2005 Topps Rookie Cup Original Relics #399

Card Review: 9.5  This card is in a word, awesome.  In 1982 Topps didn't put the "Rookie Cup" on cards.  I spent the next decade arguing with other kids that Wallach had in fact been a "Topps All-Star Rookie."  I "lost" almost all of those arguments.  23 years later Topps righted a wrong with this card.  Not only did they put the cup on it, but the cup is made from some sort of metal.  It's a heavy card, and as thick as about 5 regular cards.  It appears Topps glued two '82 Topps to a piece of thick card stock, then cut a hole about half way through to place that cup.  If you were to dig it out, I believe it would be a square peice with a raised cup on it.

I know my love of this card is a bit hypocritical.  I've been very critical of old cards being modified or stamped, then passed off as "new" cards.  In general, I think that's kind of sleazy.  But this card is an exception.  For one, it's not just some forgettable '90 Leaf being stamped with foil.  It's the classic 1982 Topps Wallach.  The card I've carried in my wallet for the last 25 years.  And it's not just foil stamping, it's an extreme enough modification that it almost becomes an entirely new card.  If your going to engage in that sort of practice, this is the way to do it.

It does also present some issues, primarily, how store it.  I keep a three-ring binder with one copy of every unique Wallach card.  This one belongs in the binder.  But I'm not sure it will fit, at least not without damaging it, in a 9-pocket page due to it's thickness.  It's a dilemma I'm in no hurry to solve though as for now I'm happy to keep it out and available to show off to as many disinterested friends and family as I can.

Number of this card in my collection: 1, only one more to go and I'll have them all.