[Archive]

Posted By: davidcycleback

The main problem for the average collector is the real Fro Joys are scarce and few collectors
have owned one. Unlike a T206, they aren't sure what a real one looks like. The reprints are distinct from
the genuine cards, and folks like Rob Lifson will tell you it's not hard to tell the difference.
I looked at some of the better reprints, and it was obvious they were reprints.

Beckett is a big card company, around since the 1980s. It's reasonable to believe that they've
handled real Fro Joys before.

Also, there were Gene Tunney Fro Joy cards. These are just like the Ruth cards, but were not reprinted.

It's not that I say the Fro Joys should never be purchased-- it's just that the average inquiry to
me about the cards is from a newbie considering buying the cards at a yard sale. With these
people, I tell them to not purchase just because there are so many reprints and he won't be able
to tell. If the cards are being sold in a Mastro, REA, Lipset or such auction, the buyer can
be confident of the authenticity.

If the above Paul poster is Paul Griggs, I will testify that he's knowledgeable about Fro Joys and
has owned real ones. If Paul and Beckett agreed on a Fro Joy, that's a good sign.