Topps Test issues from the 90's
REA had 2 lots of very scarce Topps test issues in their last auction. First is the Jersey / Pencil Holders. They had 3 in one lot A Jordan, Griffey Jr. And Mcgwire. The lot sold for about $1500. And a complete set of 1998 Sports Cubz. That set sold for around $5k. But the bidding seemed to be me and one other in extended. Where it started at around $700.
Given how rare and how many Test issue collectors used to bid in REA I thought it was pretty soft. But looking at test issues from 80's to present. There is very little interest.
When I began collecting the 1969 Super Baseball set was $25. This was because you could buy a set from Bruce Yeko in CT. For $25. Until around 1975 when Mr. Yeko ran out.
Test sets that followed like cloth stickers from 77 to stand ups and Triple Headers were immediately gobbled up by collectors. Even 1975 Mini's a test issue where the majority of them were absorbed into the hobby. Vs being distributed to local stores for kids. I know this changed how these issues were / are viewed. But the two lots mentioned were never issued to the public. They are true test issues. Kicked around but never issued to the public. And because of that only very small Quantities exist. I am surprised there is not more interest.
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