What is a Premium anyway?

[sb1]

Generally speaking a premium would be an item offered by a company as an advertising product/incentive which could be obtained by sending in either coupons, proof of purchase, money, etc.

It was an advertising tool used to spur sales by many companies. The word "premium" was used to indicate that is was not commercially offered for sale but was to be obtained by redemption via product loyalty.

MANY items offered as "premiums" do not meet this general criteria and are often trade cards, team photos, etc

[DaveW]

Today's history lesson:

Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart in a 1964 case:

I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description ["hard-core pornography"], and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by sb1

Generally speaking a premium would be an item offered by a company as an advertising product/incentive which could be obtained by sending in either coupons, proof of purchase, money, etc.

It was an advertising tool used to spur sales by many companies. The word "premium" was used to indicate that is was not commercially offered for sale but was to be obtained by redemption via product loyalty.

MANY items offered as "premiums" do not meet this general criteria and are often trade cards, team photos, etc

Thanks. I think what is shown above is really just an ad that someone kept. I use loose definitions as stated . But your definition is obviously correct. Here is a true premium....the recently spoken about Pathe Ruth...I have to think these might have jumped in value due to other recent Ruth spikes. I am biased of course...

[brian1961]

Leon,

As for your Babe Ruth premium, being issued during the latter stages of his astounding breakout season of 1920, and with a swell photo of a trim Mr. Ruth, its significance cannot be underestimated. The eye appeal of the piece is off the charts.

Just my five cents worth. ---Brian Powell

[leaflover]

Couldn't the term "premium" also refer to a card that almost always trades above SMR guidelines?

[jsage]

Mickey Mantle Armour Franks - Premium
Jerry Sage

[chipperhank44]

Originally Posted by sb1

Generally speaking a premium would be an item offered by a company as an advertising product/incentive which could be obtained by sending in either coupons, proof of purchase, money, etc.

It was an advertising tool used to spur sales by many companies. The word "premium" was used to indicate that is was not commercially offered for sale but was to be obtained by redemption via product loyalty.

MANY items offered as "premiums" do not meet this general criteria and are often trade cards, team photos, etc

I'm glad you posted this definition. I've wondered about the difference between a premium and a supplement for a while. Mainly because collectors and auction houses seem to mis-label a lot of supplements as premiums. Obviously if is says "supplement" on the item it is called a supplement, but everything else seems to be fair game regardless of its origin.