Discarded Treasures

I started collecting various checklists, info cards and redemption cards last year. I know what you’re thinking, why the heck is he collecting that stuff? Let me counter that question with a question of my own. When was the last time you saw a redemption card for a 1995 Score Platinum Team Set?

I collect these types of cards because they are often subjected to collector repudiation. What does this mean? This means that a lot of these cards end up in the trash which means there are less of them in circulation then there were on product release date.

Let’s have a closer look at our candidates:

1. Redemption Cards:

Redemption cards are special because when they are redeemed, they are usually not sent back to the sender. For example, the 1995 Score redemption card on the far right was to be mailed away for a level 2 parallel team set, upon which this card was to be discarded when the team set was sent back out to the mailer. So, once the card left the hands of the mailer, it was never to be seen again. On the other end, those that were too lazy to read what this card was all about often discredited it and threw it out. How I came across this card for just $.50 is beyond me but I will say this, when I found it, I wasn’t looking for it. I can’t even imagine how difficult this card would be to locate had I been actively looking for it. To summarize the redemption card lifespan:

• Redeemed = thrown out
• Unredeemed = thrown out

Pretty typical, I mean why would anyone save an expired unredeemed redemption card? On the flip side, why would anyone save an expired redeemed redemption card? This card has been through a lot of life and death situations but is now safe in my PC.

2. Artist’s Proof and Press Proof Checklists:

Although these are relatively common, they aren’t generally regarded as collectors items. As a result, these cards are rarely if at all showcased at shows and hobby shops. What does this mean to the buyer? It means that the seller doesn’t keep track of these modern checklists because there isn’t a strong market demand for them so they are often thrown in with the void of commons kept in the warehouse or backroom only to be lost and forgotten. Good luck on your hunt, best bet would be eBay for these guys.

3. Information Cards:

These have the highest probability of being trashed because they simply don’t possess any significance when compared to AP/PP Checklists or Redemption Cards. While AP/PP’s hold a multiplier to base and redemption cards provide a chance at obtaining something of value, info cards are somewhat insipid. For this reason alone, they are neglected and trashed.

So, the next time you pull one of these types of cards in a pack, have a closer look at it and consider what’s potentially happening on a macro bases to that card. If the outlook is positive (i.e., collectors are collecting, cards are showcased), use your own discretion. If the outlook is negative (i.e., cards are being trashed), you might want to hang on to the card. Who knows when/if you’ll ever see one again.

To see the current eBay auctions for Redemption Cards, click here.