After Much Persuasion, I Decided To Get One Last Precious Kobe Card

[jeebus86]

After much persuasion from JK (nbacardDOTnet), I was finally able to get my hands on one of Kobe’s most precious cards ever to have existed, it’s the 1997-98 UD3 Redemption Autograph Trade Card. Even though I’m still getting out of the hobby, I just couldn’t resist putting this card into my Kobe collection, seeing as how it might have been my only chance to obtain one.

Here it is:






Now, if you’ve never heard or seen this card before, that’s kind of the point. These UD3 trade cards were never intended to be circulated to the public. Obviously, JK is the best person to ask about these UD3 trade cards since he has the whole set. But from the information I’ve gathered from JK and other 90’s hardcore collectors, this is my understanding about these precious cards.

Several years ago, Upper Deck planned to create a 10 player Autograph set for their 97-98 UD3 product (One of the first Upper Deck Autograph sets ever to be produced). These cards were part of a redemption set that was NEVER produced. It’s been said that only 3 copies of the Trade Cards of each player were actually made.

Players that were supposed to be included were:

Kobe Bryant


Tim Duncan


Anfernee Hardaway


Tim Hardaway


Juwan Howard


Eddie Jones


Michael Jordan


Alonzo Mourning


Gary Payton


Latrell Sprewell

This is a picture of JK’s UD3 Trade Card collection:



And here’s a picture of the Jordan Trade Card:



Unfortunately, only 4 players actually signed for the UD3 autograph set: Michael Jordan, Anfernee Hardaway, Tim Hardaway, and Juwan Howard (not pictured)







Leaving behind only the Redemption Trade Cards for Collectors. So, going back to the Kobe, if he would have signed, this card should have been Kobe’s VERY FIRST Autograph card from Upper Deck. However, Kobe didn’t sign for Upper Deck until 99-00 season, but by that year, Upper Deck produced many Kobe auto cards, making it difficult to pin point the very first one.

Now, if they’re truly are only 3 that exist in the world. These two are the only other ones. The first one is owned by JK, the other one was sold from the same seller who sold me the one I have:

[underdawg]

Very amazing...

JK and you truly know your 90s cards.

[jeebus86]

Very amazing...

JK and you truly know your 90s cards.

Thanks! :)

I think it's a shame that some collectors don't educate themselves on rare 90's insert cards. It's seems that most collectors only care about autographs, patch or logoman cards. But then again, that's the beauty of having forums; so some of us could pass this information on.

[gladdyontherise]

Sweet Card!!

[jeebus86]

Thanks a lot gladdy! :)

[BCUS28]

NICE and thanks for sharing!

[montej1695]

Awesome info and awesome cards!!!

[jeebus86]

Thanks for the comments! :)

[Hoopsman]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kobe-Bryant-1997...QQcmdZViewItem

[jeebus86]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kobe-Bryant-1997-98-UD3-Autograph-Trade-Card-RARE_W0QQitemZ380111947903QQihZ025QQcategoryZ78161 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Very nice find!

I should also note that I was informed that the quantities do vary between 3-5 cards per player. Still this is a very rare card to obtain, and if you'll notice, the same seller has been selling these UD3 trade cards recently. So once he clears out his lot, you'll probably never see these cards ever again on the bay. So if I were a Kobe fan, and if you have the money, I'll take that card in a heartbeat.


Also, JK and I are not the only ones who know about these cards, this pic was taken from an auction a awhile back ago: