OT: PSA Sample grade

[bnorth]

Anybody know what these actually are? Any help would be appreciated. I remember a thread on here years ago but could not find it. I broke down and purchased this one today.

[Leon]

So lets try this in the correct category instead of the front page first. IF no answers here then we can move it to the front page for extra eyeballs. Anyone can PM me about this stuff too.,
But I like to ask folks to at least try the question in the correct category first. Also, if there is a parallel to a pre war card, or some association, then those are let go many times. But I am not sure this is going to pertain to a pre war card. Good luck in the quest.

The redirect on the front page won't expire for several hours, so those folks looking at the front page will see this thread too.

thanks

[bnorth]

To be clear my question is about the PSA slab, not the 1989 Topps card. Were these done at a special event?

[swarmee]

I heard the SAMPLE slabs were passed out at conventions in the early days to show dealers what the product was. I have a Tiger Woods in a SAMPLE slab, so they must have done it for quite a few years after founding.
2001 card

2001 Upper Deck - Tiger's Tales #TT22 - Tiger Woods [PSA Authentic]
Courtesy of COMC.com

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I heard the SAMPLE slabs were passed out at conventions in the early days to show dealers what the product was. I have a Tiger Woods in a SAMPLE slab, so they must have done it for quite a few years after founding.
2001 card

2001 Upper Deck - Tiger's Tales #TT22 - Tiger Woods [PSA Authentic]
Courtesy of COMC.com

Thanks, I had never seen one without the serial number before. I have seen several with the same exact serial number mine has. I have also seen several that have the same serial number but different than the one I have.

Edit: I expanded my search on eBay and found a couple with the event they were given away at printed on the label.

[jchcollins]

Guessing it was a salesman's sample of sorts to introduce PSA graded cards to the hobby. The flips all look old. I didn't know they existed though - so cool!

[bswhiten]

Like others said, I believe they were just used to introduce PSA slabs. Your example has a serial number...different from the one I have.

[bnorth]

Here is one with the event listed on the flip.

[abctoo]

I got two of the same sample at the Fan Fest for Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans in February 2002. Here's a picture of the front and back:



If anyone wants one, it's $5 plus $4.20 first class package with tracking, or both for $7.50 plus the same shipping (they'll combine into one package at no increase in shipping). Send me a private message for details. SOLD

Mike

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by abctoo

I got two of the same sample at the Fan Fest for Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans in February 2002. Here's a picture of the front and back:



If anyone wants one, it's $5 plus $4.20 first class package with tracking, or both for $7.50 plus the same shipping (they'll combine into one package at no increase in shipping). Send me a private message for details.

Mike

Those are cool, PM sent for both.