1971 Topps #383
 

Hi Guys, I have looked at dozens of #383's on eBay, and I didn't see any that are quite like this. If you look at the photo, instead of being black and white, this one appears to have some colors, especially the facial skin tones.

Is this common in the 1971's? Thanks, Rick

If that's real, then it is truly something, but there seems to be a problem. The 'skin tone' actually goes into the white border a bit. That tells me it was probably colored in by someone long ago. We've all done that. But, the picture isn't large enough for me to really scrutinize it.

383
 

I looked at it under a magnifying lamp, and it doesn't appear to be colored in by a crayon or colored pencil.

It doesn't make sense that out of the 1000's of 1971's that I have handled, that this one has some color. Maybe some sort of fountain pen?

it's a rare error card variation worth about 15K, I think? you should get it graded and see it's 1 of 1.

I think it was created by a "Beauty School Dropout"...

Kind of ironic that although faint, there is probably more color in Gaspar's face as seen on the back of the card than on the front :)
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/frcAA...-ZI/s-l500.jpg

The other problem I see is the mottled coverage of the color. If this was being prepped for printing, the flesh tone would cover the entire face/neck -- wherever the skin showed -- but it's sparse at best. Again, it seems like someone quickly colored it in. What happens when you tilt it in the light? Does that give anything away?

no
 

No, putting it under a light doesn't reveal anything.

The biggest problem I see is the skin tone goes into the white border like Darren already pointed out. Can you do a 1200DPI scan and just post the face section? That should easily show if it was added or printed.

Maybe the sun was really beating down that day at Shea. :rolleyes:

Just pulled out my 71 set and mine is totally uncolored/normal. Maybe someone used like a watercolor paint or gouache on it? That would explain no pencil lines or instrument strokes. Just a thought.

new scan
 

My scanner only goes up to 600 dpi.

I appreciate everyone's help. I know this isn't going to turn out to be a valuable printing error, but I really enjoy delving into odd items such as this.

Rick

That did not leave the Topps factory looking like that.:D

There is no print pattern to the flesh color. Take the card and tilt it under light like when looking for surface imperfections. Do it under several different types of light like outside, CFL, LED, and halogen bulbs. One of them will make it very obvious it was added. Strangely sometimes a poorly lit room works great also.

after reviewing the thread I think a jolt of a memory about the color hit me.

So, I collected 1,000's of these cards as a kid and I wanna somehow remember the same thing with an Expo player? Again, it's a long, long memory shot from when I was 10 :D. I thought you should know that after I was being a smart ass, upon further review it just hit me.:p:o My big fat gut is telling me and and I don't go against my gut too often.;) And why do I remember "Expos"?????

Chuck
 

Hi Chuck, thank you for the update. That is really interesting.

As for being a smart ass, I contribute my share of smart ass comments on the board, so I am not offended.

Thanks! Rick

1971 Topps
 

Banksy original. Keep it away from the shredder! :D