In the spring of 2019, I came across a garage sale find for the ages. Included were 12 complete sets, 55 full wax boxes, 1,265 loose wax packs, and 21 Topps ScreenPlays tins from 1997.
Up to that point I had never seen this product, but as I began to share my find on social media, several people began to comment on them which made me want to learn what they were all about.
The Breakdown
This was part of the amazing garage sale find!
Topps released this lenticular set in the summer of 1997. I was first introduced to this type of card with Sportflics in the late 80s, but instead of the two or three images found on those cards, the ScreenPlays utilized 24 frames of actual game footage on each card!
The unnumbered base checklist consisted of 20 cards, and there was also a 6 card “Premium Series” insert set. Boxes contained 21 cards and typically had a full set plus one of the six inserts. Each card retailed for about $10 and came inside a metal tin which looks like a film canister. The tins were also customized for each player, but their original packaging contained a cover which kept you from knowing who was inside.
The “Premium Series” cards have a different picture on the Tin, and the card itself has the players name in a gold box.
There was also a 3 card “Private Screenings” set which appears to be a promo set that was not available in the tins.
Here’s what an open box looks like.
This is how the packaging converts into a display!
Topps got creative with the design of this product. The entire package was created to be displayed! Inside the canister was a piece of foam which enabled collectors to display both the tin cover and the card itself. While they never really gained widespread popularity, you have to give them credit for trying something different. The quality of the materials are top notch, and I can definitely see player or team collectors having these on display next to their favorite starting lineup, stadium giveaway, or autographed ball.
Current Values
This unique product is fairly easy to find online, but your options may be more limited depending on whether or not you want the tin included. The single cards can be found on COMC and Sportlots at prices ranging from about $1 - $5. However you will have to go to EBay if you want the tin as well. Most cards with the tin will run you between $5 and $10 delivered, however the Premium Series are more limited and seem to run $15 and up. The Private Screenings Promo cards also seem to be selling in the mid-teens.
Sealed boxes are available for somewhere in the neighborhood of $50-$60.
This is another set that was released in the window where I was out of the hobby for the most part. Discovering it now, 20 years later, I can see the allure it has to its fans. I can also see why some people balked at the idea of spending $10 on a product that could be awkward to display in some situations. What about you? Did you collect it? Do you have any now? Or were you oblivious to its existence like I was?
Let me know in the comments below!
Checklist
Private Screenings Promos
Bernie Williams
Jim Thome
Frank Thomas
Premium Series
Ken Griffey Jr.
Chipper Jones
Mike Piazza
Cal Ripken Jr.
Frank Thomas
Larry Walker
Base Set
Jeff Bagwell
Albert Belle
Barry Bonds
Andres Galarraga
Nomar Garciaparra
Juan Gonzalez
Ken Griffey Jr.
Tony Gwynn
Derek Jeter
Randy Johnson
Andruw Jones
Chipper Jones
Kenny Lofton
Mark McGwire
Paul Molitor
Hideo Nomo
Cal Ripken Jr.
Sammy Sosa
Frank Thomas
Jim Thome