The Set: In mid-March Fleer issued update cards in boxed factory sets to card shops. This Fleer Update set was one of the first sets where collectors could finally have current-year rookies on trading cards. The update cards shared the same order (being arranged alphabetically by team) and same design as the regular 1990-91 Fleer set, except for a “U” prefix in front of the card number. 1990-91 Hoops and Skybox also included some of these current-year rookies in their second series, but only the first eleven lottery picks of the draft. By producing this boxed Fleer Update set, Fleer could include many more of the drafted players, not just these lottery picks. When the set came out, the Dee Brown rookie was very exciting to collectors. But today, the Gary Payton rookie card is the reason that collectors should have this set.
The Card: The #U-92 Gary Payton rookie is truly the reason collectors purchase these boxes today. Box breakers often say that they are basically buying a lottery ticket for a Gary Payton PSA 10. The other cards are easy to come by, and they don’t command high values, even at high grades. The reverse of this card perfectly captures the momentum that Payton had when he entered the NBA. It’s worth a read to travel back in time for a taste of the potential and excitement surrounding him.
In Short: Let’s be honest, the Gary Payton rookie is the main reason to buy these factory sets of 1990 Fleer Update. It’s like a lottery ticket, do I have a PSA 10 Payton in here or not. Spoiler alert, you probably don’t…look at that centering. But everyone, I’m pretty sure we have an interesting first in basketball card collecting here. Small thing, but still neat. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the rookies here in ’90 Fleer Update are the first time we have current-year rookie photos actually playing on the court in uniform. With second series starting to be introduced, current-year rookies began popping up, but they were often like this Gary Payton, not actually playing. Fleer produced this Update set in mid-March, late in the season, giving us this special first, a current-year rookie actually playing in the photo. These are definitely overprinted, low in value, and condition sensitive. But you gotta have that Gary Payton rookie! Subscribe and collect with us if you want to spend more time with basketball cards that others overlook!
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