'85 Topps Mini's

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Zach---do not have access to them in Ireland, but have this set in both regular back and blank back. The blank back are tougher and can be found in both tan and white backs. I also have the set half done in red only backs. Not sure if it can be completed that way. One of the toughest 80s sets to do, along with 82 Blackless and 88 Cloth and 84 Encased ( Head in Box)

Al,

I hate to tell you this, but I think your search for an entire set of one color red backs has not ended.

I saw some '85 Topps mini's on eBay. I emailed the seller and he indicated he has known people at O-Pee-Chee for 40 years and knows quite a bit about the set. He apparently even knew the O-Pee-Chee "archive administrator". He said they produced 90 sheets of '85 Mini's as a test set. The 90 sheets - which included 30 sheets with full color backs (each sheet containing 132 cards), 30 sheets were blank backs and 30 sheets were one color red backs. He indicated he has a full sheet of '85 mini's and this is the only full sheet as it was in their archives and used for reference purposes (presumably).

He also said the remainder of the cards all came from the original 90 sheets which were all individually cut from these sheets. He seemed to know what he was talking about.

ZWheat

[4reals]

I'm not saying those sheet numbers are inaccurate but they are surprising to hear considering the few number of blank backs that have hit the market compared to the full color stat backs. For every blank back it seems I run into 3-4 stat backs. Similarly, it's shocking for me to hear there are just as many sheets of the "red ink only" backs as the other variations. I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around that since Al's are the only one's I've ever seen. Perhaps someone has them all and is sitting on them? Of course, it all comes down to timing and accessibility, so just because my search results have been what they are doesn't mean they haven't been made available somewhere I am not exposed to. Did your contact happen to mention how many of the 30 blank back sheets were divided between tan and white card stock colors? Perhaps ask him if there were any blank back variations without naming the colors to test his credibility?

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by 4reals

I'm not saying those sheet numbers are inaccurate but they are surprising to hear considering the few number of blank backs that have hit the market compared to the full color stat backs. For every blank back it seems I run into 3-4 stat backs. Similarly, it's shocking for me to hear there are just as many sheets of the "red ink only" backs as the other variations. I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around that since Al's are the only one's I've ever seen. Perhaps someone has them all and is sitting on them? Of course, it all comes down to timing and accessibility, so just because my search results have been what they are doesn't mean they haven't been made available somewhere I am not exposed to. Did your contact happen to mention how many of the 30 blank back sheets were divided between tan and white card stock colors? Perhaps ask him if there were any blank back variations without naming the colors to test his credibility?

Joe,

I actually asked him in the same email if the printing quantities were the same for all 3 of the printing variations. I told him that I was surpised at his original contention that they were printed in equal numbers. He reiterated that they were indeed printed in the same quantities.

I can reach out to him again.

Z Wheat

[Zach Wheat]

Joe,
I just sent him another follow up message with your specific questions as well as others. I will post his response.

Z Wheat

[Zach Wheat]

Joe,

I got a reply but did not get much other information. He was silent on knowledge of using different paper stock for blank backs but did reaffirm that the red backs were originally produced in equal numbers - 30 sheets.

I am not sure how much more information I am going to get.

Z Wheat

[ALR-bishop]

Interesting Zach. My experience is what Joe said, the blank backs tougher and the reds a rarity, but maybe the sheets are sitting somewhere. Most of my mini buys were from Canadian sellers. There are definitely two different blank back stocks...tan and white

From Scotland :-)

[Zach Wheat]

I have re-phrased the question again and he quickly responded stating that he was informed there was only 1 print run for the '85 mini's and 1 type paper stock. He suggested that one of the 2 types of card stock is not legit. Can anyone check their card stock for uniformity with the other types of backs - and compare it to the printing on the fronts for legitimacy?

I know this same issues has occurred with other issues - most notably ESCO Exhibits and I have been duped prior to understanding the differences on the front of the card. Now ESCO Exhibit collectors automatically look for the 2nd type of card stock as a dead give away.

In addition, he mentioned he still has contacts at OPC and would talk to them again about this set. Send me your questions I will compile them and see if we can get some firm answers - as I am sure there are other questions of which I am not aware. Unfortunately he won't be seeing his contacts again until late summer...

ZWheat