T212 Obak - Damaged or Stamped?
 

I recently purchased a T212 card on Ebay that has a distinctive hole punch. While it is likely it was caused by some strange motivation of a previous owner, I researched other recent listings on Ebay and noticed that punched holes seem to be fairly common. I just want to throw out the theory that perhaps these were "stamped" cards and not intentionally damaged. I have attached some sample photos.

I'm no expert on the T212 series so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

They look canceled and damaged (by that action) to me. A stamped obak generally has the tobacco mfg, district etc...stamped on the back, with a very small purple or black stamp.

And what's up with the tiny, tiny scan of an obak on the right side? :) Mini-Obak?

Leon,

The OP didn't have a quarter. Actually all the cards except the small one are from the very rare Obak Sequoia Set. Better get one.;)

It is probably just wishful thinking on my part. I bought the Seaton card and no surprise it got a PSA 1 grade. Without the hole punch I think it could have graded much higher. Luckily I didn't pay too much.

And who would have thought that Obaks would have so much in common with the 1975 Topps set? Perhaps there was a Venezuelan set as well. :)

Thanks for the comments.

Maybe some rogue packer of the cigarettes had a hole punch and punched all his (or her) cards before putting them in.........

I've seen those punched Obaks every once in a while. My first guess would be that they were redeemed for prizes and then punched at the company but I haven't ever seen any ads about it nor have I seen very many hole punched ones and I've seen a zillion Obaks. I agree with the previous post that apparently someone had a hole punch and way too much time on his hands.
tbob

Many of the Obaks with hole punches showing up on Ebay recently were originally part of the Rudy Strejc collection that sold at auction a couple of months ago.