Pro Line Autographs Question: 1991-1997

[CamaroDMD]

As a child in the 1990s, I grew up in that era of crazy over production. Autographed inserts...at the time, were sort of the only relief from these boxes of virtually worthless cards. I remember as a kid, really liking Pro Line cards because they had such big auto sets. In recent years, I have read that many of these sets were plagued with autopens and other issues...in fact, some of the 1995 Pro Line issues even have "AP" after the numbering on the card (I assume that means autopen).

Despite all this, I have always wanted to put together some of these sets. Outside of the 1992 Pro Line Profiles set (which I don't care for since there are 9 different autos of some players)...I really like these old cards. I know the 1991 and 1992 Portaits auto sets can be major challenges. It seems like the 1993-97 sets aren't so bad.

Does anyone know the details of these sets? Are they as full of autopens as the internet has made it seem? Any advice for someone who has a handful from each set but would like to consider working on a set?

[glen87]

AP means "added player" or "added print run"
if you notice, the players with the AP designation typically have different numbered cards. look at the 1995 Steve Israel. he did 3 sign runs initial print run of 1,250 (note - no AP designation), then signed 750 more (AP notation), then 2,413 (AP notation)

[Adamlp41]

This is interesting, as another 90's kid who busted lots of packs of Pro Line during those years. Is anyone aware of an online resource that is accurate that details the Pro Line sets and which players from which years have variations, were autopen'd, etc...?

[Samiamryan]

I never cared for the early sets, but the mid 90's stuff I still love.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac79/samiamryan/scan0132_zpsf3d14ff7.jpg (http://s887.photobucket.com/user/samiamryan/media/scan0132_zpsf3d14ff7.jpg.html)

[titletowncards]

If ur interested in starting a collection, check mine out. I'm looking to move it.

It's in my bucket with it's own album.

[corndog]

The only autopen used in the 1991 set was Jack Kemp which was almost all of them. I don't believe anyone autopenned in 1992. In 1993, many of Annette Rypiens were autopenned. None from 1994 thru 1997.

As stated by others, the AP cards are additional print cards. Most of those came in boxes sold in stores like KB Toys. The boxes had 12 packs in them (I think) and an autograph was guaranteed (all were AP autos). The same boxes had lots of the Printers Proof foil cards as well.

The 1993 set is small. The 1994 - 1997 sets are not to difficult to complete but will take time to wait for cards to come up for sale.

[Adamlp41]

I thought possibly Jim Kelly autopenned in one of the first couple sets (91 or 92). Also, I've read that the 93 Aikman is generally considered autopenned. Neither are gospel, but I'm sure someone can confirm one way or the other.

[corndog]

I thought possibly Jim Kelly autopenned in one of the first couple sets (91 or 92). Also, I've read that the 93 Aikman is generally considered autopenned. Neither are gospel, but I'm sure someone can confirm one way or the other.

You are right about Jim Kelly in the 1991 set. Most were done with an autopen.

[CamaroDMD]

OK, I knew about the Jim Kelly autopens from 1991 (my understanding is there is an autopen version and a authentic version) and according to Beckett all the 1991 Jack Kemp card were autopens. I'm not sure if that is true or not.

I have heard rumors that some of the 1992 Mohammad Ali/Clay cards are autopens but I don't know if that is true or not. I know there are a ton of fakes out there for those...but I don't know if any of the pack issued cards were autopens or not. Anybody know anything about those?