Card Identification Forum

Is there a checklist for 'originals' that are inserted into the 2015 Topps distribution set?  These are the 2 cards I got with my box.  I don't want to add them to my 1972 or 1976 Topps collections although I do believe they were original cards with the new foil stamp on the front.  The cards came in EX-MT condition inside the packs.  Where would you put them in your collection?

Thanks for any help!

-Dan

Hi Dan - I think there is a spot in the checklist set aside for the buybacks, but honestly, there is no rhyme or reason to what COULD be included each year. Basically, the available pool is EVERYTHING Topps released in previous years. I pulled a 1961 and a 1974 in my box. I pulled a 1974 in one of last year's boxes. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that a comprehensive checklist is impossible to put here, plus it cannot be confirmed what actually went into packs.

Good question. My take...they are original cards, not reprints.  Your examples were printed in 1972/1976, not 2015.  I see them as no different than going to WalMart and buying repacks.  The only difference, in my opinion, is that Topps ruined them with a foil stamp.  Just like a kid who writes on them.

I seriously doubt there is any checklist.

I have a pile of these from various sets, and they are in a pile instead of with my collection for this same reason. I actually think now that we have the ability (based on your authority) to insert individual cards into an existing checklist, we might be able to create an insert set and just add them as people acquire them (because, as has been said, there's no way there is a reliable checklist). Does anyone care enough about seeing these (or trading them I suppose) to have them listed? I'm not 100% sure what set I pulled some of these out of anymore...

I have a similar pile of cards I had stamped or embossed at manufacturer booths at various National shows over the years. When you could buy a pack of Skybox at a dealer table, open it at the Skybox booth, pick one card, and they would add a gold foil "National 2002" stamp to it. It is genuinely conceivable that any card Skybox had ever made (or any other manufacturer; they all did this) could exist with this stamp. No way to checklist a set of these. I just keep mine separate, with cards that will never be on the database, together with cards I've had signed in person. These Topps might not belong on here either.

Exactly, switzr1.  "Aftermarket" signed cards are not included in the database. So, I don't believe "aftermarket" stamped cards should be either. But you could scan/upload them into your collection in its original location, e.g., 1972 Topps.

In theory, every card ever produced could end up "foil stamped".

I think uploading them to the original location would cause confusion because I would assume these have different values than the originals, plus it might lead to a trading mishap where someone thinks they are getting an original and they end up with a stamped version. If they came in packs, I think they should be included in the database as an insert in the modern set they were included in. Adding to the checklist as more are discovered on a need-to basis also sounds reasonable. 

I think if we put them in the year of original printing, there should be a designation for buyback. I just pulled a 1977 Dave Hilton buyback today. I have the original non stamped and plan on keeping this one as well. 

 

If we just add to the original year, I suggest we do something like "VAR: 2015 BB" 

Great question.  I hate these cards.  I would get rid of them.  I accidentally purchased one of these cards last year for my '57T collection not noticing the foil until I received the card.  I ended up scratching the darn thing off.  Foil doesn't look right in a vintage collection, and vintage cards don't look right in a modern collection.  Topps needs to start issuing buybacks without alterations, or not at all.  In terms of how to list them on the database, I would have to agree with the comment directly above.

 Thanks for the foil, Mr. Topps.   You've just ruined an original.