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Upper Deck Authenticated rocked collector’s world in 2011 when the company unveiled the signed “Tegata” collectible for Michael Jordan and LeBron James that included and authentic hand print from these superstar athletes.
In recent years Upper Deck Authenticated has created other “Tegata” collectibles for other legendary athletes like Tiger Woods and Mike Tyson.
A major core group of collectors has been deprived of these special collectibles however, until now. With Upper Deck Authenticated’s exclusive agreement with Wayne Gretzky, we are proud to bring hockey fans the first-ever “Tegata” memorabilia piece for this iconic hockey legend.
The word “Tegata” comes from the Japanese culture and translates to the American equivalent of a signature or autograph. Sumo wrestlers in Japan would use red or black ink and create a handprint, and then often sign their “shikona” also known as their fighting name on the same canvas.
Only the greatest champions would be honored with a “Tegata” collectible so it is high time to bestow that honor on Wayne Gretzky. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at how these incredible collectibles were made.
First Wayne Gretzky puts his hand in a black ink to transfer the ink to the special parchment paper.
Then Gretzky takes his wet palm and applies the ink to the parchment paper. After cleaning up he then stamps each one with a specially made stamp that is custom to Gretzky.
After the pieces have dried he autographs them, they are then hologrammed and framed.
The Wayne Gretzky “Tegata” is the ultimate collectible for the Edmonton Oilers fan as it is framed with a beautiful mosaic showcasing the memorable highlights from Gretzky’s career with this historic franchise. Own your Wayne Gretzky “Tegata” by visiting the Upper Deck Online Store today!
How High Will Values on Rory McIlroy Rookie Cards & Collectibles Soar?
Posted by: | CommentsRory McIlroy is young, but by no means is he a rookie. At 25 years of age McIlroy has already captured 12 professional victories including three majors (2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship & 2014 British Open). It was back in August 2012 when Upper Deck was finally able to ink the Northern Ireland star to an exclusive trading card and memorabilia deal. There were some promotional cards done for Rory by Upper Deck between 2012 and 2013, but it was not until the 2014 season that fans finally were able to score their first true rookie cards and a heavier mix of insert cards of Rory McIlroy from Upper Deck.
Many believe Rory McIlroy is a once in a generation type of player who could ultimately give players like Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus a run for their money in terms of all-time major victories, but only time will tell. He is certainly off to an amazing start though and with that comes increased interest in his authentic signed collectibles produced exclusively by Upper Deck. How high will some of these cards and memorabilia items ultimately be valued at? It really is anyone’s guess, but as of right now, they are most certainly on the rise.
Below is a breakdown on many of the Upper Deck cards and memorabilia golf fans are pursuing hard of Rory McIlroy.
Pre-Rookie Cards or X-RC Cards
In 2013 SP Game-Used there was a promotional SP-1 card of Rory McIlroy inserted that has been in high-demand with collectors.
At the National Sports Collectors Convention fans flocked to get one of 5 autographed McIlroy promotional items.
Upper Deck employees were gifted with a special Precious Metal Gems card of McIlroy in 2013.
Upper Deck’s NHL The Cup product has a multi-sport insert that has been continuing each year and the Rory McIlroy autograph card limited to 5 copies sells for big $$$$ in the secondary market!
True Rookie Cards
First up this year was the 2014 SP Authentic Autograph Rookie of Rory McIlroy limited to just 299 copies.
The 2014 SP Game-Used Golf Rookie Autograph card of Rory McIlroy is limited to just 199 copies.
Rory McIlroy’s Exquisite Collection Golf Autograph Rookie Jersey card limited to just 99 copies is sure to be his most sought after rookie card this year!
Rory shows off his Exquisite Collection Golf Autograph Rookie card during a signing session.
Rookie Year Insert Cards
Upper Deck Authenticated Memorabilia – You can see a full rundown of Upper Deck Authenticated Rory McIlroy autograph collectibles at www.upperdeckstore.com.
Upper Deck Authenticated goes all out to capture amazing imagery of players like Rory McIlroy.
Upper Deck Authenticated also captures those major moments fans will never forget!
Innovative collectibles like the Breaking Through pieces really stop fans in their tracks as the range driven golf ball appears to “break through” the glass on the piece.
Super rare tournament-worn memorabilia that has been signed and inscribed is the ULTIMATE collectible for any fan of Rory McIlroy.
Celebrate 25 Years of Upper Deck at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention
Posted by: | CommentsUpper Deck would like to thank all the collectors, fans and shops who have helped to keep the company the collector’s choice over the last 25 years at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention. Upper Deck is pulling out all the stops to make the event memorable for fans in attendance and there will be a variety of special programs in place for every type of collector to take part in. And with the company’s incredible 130’x50’ corporate booth, fans will have plenty of ground to cover to see everything Upper Deck has to offer! Below is a breakdown on the events taking place at the National from Wednesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 3, 2014.
Kids Zone – Children are the future of the hobby and Upper Deck remains the category leader in youth marketing. We will have an area of our booth dedicated completely to kid-focused activities throughout the weekend with a “Draw Your Own Trading Card,” games & tournaments to win cool prizes and even visits from Upper Deck’s mascot, Coach Cardman!
Kids will find plenty of fun activities at the Upper Deck booth including a “Draw Your Own Trading Card” station!
Personalized 25th Anniversary Trading Cards – Have you always dreamed of one day being on an Upper Deck trading card? Well now is your chance as all week long at the show we will have a professional photographer onsite to shoot fans and then print actual Upper Deck 25th Anniversary trading cards for them on site. The best part about it is this service is absolutely FREE!
Get your very own personalized card made in the classic 1989 UD design to celebrate our 25th Anniversary!
Upper Deck Authenticated Man Cave – Upper Deck Authenticated will have an amazing “Man Cave” set up at the show designed to give fans an idea of just how great the company’s limited-edition collectibles can make a special sports-themed room look. Many of the items on display will be available for sale at special show pricing including ultra-rare memorabilia from the Suite One-of-One collection like a tournament-worn Tiger Woods Stanford autographed & inscribed polo.
Come see amazing memorabilia from the biggest names in sports like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James and more!
Wednesday VIP Party – Upper Deck will help get the show started by making a special presentation at the Wednesday VIP Party to thank the company’s network of dealers in attendance at the show. Fans in attendance will also score with a special 6-card VIP set produced exclusively for the National Sports Collectors Convention and they will also have the opportunity to win one of three sealed packs of the new 2014 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Golf! Immediately after the VIP Party fans are invited to visit the Upper Deck booth for birthday cake to help celebrate Upper Deck’s 25th Anniversary and an incredible FREE giveaway you will not want to miss!
Wrapper Redemption Promotion – Every year fans flock to the Upper Deck booth with new packs to score one of the exclusive wrapper redemption packs produced just for this show. Randomly inserted into these packs are incredibly limited autograph cards of top stars from the world of sports. Collectors just need to purchase five (5) packs of 2013 Fleer Retro Football, 2014 SPx Football, 2014 Upper Deck Football (Hobby), 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball, 2013-14 SP Authentic Basketball, 2013-14 NHL SP Authentic, 2014 SP Authentic Golf, 2014 Goodwin Champions OR one (1) pack of 2014 SP Game-Used Golf to receive one (1) 2014 Upper Deck National Sports Collectors Convention Pack. EVERY 25TH COLLECTOR WILL RECEIVE A FREE FLEER RETRO AUTOGRAPH PACK FROM FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL! These packs must be purchased from a Certified Diamond Dealer who will provide collectors with an Upper Deck issued voucher for the redemption program. The program will begin at 10:25 a.m. each day starting on Thursday and run as long as supplies last. Collectors can take advantage of the promotion up to four times per person, per day.
Fans everywhere will want to collect the 20-card set with 5 different cards available every day!
Case Breaker Promotion – Serious collectors who like cracking cases are in store for a very good time during the show as well! Collectors can open a sealed case purchased from a Certified Diamond Dealer at the show of 2013-14 SP Authentic Basketball, 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball or 2013 Fleer Retro Football without waiting in any lines at any time throughout the show to receive the following:
(10) 2014 Upper Deck National Sports Collectors Convention Packs (2 packs from each day)
(2) 2013 Fleer Retro Basketball Autograph Pack (3 autograph cards per pack)
(2) 2013 Fleer Retro Football Autograph Pack (3 autograph cards per pack)
(1) Case Breaker Raffle Ticket good for a random memorabilia item, premium hobby pack/box, trading card, or one of 25 premium National Autograph cards. The item selected will be immediately available to the participant.
*Note: This promotion is only available to the first 75 collectors who choose to take advantage of it.
Crack a case and you could score a super-premium autographed item like this!
Collectors love cracking cases of UD product for promotions like this at the National!
Upper Deck Educates – We are proud to debut a new program at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention with the company’s new Upper Deck Educates kits. Manipulative based learning in classrooms is all the rage these days, especially for youngsters learning math. Using trading cards in the classroom can actually help youngsters learn and we have worked to create lesson plans that include cards. We will be providing these kits which include background on manipulative based learning, a lesson plan and trading card product to elementary education teachers (Grades 4-6) for FREE while supplies last. Elementary educators attending need to email UpperDeckMarketing@upperdeck.com with subject title “Upper Deck Educates” to reserve a kit to pick up at the Upper Deck booth if they are attending the show. Please provide your full name, school and grade you teach so we can put them on reserve for you. Teachers will need to present a valid school identification to pick them up.
Upper Deck Random Acts of Kindness Scavenger Hunt – Collectors have enjoyed Upper Deck’s Random Acts of Kindness program and we will bring the excitement around that event to the 2014 National on Thursday. Upper Deck will hide 25 sealed Random Acts of Kindness envelopes throughout the Convention Center and share clues at the company’s corporate booth throughout the day. Lucky collectors who track them down can score sweet prizes like apparel and product!
The Exquisite Case Break – On Friday at 2:00 p.m. fans in attendance will want to make their way to the Amazon.com Sports Collectibles Center Stage for an extremely special event. Fans who are not at the show can watch through Upper Deck’s BreakersTV Channel. Upper Deck will bring up two of the company’s Authorized Group Breakers to help out with this special event in Steel City Collectibles along with Dave & Adam’s Cardworld, but spots in the break will be absolutely FREE and awarded during a special raffle at the company’s booth on Thursday night at 5:25 p.m. What will make this such an “exquisite” event is that Upper Deck will be breaking the company’s most premium products with 2013 Exquisite Collection Football and 2014 Exquisite Collection Golf.
Diamond Club Member & Candidate Reception – Almost two months ago Upper Deck announced a special private event taking place on Saturday. Here is that announcement and we will be sharing more details on this memorable event in the coming weeks!
Entertainment – What is a birthday party without a little entertainment? Appearing all day on Friday and Saturday at the Upper Deck booth is the incomparable Tim Carroll who will be creating a special cut-up card mosaic of a popular Upper Deck spokesman. Speed artist Tim Decker will appear at the Upper Deck booth on Friday from 3:25-5:30 p.m. creating incredibly artwork of top Upper Deck spokesmen that you will have to see to believe. And Saturday Upper Deck is excited to bring in a surprise guest during the afternoon that every sports fan will want the opportunity to see! Stay tuned for more details on that!
Photo Opportunities – Upper Deck will have a variety of VERY unique photo opportunities for fans to take advantage of throughout the convention hall and at Upper Deck’s corporate booth.
Expired Redemption Raffle – Upper Deck will accept expired redemption cards at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention to be entered into a drawing for 100 different prize cards available immediately at the show. The drawing will take place at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday and redemptions need to be received in by 11:00 a.m. that morning. Here are more details on the expired redemption raffle.
Decoy Reclamation Raffle – Upper Deck wants to see collectors help with recycling efforts. All week long any time fans bring 25 blank Upper Deck decoy cards in good condition to the UD booth they can score a free raffle ticket. On Sunday at 2:25 p.m. the company will hold a special raffle for those tickets with five limited-edition autograph cards up for grabs. So bring in those seemingly useless decoys to help conservation efforts while also getting the shot to score some pretty sweet collectibles as well.
National fans LOVE Upper Deck’s special giveaway promotions!
Special Giveaways – It may be our birthday, but you are the ones who get the presents! There will be a special FREE giveaway each day at the Upper Deck booth to help celebrate the company’s 25th Anniversary. The days and times you will definitely want to be at the Upper Deck booth are Wednesday (4:00 p.m.), Thursday (5:25 p.m.), Friday (3:00 p.m.), Saturday (1:25 p.m.) and Sunday (1:25 p.m.).
Celebrate 25 years of Upper Deck at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention!
Upper Deck will be sharing more details on events surrounding the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention in the coming weeks, but it will definitely be an event collectors will NOT want to miss!
My Father: An Upper Deck Card Collector Through and Through
Posted by: | CommentsMy father has collected Upper Deck products exclusively for well more than a decade. During that time he has assembled some of the most amazing sets the Company has ever produced. Most notably was his completion of the 2009-10 Exquisite Rookie Flashback set. He has a loyalty and appreciation for Upper Deck cards and as his son, it has been a lot of fun to learn about the hobby from him.
Recently my dad learned of a set of cards that Upper Deck produced exclusively for partners at the Las Vegas Industry Summit. The Summit is an event held annually that brings hobby shop owners together with the distributors, leagues, supply companies, card manufacturers and other key partners to look at ways to make the business better. While attendees receive a variety of gifts during the event, one of the most anticipated came from Upper Deck in the form of black boxes which contained 1 of 17 different autographed cards (some multi-signed) commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Upper Deck. Some of the sets highlights include autographs of Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr. and Michael Jordan. The set also included several multi-signed cards with two cards limited to just three total copies in the Tiger Woods/Rory McIlroy dual autograph card and the amazing quad autograph card with autographs from Wayne Gretzky, Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.
My dad thought it would be an incredible set to put together, but given how rare some of the cards were and how high in demand they would be, he felt like it would be an impossible, or at least, very expensive set to put together. As he talked about the set with some friends, one of his close buddies challenged him to try to complete it, and my father just loves a good challenge. So he began the hunt and like most stories of putting together a set, it started off pretty easily, but then things started to dry up and it got much more difficult.
Limited-edition promotional sets can be some of the most difficult to put together.
The chase was all consuming and involved scouring message boards, eBay and contacting anyone he thought may have attended the Summit. He was able to acquire the cards through traditional methods of either paying for them, trading for them or a combination of the two. He was able to score the two super rare cards limited to just three copies, but it then became some of the single signed cards that were difficult to track down.
Finally it came down to just one missing card of boxing great Oscar De La Hoya to complete the set. At the height of his frustration, my father noticed that Upper Deck posted a Cinco de Mayo giveaway on the company’s blog and ironically enough, the prize was the missing De La Hoya card.
With the taste of completion in the air my father left work and raced to the local costume shop where he got a traditional Mexican bandito costume. All he needed now was to pair the costume with an Upper Deck card featuring a Hispanic athlete, take a photograph and hope for the best. As luck would have it, my father won the contest and his set was complete.
I guess the hardest part about starting a set is making the decision to chase it and getting that first card to signal the chase is underway. I am very proud of my father for the tenacity he shows in going after sets he wants. He has always shown me, either through card collecting or in his business endeavors, that if you want to accomplish something, you need to do is set a goal, make a plan and go for it. And when unexpected situations come along (like having to dress up to get the last card you need to complete your set), roll with the punches and give it your all. I’ll always think about the lengths my dad went to in order to put together this set and it is hard to think about it without a big smile.
MONSTERS! Cards in 2014 Goodwin Champions Cater to Kids and Kids at Heart
Posted by: | CommentsCollectors opening packs of 2014 Goodwin Champions are discovering some frightening creatures inside packs, and we are not talking about athletes with bad haircuts! It is the new MONSTERS! insert set that can be found in the latest iteration of the popular Goodwin Champions product featuring original art and storylines on a 3-dimensional lenticular substrate. Check out this video to find out more!
Scans are a little tricky with these cards given the 3-dimensional effect of the cards, but check out this card of Cyclops!
Terrifying new MONSTERS! cards in 2014 Goodwin Champions are sure to be a hit with fans of the horror genre!
Upper Deck had a lot of fun with the statistics and stories on the backs of the cards, take a look at this one of the dreaded Momo!
UD took a lot of liberties creating storylines for these characters and in particular coming up with statistics about them!
Rare autograph versions can also be found from the artists!
Rare signed proofs show the art off in it’s full glory along with the signature of the artist responsible for bringing these terrible creatures to life!
There are different rarity levels in this 60-card set broken down below:
Classic Creatures (Cards M1-M30) – Fall 1:100 hobby packs
The Giants (Cards M31-M45) – Fall 1:360 hobby packs
Bizarre Beasts (Cards M46-M55) – Fall 1:1,428 hobby packs
Alien Menaces (Cards M56-M60) – Fall 1:4,283 hobby packs
