2004 Press Pass Racing Forum

This set (2004 Press Pass - Platinum Variations Racing Checklist | Trading Card Database (tcdb.com))  appears to be the base set with the Platinum overprinting.  The Platinum cards start with a "P" prefix, these do not.  Is this a legitimate variation set, or was this a printing error where some sheets of the base cards somehow got accidently run through the wrong process?  If it is a legitimate variation, it should be in the parallel section rather than the insert section where it is currently listed.  If it is a printing error, my understanding is that it is not listable. Interested to hear other's thoughts on this one.  Here is the IR I put in for this for reference-   https://www.tcdb.com/InaccuraciesManager.cfm?MODE=VIEW&ID=343263

There wasn't 'supposed' to be a version of the cards with the platinum foil and without the "P" prefix on the card numbers.  In that respect, they were printing errors.

They did seem to be found in packs in significant numbers, though.  When the same error is produced in significant numbers there are some collectors who elevate it to 'variation' status, or in cases like this where the error happened to complete sheets, 'parallel' status.

-Tom

Very interesting discussion. This goes back to how I acquired these "variations/print errors".  I call these cards variations on the Platinum parallel set of 100 cards.  I have 4 of these cards.  I tried to back research them to Mason Gary (deceased) published set listing.  He did not have a set of 100 cards listed from his past web page.  I have an old copy (somewhere) that would show (when I find it) what cards he was still seeking from the 100 variations.  I have cards 8/30/78 which I acquired in a direct trade with MG. Do all 100 variations exist - not sure??  I acquired the 17 (TL) from ebay. These cards are print errors from Press Pass - believed came distributed in hobby boxes/packs.

These were not distributed via Press Pass closeout in 2016 to my understanding.  I would not call these cards a parallel set of the base set but Platinum parallels / variations / print errors.   Since I cannot confirm all 100 cards have a print error variation I would put a note in the Platinum parallel set that some (for sure) have a non "P" variation. iceiron5 

I am going to move the set to the parallelsection for now. Will be interested to hear any other opinions or background on this from anyone else before doing more.

If they are printing flaws, and truly random, they would typically be removed from the site.

However, it sounds like they were produced in larger numbers than a usual one-off printing flaw. If this is the case, Admin may see fit to keep them on the site as an "exception" - he has done so with other wide-spread or hobby-acknowledged printing flaws (the Frank Thomas NNOF is a prime example). 

These cards will be acknowledged in one of two ways on here - either remaining as a parallel to the base set, or by being removed and having a Release Note added to the Platinum set explaining that some cards can be found with the Platinum front and regular card number on the reverse.

I would expect Admin to ask for more research to be conducted first. iceiron5 provided some good information, but I imagine Admin would also want some more info on how many exist, etc. before making a final decision.