Question about Tim Duncan 97-98 Topps Finest Gold Refractors?

[Chris P]

I noticed there was one with a serial number numbered to 289 and one that's not. What is this difference between the two? Can someone explain the story behind this? Thanks!

[AbraCalabro]

I noticed there was one with a serial number numbered to 289 and one that's not. What is this difference between the two? Can someone explain the story behind this? Thanks!

I think one is the embossed gold refractor and one is the non-embossed gold refractor, there is also a diecut embossed gold refractor which is /74 if I remember correctly.

edit: scratch that, do you have pics of each card?

[AbraCalabro]

Ok apparently there are non-numbered sheet cut / test refractors in existence. That's what you're looking at.

One was pack inserted and stamped, the other, no idea where it came from. Backdoor, or Topps Vault.

No serial number:
1997-98 Tim Duncan Finest Gold Refractor Rookie RC No# BGS 10 Pristine | #1832029126 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-finest-gold-1832029126)

1997-98 Tim Duncan Finest Gold Refractor Rookie No# Rc Bgs? Psa? | #1836146562 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-finest-gold-1836146562)

1997-98 Finest Arrivals Gold Refractor #325 Tim Duncan Spurs BGS 9 w/ 10 LOW POP | #1817921514 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-finest-arrivals-gold-1817921514)

Uncut sheet, with the /289 stamp, but no individual card number:

1997-98 Topps Finest Gold Rare Refractor TIM DUNCAN Rookie #/289 Uncut Sheet | #1831904804 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-topps-finest-gold-refractor-1831904804)

The real deal:

1997-98 TIM DUNCAN ROOKIE TOPPS FINEST GOLD REFRACTOR SERIAL NUMBERED /289 | #1817233275 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-rookie-topps-1817233275)

[Chris P]

Ok apparently there are non-numbered sheet cut / test refractors in existence. That's what you're looking at.

One was pack inserted and stamped, the other, no idea where it came from. Backdoor, or Topps Vault.

No serial number:
1997-98 Tim Duncan Finest Gold Refractor Rookie RC No# BGS 10 Pristine | #1832029126 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-finest-gold-1832029126)

1997-98 Tim Duncan Finest Gold Refractor Rookie No# Rc Bgs? Psa? | #1836146562 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-finest-gold-1836146562)

1997-98 Finest Arrivals Gold Refractor #325 Tim Duncan Spurs BGS 9 w/ 10 LOW POP | #1817921514 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-finest-arrivals-gold-1817921514)

Uncut sheet, with the /289 stamp, but no individual card number:

1997-98 Topps Finest Gold Rare Refractor TIM DUNCAN Rookie #/289 Uncut Sheet | #1831904804 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-topps-finest-gold-refractor-1831904804)

The real deal:

1997-98 TIM DUNCAN ROOKIE TOPPS FINEST GOLD REFRACTOR SERIAL NUMBERED /289 | #1817233275 (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1997-98-tim-duncan-rookie-topps-1817233275)

Appreciate it Abra! So the 289 are the real ones that were pack pulled..good to know because I was tempted to bid on a non numbered one that ended today, but started seeing some numbered to 289 as well.

[AbraCalabro]

Appreciate it Abra! So the 289 are the real ones that were pack pulled..good to know because I was tempted to bid on a non numbered one that ended today, but started seeing some numbered to 289 as well.

Sure thing dude, and you are correct. But just make SURE that there is an individual card number, so 1 of 289, 45 of 289, 178 of 289, etc. just for example.

You may also find some of those uncut sheets have been cut up and in that case you will see a lone card with JUST 289 on the back, but no unique card number. Avoid those unless you want one as an oddball addition to your collection.

[Chris P]

Sure thing dude, and you are correct. But just make SURE that there is an individual card number, so 1 of 289, 45 of 289, 178 of 289, etc. just for example.

You may also find some of those uncut sheets have been cut up and in that case you will see a lone card with JUST 289 on the back, but no unique card number. Avoid those unless you want one as an oddball addition to your collection.

Thanks! Helps a lot!

[AbraCalabro]

No problem. Good on you to be smart and NOT jump the gun. There are so many weird variants out there, including back door stuff and replacement sheets in general. I caught myself numerous times on close calls with various cards that were sheet cut, or not stamped, etc. Eventually it becomes a habit to make sure everything on the list is checked off.

[Chris P]

No problem. Good on you to be smart and NOT jump the gun. There are so many weird variants out there, including back door stuff and replacement sheets in general. I caught myself numerous times on close calls with various cards that were sheet cut, or not stamped, etc. Eventually it becomes a habit to make sure everything on the list is checked off.

Yep, no doubt!

[kukocitb]

Here is another thread on this topic. Gotta be careful because some could be numbered to 74 and still not legit

http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/basketball/294197-1997-98-finest-embossed-refractor-74-a.html