When it comes to your standard $100-per-box football release, absolutely nothing competes with Upper Deck’s SP Authentic brand. You’ve got relatively decent odds of pulling a big name, but more importantly, when you do pull a big name, the card stands the test of time.
Going back to the early 2000s, SP Authentic has been the rookie card. In 2000 and 2001, they hadn’t yet introduced the autograph patches, but that would change in 2002. It’s easy to see why these cards hold their value and are one, if not the most, collected sets out there.
Upper Deck unfortunately lost their license in 2010, but their cards are still some of the best looking cards on the market. I’m not one for event used stuff, especially the rookie premiere stuff, but your collection will be lacking if you don’t grab at least one.
They’re hard signed. They’re incredibly designed. They’ve got a nice little swatch. Over the past ten years, absolutely nothing stands up to SPA.
