What 4 trading cards should be on the Mount Rushmore of the 1990’s?
By Scott Wright
In today’s day and age of collecting, pulling a serial-numbered card from a pack has become a routine occurrence. However, casting our minds back to the late 1990s, this seemingly simple act was a daunting task, necessitating the relentless opening of boxes after boxes after boxes after boxes
Collectors of rare late-1990s serial-numbered basketball, baseball, and football cards are driven by a passion deeply rooted in the challenges faced during that era. The mere recollection of how elusive these cards were in wax ignites a fervor, especially considering that the very boxes that housed these treasures have now become more scarce and expensive than ever before.
Let's embark on a nostalgic countdown, unveiling the four most coveted sets from the late 1990s, each contributing to the rich tapestry of that era’s sports card collecting history.
Without further adieu, the Mount Rushmore of Rare-Late 1990’s Cards:
4) Fleer Brilliants 24-KT Gold**
A product that graced the collecting world for just one year, Fleer Brilliants 24-KT Gold has not only developed a cult following but is also steadily gaining mainstream momentum. At the forefront of this set is the 24-Karat Gold series, serial-numbered /24. The rarity of these cards is accentuated by reports suggesting an insertion rate of 1 per 450 packs, translating to a staggering scarcity of one per 18.75 boxes. To truly grasp the rarity, one must appreciate the dedication required to uncover these golden gems.
3) SkyBox Premium Star Rubies**
The allure of SkyBox Premium Star Rubies took flight in 1997 when sequential serial numbering was introduced, with the fronts adorned with a vibrant, colorful finish. These Rubies weren't much easier to find than the actual gems either. In 1998, reports indicated an insertion rate of one per 10 boxes, adding an extra layer of rarity with Series 2 featuring short-prints serial-numbered /25.
2) E-X Credentials**
Debuting as a high-end set for its time, the E-X series made a resounding impact on sports card collecting. Its premiere showcased one of the only Kobe Bryant serial-numbered rookie cards (/499). As the years progressed, the Essential Credentials Future and Now sets earned recognition for their unique serial numbering, intricately tied to the card's position in the checklist. Unveiling one of these Credentials required ripping approximately a dozen boxes, making each discovery quite a triumph.
1) Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems**
Undoubtedly, no set is more synonymous with rare 1990s cards than "PMGs." These iconic cards made their debut with serial-numbered Red (/90 in basketball and /135 in football) and ultra-rare Green variations (/10 in basketball and /15 in football) in 1997. The subsequent introduction of the scope pattern /50 in 1998 and the embossed gold /50 in 1999 solidified their status as the most desired cards by collectors within the niche. In recent years PMGs have begun transcending their niche and are rapidly becoming darlings of the hobby as a whole.
Finding many of these cards can be akin to a needle in a haystack. However, NextGem is home to thousands of PMG’s, Rubies, Credentials and 24KTs, most of which you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re searching for special rare cards NextGem either has it or will help you track down and acquire it.
