Thursday, May 27, 2010

1997 Pinnacle Press Plate Previews

Although the concept of a "press plate" doesn't get collectors particularly excited anymore, at one point in time, these were definitely a big deal!


As far as I can tell, the first "official" press plates to be released were found inside packs of 1997 New Pinnacle. As a way of promoting this new and innovate insert, Pinnacle inserted "Press Plate Previews" which were made directly from the 1997 Pinnacle base set press plates.


Until now, the 1997 Pinnacle Press Plate Preview was one of the few older Rickey cards that I'd yet to even see a picture of. These were limited to only 8 copies, with one selling on eBay a few weeks ago for $301. I was not the high bidder, but the seller was kind enough to e-mail me scans of the front and back of the cards.


Although I was never a fan of the fronts of the 1997 Pinnacle set, I did appreciate the little bit of creativity that they used with the carved bat names on the back.


Although the backs of the cards indicate that they are a "one of one," there was an announced print run of eight copies of each card. I also like the fact that it says the exact date in which the card was printed, in this case 12/20/1996. The back of each press plate preview included a number, which according to Beckett, if a dealer found a number that matched the number of their case, they would win a special prize package. Not sure what that package consisted of, but considering there was only one if them, it was probably pretty nice!

3 comments:

Hendersonfan said...

This is what I found on the 8 copies (via Wikipedia). 4 total front and 4 total back.

Starting in 1997, Pinnacle Brands randomly inserted in its Pinnacle set and other sets the original individual printing plates handsigned by Pinnacle's CEO Jerry Meyer, with eight plates per card (both front and back of the card and in each of the four printing colors; black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). The 1998 printing plates were not signed however.

John Dougherty said...

I have a Rickey Henderson Stolen Base Milestones pin. Sponsored by the All American Raisins. I got it at the game where he broke the record. I found an exact copy/ picture of it on your website. I know this is a shallow questions but. How much do you think it would be worth and do you know anyone who might be interested in buying it. Please contact me at jmd25@students.uwf.edu

Thanks John

Unknown said...

I have the card the pressed gold one i am trying to sale got it from an older gentleman i did some work on his house an paid me with some cards an food. Great guy so hopeing i can get some money for it. Message me my420707420@gmail.com