10 Insert Sets that Changed the Way We Collect
By Ryan Cracknell
Just like in life, some trading card sets are followers and some are leaders. Here are 10 influential insert sets that have changed the hobby and the way we collect.
Archive for July, 2013
1966 Donruss Green Hornet Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Although the show lasted just one season, 1966 Donruss Green Hornet trading cards remain popular thanks in part to offering some of the only cards to feature Bruce Lee. Get full details on the set, including the complete checklist.
1966 Donruss Marvel Super Heroes Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
As the first major sets based on the Marvel Universe, 1966 Donruss Marvel Super Heroes carries a lot of importance. The 66-card checklist focuses on key heroes like Spider-Man, Captain America and Iron Man.
1975 Topps Comic Book Heroes Stickers
By Ryan Cracknell
1975 Topps Comic Book Heroes Stickers is a fun look at the Marvel Universe. The set consists mainly of character stickers that are paired with corny gags. It remains one of the most popular Marvel trading card sets of all-time.
1976 Topps Marvel Super Heroes Stickers
By Ryan Cracknell
1976 Topps Marvel Super Heroes Stickers are a follow-up to a similar 1975 release. Characters from all corners of the Marvel Universe are shown alongside jokes and gags.
1977 Topps Charlie’s Angels Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1977 Topps Charlie’s Angels trading cards offer a fairly comprehensive look at one of the cultural phenomenons of the late 1970s. Get full details including complete checklists for all four series.
1978 Donruss KISS Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1978 Donruss KISS is the first set to highlight the legendary rock band. While the basic set, which is split into two series, is straightforward, there are several rare variations that make master sets difficult.
1978 Topps Three’s Company Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Based on the classic sitcom, 1978 Topps Three’s Company is a flipped set of trading cards. Stickers act as the base set while basic puzzle cards are the tougher inserts.
1979 Topps Alien Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1979 Topps Alien trading cards retell the classic Sci-fi horror film. Starring Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt, the set includes 84 cards and 22 stickers.
1981 Topps Raiders of the Lost Ark Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
With his famous whip and and hat in tow, 1981 Topps Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first set of Indiana Jones trading cards. The simple set retells the story with 88 cards.
1982 Topps ET The Extra-Terrestrial Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1982 Topps ET The Extra-Terrestrial retells the story of the blockbuster Steven Spielberg film with 87 cards and 12 stickers. Get full details on the release, including a full checklist, shopping guide and details on a deleted scene featuring Harrison Ford that made it into the set.
1984 Topps Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Part of a massive marketing blitz for the film, 1984 Topps Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom captures the film with a total of 88 cards and 11 stickers.
1985 Topps Goonies Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Goonies never say die. Just like the popular modern adventure, neither do the 1985 Topps Goonies trading cards. The straightforward set includes 86 cards and 22 stickers.
1989 Topps Back to the Future II Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1989 Topps Back to the Future II is the only set of mainstream trading cards for the trilogy. The film is captured with 88 cards and 11 stickers.
1990 Impel Marvel Universe Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The entry point for many collectors, 1990 Impel Marvel Universe is one of the most important comic trading card sets of all-time.
2012 Upper Deck Exquisite Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The high-end beauty of Exquisite returns. 2012 Upper Deck Exquisite Football combines young stars with current and past greats. Every six-card box delivers 5 autographs including one Rookie Auto Patch.
2012 Upper Deck Exquisite Football Rookie Autograph Patch Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Let this guide show you all of the 2012 Upper Deck Exquisite Football Rookie Autograph Patch cards. Includes detailed set info, a full checklist, images, buying guide and more.
2012-13 Fleer Retro Michael Jordan Cards Soar
By Ryan Cracknell
Not surprisingly, Michael Jordan plays a huge role in 2012-13 Fleer Retro Basketball. Know exactly which cards Jordan appears on as well as an extensive image gallery and more.
2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball sees the return of one of the hobby’s most distinct brands. Every box of the high-end product delivers four autographs, a memorabilia card and a metal card.
2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Variations Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Variations showcase the various threads several players have worn in their careers. Get a detailed look at the set so you know exactly what to be watching for.
2012-13 Panini National Treasures Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 Panini National Treasures Basketball is the most lavish hardcourt set of the year. Every box of the ultra high-end product includes nine total autographs, memorabilia cards and printing plates.
2012-13 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey, Upper Deck Hockey Rookie Redemptions Announced
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012-13 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey and 2012-13 Upper Deck Hockey rookie redemptions have been named. Get a full checklist including team info and more.
2013 Bowman Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Focusing on the latest rookies, 2013 Bowman Football takes a more traditional brand approach. The set arrives with some of the first autographs from the 2013 rookie crop and plenty of parallels.
2013 Bowman Inception Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Bowman Inception Baseball brings the autograph-heavy brand to the diamond for the first time. Every box delivers four autographs and an autographed relic.
2013 Bowman Inception Prospect Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get a complete look at all of the 2013 Bowman Inception Baseball Prospect Autographs. Includes full details on the set, images of every card, buying guide and more.
2013 Breygent American Horror Story Preview Set Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Breygent American Horror Story Preview Set lays the groundwork for the full first season release. Limited to 800 packs, each includes 12 preview cards, an autograph or costume card and more.
2013 Cryptozoic The Walking Dead Comic Trading Cards Set 2
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Cryptozoic The Walking Dead Comic Trading Cards Set 2 shifts the focus to the striking covers used during the hit comic’s first 100-plus issues. Sketch cards lead the chase.
2013 Elite Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Elite Football is the latest edition of the long-running brand. Hobby boxes deliver four total hits including at least two autographs. 2013 Elite Football also has a sizable number of basic insert sets.
2013 Famous Fabrics Ink Civil War Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Famous Fabrics Ink Civil War is a high-end look at the infamous time in American history. Boxes come with one cut signature card, a hand-painted art card and four rare base cards.
2013 Leaf Autographed Mini-Helmet Football
By Trey Treutel
Continuing a trend of packaged memorabilia products from Leaf, 2013 Leaf Autographed Mini-Helmet Football gives collectors an alternative to cards. The checklist features some big names, including Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Robert Griffin III, Johnny Manziel and even Michael Jordan.
2013 Leaf Cut Signature Pride of the Pinstripes Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Leaf Cut Signature Pride of the Pinstripes Baseball celebrates the New York Yankees with an all-cut signature release. Autographs include Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter.
2013 Leaf Just Vault Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Leaf Just Vault Baseball is filled with autographs. Each box comes with 12 Just Minors buyback cards, most of which are autographs, and a sealed box of 2007 Just Rookies that has another 12 autographs.
2013 Leaf Masterpiece Cut Signature Edition Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Cut signature products are known for the low print runs. It doesn’t get any smaller than 2013 Leaf Masterpiece Cut Signature Edition. Every card is a one-of-one cut signature.
2013 Leaf Pop Century Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Leaf Pop Century brings a new and eclectic lineup of celebrity and pop culture autographs. Al Pacino, Jennifer Lopez and James Gandolfini are among those signing for the set.
2013 Leaf Rookie Retro Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Leaf Rookie Retro gives collectors a second chance at some of the hobby’s biggest cards. Every box has either a high-end graded rookie buyback or an autographed rookie. They also have an exclusive Leaf Matrix card.
2013 Panini A Magical Christmas with Disney Stickers
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Panini A Magical Christmas with Disney combines the holidays with some of the most popular cartoon characters in the world. The sticker collection includes a variety of characters, including the Disney Princesses, Phineas and Ferb and Finding Nemo.
2013 Panini Elite Football Rookie Inscriptions Short Prints Guide and Gallery
By Ryan Cracknell
Here’s all you need to know about the 2013 Panini Elite Football Rookie Inscriptions autographs. Get full short print details, images of the entire set, a full checklist and more.
2013 Panini Golden Age Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Panini Golden Age Baseball is the sequel to last year’s eclectic lineup of baseball, pop culture and an updated take on several old-time sets. Every box includes an autograph, a memorabilia card and several inserts.
2013 Panini Golden Age Baseball SP Variations Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
See all of the 2013 Panini Golden Age Baseball SP Variations with this easy guide. Get full set details, side-by-side comparisons, a buying guide and more.
2013 Panini Golden Age Historic Signatures Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Panini Golden Age Historic Signatures autographs offer a serious kick of pop culture nostalgia. Take a detailed look at the set, including tons of images, a detailed checklist and more.
2013 Panini NFL Sticker Collection
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2013 Panini NFL Sticker Collection is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to collect this season. The set includes nearly 500 different stickers including a variety of foil and glitter stickers.
2013 Pastime Collection Enshrined Edition Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Pastime Collection Enshrined Edition Baseball highlights Hall of Famers with at least one repurchased autograph in every box. Boxes also have a second premium card and a points card that can be saved and used towards high-end memorabilia.
2013 Press Pass FanFare Racing Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Press Pass FanFare Racing features one of the most comprehensive NASCAR checklists of the year. Every pack comes with either an autograph or a race-used memorabilia card.
2013 Press Pass Parks and Recreation Trading Cards Checklist
By Ryan Cracknell
For its first trading card set, 2013 Press Pass Parks and Recreation arrives with a loaded autograph lineup. Signers include Amy Poehler, Rob Lowe and Aziz Ansari.
2013 Prestige Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Delivering some of the first official rookie cards of the 2013 NFL Draft class, 2013 Prestige Football has a wide variety of content. Every hobby box has four hits including at least two autographs.
2013 Rittenhouse Star Trek: The Next Generation Heroes and Villains Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
It’s good versus evil in 2013 Rittenhouse Star Trek: The Next Generation Heroes and Villains. Every box has four autographs. Signers include Patrick Stewart, Paul Sorvino and Terry O’Quinn.
2013 Rittenhouse Valiant Comics Preview Set Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Hinting at bigger things in the future, the 2013 Rittenhouse Valiant Comics Preview Set comes with nine base cards and a full-color sketch card. These are the first licensed sketch cards featuring Valiant characters.
2013 Super Box Series 2 Baseball
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Super Box Series 2 is a different sort of box-opening experience. The buyback product features cards and memorabilia that cover the history of the game. Highlights include vintage cards, high-grade modern cards, autographs and signed memorabilia.
2013 Topps Baseball Cards Mid-Year Review: A Case Breaker’s Take
By brentandbecca
Case breaker brentandbecca looks at the first half of the 2013 Topps baseball card releases and offers a detailed mid-year review from his perspective as a breaker.
2013 Topps Baseball Complete Set – Hobby Edition Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Continuing with one of the hobby’s longest running traditions, the 2013 Topps Baseball Complete Set – Hobby Edition comes with the full Series 1 and Series 2 sets plus a pack of five exclusive parallels.
2013 Topps Baseball Factory Set Rookie Variations Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Topps Baseball has five more variations to track down. Retail factory sets come with a pack of five exclusive rookie variations. Get a detailed look at each along with a side-by-side comparison with the base cards.
2013 Topps Inception Football Rookie Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get a detailed look at all of the 2013 Topps Inception Rookie Autographs with with comprehensive guide. Includes full checklist, gallery and buying guide for the entire set.
2013 Topps MLS Variation Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get the complete scoop on all of the 2013 Topps MLS variation short prints. This handy guide includes full set details, a complete checklist, variation images, side-by-side comparisons and more.
2013 Topps WWE Signature Series Dog Tags
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Topps WWE Signature Series Dog Tags include randomly inserted autographs and relics. Each pack comes with one wearable dog tag and a matching trading card.
2013 Upper Deck Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Box Set Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2013 Upper Deck Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Box Set honors the Original Six franchise’s championship run. The set includes 30 basic cards and one box topper.
2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Blending sports, history and science, 2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions covers a lot of ground. Every hobby box includes three total autographs, memorabilia cards, printing plates or Animal Kingdom patch cards.
2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Variations Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions sees the return of variations. They’re easy to spot when you know what to look for. See them here and get full details on which are short prints.
2013 Upper Deck University of Notre Dame Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Upper Deck University of Notre Dame Football looks back at the school’s storied history all the way back to the 1920s. Every box includes an autograph and more than 40 insert cards.
2013 Viceroy Carnival Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013 Viceroy Carnival trading cards harken back to the glory days of the circuses, sideshows and other strange traveling oddities. Every premium pack includes a sketch card and at least two other limited edition cards.
2013-14 Panini NBA Stickers
By Ryan Cracknell
2013-14 Panini NBA Stickers are a simple and affordable way to get collecting. The complete collection includes 266 stickers that can be held in a full-color album.
2013-14 Score Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013-14 Score Hockey arrives with a new hobby configuration highlighted by 52-card jumbo packs. Loaded with rookies, the set also includes several familiar inserts. Autographs fall two per hobby box.
2013-14 Upper Deck Trilogy Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2013-14 Upper Deck Trilogy Hockey comes loaded with unique content, including plexiglass autographs and signed puck cards. The release also has some of the first rookie cards of players debuting during the shortened 2012-13 NHL season.
Aaron Hernandez Cards and Stickers Cut by Topps and Panini
By Ryan Cracknell
Panini and Topps are the latest companies to distance themselves from Aaron Hernandez. Both are taking steps to remove the former New England Patriots tight end from their products after he was charged with first degree murder.
Andrew Luck Signs Deal with Upper Deck, Revealed as Trade UD Mystery Redemption
By Ryan Cracknell
Upper Deck has signed Andrew Luck to a trading card and autograph deal. The company also revealed the quarterback as the “Trade Upper Deck” mystery redemption.
Back in Black: 2013 Bowman Black Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Bowman Black is back. Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing set that showcases signatures from some of baseball’s top prospects. Includes set info, a comprehensive checklist, images and more.
Hottest Yasiel Puig Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Want to know what Yasiel Puig baseball cards are hot? Get a real-time look at the most-watched auctions for Yasiel Puig cards currently listed on eBay.
How to Get Free Upper Deck Jersey Cards at the Hockey Hall of Fame
By Ryan Cracknell
For 30 days this summer, visitors at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto can snag an exclusive Upper Deck jersey card. Find out who’s in the set and how to get one of these exclusive cards.
How to Spot a Fake Michael Jordan Rookie Card and Not Get Scammed
By Trey Treutel
Few cards in the hobby history carry the same clout as the Michael Jordan rookie card. Counterfeits problems run rampant, but this simple guide helps you tell a real 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan from a fake one.
Kobe Bryant 2000 Lakers Championship Ring Tops $165,000
By Ryan Cracknell
A 2000 Lakers NBA Championship ring Kobe Bryant gave to his father sold for more than $165,000 through Goldin Auctions. Get full details on both the ring and the sale.
Law of Cards: Court Fines J&T Hobby in Upper Deck Matter
By Paul Lesko
A judge has levied a fine of more than $3,000 against J&T Hobby in its case against Upper Deck. You won’t believe the reason why.
Law of Cards: Finally, A Patented Chair For Your Memorabilia
By Paul Lesko
Who needs a ball cube when you can display your memorabilia on its own chair? Paul Lesko has the details on recently registered patent for a new type of sports memorabilia holder.
Law of Cards: Letters to Judge Released in Bill Mastro Fraud Case
By Paul Lesko
While they’re not pieces of evidence in the Bill Mastro fraud lawsuit, a pair of letters to the case’s judge have been made public. Read the letters and get legal analysis from Paul Lesko.
Law of Cards: Yet Another Skirmish Looms Between Panini and Leaf
By Paul Lesko
Panini and Leaf look like they’re headed for another legal battle, this time over Leaf’s trademark for Leaf Limited.
Pay Dirt! 2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Mother Lode Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get a full look at the 2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Mother Lode autographs, one of the most comprehensive hoops signature checklists of the year. Includes full checklist, gallery, team info, shopping guide and more.
Picture Perfect: 2013 Panini Golden Age Exhibit Box Toppers
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2013 Panini Golden Age Exhibit box toppers feature some of the most strongest portraits to ever appear on a trading card. Get a full look at the set include a complete image gallery, checklist and more.
Primetime Guide to Collecting Leon Sandcastle Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
One of the “rookies” creating a lot of buzz in 2013 isn’t even a real player. Get a full rundown on all Leon Sandcastle cards and shop for the cards you want with this handy guide.
The Cardboard Connection Guide to Sports Collector Road Trips
By Rob Bertrand
Whether you’re hitting the road for pleasure or business, there are plenty places for sports collectors to visit and dig deeper into their favorite sports. Get a detailed look at some of the key North American attractions and where they’re found.
The Cracker Jack Collection Review: New Book Provides Insight into Fabled Cracker Jack Set
By Rob Bertrand
Not just relegated to the sweets aisle, Cracker Jacks are synonymous with baseball and America. These tasty treats helped define a generation and the prize in the box has become a hot commodity. Authors Tom and Elle Zappala provide commentary on the prolific period of Cracker Jack cards during 1914 and 1915.
The Hottest 2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Get a real-time look at the 50 most-watched 2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions cards currently listed on eBay and find out what’s hot in the eclectic release.
Top 10 Magic Johnson Cards of All-Time
By Trey Treutel
Magic Johnson was one of the most exciting guards in NBA history and he continues to be one of the most popular options for collectors. Check out some of his best cards to collect.
Top Charles Barkley Cards to Collect
By Trey Treutel
Charles Barkley is one of the most popular basketball players in NBA history and a Hall of Famer. Check out some of the best Charles Barkley cards of all-time
Ultra Pro UV Protection Guide
By Trey Treutel
Many collectors have questions about how UV coating works and why it’s an important part of protecting your collectibles. Check out our Q&A session with Ultra Pro and learn how UV protection helps safeguard your treasured collection.
What’s Hot in 2013 Bowman Inception Baseball
By Ryan Cracknell
Get a real-time look at the 50 most-watched 2013 Bowman Inception Baseball cards and see what’s hot in the all-autograph release.
Who Will Be the Face of 2013 Topps Chrome Football? Have Your Say
By Ryan Cracknell
Topps is leaving it up to collectors to pick the face of 2013 Topps Chrome Football. Find out how the competition works and where you can go to vote.
Yasiel Puig Signs Autograph Deal with Panini, Slated to Appear at 2013 National
By Ryan Cracknell
Yasiel Puig is headed to the 2013 National Sports Collectors Convention courtest of Panini. After signing the Dodgers phenom to an autographed memorabilia deal, Panini announced he’d be a guest and sign autographs at their VIP party.
Yasiel Puig Superfractor Surfaces, Seller Asking $30,000
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2013 Bowman Yasiel Puig Superfractor Mini Card has surfaced. And the seller isn’t holding back on the asking price. Get details on the card and its eBay listing.
