I think by then, they were putting "Refractor" somewhere near the card number (or at least somewhere on the back) for the refractors.
Ha - I checked ebay. check out a silver refractor:
www.ebay.com/itm/1998-99-Topps-Mystery-Finest-SILVER-REFRACTOR-Joe-Sakic-Card-M20-BV-36-1-in-216-/231351695244
It does have refractor on the back.
-- Dan --
Note: Please see my profile for more info regarding trading (section updated 3/4/2024). I have added a large portion of my inventory to the site, and currently have trading turned on (details are in my profile).