Are the 1991 Topps A* B* sheet code variations too scarce?

[Pat R]

I was collecting some data on an older set that has a few scarce cards and one that's quite scarce but never talked about and it reminded me of the A* B* sheet variations which are seldom talked about.

I know the 91's are junk wax era but the Desert Shield and Tiffany versions are still talked about as are some of the other 91 variations albeit less frequently.


The older set that I was collecting data on has over 48,000 graded cards with an average of 121 per player. There are a few that are lower single digits but there's one that only has 3 graded examples.

[ALR-bishop]

Pat—not clear to me what you are asking, but it may/probably is just me

[Pat R]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Pat—not clear to me what you are asking, but it may/probably is just me

No I'm sure it's me Al. I just noticed that I didn't even post the thread in the right section.

The A* B* sheet codes don't seem to get mentioned in a lot of the discussions about 91 Topps variations and I was wondering if it's because they are so scarce or if most variation collectors don't consider them a true variation?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Pat R

No I'm sure it's me Al. I just noticed that I didn't even post the thread in the right section.

The A* B* sheet codes don't seem to get mentioned in a lot of the discussions about 91 Topps variations and I was wondering if it's because they are so scarce or if most variation collectors don't consider them a true variation?

I consider myself an amateur variation collector. I never once considered collecting them because it is just not an error I cared about. It's just not cool in any way like many errors are to me.

[ALR-bishop]

If Ben is an amateur variations collector he is certainly a high functioning amateur

I personally consider them variations. But given their scarcity and the fact they are on the backs in a set with hundreds of variations and recurring print defects, I can see why they are not more popular with collectors, and hard to find even if you are looking for them. Short of buying large lots or opening lots of packs, neither of which appeal to me, the time and effort of pursuing such scarce back variants is too daunting for me.

Over the years I have ended up with a couple of examples but do not actively pursue them

[steve B]

There's plenty of junk wax stuff that's not easy to find. I'm not sure if much of it is actually rare, or just not common enough to easily find among the millions of cards produced.

I collect it all, but not aggressively.

[jacksoncoupage]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I consider myself an amateur variation collector. I never once considered collecting them because it is just not an error I cared about. It's just not cool in any way like many errors are to me.

This more or less sums up my answer to your question, Pat.

Specifically, sheet code variations don't usually light up collector's eyes the way a wrong photo, missing/wrong stats, wrong team, etc does. I've always observed diminished interest in them among die-hard player collectors.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

If Ben is an amateur variations collector he is certainly a high functioning amateur