1995 Signature Rookies 1980 "Miracle on Ice" sets

[jp1216]

I just finished this nice looking set and wanted to share some info.
1995 Signature Rookies "Miracle on Ice" autographed set. 43 cards - each individually numbered to #/2000. 2 for each player, 2 for assistant coach Craig Patrick and 1 for coach Herb Brooks. Beautiful tribute set dedicated to the 1980 Gold Medal winning USA Olympic hockey team.

In total, there are 50 cards in the base set. 2 for each player, 2 for each coach, 5 action shots and 1 checklist. Base cards were stamped "1 of 24000" and found in 6 card 'wax' packs. 5 base cards and 1 autographed #/2000 per pack. Wax boxes contained 18 packs and were individually numbered to 4850. I didn't collect much in the 90s and never saw these cards until recently. I've been told that boxes sold for $30-$40/each. About $2 a pack? There are also 2 "Promo" cards numbered to "1 of 7500". One features the team celebration, the other is Jim Craig.

These cards were also issued as complete sets in 2 forms - a "Gold Medal" boxed set in red individually number to #/9999 and a "Commemorative" boxed set in blue individually numbered to #/1980. Cards in these boxes are foil stamped "Gold Medal Set" and "Commemorative Edition". I'm not sure how these were sold etc.

Signature Rookies as a company didn't last too long. Owned by Score Board - I think they filed bankruptcy in the mid/late '90s.

Not all of the autographed #/2000 cards were delivered in time and had to be issued as redemptions. I've heard Herb Brooks #42 was one of those. Herb Brooks #41 was never issued with an autograph. I've heard he refused because #41 incorrectly lists him as a member of the 1960 Olympic hockey team. Herb was the last player cut prior to the Olympic games where the US team won the Gold medal!

Currently the most expensive #/2000 Autos are for Bob Suter (d.2014), Herb Brooks (d. 2003) and now Mark Pavelich (d. 2021).

Beautiful set. Thanks to Michael B. for the last card! Can anyone add more info?