1986-87 Fleer Basketball print run

[RobertGT]

Hello:

Anyone have a good idea on the approximate print run of the iconic 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set? I've read that the 1987-88 Fleer Basketball was released in much more limited quantities due to the initial lack of popularity of the 86-87. Of course that set then exploded. So the 87-88 is actually tougher.

I was wondering if someone knows what would be a good approximate equivalent in the baseball realm. I doubt it was similar to the 86 Fleer baseball or 86 Topps, but is 84 Donruss a good approximation? Does anyone think there are huge untapped quantities of 86-87 Fleer still out there? I don't see a lot other than what's on ebay.

Thanks in advance. Rob

[Orioles1954]

Several million cards but at a fraction of any 1980s baseball mainstream set.

[sportscollector]

i dont think 86 fleer basketball was printed in the millions but it was in the hundreds of thousands for sure

[esquiresports]

If I were to give you an approximation on print run, I would say close to what you see for 1987 Fleer glossy. You see a fair amount of it but not many people have a ton of it. However, while I believe there are likely thousands of still-unopened 1987 Fleer glossy sets, there are probably only several hundred unopened original boxes remaining. Even back in 1990, 1986 Fleer boxes were commanding $1800.

[steve B]

One of my biggest hobby mistakes.

When the 86 Fleer came out the McCrorys in the local mall had an entire island of them. Probably 4ftx2 ft 3-4 boxes deep with couple shelves above with more. And the whole base of the display unit was full too.

I bought about 10 packs and figured I'd come back on payday and get a box or two if I liked them. That was maybe Tuesday. Friday night.........Nothing. Entirely sold out.

Steve B