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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.