Is this a refractor?

[OhioLawyerF5]

I'm trying to pick up as many copies of the Barry Larkin 1993 refractors as I can. The below photo is listed as a refractor, but it doesn't look like it to me. Every single one I have shows the rainbow effect regardless of the angle or lighting. I don't see it in this picture. On the flip side, when I take pictures of the regular base card, the sleeves always look darker. But this picture looks like it was in a light box, which probably lightens the sleeves, but would also likely show the refractor as well. What's your opinion?



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[OhioLawyerF5]

Here are are photos of a couple of mine. Base on top, refractor on bottom.




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[PLB9eight]

I’ve found some scanners to not really show the refractor effect well.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by PLB9eight

I’ve found some scanners to not really show the refractor effect well.

I didn't think of that. Just assumed it was a photo.

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[PeteD]

The colours are more richer on the refractor...i would say no.

[esoxwaters]

I think it is a refractor and the seller’s scanner just washed out the refractor effect. Seller has over 12,000 cards listed (including multiple 93 Finest refractors that are graded) and 36,000+ positive feedback so I assume they know what they’re doing. It actually looks like the seller is breaking up a refractor set and selling individually. If you want it, why not just buy it and if it’s not a refractor, just file INAD?

[PeteD]

^^^^yeah that makes a lot of sense.

[txrngr34]

Why not send the seller a message asking for clarification since the image doesn't appear to show as a refractor?

[raddoc25]

A lot of the time, scanned 1993 Finest All-stars won't show the refractor effect. I would look at the seller and decide whether he knows what a refractor looks like or not. A lot of newbies confuse chrome with refractor leading to a lot of erroneous listing of 93 refractors.

[CardPadre]

The same seller has a slabbed refractor that looks just as questionable. So may just be his scanning and probably is a refractor if I had to guess. Accepts returns, so even if he doesn’t answer questions, you’d be okay.

[ThoseBackPages]

the greening doesnt bother you?

i wish i could get over it

[goyder43]

I don’t see any tacos on it. Could just be the scanner

[MegaMan]

Look at his right arm sleeve and compare to the 2 examples in the following post... the detail pops on the sleeve make me believe it's a refractor that just didn't scan well.

[PumpnDumpling]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

the greening doesnt bother you?

i wish i could get over it

It is a huge detractor to visual appeal and i feel collectors down the line will assess this differently from a value standpoint vs how hobbyists feel today

I have some refs with hulking, in some 90's sets it simply cannot be avoided while others its more hit or miss

Btw i think its prbly a refractor

[MegaMan]

Originally Posted by PumpnDumpling

It is a huge detractor to visual appeal and i feel collectors down the line will assess this differently from a value standpoint vs how hobbyists feel today

I have some refs with hulking, in some 90's sets it simply cannot be avoided while others its more hit or miss

Btw i think its prbly a refractor

Not an expert in it, but isn't the idea that greening is due to a pigmentation/manufacturing defect and "will happen" to all chromium cards circa 1993-1997 regardless of storage conditions, graded v. non-graded, etc. ??

Or is there really some element of luck (or proper storage technique) to it that could lead to significant value differentiation, as opposed to 50 years from now it's just something that's essentially affected all examples from these issues?

[PumpnDumpling]

Originally Posted by MegaMan

Not an expert in it, but isn't the idea that greening is due to a pigmentation/manufacturing defect and "will happen" to all chromium cards circa 1993-1997 regardless of storage conditions, graded v. non-graded, etc. ??

Or is there really some element of luck (or proper storage technique) to it that could lead to significant value differentiation, as opposed to 50 years from now it's just something that's essentially affected all examples from these issues?

I feel the mfg process must have changed as there is a stark contrast in greenies between 96 and 97 finest (MLB), from 93 to 96 tons of hulking

Yes, anything from that 93-96 era is likely hulked out and getting greener by the day, have opened fresh boxes only to see the green effect loud and proud

I feel that in some instances light may accelerate the process but its happening to basically all of them in real time regardless of how they are stored

Although there are some later chromium issues i have also noticed it in, those early years are just riddled with 'em and i doubt any will withstand the hulking effect as time moves on

[towerymt]

Originally Posted by MegaMan

Look at his right arm sleeve and compare to the 2 examples in the following post... the detail pops on the sleeve make me believe it's a refractor that just didn't scan well.

That's what I thought too, the wrinkles on the sleeve. But I'd want to look at a few more photos and scans of the base card to see if that difference holds up.

[MegaMan]

Originally Posted by towerymt

That's what I thought too, the wrinkles on the sleeve. But I'd want to look at a few more photos and scans of the base card to see if that difference holds up.

The more I look I'd say it's almost definitive. You can also see the same sort of "outlining" on his elbow protector on the other arm, and that looks very muted in the base photo. If in real life those show up better on the base I'd be less certain, but looks pretty clear.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by PumpnDumpling

I feel the mfg process must have changed as there is a stark contrast in greenies between 96 and 97 finest (MLB), from 93 to 96 tons of hulking

Yes, anything from that 93-96 era is likely hulked out and getting greener by the day, have opened fresh boxes only to see the green effect loud and proud

I feel that in some instances light may accelerate the process but its happening to basically all of them in real time regardless of how they are stored

Although there are some later chromium issues i have also noticed it in, those early years are just riddled with 'em and i doubt any will withstand the hulking effect as time moves on

I don't see any greening at all on the ones I've purchased (see the one in post 2 as an example). I don't know enough about it, but why would mine have none if they all will regardless of conditions?

[PumpnDumpling]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I don't see any greening at all on the ones I've purchased (see the one in post 2 as an example). I don't know enough about it, but why would mine have none if they all will regardless of conditions?

Its a thought provoking discussion for sure as there really isn't much of a consensus as to why it really happens and how to possibly avoid it

Yes, there are some rare examples of close to zero greening from early finest years but i still see little things like on your card the players skin tone on his face seems a tad greener than it should be, possibly the bat knob as well

Its a great looking example of what can be, but i somewhat doubt it will not become more green as time passes (keeping it away from light may help)

[BC Hunt]

I've had to ask sellers before because pics don't always show the rainbow effect on those ones.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I don't see any greening at all on the ones I've purchased (see the one in post 2 as an example). I don't know enough about it, but why would mine have none if they all will regardless of conditions?

weird to type this, but on your refractor posted, look at Barrys upper right quad/crotch area and you will see the greening

[no10pin]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

weird to type this, but on your refractor posted, look at Barrys upper right quad/crotch area and you will see the greening

[RustyDawg37]

I see a lot of people just using the sell one like this feature since the pandemic influx. So they think theirs is a refractor but it isnt.

Not even malicious, just dumb

[BC Hunt]

Originally Posted by RustyDawg37

I see a lot of people just using the sell one like this feature since the pandemic influx. So they think theirs is a refractor but it isnt.

Not even malicious, just dumb

yup, seen it many times