Card Identification Forum

Hello, I was entering my older baseball cards and noticed what may be a variation in the 1986 Topps baseball card #738. The cards I possess have a vertical line extending from the bottom of the card between the A and N of the player's first name (Andre). I looked at the cards and it does not appear to be someone adding the mark to the cards, like with a Sharpie. I have multiple cards with the same size mark in the same location. So, I was wondering if others collectors have this card with the vertical line indicating it is a print variation.

Thank you,

o-3freddie

If we can track down the sheet position, we can find out of the card below it also has a similar mark.

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It is Alejandro Sanchez.  For him, the line would be between the E and Z in his last name. 

Yep, here is one from eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186239239936

I just looked at one of mine and it does not have that mark on it. 

Looks like an stray ink mark.

Yes, just another ink issue. Less dramatic than the Clemens card with the blue blotch at top.

So, it's no big deal and not worth entering into the database as a variation? I ask only because in the 1988 Fleer set, the corrected version of Dan Schatzeder's card has two versions, with and without a black ink mark under part of his last name.

Thank you - o-3freddie

With very rare exceptions, TDB doesn't usually track inking issues.  Not to say they won't be tracked in the future, just not at the moment.

It may not be a big deal to most here but as someone already familiar with the Thornton card, I think it is pretty cool that you found not only one but a few, I've maintained an ebay for search for it for several years now. It was originally discussed in the CU (or Freedomcardboard) forums many years ago.

Unfortunately, you've got zero chance of it getting added to this database but it is, in fact, an actual variation and not the result of random, stray ink. This line is what is usually referred to by the catch all term "proofer's mark" and in this case, was mistakenly printed over his name area, instead of in the border area. Each copy with this variation shows it in the exact same place with no deviance in clarity or shape.

For other examples of this stuff, check out 1979 Topps Dave Roberts and Roger Metzger. 1984 Topps Buck Martinez (uncorrected) is another as is 1989 Topps Tony Oliva's 3rd version (blacked out copyright) and 1987 Topps contains several similar variations to all of these. Very nice find!

I have been seeing varying opinions on things of this nature. 1990-91 Fleer Basketball Card 43 is another example with 2 VARs listed. It is not a stray mark but I would call it a printing issue. I certainly am not going to argue either way, but I do like hearing the opinions and explanations behind the determining factors.