PSA Insider - Jan. 6, 2004 | Vol. 5 Number 1 
 
 
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• Living Large: Collecting the Classic 1952 Bowman Large Set
• Autograph Analysis of Hall of Fame Outfielder Hugh Duffy
• Pitching Star Tug McGraw Dies at Age 59
• Set Registry Spotlight on Mick's 1972 Kelloggs All Time Greats Baseball
• PSA Q & A     • Survey: Biggest 2003 Story     • Announcements

PSA VINTAGE SET REVIEW

Living Large: Collecting the Classic 1952 Bowman Large Set
In 1952, Bowman test-marketed a set of "Large" football cards that were almost a half inch wider than previous issues. Not only was the new size a success, but the set became a true classic in its own right. With beautiful designs, fantastic rookie and all-star cards, and many ultra-rarities, 1952 Bowman is THE post-war football set. Click here to read all about it.

PSA PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Autograph Analysis and Signing Habits of Hall of Fame Outfielder Hugh Duffy
Baseball was in Hugh Duffy's blood. He started playing semi-pro ball as a teenager, joined the pros as a right fielder for Hartford, achieved fame with the Boston Beaneaters, and went on to become a manager and general "goodwill ambassador" for the sport. Examples of his signature are obtainable, but you have to know where to look. In this article, autograph expert James Spence Jr. provides all the necessary details. Click here to read on.

IN MEMORIAM

Pitching Star Tug McGraw Dies at Age 59
The hero of the 1980 World Series dies from brain cancer. McGraw is credited with coining the phrase "You gotta believe!" while with the Mets. He pitched for two world championship teams. He helped the Phillies into postseason play six times. Click here to read more.

SET REGISTRY SPOTLIGHT

Mick's - The Number One Current Finest 1972 Kelloggs All Time Greats Baseball Set
For two years running, Mick has secured the number one spot and has won the "Best of the Registry" award for this set. Fifteen other collectors have 100% complete sets, so Mick is not without very determined competition. Congratulations! Click here to view.

New Set Registry Special! Submit your 1972-present cards for $5 per card/25 minimum. Click here for details.

Visit the Set Registry News page and learn which set composites have been recently added to the Registry and other Set Registry news.

To see what new sets are soon to be added, visit the Set Request List. If your set is not listed, send us your request using the Set Request Form. Note: Due to an increase in requests, current load time is approximately 30 days. Thanks in advance for your patience.

New composites recently added include:

  • 1887-1890 N172 Old Judge Set Baseball
  • 1909 E101 "Set of 50" Baseball
  • 1952 Coca-Cola Playing Tips Baseball
  • 1955 Rodeo Meats Athletics Baseball
  • 1961 Post Cereal Baseball
  • 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Xfractors Baseball
  • 1961 Topps Kansas City Athletics
  • 1972 Topps New York Mets
  • 1973 Topps New York Mets
  • 1974 Topps New York Mets
  • 1975 Topps New York Mets
  • 1976 Topps New York Mets
  • 1977 Topps New York Mets
  • 1978 Topps New York Mets
  • 1979 Topps New York Mets
  • 1980 Topps New York Mets
  • 1981 Topps New York Mets
  • 1982 Topps New York Mets
  • 1983 Topps New York Mets
  • 1984 Topps New York Mets
  • 1985 Topps New York Mets
  • 1986 Topps New York Mets
  • 1987 Topps New York Mets
  • 1988 Topps New York Mets
  • 1989 Topps New York Mets
  • 1990 Topps New York Mets
  • 1991 Topps New York Mets
  • 1992 Topps New York Mets
  • 1993 Topps New York Mets
  • 1994 Topps New York Mets
  • 1995 Topps New York Mets
  • 1996 Topps New York Mets
  • 1997 Topps New York Mets
  • 1998 Topps New York Mets
  • 1999 Topps New York Mets
  • 2000 Topps New York Mets
  • 2001 Topps New York Mets
  • 2002 Topps New York Mets
  • 1999 Upper Deck Century Legends Jerseys of the Century Basketball
  • 1999-00 Metal Rivalries Basketball
  • 1999-00 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory Ultimate Fabrics Basketball
  • 2000 Upper Deck Century Legends Legendary Signatures Gold Basketball
  • 2000 UD Lakers Master Collection Mystery Pack Insert Basketball
  • 2000-01 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Gold Basketball
  • 2000-01 Upper Deck Game Jerseys Combo 2 Basketball
  • 1988 Topps 1000 Yard Club Football
  • 1997 Topps Stars Football
  • 1997 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Football
  • 1997 Topps Hall of Fame Class Autographs Football
  • 1997 UD3 Signature Performers Football
  • 1998 Playoff Contenders Ticket Red Football
  • 1998 Topps Autographs Football
  • 1999 Playoff Momentum SSD Team Threads Checklist Football
  • 1999 Playoff Momentum SSD Terrell Davis Salute Autographs Football
  • 1999 SP Signature Montana Great Performances Autograph Football
  • 1999 UD Retro Inkredible Gold Football
  • 2000 Collectors Edge Supreme Edge Tech Football
  • 2000 Collectors Edge Supreme Team Football
  • 2001 Donruss Elite Die-Cut Autographs Football
  • 2001 Donruss Elite Passing the Torch Football
  • 2001 Donruss Elite Title Waves Football
  • 2001 Donruss Elite Turn of the Century Autographs Football
  • Dick Butkus Basic Set
  • Dick Butkus Master Set
  • Mike Ditka Basic Set
  • Mike Ditka Master Set
  • 1970-71 OPC Deckle Edge Hockey
  • 1997-98 SP Authentic Mark of a Legend Hockey
  • 1999-00 Upper Deck Century Legends Century Collection Hockey
  • 1999-00 Upper Deck Century Legends Epic Signatures 100 Hockey
  • 1999-00 Upper Deck Century Legends Epic Signatures Hockey
  • 2000 Upper Deck Wayne Gretzky Master Collection Hockey
  • 2000 Upper Deck Wayne Gretzky Master Collection Inserts Hockey
  • 1947 D. Cummings & Sons Famous Fighters Boxing
  • 1991 Players International Ringlords Boxing
  • 2000 Upper Deck Muhammad Ali Master Collection Boxing
  • 2001 SP Authentic Focus on a Champion Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Preview Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Preview Authentic Threads Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Preview Sample Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Gold Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Red Golf
  • 2001 SP Authentic Tour Swatch Golf Gold
  • 2001 SP Authentic Tour Swatch Golf Green
  • 2001 SP Authentic Tour Swatch Golf Red
  • 2001 Upper Deck Golf Player's Ink
  • 2001 Upper Deck Golf Player's Ink Gold
  • 2001 Upper Deck Golf Tour Gear
  • 2001 Upper Deck Heroes of Golf National Convention Promos
  • 2001 Upper Deck Tiger Woods Collection
  • 2002 SP Game Used Golf Front 9 Fabric Double
  • 2002 SP Game Used Golf Front 9 Fabric Foursomes
  • 2002 SP Game Used Golf Front 9 Fabric Threesomes
  • 2002 SP Game Used Golf Scorecard Signatures Parallel
  • 1933 W.W. G. Sea Raiders
  • 1952 Post Cereal Roy Rogers Pop-Out
  • 1976 Topps Star Trek Stickers
Fun, informative, and sometimes controversial, the PSA Set RegistryTM Messageboard is the place to get involved with other collectors who are currently participating in the Set Registry program or are just beginning. Click here to chat on the Set Registry Messageboard.

The PSA Set RegistryTM is a work in progress and we invite your comments and ideas. Send your suggestions to setregistry@collectors.com.

PSA Q & A

Question: I just noticed that a PSA NM-MT 8 Super Bowl ticket from the 1970s sold for more than $10,000 in the latest Mastronet Auction. Why did it sell for more than tickets that were the same grade but older?

Answer: Great question. With tickets, rarity is a huge issue. Sometimes the reason may not be known but, in some cases, very few Full tickets survived from certain events. In this case, the ticket you speak of is known as a rarity with few Full specimens in the marketplace. It is significantly more rare than some of the older tickets from the Super Bowl. Today, some event tickets are never torn but instead scanned at the entrance -- making Full tickets from those events less scarce.


COLLECTORS SURVEY

What was the biggest sports story of 2003? The biggest surprise, the most significant, the most inspiring, the most fun... or whatever?

  1. Tampa Bay wins its first Super Bowl and under a first-year coach to boot!
  2. The Florida Marlins come out of nowhere to take baseball's World Series!
  3. Syracuse steals the national championship in basketball with a freshman leading the way!
  4. Someone other than the Lakers wins the NBA crown!
  5. Ohio State and Miami battle into overtime in a magnificent but highly controversial NCAA football championship game!

Click here to answer. Results will be posted in the next Insider.

Results from last survey: 49% believe that Bill Mueller was the baseball player who played the most amazing single game in 2003. Click here for a complete breakdown.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Team up with PSA for your chance to win TWO tickets to Super Bowl XXXVIII!

Every football card you submit at the Economy service or higher between December 1, 2003 through January 9th, 2004 is your chance to win.
  • Submit one card in Economy and receive 1 Entry.
  • Submit one card in Regular and receive 2 Entries.
  • Submit one card in Express and receive 3 Entries.
  • Submit one card in Super Express and receive 4 Entries.
  • Submit one card in Walk Through and receive 5 Entries.
There are no limits on the number of entries. One winner from the total entries will be randomly selected. Click here for ticket contest terms and conditions.
Can't Make it to the Big Game? Catch PSA and PSA/DNA at the Topps Super Bowl XXXVIII Card Show in Houston!
January 23-25 and January 29-February 1, 2004
Take advantage of our upcoming NFL Experience SPECIALS.
  • Submit any card at $10 per card for 10 day turnaround! This offer is only good at the NFL Experience so bring your cards and visit us at the show.
  • Submit one Super Bowl XXXVIII ticket for grading and get the second graded for FREE. There is no limit. Hurry after the game! This offer ends on February 10th, 2004!
  • Free PSA encapsulated Topps Chrome football cards
  • Visit us at the PSA booth and get one while supplies last!
  • Free PSA/DNA Autograph Authentication at the Topps Super Bowl XXXVIII Card Show Autograph Pavilion. Thousands of autographs will be given away for FREE!
  • Acres of NFL Experience interactive games and attractions for all ages.

Visit www.superbowl.com and click on "NFL Experience" for admission and show hours.

PSA is the official card grading service of the Topps Super Bowl XXXVIII Card Show.
PSA/DNA is the official authenticator of the Super Bowl XXXVII Game-Used Footballs.


See PSA at These Upcoming Shows!

1st Annual World of Sports Collectibles Show

Location:
Orange County
Convention Center
9800 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

January 9 - 14, 2004

Show Info:
For more information on the 1st Annual World of Sports Show visit www.worldofsportscollectibles.com.

For more information about PSA services, call PSA Customer Service at (800) 325-1121 or visit www.psacard.com.

On-site grading available!

PSA will be offering on-site grading Friday through Sunday. Last day for same day service is Sunday 12:00 p.m.

PSA/DNA will be available on site to authenticate your previously signed items.

Public show hours:
1/9 Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
1/10 Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
1/11 Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.



PSA Saturday

Date: January 10, 2004
Time: 10am - 2pm

Location:
Collectors Universe
1921 E. Alton Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Show Info:
For more information on the PSA Saturday Show or PSA services, call PSA Customer Service at (800) 325-1121 or visit www.psacard.com.

PSA SATURDAY SPECIAL SERVICE - NO SHIPPING COSTS!!

  • $10 per card - Submit your cards at PSA Saturday on January 10th for pick-up at the West Coast Collectors Show at Hollywood Park, February 7th

    You may also have your cards mailed to you. Return shipping fees will apply. Please refer to the shipping chart located on the reverse side of all PSA invoices.

Admission is free! PSA representatives are available to answer questions and accept submissions for all levels of service.



NFL Experience - Topps Super Bowl XXXVIII Card Show

Location:
George R. Brown
Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010

January 23 - February 1, 2004

Show Info:
For more information on the NFL Experience, click here.

For more information about PSA services, call PSA Customer Service at (800) 325-1121 or visit www.psacard.com.

PSA representatives will be available to answer all questions and accept submissions for all levels of service.

  • Submit any card at $10 per card for 10 day turnaround! This offer is only good at the NFL Experience so bring your cards and visit us at the show.
  • Submit one Super Bowl XXXVIII ticket for grading and get the second graded for FREE. There is no limit. Hurry after the game! This offer ends on February 10th, 2004!
  • Free PSA encapsulated Topps Chrome football cards
  • Free PSA/DNA Autograph Authentication at the Topps Super Bowl XXXVIII Card Show Autograph Pavilion. Thousands of autographs will be given away for FREE!

Public hours:
1/23 - Friday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
1/24 - Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
1/25 - Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
1/29 - Thursday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
1/30 - Friday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
1/31 - Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
2/1 - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.



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