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In the late 80′s and early 90′s Printers were looking at ways to improve the printing process. One of the problems was that too many chemicals were used in printing and exposure and caused health concerns for factory workers. These chemicals also added cost to the printing process that card companies sought to eliminate all together. Some of the sheets worked, some didn’t and as anything in printing with inconsistent results goes the process was scrapped.
The Donruss company had a few boxes of the 1990 Donruss “Aqueous Test” boxes get out to the public and player collectors typically fight over their player. The top stars can see big time auction value. Recently some unopened packs hit ebay, this drew in player collectors and speculators a like as some were looking for the elusive superstar such as George Brett while others merely wanted to try their luck with a high end pack.
One FCB user hit the jackpot with a super star laden pack. It contained Nolan Ryan, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, and Dale Murphy all in the same pack. This guy flipped a $300 pack into at least $3000 as the Nolan Ryan sells for about $1800 and the Mattingly is at about $1200.
If buying these yourself, be aware that these are now frequently faked. You have to do your home work and know what a real test card of that specific player looks like. Here are a few points to consider when shopping. The Aqueous test slanted print on the back of the card is always in the same place for every player. Every Hershiser will have the test words printed in exactly the same place with exactly the same slant, but other players may have different placement. The words “Aqueous Test” are actually printed on the card. This is not a stamp, and it will not look like it is thrown on top of other inks on the back of the card. Mind the font face, because all of the real cards use the same size and style. Keep an eye on this thread for more information on this new pack find as it develops. Hit read more to to see a full checklist of what cards come in Aqueous form.
The Donruss company had a few boxes of the 1990 Donruss “Aqueous Test” boxes get out to the public and player collectors typically fight over their player. The top stars can see big time auction value. Recently some unopened packs hit ebay, this drew in player collectors and speculators a like as some were looking for the elusive superstar such as George Brett while others merely wanted to try their luck with a high end pack.
One FCB user hit the jackpot with a super star laden pack. It contained Nolan Ryan, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, and Dale Murphy all in the same pack. This guy flipped a $300 pack into at least $3000 as the Nolan Ryan sells for about $1800 and the Mattingly is at about $1200.
If buying these yourself, be aware that these are now frequently faked. You have to do your home work and know what a real test card of that specific player looks like. Here are a few points to consider when shopping. The Aqueous test slanted print on the back of the card is always in the same place for every player. Every Hershiser will have the test words printed in exactly the same place with exactly the same slant, but other players may have different placement. The words “Aqueous Test” are actually printed on the card. This is not a stamp, and it will not look like it is thrown on top of other inks on the back of the card. Mind the font face, because all of the real cards use the same size and style. Keep an eye on this thread for more information on this new pack find as it develops. Hit read more to to see a full checklist of what cards come in Aqueous form.
I've got 2 of the Cal Ripkens and probably overpaid a bit for each now, but luckily they didn't go over $500!
