Some nice prices were recently realized in a recent auction or two over at Heritage for a couple of prototypes that were created as the 1968 Topps 3-D Baseball set was being developed and, while I don't typically focus on values here (and also discussed some of these about three months ago), it seems instructive to do so here.
This example of the Brooks Robinson prototype, which has a tear at the bottom, is now in a PSA Authentic slab and went for a cool 60 Grand:
I believe that is a record for this card, where a mere handful exist, with a definite upward trendline on pricing. Also of note, was $21 K for this nom-de plumed Yaz in the same auction:
Meanwhile, the Roberto Clemente prototype I discussed here only last month, went for a paltry $3,145.20:
Granted, it was on illustration board and a mock-up vs. a mostly finished prototype, I think it went w-a-a-a-y cheap, especially considering Clemente's staying power in the hobby marketplace.
The 1968 3-D's clearly remain popular, whether they are are proofs, prototypes or actual issued cards. Whether or not the more esoteric mockups and the like from other sets will catch up remains to be seen but as prices move up for the 3-D's production materials, I suspect that will raise the price of other such items as well, at least for Hall-of-Famers.
Happy Festivus!
3 comments:
The thought that goes through my mind when I look at the Clemente - doubt in the back of my mind that it is what it purports to be.
I reread the 2008 post and the one last month. From the 2008 post (the Gavin Riley) cards - It seems strange that Clemente and Hubbs had mockups - both passing away in the off-seasons.
(Riley cards) It also seems strange that there were mockups of Jimmy Wynn, Joe Morgan and Calvin Murphy - all diminutive players - small guy joke?
The Chamberlain looks the most legit.
Maybe the Hubbs and Clemente cards were made after their deaths (no fees to pay these players??)
The Clemente if it is a true mockup feels more like it is from the mid to late 70s as opposed to 1971 or 1972,
That may be a reason it did not go for more money. The doubt of purported authenticity.
There's no fees with the mockups-just Topps NPD and Art departments messing with things. They are not really cards, just creations.
I remember seeing the Clemente in BBC magazine back in the 80s (or 90s).
I always thought it didnt have a TOPPS look for the era
I think maybe it was a mockup for another company made by TOPPS (Coke or some client like that)
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