Music
Buzz Break: 2012 Platinum League hip hop cards
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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: 2012 Platinum League hip hop cards
The cost: Will vary if you can find -- get new non-sports hereKeep reading for a full bit of what was in this one.
Auction Buzz: Some final-day scorchers happening at Goldin
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Update: The two Michael Jordan Rookie Cards sold for $738,000 ... each.
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The action is picking up and the clock is winding down over at Goldin Auctions with some sales records set to be broken tonight and other auction-block scorchers ending tomorrow.
This one is a bit of déjà vu and a broken record about broken records, but this PSA 10 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card you see here is going to set a new mark for the card as it's presently at $300,000 after 15 bids and then will go even higher with the buyer's premium. It's a card that has surged to new highs seemingly weekly as it's an iconic chase item for deep-pocketed new and returning collectors. It set a record (that was then topped) via Goldin in just December when one sold for $215,000. The crazy part? There is a second PSA 10 copy of the same card also up for grabs and doing the same thing ... in this same auction with both ending tonight. (And there are a number of lesser-grade ones, too.)
These cards aren't even the biggest Jordan item up for grabs right now as the Runnemede, N.J.-based auction house has a number of other big-ticket memorabilia pieces and interesting items in its current auction. Don't believe Buzz? Hit that link and look at the first page of huge items ... Jordan leads off with a biggie. If that's not enough, sort 'em by price ... now pick up your jaw.
Keep reading for a deeper look at a few more items presently up for grabs.
Bernie Sanders card sets new all-time Topps Now sales record
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It was the moment that launched many a meme ... and now it's a cardboard record-setter.
Topps revealed the print run for its 2020 USA Election Topps Now card set from Inauguration Day and the Bernie Sanders card set a new Topps Now record with 91,169 cards ordered and printed. That's dearly double the Anthony Fauci card that sold a record 51,512 copies last year after he threw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game.
Topps Now is a real-time card platform meaning if 12 people order a copy of an offered card, then only 12 are made. It's a realm that launched with cards for Major League Baseball but has included other sports and notable moments in the news.
History joins novelty in newest Topps Now card set
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A day of history-making moments in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday means there's some new cardboard today ... thanks to Topps Now.
Sure, there are cards for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in a new nine-card 2020 USA Election Topps Now set from Topps -- a continuation of the set that included cards for the past debates -- but there are also some surprises and viral stars of the day making their way onto cardboard.
J.Lo? Check. Garth Brooks? Check. Lady Gaga? Check.
Buzz Buys: An oddity-laced collection of unusual pick-ups
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around it's an oddball edition of stuff I've picked up throughout the last year.
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BERNIE BATTING LEAD-OFF
The Card: Bernie Brewer 2018 Topps Opening Day Mascot Relics
The Price: $8
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This one isn't all that unusual if you know Opening Day's inclusions through the years, but Mascot Relics are still odd in the big picture and mostly only found in this brand that gets a "for the kids" label slapped on it often when it's really one that's "for the collectors." So, what's the catch? Stuff like this has odds so long that you don't see them pop up unless you're ripping in bulk. How rare? This one was close to one in 5,000 packs. There are mascot auto Relics in there, too, at close to one in 94,000 packs. Only seven mascots had these cards in this particular set and I'd argue that this guy might be among the better ones.
Grab a box right here: 2018 Topps Opening Day MLBKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Buzz Buys: Original WWE card artwork, Santa Claus' signature, NFL standouts, a Heisman contender, 1990 Pro Set homage, Black Lotus, The Fly, The Rock, Katy Perry's autograph & more
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around there are some really unique pieces and some normal stuff found over recent months.
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BETTER THAN A BOX.
The Piece: Sasha Banks 2019 Topps WWE Undisputed original art by Rob Schamberger
The Price: Same as a box of this year's Undisputed cards
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: For the last two years, Topps' Undisputed sets have included a subset showcasing the work of WWE artist Rob Schamberger whose pieces also have been found on countless prints, shirts and more as well as in WWE Canvas 2 Canvas video shorts. How popular is his work? Well, wrestler-signed prints have their own section over at WWE Auction and he also had original card-sized works in last year's Transcendent boxes -- and this year's Undisputed set has his autographs as one of its chases. One card from last year's set that got my attention upon arrival was the Banks, which I even submitted for grading and I hadn't really thought about that one until just recently with this year's new set. What popped up? Well, he launched his new website, Schamberger Labs, where collectors can find prints, original pieces and more and that's where I found this original. For months now, I had been eyeing an original watercolor/ink piece to showcase here (story perhaps to come later ... if I do grab that one) but with the new site announcement one recent morning I checked things out and was shocked to see this original. (His photo is above since it's too large for me to photograph well.) I hadn't really imagined any art from this set ever being available but I grabbed it with little hesitation. I figured these pieces might be locked away in Topps' or WWE's possession given the card presence, but, no, the Banks and a handful of other pieces were up for grabs. (Some are still there.) These 11-by-15 pieces aren't overwhelmingly large to manage -- mine is in a photo top-loader for now -- and there's a strong chance I'll display it at some point, though I never really display any of my buys. (Well, beyond showing them off here.) This was one of my favorite finds of the year ... and it's been a good year (of shopping at home).
Grab a box right here: 2020 Topps WWE UndisputedKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Buzz Buys: Rhea Ripley's best, big Marino botch, Rex Chapman, Axl Rose, John Lewis, Black Panther, Gina Carano's dad & more
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around there's a bit of everything.
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A SLEEPER NO MORE
The Card: Rhea Ripley 2020 Topps WWE Transcendent Collection -- Rookie Card (/50)
The Price: More than I want to admit ... but less than a Chrome box
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was a card I was watching for intently when the second edition of Topps' WWE super-premium brand arrived, and this one was on my radar before any autograph in the super-rare release -- well at least within my typical budget. Why? She's pretty much the only newcomer of note in the base set -- I spy at least one other who is no longer with WWE and one other lesser name -- amidst a sea of past greats and some notables from today. It's an odd set as it's not the typical lineup but also not a full lineup. (I think the checklist-maker tried to cover all the main bases between the base set and the auto set.) Nobody got an RC logo here and this card's thunder may be stolen a bit with the delays resulting in her Undisputed and Chrome cards arriving close together -- and with her first certified autos -- just recently. This card has topped the $100 mark and is bolstering some of the base set prices out there. (On the cheapest side, these were around $60 in terms of sales but asking prices are now far higher.) I'm somewhere in between but I ponied up as this Aussie badass should be a major player soon. I'll grab ink and other cards eventually.
Grab a box: 2020 Topps WWE Transcendent CollectionKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Making the Grade (November): Young MLB stars, a few Hall of Famers, Big Bang Theory, Trish Stratus & an early Dale Jr. card
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
FEELING SUPER
The Card: Nick Swisher 2015 Bowman Chrome Superfractor #129 (1/1)
The Reason Bought: I picked this one up off of a collector friend who grabbed it for me, making this just my second Superfractor for my retired favorite player and my third Super overall (I once pulled one from a Heritage blaster) in years of collecting. There's not a whole lot of grading drama to be had on either the grade or the pop report, but I figured I'd lead things off with the rarest card of the bunch for this edition.
The Grade: BGS 9.5Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Reality Check: This is the only one that exists and it had been on the market for literally years online -- I got it for about $3 more than an offer I made for it when it first arrived and was declined. I've never been all that enamored enough to chase any of them, but this one I'm comfortable with since it was not much more than a basic Bowman box typically goes for at suggested retail price even after landing a top grade.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Oct. 6)
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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: Big pulls, NFL chatter, a prediction for 2021 and more in today's edition.
Making the Grade (Oct.): Semi-Pro's trio, young Bo, Tom Brady, Hank Aaron, Ronda Rousey, Kurt Cobain, a Canseco RC & more
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY!
The Cards: 2008 Upper Deck Semi-Pro #1 Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell), #2 Ed Monix (Woody Harrelson), #3 Clarence “Coffee Black” Withers (Andre Benjamin)
The Reason Graded: I'm a sucker for sports cards with movie tie-ins (Or is it movie cards with sports tie-ins?) and this is a set I picked up long, long ago and then revisited again recently. The set is simple -- just these three cards that were released in a pack around a piece of wrapped gum in advance of this comedy's arrival. They weren't rare back then but they have dried up a bit now, and I always wanted to slab a set but knew that there would be challenges here if you want elite grades.
The Grades: BGS 9Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1* Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1* Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1* Reality Check: This was my best trio out of a handful of sets I own and I'm fine with a matching set of BGS 9s as there can be centering issues galore here along with corner lifts on the soft stock, surface warping and even color blotches among those white borders on these highly glossed cards. These were my best options so I sent them in for the tougher grading company in my mind and got about what I had expected (while actually potentially fearing worse). As for the pop report, I'm not sure what's up here as all three of my cards actually show a pop of zero. That's perhaps because I'm the first or among the first to submit these, so they're not all linked up correctly in the BGS system. Or perhaps that whole is "It a sports card or non-sports card?" question in there, too.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Sept. 14)
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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing Today: NFL chatter and breaks, Stadium Club pulls, collecting musician autographs and "Who the heck is this guy?"
Making the Grade (Sept.): A big Crown, King Felix, WWE stars, Cody Rhodes, Soundgarden, The Freeze, Mike Trout & more
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ... a mix of new slabs and some recent pick-ups.
BIG RETAIL PULL NOW VS. THEN
The Card: Christian McCaffrey 2017 Crown Royale Platinum #88 (/49) -- Rookie Card parallel
The Reason Graded: With the NFL season (perhaps) finally coming, I'll let this guy kick things off since it's a rarer card and one that I figured would grade well but did have some fears about with one of the back corners showing some funk. I pulled this one from a mega box (or whatever it was called for this one) while sitting in a snowy Walmart parking lot back in the day only to be bummed that my autograph guaranteed in the box wasn't there ... it was Panini Rewards points. I was more hung up on that than appreciating this card back then, but he's been a playmaker in the league -- so much so I actually got rid of my Donruss and Optic RCs of him without getting them graded. Instead I decided to slab this one.
The Grade: BGS 9.5Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Reality Check: It graded better than I had expected -- I was thinking probably a 9 but optimistically a 9.5 -- and I consider this one a win. It's razor-sharp and clean except for that one corner and on the back it may not hurt as much. Either way, I'm good with this one. Only 12 total cards of McCaffrey from this release have been graded and this is the only for this parallel. There have been nine copies of his standard RC graded and only four cards overall equal this one with nothing higher.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Buzz Buys: A big Jasson Dominguez, Ernie Davis, oddball ink, MLB Hall of Famers, Buffy The Vampire Slayer & plenty more
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around there's some new stuff and some oddball stuff as I'm still waiting on a bunch of pick-ups to arrive.
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A BIGGER DEAL
The Card: Jasson Dominguez 2020 Bowman wall art (/99)
The Price: $17.50 (after promotional discount)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This guy's iconic card this year has eluded me beyond a couple of standard Bowman cards I pulled in blasters -- all I really wanted was a clean grading-worthy Chrome, but no -- so I opted for a limited version of a card that's a big deal this year but in bigger form as Topps wall art. This is an 11-by-13 version of the card that Topps sold on its site for $24.99 (sold out) but with a 30 percent discount if you buy three posters of any kind. I opted for this one and some other stuff you'll see here in the coming weeks and months. Will Dominguez pay off for the many chasing him? We'll find out eventually but this one fits into my stash pretty well no matter what as I try to pick off Rookie Cards as wall art -- mostly Heritage but I also include a few other iconic cards.
Grab a box right here: No boxes of these ... but 2020 Bowman can be yours in a few forms hereKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Buzz's Pick Six: Bargain-priced boxes I'd bust right now ...
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Have you seen the latest cool cards from a new release? With so many options for collectors of all kinds arriving every week it's possible you haven't. That's where Buzz comes in -- well at least on one brand you'll see here from time to time in what we're calling Buzz's Pick Six. Simply put, here are six cards from a new arrival that seemed interesting to this collector and we think they might interest you, too.
This week's list: Bargain boxes I'd bust right now ... for a few reasons.
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TEN PACKS, TEN AUTOGRAPHS
The Box: 2008 Razor Signature Series baseball box
The Price: Click here
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: With the MLB Draft tonight, I figured I'd give this one a nod both for the power of prospect cards in everything when it comes to baseball these days and for the reality that not all draft classes age that well. This one has an autograph in every pack and a number of guys who made it to MLB and then many who didn't really make much of a mark. Your most-notable autos here at this point are Giancarlo Stanton (in his "Mike" days) as well as Buster Posey, Charlie Blackmon and Eric Hosmer. Others that have been of note at times? Tim Beckham, Pedro Alvarez, Yonder Alonso and Matt Wieters to name a few. An autograph in every pack makes this one fun but it can be a bit of a bummer if you don't land one of the bigger names ... but at the low-price volume still makes for a decent rip and you can find parallels and dual autos, too.Keep reading for five more interesting items in this week's roundup ...
Buzz Break: 2020 Gummy Arts trading cards (two packs)
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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: 2020 Gummy Arts trading cards (two packs)
Where to buy: Right here (when available)
What's this? Keep reading to see what was found in these ...
Making the Grade (April): A Fernando Tatis Jr. classic, Sasha Banks' ink, Toni Storm's first, vintage legends, Steve Austin & Jay Leno Rookie Cards and ... an unthinkable Pro Set grade?
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
BIG BAT LEADING OFF ...
The Card: Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Gold Refractors #203 (/50) -- RC parallel
The Reason Graded: Buzz found this rarity of a top RC in the absolute same box as the card that batted lead-off here last month -- and when that one graded really well I knew that this one would end up in a slab, too. Easily one of the best boxes I've seen for any non-premium product in years of collecting. I figured they needed to be slabbed together and matching grades would be cool, too.
The Grade: BGS 9.5Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 6 Reality Check: A matching pair is what we ended up with here -- and this also reinforces the fact that this was one of the best boxes I've ever seen. I was a little surprised to see only six copies of this card graded, but they're all at least a 9.5 with only one topping this mark. Meanwhile, 14 of them have been graded by PSA -- five 10s -- so perhaps some of Tatis' big-spending fans are also PSA fans, too. (Looking at you, Phil Hughes.)
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Fast Five: Bargain boxes I'd rip right now ... just for fun
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Fast Five is new department here on The Buzz -- a quick list under a single topic. Five items that could have a common tie, fit a theme, be fun for a starting collector, or be a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.
This time? Five breaks from the Bargain Breaks bin that could be fun or do pretty well with some luck.
Buzz Buys: Tony Gwynn's basketball jersey, Jack Nicholson's NBA card, a new Superfractor, Jungle Julia's band, Jim Brown's jersey, X-Men art, vintage, movie autographs & plenty more
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my ongoing goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around there's a little more non-sports -- perhaps a reflection of some recent binge-watching of TV and movies that came to mind without live sports happening.
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NO BASEBALL, NO MARCH MADNESS ...
The Card: Tony Gwynn 2016-17 Panini Immaculate Collection Collegiate Jersey Prime (/25)
The Price: $22.50
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Back in December, I presented a similar card to this one and had it leading off -- but with there being no March Madness, no baseball, nothing ... I figured I might lead off with this one again as a reminder of what's not going on right now. As mentioned last time, this Hall of Famer's estate auctioned off a number of game-used pieces in 2015, generating more than $217,000 and among them was his first San Diego Aztecs basketball uniform that sold for $11,858 via SCP Auctions to Panini America. The swatches didn't go into a ton of different cards -- just a couple brands over a couple years -- so there's a chance there could be some more at some point. If not, these will remain classics.
Grab a box right here: 2016-17 Panini Immaculate Collection CollegiateKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Making the Grade (Feb.): Kobe Bryant, Eddie Vedder, Rookie Cards, The Four Horsemen, Meghan Markle, Superman & more
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
The Card: Kobe Bryant 1996-97 Upper Deck #58 Rookie Card
The Reason Bought: I actually bought this card more than a year ago and thought I had it waiting in my stash of cards to present here at some point but, after doing some searching, realized that I never took a photo of this iconic 1990s card and it had been waiting for its time to appear. Unfortunately, we know why this NBA legend has been on the minds of many sports fans out there this week so here we are. I picked up this Rookie Card back then since it was a decent grade for a decent price -- just $9 -- and I didn't ever pull one way back when. It doesn't have any obvious flaws on the front, so it looks much better than its grade, too. (Sub-grades on the back of this slab are all 9 or higher except for an 8.5 on corners and one corner shows why.) The shocking news of this week has created a frenzy of interest for Bryant's RCs and autographs -- and a card in this same grade (not an elite grade, really) sold for $200. Mine will remain in my stash.
The Grade: BGS 9Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 1 9 11 28 92 306 922 1,058 585 8 0 3,029 Reality Check: The pop report on this card is a lot stiffer than I had expected with this being the most-common grade and fewer than 600 checking in higher. I had expected there to be more but I suspect the pop reports on this card could change a lot in the coming months -- and it will be interesting to see if any ever reach BGS Black status. Bryant has a number of RCs -- more than 20 -- and this one is unique in that it doesn't show him in his Lakers uniform. The debate as to whether Bryant's cards will hold values in comparison to what people are paying right now is an interesting one over on the Blowout Forums where there are a number of discussions. I think this is a scenario that may defy common collecting logic -- I'd think that anything is possible in this case and there are a lot of buyers right now who will pick up cards and stash them away forever, leaving a smaller volume of stuff available for everyday collectors to grab on eBay and other market hot spots. Finding unopened boxes won't be an option for a lot of his Rookie Cards that people want to track down, either.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Did collectors overlook the possible Drake 'Rookie Card' while chasing Zion Williamson in packs of 2019-20 NBA Hoops?
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The headline says it all here, though I'll admit that this one is firmly written tongue in cheek because I'm not 100 percent sure if that is the answer.
But what I do know is that entertainer and Toronto Raptors superfan Drake can be found on a card in packs of 2019-20 NBA Hoops -- you know, the first set of the year where collectors could chase Zion Williamson Rookie Cards in his NBA uniform.
You'd think that Drake might have shown up on cards before -- it's possible he has and I just don't know -- but he's definitely there on one card in the release. Keep reading for the details ...
First Buzz: 2020 TRISTAR Signature Series Entertainment
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What: 2020 TRISTAR Signature Series Entertainment Live Edition
Arrives: Feb. 19
Box basics: Seven autographed memorabilia pieces per case
Pre-order: Click here (live soon)What's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's Signature Series line turns its focus to the entertainment world with a release that includes a pretty good volume of items per case as part of a product that's rare -- just 50 cases will be made.
Making the Grade (January): Acuña, Apollo, The Fiend, vintage, Eddie Vedder, Tool Time, Tiger, Drax, Dream Team, XFL & more
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary ... a super-sized edition with 20 cards to open 2020.
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SO CLOSE TO PERFECTION ...
The Card: Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Chrome #193 -- Rookie Card
The Reason Graded: This one looked very clean to my eye and I figured getting some of my past Acuña pulls slabbed was a good move considering his almost-40/40 showing last year. Some of his cards are heavily graded to the point where they can be had for not much more than a typical cost to slab if not in top grades. Meanwhile, others aren't as plentiful and some can typically grade very well. I went with this one since it's not as heavily graded and it does tend to grade well. Plus, I just liked the photo here compared to others -- and those I already own slabbed.
The Grade: BGS 10Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 45 367 95 14 522 Reality Check: This one surprised me a bit -- just one half-subgrade away from a BGS Black. Only 14 cards have gotten the perfect mark and this one is among an also-small population. Most cards here check in at 9.5s -- a solid mark and a perfect card to bat lead-off for this first MTG of the year. I expect big things from Acuña this year and I'll be slabbing him often.
Keep reading for more.
Buzz Buys: Tony Gwynn's basketball jersey, Lea Thompson's autograph, Nick Chubb, Star Wars, Semi-Pro, vintage & more
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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention. Would they capture yours? I'd be interested to know -- sometimes they might, sometimes they won't and that's fine. It's a buyer's market out there with plenty of options and bargains as well as high-end gems to chase.
So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around it's the biggest roundup ever (in volume, not price).
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A UNIQUE SURPRISE
The Card: Tony Gwynn 2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Collegiate Memorabilia (/99)
The Price: $16.25
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: It took me a while to find one of these (only casually looking), but this card of the Baseball Hall of Famer is one of a few that show him in his other sport, basketball, which he played at San Diego State. His estate auctioned off a number of game-used pieces and other memorabilia in 2015, generating more than $217,000 partly going to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation to help kids in need. His first Aztecs basketball uniform went for $11,858 in that SCP Auctions sale and the buyer was Panini America. These cards aren't all that plentiful in this release -- and they certainly aren't the only place the swatches went as there are just 99 standard cards and a second one limited to five copies with a much larger prime swatch. The follow-up release to this one had a few more, including prime cards, and he also had posthumous autographed cards (stickers) showing him in his basketball uniform in a National Treasures release. Spoiler alert: you'll see one more of these here at some point.
Grab a box right here: 2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Collegiate (when available)Keep reading for more ...
Buzz Break: Panini Country Music (retail display box case)
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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: Panini Country Music trading cards (retail display-box case)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Boxes per case: 20
Packs per box: 24
Packs per case: 732
Cards per pack: 8
Cards per box: 192
Cards per case: 3,840 (approximated ... didn't sort base completely)
Base set completion: 100 of 100 (100 percent)
Duplicates: Plenty ... could be as many as 28 sets hereNotables on base cards – Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, LeAnn Rimes, Tracy Lawrence, Kimberly Perry, Sara Evans, Alabama, Big & Rich, Trick Pony, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Wynona Judd ... and plenty more.
Making the Grade (November): Dak Prescott, Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson & John Cena rookies, Robert Mueller, the first perfect Keith Comstock, Meghan Markle's MLB card & more
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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
The Card: Dak Prescott 2016 Donruss #362 Rookie Card
The Reason Bought: It takes a pretty good deal for one of my buys to lead off here instead of one of my newly submitted grades, but this one was just that. This is one of those cards that is relatively available if you want to chase one down and slab it for some fun or profit. My cost? About $22, which might seem high generally speaking but isn't for its grade -- this was about half the price of the other cards in the same grade where I was looking at the time. They are even higher now.
The Grade: BGS 10Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 B10 Total Population 0 0 0 2 1 1 8 30 305 26 0 373 Reality Check: This one is just a half-grade away from a perfect BGS Black slab and the percentage of cards to get this mark is pretty low vs. the overall total. That's what surprised me here more and prompted the pick-up. It's a relatively heavily graded card, too, which you'd think would have resulted in more 10s. (Paper stock can be more pesky than Optic stuff when it comes to grading, though.)
Keep reading for more of this month's big selection of pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.