When it comes to good ideas, there are some I never have enough of. One of them is hard signed cards, another is autographed Shadowbox cards, and the last is buyback cards that are autographed and solicited by the company. Over the years, it has caused a ton of issues with people faking buyback and autographed buyback cards, but as long as proper documentation is included with each card, I go freaking crazy collecting ones for my favorite players.
This year, Topps is offering autographed buybacks of Chrome rookie cards in 2012 Topps Chrome, and I cant tell you how excited I am to see how they turn out. Its rare that Chrome cards are chosen for this type of program, but the results are usually pretty epic when they do.
2011 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper Buyback USA Auto RC
2010 Exquisite Michael Jordan Buy Back Auto /15
2009 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Buy Back Auto Inscription
My initial reaction is “WHERE IS THIS IDEA FOR FOOTBALL?!?” as I think these types of awesome cards rarely make it into a football product. So far for 2012, Topps is having a stellar year including on card veteran and star autographs in crazy amount products, something that hasnt happened in football since Upper Deck in 2009. Now that they are introducing Chrome buyback autos into this year’s set, I am craving similar attention in my favorite sport.
Listen, I understand why the investment is being made in Baseball, as it has always brought more volume than any other sport. However, I think these types of poignant inclusions in products can widen a gap between competitors significantly. Topps has history unlike any other company, releasing cards with frightening consistency for close to three quarters of a century. Why not take advantage of that at every turn?
What is even more crazy is the brand loyalty built around sets like Finest and Chrome, which cultivates programs that can be spread over multiple releases. Topps has released a number of sets year after year since I was a kid, and that is power within a very cutthroat industry. Opportunities are finally being seized with this type of card, and I sincerely hope it continues.
That being said, if this does come to football, im going to go bananas – B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
One hundred percent with you on the “where is this for football?!” I was finally able to pick up one of the ’01 Topps Reserve Joe Montana RC Reprint refractors w/Certified auto last week. These cards have ridiculous value, as I’m sure the baseball ones do, too. It’s rare a player will sign a card and it has more value than if you were to get it signed at a show appearance but, for football, that’s exactly what happens when it’s the star player/retired HOFer types. I cannot believe they can’t figure this out. (Though, Topps has hinted at on-card autos for the QB reprints in Five Star later in the year.) I am hoping…
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