One of my many favorite parts of 2011 Five Star are the redemptions in which full sized memorabilia could be redeemed as extra hits in the super high end packs. Bascially, each of these pieces, which included Rookie Premiere worn and signed jerseys, autographed footballs, and signed helmets, have flown largely under the radar, if not only because of lack of coverage. I think they are absolutely awesome things to add value to a style of product that is released each and every year, and collectors are crazy not to want these types of pieces for their collections.
The first of the redeemed pieces are showing up on eBay, and they are definitely awesome representations of what I expected them to be:
2011 Topps Five Star Rookie Premiere Helmet – Cam Newton and 10 others
Redeemed Julio Jones Full Sized Jersey
Here are some of the redemptions that were offered:
2011 Topps Five Star Cam Newton Rookie Premiere Signed Football others
2011 Topps Five Star Andy Dalton Full Sized Jersey
2011 Topps Five Star Jake Locker Full Sized Jersey
Although the “00” jerseys are unusual examples of memorabilia to have available, it is pretty awesome to be able to own the jerseys these rookies wore in trading cards prior to the NFL season. Similarly, the rookie helmets are just as cool, especially as they are only signed by the top rookies of the premiere’s class. If this was Cam Newton, signing along side early washouts like Jordan Todman and company, the piece wouldnt be as valuable. However, with only the top 11 of the 40 that appeared that weekend, it is much more amazing to have as a pull from a box of cards.
I sincerely hope that Topps does a similar thing like this next year for Five Star, combining new ideas with the old ones. I still think a trip to the rookie premiere would be the best experience to give a card collector, maybe even involve something from the NFL draft or the Super Bowl as well.
Five Star has already impressed me far above the level of a set like National Treasures, if not only because collectors have asked for redemptions like these for a long time.
Ha! These jerseys say NOTHING about them actually being worn by the player. In my opinion, a Julio Jones “00” signed jersey is EXTREMELY less desireable than one he signed with his true jersey number on it. Just because it was signed at the premiere doesn’t mean I want to hang something that awkward looking in my house. I LOVE what Topps has done recently, but these are a huge disappointment in my eyes. Had it mentioned anything on the certificate about him actually wearing it, that would have been cool, but I have a feeling it was one of the 100’s of “00” jerseys Topps brought to the premiere for him to put on 10 at a time and then cut up. Who knows if he even wore this one??