The toughest modern cards you're still looking for...

[Jantz]

Originally Posted by ChrisNTx

I'm hunting 2 modern cards for my Chris Sabo Collection

1995 Upper Deck Special Edition GOLD #152

There is one for sale on Sportlots

[alfredoleal2001]

Thought Id update this as I found 2 cards I had listed..... added a new one as well

Originally Posted by alfredoleal2001

Im looking for these........


1985 Indianapolis Indians Team Set #3 Andres Galarraga
1996 Leaf Preferred Press Proofs #29 Andres Galarraga
1998 Stadium Club Co-Signers #CS15 Tony Gwynn B/Andres Galarraga
1998 Stadium Club Co-Signers #CS18 Mark Grudzielanek A/Andres Galarraga
1998 Upper Deck SPX Finite Homerun Hysteria #HR7 Andres Galarraga/62
1998 Upper Deck SPX Finite Spectrum #332 TW Andres Galarraga /50
2000 Topps MVP Promotion Parallel #387 Andres Galarraga /100
2001 Absolute Memorabilia Boss Hoggs #BH28 Andres Galarraga /25
2013 Panini Hometown Heroes Zip Code #152 Andres Galarraga
2015 Panini Prizm Prizm Autographs Camo #4 /149

[bbcard1]

Not baseball, but there was a phone card issued for one of the games in 1996 or 1997 of Michael Payton and Eric Kresser who both quarterbacked the Marshall University Thundering Herd to DIAA National Championships. There are a handful of weird university issues that are really hard to find unless you were at the games. They were usually in very small qualities, distributed only the the first 500 or 1000 in attendance. Of those, many did not have interest in the product. I've only seen one phone card for sale (missed it) on eBay in 20 years of looking.

[skil55voy]

I have been unable to find 2 sets. The 2001 and 2002 Post Cereal Memphis Redbirds.

[Donniebaseball23]

I've been looking for the Mattingly Topps Cloth and the two mattingly 86 Donruss Highlights with white letters for years. If anyone has one let me know


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[4reals]

Anyone have a 1994 Topps Black Gold ABCD Winner Card? Added it to my list in the OP.

[cardinalcollector]

Originally Posted by 4reals

Anyone have a 1994 Topps Black Gold ABCD Winner Card? Added it to my list in the OP.

I've got both the winner and certified winner (redeemed). I paid $100 for the latter 5 years ago. Very tough card.

Note that the second one has "certified" under ABCD

[gopherfan]

Originally Posted by frankhardy

I am STILL looking for a 2001 Topps Chrome Retrofractors #146 Fernando Tatis for my Cardinals team set run. I have every single Topps Chrome Refractor except that one. Been looking for over 4 years now (I think).

I happen to know that Shane finally found this card. He bought a lot of close to 200 2001 Topps Chrome Retrofractors to find this one card. He managed to sell the rest for close to what he paid for him. He was willing to pay a large sum for the card, because he offered me a lot for mine. I'm glad he got it at a reasonable price.

[gopherfan]

This is an updated list from the one I posted long ago.

Any help, please PM me.

Originally Posted by gopherfan View Post
I am struggling to find these Topps Chrome Refractors:

1998 Topps Chrome Refractors

110 Jose Canseco Help. I really want to put this set to bed.

200 Topps Chrome Refractors

237E H.Aaron MM 755th HR
475A K.Griffey Jr. MM 350th HR
475D K.Griffey Jr. MM 1992 AS MVP
476B B.Bonds MM 40HR/40SB
476E B.Bonds MM 1992 MVP
NNO M.McGwire 85 Reprint /70


2001 Topps Chrome Retrofractors

187 Frank Thomas
190 Craig Biggio
297 Conti/Wakeland/Cole
302 Mark McGwire GM
325 Will Clark DH
412 Edgar Renteria
419 Luis Lopez
465 Erubiel Durazo
561 Glenallen Hill


2004 Topps Chrome Refractors

240 Matt Moses Why is this card so difficult? 4 years, and still searching.

Once I get these, I will have a complete run from 1996-present. I still need 6 from 2000 and 9 from 2001. If you have any, please PM me.

Thanks,

Rob A.

[gopherfan]

Originally Posted by CobbvLajoie1910

1987 Sportflics 4.5" Superstar Disc Dale Murphy (#5) -- the last disc I need to complete the set.

I haven't been able to find a raw copy in the 3-years I've been collecting it.

If you have one, I'll trade you my home for it.

I thought about buying this myself, so I could have a second home. But here is the complete set, and I can see the Murphy tucked in there. Congrats!

[DavidPuddy]

Hey Rob, I've looked around and I don't think card #465 Erubiel Durazo exists. (Edited** Durazo does exist, it just has a Sidney Ponson back**)

Much like Rob, I've been working on this 2001 Topps Chrome Retrofractor set for years. Down to the last 14 or so. Very tough set!


28 Quilvio Veras Braves
73 Mike Sweeney Royals
81 Will Clark Cardinals
157 Edgardo Alfonzo Mets
175 Danny Graves Reds
237 Alex Ramirez Pirates
271 Johnny Oates MGR Rangers
302 Mark McGwire GM Cardinals
500 Al Martin Mariners
508 Chris Truby Astros
529 Jose Silva Pirates
560 Shane Spencer Yankees
577 Matt Stairs Cubs
598 Phil Wilson / Jake Peavy / Darwin Cubillan PROS RC

[HasselhoffsCheeseburger]

Originally Posted by gopherfan

This is an updated list from the one I posted long ago.

Any help, please PM me.

Are there two versions of the 1985 McGwire refractor? One with a serial number and one without?

Arthur

[GColton48]

New to the boards, but looking for 1992 Donruss Elite Series cards in PSA 10's. Thanks!

[4reals]

bump

[Exhibitman]

The toughest modern cards would be any BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 card that PWCC sells that isn't trimmed.

Too soon?

[ALR-bishop]

Plus you would need a way to get them out of the Vault

[hockeyhockey]

still looking for a 1991 mike mussina leaf gold rookie variation. seems like a needle in a haystack search

[mrmopar]

You have to wonder how many of the pack pulled items on these wantlists are

1). Still sealed in unopened packs
2) In collections of people who don't trade or sell anything
3). Buried in dime boxes in shops somewhere that don't use computers or think to sell stuff like that online, where the local buyers have no interest and there they will sit forever

I know I have a lot of stuff that I happened to pull from packs, grabbed in dime boxes or were included in larger lots that I just sorted away. I doubt I have any of the elusive stuff, but you never know. I have thousands upon thousands of cards sorted by player, across many, many different boxes. My ultimate goal one day is to have them all combined, so that if I need to look for a Jeff Frye or Terry Steinbach card, they will all be in one spot. I finally did it with my Dodgers, but everything else is far from fully sorted.

[swarmee]

I spotted the 1994 Topps BlackGold ABCD redemption card on COMC a few days ago for $50 (from Jim Beckett's account), bought it and repriced it at $135, and it sold a few hours later. So many of these are still out there, but you've got to swoop in immediately when you see it if you want it.

[ALR-bishop]

That was a good pick up John. I like to collect variations with my sets. The 93 and 94 Black Gold sets and checklists seemed easy to me until someone pointed out all the checklists could be found either certified or uncertified. Getting all of the uncertified CLs was tough and a little expensive. I like those sets

[bnorth]

I am always looking for the 1989 Fleer Wade Boggs No Dot variation. It is the top card in the pic without the dot after Right on the card back.

[ALR-bishop]

Thanks to Ben I have one of those

[Rich Klein]

Yesterday, I received part of a group of cards six 1991 Score Samples (Brett, Puckett, Dave Stewart, Magadan, Greenwell and Fielder)

I was shocked to see there was exactly ONE active copy from that set on COMC and exactly ONE active copy from that set on Ebay.

I was going to put them into a donation box and then took a second look. Talk about truly scarce modern cards. Just a note to always take a good look at what you pick up.


Regards
Rich

[hockeyhockey]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I spotted the 1994 Topps BlackGold ABCD redemption card on COMC a few days ago for $50 (from Jim Beckett's account), bought it and repriced it at $135, and it sold a few hours later. So many of these are still out there, but you've got to swoop in immediately when you see it if you want it.

nice score. can you find those cards in boxes/packs/sets still?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by hockeyhockey

nice score. can you find those cards in boxes/packs/sets still?

Yes, the redemption cards were pack inserted. The ones with Certified on them were returned by Topps with the complete set redemption and are more common, but you can't get those from packs. You can find them in collections though.

[hockeyhockey]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Yes, the redemption cards were pack inserted. The ones with Certified on them were returned by Topps with the complete set redemption and are more common, but you can't get those from packs. You can find them in collections though.

awesome, thanks for the info. crazy how many hidden gems are out there. i stopped collecting for over 30 years, but am making up for lost time

anyone have a mark whiten 1991 topps card where his hand goes over the border? those are pretty cool (but expensive).

[bswhiten]

This 88 cloth is not that impressive compared to some of the other rare items posted, but I had been looking for this Murph for a few years.

[Tere1071]

For my 2012 Topps Heritage set I need the Francoeur color swap. I also need the Carlos Pena minor league stats variation; I've seen images of it, but never have I seen one for sale.

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Tere1071

For my 2012 Topps Heritage set I need the Francoeur color swap. I also need the Carlos Pena minor league stats variation; I've seen images of it, but never have I seen one for sale.

Ever considered just buying every copy listed on sportlots and hope you get one randomly that the seller didn't realize was a variation?

[ALR-bishop]

Ben-- when I first started putting it together the 88 Cloths were tough, but then a bunch of uncut sheets showed up. I like them.

If you collect any of the Topps cloth sets you should check out the 1976 test set of 2, Apodaca and Dyer. They can end found in 4 different cloth like formats. Apparently a test of using such material for cloth issues. The 88 format is similar to one of the 76 formats

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Tere1071

For my 2012 Topps Heritage set I need the Francoeur color swap. I also need the Carlos Pena minor league stats variation; I've seen images of it, but never have I seen one for sale.

It's actually Major and Minor League Stats on the Carlos Pena card. While the card has been long been sold on COMC. someone sent in an incorrect Correction Request on this card yesterday so I looked at that card this AM. The ID person who put the card into the COMCdatabase was correct

380.1 on COMC -- Complete Major League Batting Record

380.2 on COMC -- Complete Major and Minor League Batting Record.

Just an FYI to help in your search

Rich

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

380.1 on COMC -- Complete Major League Batting Record
380.2 on COMC -- Complete Major and Minor League Batting Record.

Ah, I didn't realize it was just the stats box title that was different. Both have the same stats and the same variation number in small print so I thought one of the Sold Out cards was put in the wrong bucket by mistake.
FWIW, the Pena on COMC sold for like $95 while the Frenchy color swap sold for $65.

[Rich Klein]

John:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZu19zv7nM0

Well the 4:40 mark or so is what I thought of when I realized it was you (in this thread) who sent in that CR (Oh, was that you?)

Regards
Rich

[Statfreak101]

As an avid 1989 Fleer collector, it comes down to these two cards for me:

White scribble Ripken
Clear Marlboro Johnson

I know those both exist, and can buy at least the WS Ripken on eBay...but for me, it is the chase that matters and wanting to pull one of our a pack. Same with the Johnson.

[bswhiten]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Ben-- when I first started putting it together the 88 Cloths were tough, but then a bunch of uncut sheets showed up. I like them.

If you collect any of the Topps cloth sets you should check out the 1976 test set of 2, Apodaca and Dyer. They can end found in 4 different cloth like formats. Apparently a test of using such material for cloth issues. The 88 format is similar to one of the 76 formats

Al,

Thanks for the info. Any idea where the uncut sheets came from? An employee stash? I would love to get one of those to frame. That's cool about the 76 issue too.

[Tere1071]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Ah, I didn't realize it was just the stats box title that was different. Both have the same stats and the same variation number in small print so I thought one of the Sold Out cards was put in the wrong bucket by mistake.
FWIW, the Pena on COMC sold for like $95 while the Frenchy color swap sold for $65.

How recently did both sell? I've depended either looking on eBay or by posting them as wants for my collection. I'd gladly pay those prices for either card to finish the set.

[Tere1071]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

It's actually Major and Minor League Stats on the Carlos Pena card. While the card has been long been sold on COMC. someone sent in an incorrect Correction Request on this card yesterday so I looked at that card this AM. The ID person who put the card into the COMCdatabase was correct

380.1 on COMC -- Complete Major League Batting Record

380.2 on COMC -- Complete Major and Minor League Batting Record.

Just an FYI to help in your search

Rich

Thank you for the clarification.

Phil

[Tere1071]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Ever considered just buying every copy listed on sportlots and hope you get one randomly that the seller didn't realize was a variation?

On occasion, I've thought about it but shipping would make that an impractical expense for me. It would be nice to find a copy that cheaply, but to save energy I wouldn't mind paying the variation price.

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Tere1071

On occasion, I've thought about it but shipping would make that an impractical expense for me. It would be nice to find a copy that cheaply, but to save energy I wouldn't mind paying the variation price.

Now that they have a mailbox option, maybe the ones that sellers ship for free (or very cheap) to the Sportlots box would make it feasible for a grouping.

[ThomasL]

Probably a fairly easy one but it has escaped me and I even bought a box of 1994 Conlon Cards and opened the packs in hopes of pulling it and it STILL escapes me....

1994 Conlon Color Card #32 - Benny Bengough

I have the rare color promo cards of Babe Ruth (1991), Joe Jackson (1992) and Johnny Mize CCD28 (1994) if someone is open for a trade...



Also missing the 2004 Joe Jackson Sweet Spot Patch of the Philadelphia A's

[jacksoncoupage]

Oh boy, a few for me...

Misc.

1988 Topps Glossy All-Stars Offer Card “cards not included” on front
1989 Topps Tony Oliva 665 with blacked out copyright
1990 Topps Debut ‘89 X
1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Sergei Fedorov Counterfeit
1990-91 Score Eric Lindros Counterfeit
1997 Leaf Fractal Matrix Die-Cuts Karim Garcia
2012 Topps Updates Jim Thome Orioles SSP


Brad Fullmer PC:

1995 5-Sport Red
1995 5-Sport Signature Series
1998 Bowman Autographs Gold
1998 Leaf Rookies & Chase Major League Hard Drives Sample
1998 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity (both)
1998 Topps Stadium Club First Day Issue
1998 Topps Stars Luninaries Gold
1999 Metal Precious Metal Gems

Matt Luke PC:

1998 LAPD Dodgers (perforated and clean edge)
1998 UD3 Die-Cut Gary Sheffield 212 (Luke cameo)
1999 Pacific Aurora Premiere Date
1999 Fleer Starting 9

Max Muncy PC:

2018 Topps Updates Blue Printing Plate
2018 Topps Updates Red Printing Plate
2018 Topps Updates Yellow Printing Plate*

*I am the “owner” but it was stolen (with a large collection) during a garage break-in December 2019

[ALR-bishop]

I have one of the Cards Not Included Glossy offer cars

I have a Turn Back The Clock 665 Oliva with and without the copyright on the back, is there another version in which the copyright is blocked out ?

Also have one of the Debut X cards, with Xs on both sides. The Xs are black with yellow background on one side and white with some red borders on other

[jacksoncoupage]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I have one of the Cards Not Included Glossy offer cars

I have a Turn Back The Clock 665 Oliva with and without the copyright on the back, is there another version in which the copyright is blocked out ?

Also have one of the Debut X cards, with Xs on both sides. The Xs are black with yellow background on one side and white with some red borders on other

Yes, per Gilkeson’s book, a 3rd variety of the Oliva exists. I can confirm as I have seen multiple copies.

From what I understand the debut X cards were placeholders on the uncut sheets that were cut and scrapped with some making their way into sets.

[ALR-bishop]

There is a similar 60 Leaf variation of Hal Smith as a Cardinal. In one version his team is listed as the Cardinals on the back. In another it is blank, but on a 3d it is blacked out

[ALR-bishop]

Dylan---see this update to Gilkeson's work

https://baseballcardvariationsguideb...989-toppsw.pdf

[jacksoncoupage]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Dylan---see this update to Gilkeson's work

https://baseballcardvariationsguideb...989-toppsw.pdf

Thanks Al, I did see that and it is definitely not in reference to the Topps logo. I’m pretty sure Mike asked me about this and I confirmed that a blacked out copyright version exists so unsure as to why that line was added.

Oddly enough this card was the focus of my spring variation hunting. I posted quite a bit about it on this board too in effort to possibly understand the purpose and production order of the three changes. I purchased over 600 copies from 20+ sources (sight unseen) during a month stretch and did not locate a copy. Every copy that I have seen has the exact same print flaw/fisheye in the body of text on back which tells me it is likely a very short run change.

[ALR-bishop]

The site does show a copy of the filled in Topps logo on the bottom back

[jacksoncoupage]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

The site does show a copy of the filled in Topps logo on the bottom back

Yes, I understand that print flaw type exists. It exists for virtually every card in the 1989 set since it is caused by excess black ink filling in the tiny spaces. It isn’t a design or plate change.

The statement that the “blacked out copyright” version may not exist and instead may refer to that blacked out logo card is incorrect. A blacked out copyright version 100% exists and is a design/plate change, not the result of excess ink.

[ALR-bishop]

Got it. Hope someone has a scan they can post

[jacksoncoupage]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Got it. Hope someone has a scan they can post

Eventually I’ll post the whole of my research (with pics) on JunkWaxGems but probably not before I get myself a copy. For ten years now every time I post about a rare variation there, I get messages from readers telling me they have one usually followed by “How much is it worth” (etc) and In each instance where it applies to something I’m interested and I offer to purchase or ask if available, it’s suddenly silence or “oh I don’t know, I heard that it’s really rare...” and I don’t throw out low ball offers on stuff I want.

Until that time I’ll stick to my daily searches and keep trying to land one.