1997 contains another card that has quickly vaulted up my list of best Larkin cards.
1997 Donruss Limited was one of the most bizarrely structured base sets ever. The set is divided into four unique subsets: Counterparts, Double Team, Star Factor, and Unlimited. The Counterparts subset features 100 double-sided cards of two star players from different teams who happen to play the same position. The Double Team subset displays two star teammates back-to-back on 40 double-sided cards. The Star Factor subset highlights 40 superstars with a different photo of the same player on each side of the card plus unique player statistics. The Unlimited subset features 20 cards matching up of a veteran and a rookie. Barry Larkin has a card in all 4 subsets.
According to a press release from Donruss, only 1100 copies of each Star Factor card was produced -- although they are not serial-numbered. And while the exact pack insertion ratios were never issued; judging from dealers who broke cases of '97 Donruss Limited the odds appear to be as follows: Double Team 1:6, Star Factor 1:24, and Unlimited 1:36. As there are 40 Star Factors in the set and only 20 Unlimiteds, those odds can be deceiving. The Star Factors are actually the rarest of the subsets.
In addition to the base cards of these 4 subsets, each was produced in a parallel called "Limited Exposure." They were printed using what Donruss called "Holographic Poly-Chromium Technology" on both sides, Limited Exposure is, for all intents and purposes, the Donruss version of Finest Refractors. The backs of each card have the words "Limited Exposure" printed beneath the card number.
Like the base set, the Counterparts Limited Exposures are the easiest to find, and Unlimited the toughest (again, with fewer cards in the subset, I believe there are actually fewer Star Factors per player than Unlimiteds, despite their being easier pulls overall). According to Donruss, only 40 copies of each Star Factor Limited Exposure exist -- although they are not serial-numbered.
Until recently, I had been on the lookout for the Larkin Star Factor Limited Exposure for a very long time. I had heard that the cards are beautiful and terribly underappreciated. But the Larkin card is a ghost. As far as I can tell, there is only one copy graded by any of the grading companies. And I have never seen a raw copy. So I tend to believe the claims of only 40 copies of each card being made. Naturally, when I saw that lone graded copy come up for sale I had to have it.
Once I got it in hand, I realized I had something special. Not only are they exceedingly rare, but the single shiniest card I have ever seen. Some cards are hard to photograph to capture their in-hand beauty. It takes tinkerinig with the lighting to coax out the shine. That does not apply to these Star Factors. They pose for the camera like a Hollywood starlet on the red carpet. And even then, pictures can't do these cards justice. They are absolutely stunning.
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Back:
