2023-24 UD The Cup - Out on June 4... now with more wasted plastic!
 

[IMG]https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2025/05/27222711/2025-The-Cup-Images-1080X1080-10-1024x1024.jpg?width=1000&quality=70&auto=webp[/IMG]

[url]https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6385327/2025/05/28/upper-deck-the-cup-patch-swapping/[/url]


[QUOTE]Upper Deck will attempt to combat the practice of “patch swapping,” announcing each rookie patch auto card in the 2023-24 The Cup Hockey set will be sealed in a plastic case, photographed and serial numbered with a QR code. Collectors can view a gallery of images from multiple angles to display the card as it was originally issued by Upper Deck.[/QUOTE]


If there is going to be a database with individual scans of every RPA, just give collectors access to the website? Why couldn't the QR codes be printed on the back of the card?

Interesting...I like trying to guard against this, but the execution is wanting. I wonder how this will change the traditional packing of Cup product, etc.

Agree, a small code on the back would have been preferable.

So people can’t grade these super high end RPA’s like the Bedard without cracking this UD slab and making the patch suspicious?

It's good to address an existing problem but the solution just seems more complicated than it needs to be?

Could've been a printed code (12345678910) on the back like FatButcher said, QR code, could've just been scanned database of the cards.

I sort of understand the plastic but it largely feels so minimally value add and definitely takes away from the experience of pulling the card itself IMO.

Good effort, execution lacking IMO.

So boxes with RPAs will weigh more or is it one/box?

[QUOTE=Boo;19916658]So boxes with RPAs will weigh more or is it one/box?[/QUOTE]

They are one per box in the Cup.

Cheap looking knockoff slab. Not that most slabs have great graphic design, but this one's particularly lacking.

[QUOTE=Inferno;19916632]So people can’t grade these super high end RPA’s like the Bedard without cracking this UD slab and making the patch suspicious?[/QUOTE]

If you send this, encapsulated, to PSA they'll grade like usual (crack it open and put it in one of their slabs). The rookie patch auto is serial numbered (#5/20, #233/349, etc), so there will always be the original UD database entry (with images) to refer back to based on that serial number. This initial slab is for the 'raw' market sell/trade.

[QUOTE=stoopid;19916726]If you send this, encapsulated, to PSA they'll grade like usual (crack it open and put it in one of their slabs). The rookie patch auto is serial numbered (#5/20, #233/349, etc), so there will always be the original UD database entry (with images) to refer back to based on that serial number. This initial slab is for the 'raw' market sell/trade.[/QUOTE]

Is there a database of the actual codes themselves or are we going to be reliant on people having photos/scans/etc. of the original slab/code if or when they crack them out?

I imagine there's gonna be a fair amount of people cracking these out of the original plastic slabs for grading or just putting in a one touch. People aren't going to just send the cards for grading without checking condition, right? Then, you're reliant on people passing the codes around upon resale?

If I'm missing something, lemme know - didn't see anything in the article.

It would have been easier to just have an image archive and leave the cards in packs to be pulled normally.

I wonder if the encasement also applies for ARP variations and exquisite variations. Will there be multiple potential slabs in some boxes??

Just heard the Hockey Card Gonshow where they mentioned the only cards slabbed will be the true ARPs /249 or /99

[QUOTE=JanuaryRains;19916792]Is there a database of the actual codes themselves or are we going to be reliant on people having photos/scans/etc. of the original slab/code if or when they crack them out?

I imagine there's gonna be a fair amount of people cracking these out of the original plastic slabs for grading or just putting in a one touch. People aren't going to just send the cards for grading without checking condition, right? Then, you're reliant on people passing the codes around upon resale?

If I'm missing something, lemme know - didn't see anything in the article.[/QUOTE]

Who knows how well their database will function, but the information (image of the card of particular importance) will be there, somewhere, versus the nothing we've had prior. It's something that can at least be referenced in some manner down the road if patch swapping is ever suspected for a card.

[QUOTE=Excon;19916800]It would have been easier to just have an image archive and leave the cards in packs to be pulled normally.[/QUOTE]

I agree, but UD might think the slab makes it 'more premium'/official. I have some older cards with serial sticker son the back, that might have worked just as well, or just have a searchable database online with images for each of the serial numbered cards. I suspect in function their website will have that search tool, I can't see expecting to retain that long slab number for the life of the card. It's arbitrary anyway, the stamped serial number on the card is what's important.

I was not sure about it at first, but I am starting to see the idea behind it. You would send it in as a Grading crossover and declare a minimum grade. Then PSA would crack it and cross it over.

Largely fine with it, not going to let perfect be the enemy of good.

Nice to see a manufacture attempt to protect their product and the hobby.

More dumb garbage. “Itz helpszz protekkz my investmnetzzz.”

As a collector Hawks stuff, there are some suspect patches that are too good floating around. I appreciate the effort.

I like the idea and move by UD on these. I generally do not like Slabs, but I also dont like 180 Point cards. So I would rather these were slabbed out the gate tbh.

Now, I dont want Bowman Chromes/OPC Platinums Slabbed. I like my singles in sleeves lol

Why not just use sealed One Touches like other high end products like Flawless?

[QUOTE=FatButcher;19916891]As a collector Hawks stuff, there are some suspect patches that are too good floating around. I appreciate the effort.[/QUOTE]

Sooooo many Kane and Toews patches got faked back in the late 2000’s it was insane

I see the issues but I also see the positives, I’m not rich enough to rip The Cup but I’m guessing they came in a pack or loose before? (Aka not in one touch etc) I’d imagine this protects the cards a lot better too….people always complain about card quality and QC sure this won’t be perfect but I’d imagine you also have a way stronger case if your RPA comes in one of these with a mangled corner etc.


I don’t know if this is still a thing again don’t rip but I do remember Zeeree or someone saying there were hot boxes whatever year where you got all 7 RPA’s or something, I don’t know how that will work with this new system if it’s still a thing

I haven't heard of hot boxes the past few years.

And they are packed just "loose" in a small box (inside a tin, inside a larger box) historically so this should in theory help the QC of these.

Didn't they scan every McDavid RPA in 2015-16?

They're already doing that it seems with all of these so I'm not sure what the extra slab does besides create additional heartburn for a lot potential buyers?

[QUOTE=FatButcher;19917565]I haven't heard of hot boxes the past few years.

And they are packed just "loose" in a small box (inside a tin, inside a larger box) historically so this should in theory help the QC of these.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I found the video soon as I put Zeeree The Cup because I’ve watched it before, it was Beniers year lol and even then I just watched enough to hear him mention it not sure if he was even speaking on the past that year or saying that they were also included in the current years.