Card Identification Forum

While sorting my Topps Glossy and Send-in sets I realized that there were 2 different backs based on their card stock. In keeping with the TCDb, I submitted an IR to add a Parallel Set - The All-Star Glossies came with either white or light gray. I was contacted by 2 L8s insinuating that they do not exist. 

So, instead of running thru hoops with more declined IRs, I will just let Dan and the members decide.

#1 left pic - Shows my box of Glossies, side view, with light gray card stock and white card stock.

#2 right pic - Shows same player, same set, same year with light gray and white backs.

You can decide

cc: Jason, stump

~BOB~

Are they different card stock or is it an aging effect that set in. I have plenty of cards from that era that are browned/greyed because of the storage conditions they were previously in. Or just plain older....   

As much as I loathe these variations that I don't care about the stock used seems different. Hopefully some other members can help with what stock their card is on. These are the things I just hate though. Hey, this cardboatd wasn't made from the same tree as that one (OK, I may have gone overbard with my example).

The side view makes me believe it is different stock.

I just pulled my sets.  This difference starts in 1989, it being the most noticeable.  I would not call it a gray back but a duller white.  The Rookies set is also affected.  The 1990 set seems to be the same but less noticeable which may cause some collectors to wonder which they have.

I am like BSwagger on this issue because the difference is minimal.  This is not like the 1981 OPC sets nor the "white test issue" of 1990 OPC blue cards; and it is defintiely not like the vintage gray backs of the 1950s sets.

We are not all of the other card collecting sites but sometimes using other card collectable guides to inform us is not a bad thing. My main reference / guide makes no distinction between the 2 card stocks.

So when discussing card stock, should we use the 90 and 91 Topps Traded as an examlpe. Two completely different card stocks based on how it was issued (FS versus wax box). FS has a bright white back and the wax box has the grey backs.

And in my reference, for both years this is mentioned, not as a VAR but in that wax packs had dark stock while the FS has the white stock.

Just to add:

1- Age has nothing to do with it, there are 2 different card stocks. I have the proof in my hands.

2- I have these Glossies dating back to 1983, and there is evidence of different card stock being used at that time as well.

You decide,

No matter, they need to be documented somewhere I believe.

I don't see a notable difference in the picture of the card backs.

I don't think that a difference in the coloring of the edge of the card creates a listable variation.  It may be worth noting, but not a separate listing.

-Tom

I agree that is is different card stock, but as far as the content of what was printed they are the same. Just as regular edition vs tiffany (glossy front) have the same print ink content but different card stock. I think what Bruno says about wax packs vs factory set is the type of difference we are talking about.