General Forum

I found a 1992 Score Dream Team card (#884 Ripken) where the back side of the card is reversed (or upside-down), I haven't seen any information related to this, anywhere. Does anyone known if it's an error or variation?

I've actually got a few cards from various sets where the back of the card seems to be flipped.  I've read somewhere that for some reason, this doesn't constitute an error or variant.  I can't remember where or the rationale why, but I've never followed up on it since.  I'd also appreciate some insight into this if anyone knows the answer.

My basic understanding is that this would be considered a printing error (more like a miscut or offcenter card) and not a UER or variation. Simple reason is there is no way to verify whether it is a one of a kind or if there are millions out there like it. In other words, it was never intended to turn out like it did. It was accidental. That is different than an accidental design flaw being approved and produced like the 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken.

The 1994 Archives [1954 set] have reversed backs on Grim, Killebrew, Score, Virdon, Clemente, Pascual. There are major sightings of both. I consider them ERRORS or at least a VARIATION.

~BOB~

A random printing error not catalogued on this database. But there are collectors, such as BOBSCARDZ, that do collect them.

However they are tagged as VAR. in TCDB.

Since only one card is listed, they shouldn't be tagged as VAR.

Dan, That may be the case, however, it is so in this set and I have seen done with other cards as well. ~BOB~

It is a printing error where the sheet was inserted into the printer upside down on the second side's printing. In modern times it's fairly rare, but back in the 1950s it was fairly common. It's possible to collect the 1957-58 Topps NBA set with both back variations, if you have the money (I don't!)

That's a lower priority effort than other items, but that should be fixed. How can a single card be a VAR when a second one isn't listed?