Best Game Used Sets?

[dodgerblue]

Hi all -

Given all the discourse regarding cards with game used memorabilia (especially in light of rampant patch faking, topps mixing up 2012 TTT laundry tags, etc.), I got to thinking, are there ANY game used sets that still maintain their integrity and are worth pursuing?

I know that in recent years, card companies have been consistently using the vague legalese i.e. "the relics contained in this card are not from any specific game, event or season" and it's rare to find the source of the relic, such as a photo, on the card back, anymore. I know this used to be done - 2002 Fabric of the Game comes to mind. In my mind, this would make these cards and sets more desirable.

In another thread, somebody mentioned the Great American Treasures set from 2001 Leaf Rookie and Stars.

Alot of people are plainly against game used, and that is fine. I am well aware of some of the key argument points. However, I would like to know more about "good" game used sets, so would prefer people respond with any suggestions, opinions, photos of cards/sets that may fall under this category. Thx.

 

[clarkfan]

I liked the 2003 Topps Gallery ARTifact Set (jersey and bats). It had lots of the vintage guys that don't get oversaturated in the market with game used material cards (Edd Rousch, Chuck Klein, Joe Tinker, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Hank Greenberg, George Sisler), but had a lot of SP's that can get expensive (Eddie Mathews). Some are high, some are good value, but a cool set. I tried for the set as well, but it's a definite tough one to complete due to the SP's.

 

[jbhofmann]

2007 Sweet Spot Classics
2001 Fleer 125th Anniversary Red Sox Splendid Splinters

 

[ChasHawk]

As long as you know to look out for fake jumbo patches, 2005 Absolute Tools of the Trade is it...period.

 

[jbhofmann]

2009 Ultimate Jumbos
2005 Sweet Spot Classics Jumbos

 

[hofmichael]

2001 SP Legendary Cuts bat set had some great names in it as well.The Joe Jackson is one of the best modern cards made.

 

[George_Calfas]

500 HR Club
FOTGs

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

I love and am working on the 2001 Topps Tribute Retired Jersey GU set. I am partial to it because I edited the set and chose the photos, but I also know that Topps used third party authenticators for all of the GU items. There were a couple of items that did not pass and were subsequently excluded. Plus, it's a nice design and big, strong checklist.

 

[mudflap02]

2001 Leaf R&S Great American Treasures is an amazing set.

I would love to buy a complete set, but I can't imagine building that one.

 

[katieneack]

2001 Leaf Certified Materials Fabric of the Game

 

[A_Pharis]

A lot of early 2000's DLP stuff included pics of the GU items that the swatches were cut from. FOTG is a great set.

 

[bongo870]

 

[MojoDan]

If you are a fan of patches, 2004 SP Game Used was a phenomenal product.

 

[csmtampa]

 

[jcmint]

agreed that set screams classic literally

2001 SP Legendary Cuts bat set had some great names in it as well.The Joe Jackson is one of the best modern cards made.

 

[TBTwinsFan]

I liked 2011 Heritage myself.


Not really iconic, just a favorite

 

[jflan702]

As long as you know to look out for fake jumbo patches, 2005 Absolute Tools of the Trade is it...period.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

enough said.

 

[hive17]

2 underrated favorites:

and

 

[BunchOBull]

 

[dodgerblue]

Man, that FT Home Opener Souvenirs cards is sick!

Thanks for all the great input everyone. I just spent an hour researching everyone's suggestions on ebay, just to get a better idea of what the cards looks like and everything. So many good options!