THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506180179
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CARD CORNER
SOURCE: BY BRIAN L. BIGELOW, SPECIAL TO THE VP/LS
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Collectible cards have undergone many changes since the hobby's beginnings. What were once almost-crude photographs or drawings packaged with a piece of gun or candy have been strikingly enhanced by technology. Cards are now glossy or glittery, adorned with foil and holograms, and reflect all sorts of creativity in design. One wonders what options for new advances remain that could improve upon or upgrade these ultra-modern card creations.
Actually, the next step in trading-card technology is already starting to make its appearance. It consists of a blending of the sports-card hobby with the growing boom in telephone cards.
Telephone cards have been in used internationally for more than a decade. They resemble credit cards in size, quality, and durability, and are an efficient way of pre-paying for long-distance service. Phone cards have evolved in style and quantity to the point where they're now available in almost any imaginable theme.
Trading-card manufacturers have begun experimenting with phone cards as a new medium for sports collectibles. Upper Deck and Classic have produced functional phone cards depicting baseball Hall of Famers, NASCAR drivers, college draft picks, and others. Values for these cards, in most cases, are based on denomination, or the amount of phone service they provide. These early efforts have been well-received by collectors, and are viewed by some as the beginning of a lasting trend.
It's too early to accurately assess the potential of phone cards as an aspect of the trading card hobby, but it might be wise for collectors to keep an eye on developments in this area. Phone cards could be the next ``hot'' item. Their relatively low production numbers will limit the supply available to those who hesitate in acquiring them. MEMO: Brian L. Bigelow is store manager and appraiser for Candl Coins &
Stamps, located on Independence Blvd. and North (Lynnhaven) Mall Drive
in Virginia Beach. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Want to see hockey goalie Manon Rheaume when you make a Sprint call?
It's a possibility.
by CNB