As if its clockwork, 2011 Topps Platinum is live today on eBay, and we are getting an unusual surprise that doesn’t normally happen. The good thing is that it looks like we are going to get a large dose of on card autos, as well as jumbo sized patches, which will make a lot of people happy. On the other hand we are also seeing that the cards are numbered so high that it’s a problem, which could derail a lot of the value of the lower end of this product.
To start, I really liked the design we saw on the sell sheet. It was very similar to the bowman platinum baseball set that was released earlier this year to much critical acclaim. If the cards below are any indication, that design is not being used, while instead the NFL sheild shaped window is taking its place. The sticker has been moved down to the left corner, and for the most part, it looks just as good. Although the shield window breaks design borders (which I usually hate), it doesn’t look as awkward with the outline done the way it is. For the first time, outlining the swatch window has made the cards look right instead of wrong. I think the sticker is in exactly the right place it should be, and as much as I would have liked these cards to be hard signed, they look good for labels.
The on card auto design also looks very good and simple, although I really hate the foilboard this is usually printed on. Once we get a better idea of the card stock, ill make a better decision, but for now, im probably going to pass on these. Don’t get me wrong, I like the way they look, but I don’t like foil cards unless they are the usual chrome stock. The numbering on the bad rookies also looks very problematic, as it becomes more obvious how hard the good rookies will be to get instead of guys like Bilal Powell and Kendall Hunter. Im guessing Newton, Locker, Ponder, Gabbert, and Ingram will all be numbered very low, and will be tough pulls. It means they will be worth more, but that much harder to get.
Overall, Platinum looks like it could be a nice follow up to Finest’s design success. Its not going to be the best of the year, but it looks better than what Panini churns out month after month. On that note, ill buy a few singles and continue saving my main loot for Chrome next month.
Here is what is up so far:
Bilal Powell Platinum Patch Auto Refractor
Taiwain Jones Platinum Patch Auto Refractor
Kendall Hunter Green Refractor On Card Auto RC
I don’t know that I mind the high serial numbering when the cards look that good.
eh, looks alot like this year’s Topps Finest to me. still not a bad looking product tho.
“…the numbering on the bad rookies…” Are you saying Bilal Powell is a “bad” rookie? HUH?!
Lol! I know what you mean…the non-superstar rookies!
:)!
With Locker being an SP, and so many low profile rookies having absurdly high print runs, I’ll be sticking to ebay for singles of this stuff.
Ugh! When will they stop using combine photos!