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1988 Topps is a classic set and depending on who you ask is also a vintage set. This set was issued 35 years before this article was published so the question really becomes more one of how vintage is defined than anything else. Some say as little as 25 years and others are hardlined at anything pre-1975. For me, 1988 is old enough to be qualified as vintage. 1988 Topps was issued in the early years of the Junk Wax Era (1987-1993) so the print run is, well, high. I sometimes joke about sets from this era and say they’re still printing them because there appears to be no shortage of sealed boxes floating around. Since production was completed all those years ago, there is a finite number of sealed boxes in the market, which means that at some point, finding sealed boxes of even stuff from 1988 will be hard to do. Alas, at the time of this writing, we’re not there yet. In any case, 1988 Topps features a variety of errors that were later corrected; a list of which is found below.
Related article: Keith Comstock 1988 Topps #778 Variation Comparison
What’s Not Included in this Checklist:
- Uncorrected Errors (UERs): These include minor typos on card backs and/or fronts. Since these cards were never corrected, they’re just the standard cards in the set.
- Blank/Wrong Fronts/Backs: Examples beyond what’s stated are manufacturing scrap and weren’t issued in packs.
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Errors Checklist:
| Card # | Player(s) | Error |
|---|---|---|
| 3A | Mark McGwire RB | White area behind left heel |
| 4A | Eddie Murray RB | Caption in box on front |
| 18A | Al Leiter | Photo is Steve George (right ear visible) |
| 528A | Checklist | 455 Steve Carlton |
| 778A | Keith Comstock | White Padres team letters |
To see what’s currently on eBay from 1988 Topps, click here.
I got quite a few unlisted error cards
I got one card I can’t find anywhere
It a Topps 1988 #282 tom niedenfuer card. It has purple and black trim. Help me find this card please
My name is David johnson you can also reach me by phone. [redacted].
I have this card. In good condition. Email me! [email address redacted]
I got card 151 from 1988 topps that has got a different color than the off green hue and plus a large number off cards missing dot behind h0metown on back in bios and I wish that there was a way that I could send you different pictures of the two different cards
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the comment. The color variations are considered normal for high volume production. If the color is a different color entirely, not just a different shade of the same color, it would be worth noting. The missing dot variations are common as the set was likely produced in multiple factories, which would require final approvals across different teams. There isn’t any significant difference in print runs between them, and values are unchanged. If you’d like to send us a pic, you can do so from our Contact Us page.