quality stock.  For those same years Topps also issued Tiffany cards for their Traded sets.  Each set has a limited print run.

The sets issued between 1984 and 1988 did not come packaged in cellophane.  Just the seal on the lid.  Its the years 1989-1991 where things can get a little confusing.

• 1989 Topps Tiffany – Clear cellophane & seal
• 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany – No cellophane, just seal
• 1990 Topps Tiffany – Just seal
• 1990 Topps Traded Tiffany – Clear cellophane & seal
• 1991 Topps Tiffany – Topps branded cellophane & seal
• 1991 Topps Traded Tiffany – Topps branded cellophane & seal

If purchasing a set, there are some factors to consider.  Does the box show any signs of prior opening?  You want everything to be flat and flush.  Bent-up flaps are not a good signal.  The top part of the box where the lid tucks in should be completely straight and tight against the cards.  Cracking can easily take place on the lid’s hinge after it has been opened.  Inspect the hinge looking for any cracking, bending, and/or change in color.

How does the box feel from the outside?  If its truly never been opened before the box should feel full.  The cards are packed tightly inside.  You shouldn’t feel any movement.  Movement could indicate that cards might be missing.

Finally, inspect the label.  Resealed boxes can have double labeling.  Upon breaking the set’s original seal to remove the good cards, people have been known to print-up fake labels to place over the older broken ones.  Stay far away from them if you see any signs of two labels.  Others have figured out ways to remove the original label without damaging it.  Once they’ve searched the set they simply reapply the label.

Just because a set may have been shipped sealed in cellophane from the factory doesn’t mean it hasn’t been searched over the years.  Resealed Topps Tiffany sets have been making the rounds for a long time.  Its a major problem you have to watch out for.

This 1985 Topps Tiffany set did not originally come shipped in cellophane from Topps.  It was added later by a scammer once the Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, and Kirby Puckett cards were removed.

What Has TeenyMates Been Up To Lately?

The Party Animal, makers of Lil’ Teammates and TeenyMates, have been working hard to bring some new products to its fans.  After the successful launch of their NFL Series 1 TeenyMates set last year, they’ve decided to roll out a Series 2.

The new Ice Blue chase figure reminds me of Iceman from the X-Men.

2013 NFL Series 2 Highlights:

• Collect all 32 NFL teams + 6 rare figures
  
• 2 Throwback figures, a Metallic Gold figure, an Ice Blue figure, a referee, and a Glow-in-the-Dark figure
• Each foil bag includes 2 random NFL figures and 2 random puzzle pieces, adding mystery and excitement to each pack
• Collect all 35 puzzle pieces and build a double-sided puzzle featuring a football field playset and collector mini-poster
• Packs will cost around $3.99

Hockey fans will be glad to know that TeenyMates decided to make an NHL set which is new for this year.

2013 NHL Highlights:

• Collect all 30 NHL teams + 4 rare figures
  
•  2 different Throwback figures, a Metallic Gold figure and a Glow-in-the-Dark figure
• Each foil bag includes 2 random NHL figures and 2 random puzzle pieces, adding mystery and excitement to each pack
• Collect all 35 puzzle pieces and build a double-sided puzzle featuring a hockey rink playset and collector mini-poster
• Packs will cost around $3.99

After the initial release of the Series 1 NFL set, collectors began turning their TeenyMates into keychains and earrings.  It looks like the folks at TeenyMates saw this and decided to create these new Tagalongs.

Tagalongs Highlights:

• All 32 NFL teams available
  
• Each Tagalong costs around $5.99

Judging by their website, it also looks like they will be making TeenyMates for the NBA too.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, Lil’ Teammates are now making NCAA and NFL wide receivers.  Plus they have all new team sets.  I would like to see variations made for the bigger figures like we see with the blind packaged TeenyMates.  I’ve got some new packs of the NFL Series 2 and NHL TeenyMates to bust.  I’ll also be holding some contests for a few sealed packs and a Tagalong.

Iron Man 3 Official Trailer Has Been Released!!!

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer 2 Has Been Released

Here is the second trailer for this epic conclusion to the best Batman trilogy of all time.  Really looking forward to this one!