Have you visited our store? Click here.A reader sent us these images with questions about the inscription on this card. Attempts to reach Upper Deck for comments have been unsuccessful so let’s see if we can make some sense of this version of the Hank Aaron 1991 Upper Deck Aaron Heroes AU.
1991 was the second year Upper Deck delivered pack-issued autographs and they were incredibly hard to pull. This time and depending on which series you opened, you could pull Heroes AUs from Nolan Ryan (low series) or Hank Aaron (high series). 2500 of each were signed and hand numbered. These are established facts.
What’s not established is if Hank Aaron inscribed any of his autographed cards. In 1990, Upper Deck pack-inserted autographed Reggie Jackson Heroes cards and the inscription, Mr. October is found on all serial numbered cards ending in 00 for a total of 25 cards. If Hank Aaron inscribed any of his autographed Heroes cards with Hammerin,’ it’s more than likely that Upper Deck would’ve followed suit with the same format from the year prior – only those with serial numbers ending in 00. They’d have no reason to deviate from this format by including inscriptions on cards with random serial numbers. The inscription is just too important to randomize so the likelihood of adding it to specific cards is much more believable.
Two Assumptions with Regard to Serial Numbering:
- Upper Deck adding the serial numbers to the cards after they were returned signed (likely).
- Upper Deck gave Hank Aaron instructions to sign and serial number the cards (unlikely).
Related article: 1991 Upper Deck Hank Aaron AU/2500… and hope
The diamond-shaped hologram on the card’s reverse confirms that this is, in fact, a pack-issued Hank Aaron AU. The only thing in question is the inscription. Since it’s on a card with a random serial number – 1838/2500 – its existence is questionable. While I haven’t seen this card in person, the ink appears to be very similar in color. Style can be forged but I’m not claiming it is.
Two Assumptions with Regard to the Inscription:
- Hank Aaron didn’t receive any specific inscription instructions and just, at his discretion, added them to random cards as he signed them. While this is possible, it’s highly unlikely.
- The inscription is a forgery.
If this were my card, I’d get it graded and see if a reputable grader can provide any insight on the authenticity of the inscription since it’s placed on a card with such a random serial number.
To see the current eBay auctions for the 1991 Upper Deck Hank Aaron AU, click here.
