1989 Upper Deck

[craigpw]

Just rediscovered these, purchased about 1991. It seems everything in black is white and white is black.

Does anyone have any information about these?

[bnorth]

Sorry no info, are the card backs the same?

[mrmopar]

I like that black border look. Reminds me of the 93 UD 5th Anniversary insert cards. That would have been a much more interesting set with the black borders.

[GasHouseGang]

Do these only consist of the Oakland A's or is it the whole set?

[craigpw]

Ben and David,
I'm sorry to be so late in responding to your questions.First, the backs of the cards I posted are similar to the fronts. The white border on card backs are instead, black on my cards. Second,I only have one other card,and it is not of an Athletic, rather it is McGee of the Cardinals.Thanks for your interest, Craig

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by craigpw

Just rediscovered these, purchased about 1991. It seems everything in black is white and white is black.

Does anyone have any information about these?

Probably a test issue? Do you remember getting them from packs or through card stores/shows?

[Beatles Guy]

Very nice looking cards with the black border. As a Willie McGee collector, I'd love to see that one.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Those are pretty cool! Imagine if UD had used the black border back in '89 and how condition sensitive the cards would be? PSA 10 Griffey's would bring ridiculous money!

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Those are pretty cool! Imagine if UD had used the black border back in '89 and how condition sensitive the cards would be? PSA 10 Griffey's would bring ridiculous money!

1989 Upper Deck Promo Set Pop Report
Maybe they're these? Although KGJ is NOT the #1 card in the set!!!

[mrmopar]

There are a number of known promos featuring Buice and Joyner. I don't think those linked are the same. I personally had not seen the black border card design before this photo. Probably some sort of mock-up/test design that got nixed along the way. Too bad, the set would have been way better with the black borders in my opinion.

[skrezyna23]

Very cool whatever it is. Never seen these before.

[Bob Lemke]

When I was cataloging we never saw or even heard of black-border 1989 UD.

I'd guess they are a really rare prototype.