Placing It In Context: These cards were a preview of Action Packed’s initial design. It’s on the back where we see that these were clearly promotional. In addition to the typical small photograph, short bio, and stats, the backs are distinguished by the outline of the word “Sample” and a very light outline of “Not For Sale” below that. There is a crease where the card was folded. There is also a blank white box with a star to the right of it…kind of seems extraneous… Distinguishing characteristics of the front are Action Packed’s typical rounded corners and, in the regular set, the gold-foil stamped border. Ironically, it’s this border that keeps things interesting. It is common knowledge that the “white border” Patrick Ewing exists. Less common is the fact that three other cards have white border and even unfolded varieties. BGS even graded a Michael Jordan that they labeled as “Silver Border.” It is traditionally considered to be made up of four components, excluding variations: Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Sugar Ray Leonard. A more complete list includes three hockey players (Lemieux, Gretzky and Yzerman). There’s also rumors of uncut sheets from this set. The basketball players are the first basketball cards ever with an embossed component (I think?)! In short, keep your eyes open and expect the unexpected in this set!
The Card: A powerful, raised image of Patrick Ewing about to ascend towards the hoop makes for a memorable card. Trent Tucker looks on in the lower-left corner. This particular “White Border” variation is rare! PSA has three registered examples, two PSA 7 (22680080 and 22680081) and one PSA 5. The white variations of these cards were test cards produced by Action Packed. They then began printing the gold cards, but the NBA wouldn’t grant rights. So they stopped printing them and the word “Sample” was affixed to the back. The white versions are very rare! The 2001 Standard Catalog of Basketball Cards gave a price of $50. This might remain accurate. The difficulty is not in affording it, the difficulty is finding one.
In Short: Good luck finding this card! Once located, it is a special addition to a collection, revealing a lot of history about the basketball card production process.
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