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Brag Photo: 2011 Parkhurst Champions Fossils & Artifacts Cards Begin Production Process
Posted by: | CommentsWhen we shared some of the fossils and artifacts we had acquired for the 2011 Parkhurst Champions product, people were pretty excited. With all the items in house and a vendor selected to cut many of these unique items for us, we have now started the production process and wanted to share with you what some of the cards will look like. Enjoy!
While it is certainly good news that production has started on these cards, please understand that because we are working with extremely delicate items, it is a very slow production process. These cards are basically hand made and the cutting process can take some time as well since the cards are so thick. There are a variety of situations that can occur during this process that can extend the timetable to completion of these cards. At this time we are not confident with sharing an exact date when these cards would be available. We felt it was important to keep our fans updated on their status so you knew they are moving along and look great. When we have a firm date for completion. In the meantime, check out the finalized checklist:
| 2011 Parkhurst Champions Artifacts Checklist | ||
| Card # | Subject | Size |
| FA-BC | Auroch Brain Cavity | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-HN | Auroch Horn | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-AU | Auroch Skull Large | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-CBJ | Cave Bear Jaw | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-CBT | Cave Bear Tooth | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-MA | Mastodon Toes | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-MO | Mosasaur Teeth | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-SP | Spinosaurus Teeth | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-MF | Wooly Mammoth Femur | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-WR | Wooly Rhino Molar | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-RC | Roman Coins Large | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-GC | Greek Coins Large | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-AB | Aztec Blade Obsidian Large | 2.5″ x 3.5″ |
| FA-ABM | Aztec Blade Obsidian Small | Mini |
| FA-RC | Roman Coins Small | Mini |
| FA-GC | Greek Coins Small | Mini |
| FA-RA | Raptor Tooth | Mini |
| FA-AUM | Auroch Skull Small | Mini |
Popularity: 2% [?]
Brag Photo: 2011 Goodwin Champions Extinct & Mythical Animal Kingdom Patch Cards
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s not easy trying to innovate a 2 ½ x 3 ½ piece of cardboard, but it s a challenge we embrace at Upper Deck. Coming out with the next big thing is something we are constantly chasing and we’ve seen some good responses to new trading card innovations through the years like SPx Shadowbox cards, Masterpiece Art cards, Evolution video cards, Marvel Ultimate Panel Focus cards, Entomology cards and more.
Along the way Upper Deck has created some card sets that are not exactly the “next big thing,” but they are extremely popular, primarily because they are different. Such is the case with the 2011 Goodwin Champions Animal Kingdom patch cards. We thought this playful insert would be perfect for the Goodwin Champions set because animals were important subjects in the original vintage set. To bring them to market with a new twist was the challenge, but working with a vendor we came up with some fantastic patch cards to pay tribute to each creature.
We have been excited to see these cards are capturing the imagination of new collectors, young collectors and female collectors. While we certainly understand and appreciate these cards are not for everyone, especially the die-hard sports collector, there is no disputing the fact they have value and there is a base of collectors eager to collect them. There are a lot of fun elements to chase in this 100 card set and we thought it would be fun for fans to see a completed set of the cards, check it out!
Additionally, as the market starts to dry up on some of these cards, we wanted to share that the last three cards that make up the extinct and mythical portion of the checklist do in fact exist. They are out there in packs of 2011 Goodwin Champions and likely will command a huge premium if sold in the secondary market. Here are scans of the actual cards for the Saber-Toothed Cat (No. AK-98), the Chupacabra (No. AK-99) and the Do-Do Bird (No. AK-100).
Card #AK-98 is the Saber-Toothed Cat and is VERY difficult to track down.
The Chupacabra is a mythicical vicious little creature at card #AK-99.
The Do-Do Bird is the final card in the set and even though it is a horizontal patch, the card has a vertical design. Was that a mistake or were we just having fun with the Do-Do? We'll never tell...
Are you putting together the set? How far along are you and which cards are you having the toughest time tracking down?
Popularity: 1% [?]
Where Can You Meet Your Favorite Athletes?
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the things I enjoy so much about working at Upper Deck is the opportunity to be able to meet so many of my favorite sports stars. The only thing better perhaps, is getting to introduce fans to their favorite athletes through promotions we run here at Upper Deck. It is really awesome to see the expression on a fan’s face when they come face to face with their favorite players. Through the years, Upper Deck has been able to bring trading cards to life for our fans as they have met athletes like Ken Griffey Jr., Tiger Woods, Gordie Howe, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, Landon Donovan, LeBron James and so many more. But what if you don’t work for Upper Deck? And what if you haven’t won an Upper Deck promotion or experience where you can meet your favorite athletes?
UD flew five collectors out to New York to meet Derek Jeter after they completed the popular Yankee Stadium Legacy set. Upper Deck loves engaging fans with experiences like this.
The first option is not easy, but can be rewarding. Meeting an athlete after a game or at their hotel can be a lot of fun. I have fond memories of staking out a couple hotels with my dad when I was younger for the chance to get an autograph of one of my favorite players. There are a few problems with this option however. First, you never really know when they are going to show up, if at all. You can spend hours waiting for them to show and it never happens. I can also remember a time when my dad and I were at a hotel where I went to the bathroom only to see that masses crowded around Will Clark coming through the lobby when I returned. I missed his autograph because I was so late and totally out of position. That’s what I get for washing my hands. Next, you don’t know who will show up so it is hard to be ready with the right trading card or collectible. And you never want to be the person who asks a person for their autograph and then says, “Who are you?” If you do try the stake out approach, make sure you do your research on who may be there so you recognize them when you see them. You will find your favorite athletes look a lot different when they are not in uniform.
Even if you know where a player is going to be, it's not always easy to get their autograph. Michael Jordan fans here mob the famous athlete in hopes of getting one of his super collectible signatures.
The worst part however is competing with the professional autograph seekers. There are more of them these days with it being so easy to sell signed collectibles through online auction sites like eBay. You will find they will do just about anything to get that autograph before you do and that can really sour what should be a fun experience. Even in a fan friendly sport like NASCAR, it can be very tough to get an autograph from a favorite athlete. Take a look at this:
The next option is to find a sports collectibles shop or show in your area where there may be an autograph signing. Ask your Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealer if they ever do in-store signings. Many do and those can be great experiences as they are not too crazy and you can usually get a photo opportunity or spend a little more time with the athlete. They are also a lot less expensive usually than purchasing the signature of an athlete at a show. Now the sports collectibles shows are a great way to get a variety of autographs from your favorite signers, but there are definitely drawbacks. You are looking at big lines, expensive ticket prices, terrible food and not a lot of interaction with the athlete because they have so many people to get through and usually they are being monitored by the show handlers. Sometimes the teams have autograph opportunities for fans as well, but they can be a total mob scene.
This is the line fans had to work through at the National Sports Collectors Convention to get an autograph of Mike Tyson. Signatures were no cheap date at over $100 a piece and up to $249 to have Iron Mike autograph trunks or gloves.
If only there were a way to meet your favorite players in a fun, laid back setting where they actually want to spend time with you?
Well there is, and most fans do not take advantage of it. If you have a favorite player or team, spend a little time online and find out what charities they are involved in. Without a doubt, there will be a couple times a year where they host some type of charitable event where you can actually meet your favorite athletes. I remember fondly going to an annual charity bowling even that Kobe Bryant hosted up in Los Angeles. It was fairly easy to get some time with Kobe, grab a picture and just have a great experience. And at these events, it’s not just the host who is the main draw. Usually there are other teammates or celebrities involved as well.
Athlete sponsored charity bowling events like the one I went to hosted by Kobe Bryant are a lot of fun and allow you to spend time with your favorite athletes!
Now the cost of admission to these events can be a little steep, but don’t be scared off by the sticker shock, they are worth every penny. Instead of your dollars going into a show promoter’s pocket, your money is actually going to a good cause and is likely tax deductible. That goes for any of the goodies you purchase while there as well. Most of these events have some type of silent or live auction where you can score some awesome collectibles or other experiences.
There is one event I’m really looking forward to coming up this week for a great charity called Just in Time for Foster Youth which helps transitioning foster youth with opportunities and support. They are hosting a charity bowling event this Thursday, September 22 at East Village Tavern + Bowl in downtown San Diego. Luke Gregerson of the San Diego Padres is bringing more than a few of his teammates to the event to make it a memorable evening for those in attendance. If you are wise enough to snatch up a ticket by clicking here, you’ll enjoy some great food, an open bar, a silent auction along with photo and autograph opportunities with many of the San Diego Padres. And you’ll be doing it all while helping a great charity organization so hopefully I will see you there!
If you are in Southern California, make sure to check out this charity bowling event with the San Diego Padres this week!
I know many of our readers are not in the greater San Diego area and may not be able to make it out to this event, but you may have events like this near you that you enjoy attending. Please share in the comment section below some of the athlete charity events you have attended before so other fans can add those to their calendar to attend in the future.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Get a Kick Out of Free Cards and Meeting Landon Donovan!
Posted by: | CommentsOne of my favorite perks of working in the sports industry is getting to go to sporting events as part of the job. Any event is fun but it’s even better when you can go for free! A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of heading north from Upper Deck headquarters in Carlsbad, California to a Los Angeles Galaxy soccer game at the Home Depot Center in Carson. It was a big day for Upper Deck as we had a large presence at this particular game. It was Upper Deck Team Pack Giveaway night, and the Galaxy were handing out special packs of 2011 Upper Deck MLS Soccer cards featuring Galaxy players including Donovan Ricketts, Sean Franklin, and Landon Donovan. The packs even included some special custom cards. Since 2011 UD Soccer released before Juan Pablo Angel moved to the Galaxy, fans received a new updated card card of Angel that was not available in boxes featuring him in his Galaxy gear.
The beautiful Home Depot Center in Carson, California a few hours before Upper Deck Team Pack Giveaway Night got underway!
Some of you might be wondering where’s David Beckham in this set? Well, he got a card as well, but it was a special bonus card available only in the Galaxy team store. For one night only fans could purchase any Upper Deck product and receive a bonus card of Beckham to complete their Galaxy team set. This is a unique and fun promotion I’ve had the pleasure of working on with a number of teams in multiple sports. Hockey fans will remember our NHL Team Pack Giveaway from this past season which will be returning for the 2011-2012 season. We have branched out into MLS recently with similar promotions for the Galaxy and D.C. United, as well as upcoming promotions with the Philadelphia Union, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution. We have found this to be a great way to get cards in the hands of the most passionate fans while also sharing a special card or two not available anywhere else. If your local MLS team doesn’t have this promotion on the schedule, be sure to contact them and let them know YOU want to see the Upper Deck Team Pack Giveaway in your MLS city!
The Galaxy promotion was taken to the next level for a few lucky fans. Ten thousand packs were handed out at the game, but only 100 had a special instant winner sticker on them. Lucky fans who pulled those packs received an amazing surprise with a special meet and greet event Upper Deck sponsored with Landon Donovan right after the game! Fans who participated in the event were extremely excited to see trading cards come to life through this special opportunity.
A few lucky fans got a huge surprise when they looked at their Upper Deck packs and realized they would be meeting Landon Donovan after the game!
Those who didn’t get an instant winner sticker still had a chance to meet Landon. My main job at the game was working the Upper Deck booth where we were displaying and selling some of our Landon Donovan autographed memorabilia from Upper Deck Authenticated. The booth featured balls, jerseys, and prints signed by Landon and authenticated by the Upper Deck 5-Step Process featuring a hologram serial number and certificate of authenticity. In addition to the special game night discounts on the items, anyone who bought an autographed piece at the game automatically got to join in the meet and greet with Landon after the game. It was an amazing deal that multiple fans took advantage of.
Fans attending the game could buy official Landon Donovan Autographed Memorabilia from Upper Deck Authenticated from yours truly!
That wasn’t all we had in store for fans in attendance as we also got them in the game by producing special personalized Upper Deck cards of them. After the fun at the UD booth I managed to check out the last few minutes of the game where the Galaxy battled with FC Dallas. Dallas scored first, but after three consecutive goals the Galaxy turned the deficit into a resounding victory. After that it was off to a suite at the Home Depot Center where winners were gathering to meet Landon. Landon had to clean up and fulfill his other postgame duties so we filled the time by handing out free posters to the kids waiting in line. These special posters were blown up replicas of Landon’s 2011 Upper Deck Soccer card and many of the kids had them signed by Landon, taking home a memorable collectible from the event.
After all the fans had a chance to meet Landon, I was able to get some face time with the soccer legend and get a picture with him. This was my second opportunity to meet Landon, and he was as friendly as ever despite already having played a full game and meeting over 100 other fans. I have that photo on display at my desk at Upper Deck headquarters as a reminder of this awesome experience.
A very friendly Landon Donovan took time to sign an item and snap a photo with all his loyal fans after the game.
It was a busy day, but a lot of fun as well as we brought fans closer to the game. I’m a big soccer fan, but this was my first time at a professional game and getting some time with Landon on top of that made it even more special. If you couldn’t make it you can still get in on the action and get your own Landon Donovan autographed item. You can find autographs and game-used memorabilia cards of Landon in 2011 Upper Deck Soccer packs and check out Upper Deck Authenticated’s full line of signed collectibles by clicking here. I love my Landon Donovan autograph and I know you will love yours too!
Popularity: 1% [?]
My goal as Upper Deck’s Customer Care Supervisor is to help educate our collectors and fans so they can have a better experience with our collectible products. I’ve found that we get a lot of similar calls into our call center so it is beneficial to share what those questions are and provide answers in a public format here on the blog. You will find some really great information about our industry just by going through some of these “Ask UD” segments here on the blog. If you have questions yourself, please feel free to leave a comment and “Ask UD!”
Here are some of the questions we’ve received recently in Customer Care:
Ask Upper Deck: Where can we get soccer cards of players from the Women’s World Cup?
Gregg Cacioppo: With the American women having performed so well in the 2011 Women’s World Cup, there has been a tremendous amount of interest in soccer trading cards of the ladies. Upper Deck has autograph deals with many of the top female stars and you can find cards of these players in packs of 2010 Upper Deck Soccer, 2010 Upper Deck World of Sports, 2011 Upper Deck Soccer and 2011 Goodwin Champions. Besides regular, parallel and rookie cards, you can also find game-worn memorabilia and autograph cards of many of these top stars like Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach in particular. It’s not just American players either, we have also featured international female stars like Marta from Brazil and Aya Miyama from Japan on trading cards.
Wambach and Marta had an amazing battle as the American women bested Brazil.
These types of players are slated to appear in future releases as well. Upper Deck has secured autograph deals with Amy Rodriguez, Jill Loyden, Lori Lindsey, Nicole Barnhardt, Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and Hope Solo to appear in 2011 World of Sports as well as a special high-end soccer release we will be announcing soon. Values on many of the cards in the market are going through the roof after the Women’s World Cup and Upper Deck is thrilled to be able to bring fans these top stars.
Alex Morgan's rookie cards from 2011 Upper Deck Soccer are heating up!
Ask Upper Deck: When can we expect to receive our Goodwin Champions Entomology redemptions?
Gregg Cacioppo: We are working diligently on these cards right now. They are actually assembled by hand so the process is a little slow, but it is important to us to take the time to do these right. As you can see by checking out examples of some of these first cards, taking that extra time is worth it as these cards look fantastic. The production process should last a few more weeks and then we can begin the packaging and shipping process. We will be sharing information on when exactly they will be shipping as we get closer to starting that process.
Ask Upper Deck: Any new players sign recently?
Gregg Cacioppo: Last week was a good week for our Athlete Relations team as we were able to track down a few signers at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. We were happy to coordinate signing sessions with legends like Julius Erving and Larry Bird. We also secured some signing time with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Events like that provide us a great opportunity to acquire autographs of several players at once.
These multi-signed Dr. J cards will soon find their way to the collections of eager fans.
We also received in some autograph cards from a player who we have wanted to bring autograph cards to the hockey market for some time now: Joe Sakic. He is a true legend, but does not sign all that often for trading cards manufacturers. Until now, he’s had redemption cards issued in SP Game-Used and SP Authentic, but you can find his first live autograph cards in 2010-11 NHL Ultimate Collection which releases tomorrow and 2010-11 NHL The Cup which hits store shelves later on this summer. Now check out some of Sakic’s autograph cards from The Cup!
Ask Upper Deck: I know Upper Deck produced a trading card set for Thor, but did you produce one for Captain America? If so, is there anything unique about it?
Gregg Cacioppo: We did produce a trading card set for Captain America and it is loaded with all sorts of awesome elements. It is available in stores now and some of the inserts that are found in these packs have been on fire on eBay. We recently shared information about the sketch cards available in the set, but there are several other awesome inserts worth tracking down.
First up are the movie memorabilia cards featuring swatches of costumes from Captain America. Check out what some of these cards are going for on the secondary market:
Upper Deck's Captain America trading cards are available in stores now!
Steve Rogers costume card sells for $153.39
Captain America Battle Gear card sells for $171.00
Bucky Barnes costume card sells for $260.00
Captain America Golden Age costume card sells for $135.00
Next up is an unannounced insert that we were able to include in this set. We procured an original copy of “The Avengers #4” Marvel comic book in less than ideal condition and cut panels out to be used in special “Ultimate Panel Focus” insert cards in the set. This is the issue where Captain America joins the Avengers so it is of extreme importance to the series. Check out what some of these cards have been selling for online:
Upper Deck actually cut out key panels from "The Avengers #4" comic where Captain America joins the team!
Captain America Ultimate Panel Focus card sells for $99.95
Captain America Ultimate Panel Focus card sells for $90.00
More of these cards are popping up with sellers looking for much more as interest on these cards being inserted into the product increases.
Ask Upper Deck: I saw that Upper Deck wants us to purchase our packs from Certified Diamond Dealers at the National Sports Collectors Convention to take part in your promotions. How do we know who these dealers are and what happens if we purchase Upper Deck packs from another source at the show?
Gregg Cacioppo: Excellent question. We will have a posting of Certified Diamond Dealers at the booth along with a listing of which products fans need to purchase to take part in our promotions. Upon purchasing those packs from our authorized partners, you will receive a special voucher that you can bring to the Upper Deck booth to receive your Upper Deck National Exchange pack for that day. If you purchase a North Carolina Hobby box from these partners, you will receive a special raffle ticket you can bring to the Upper Deck booth for your chance to win a Michael Jordan University of North Carolina signed jersey from Upper Deck Authenticated. So there are plenty of reasons to make sure you are purchasing your Upper Deck packs from the right places.
Just purchasing this box from a Certified Diamond Dealer at the National will give you the opportunity to score a signed Michael Jordan UNC jersey!
Should you choose to purchase from an unauthorized source, you will not be able to participate in Upper Deck promotions at the National, nor will you be able to receive assistance on the product should their be any issues with it from our Customer Care division. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to purchase Upper Deck products from the right source at that show in particular.
Popularity: 2% [?]
