Why are Crusades so hot?

[boomo]

could someone post exact;y what 98 products they were in, and the odds of getting at least a green? was it one per box? i wouldnt mind ripping some 98, just dont wanna rip the wrong thing. thanks

 

[magicpapa]

The first 100 veteran cards were skip numbered across Donruss, Leaf, and Donruss Update brands. However, each card was only available in one product. The following list details the card #, player and which product in which it was released. Players appearing in a Call to Arms format are designated with a CTA.

#1 Tim Salmon - Donruss Update
#2 Garret Anderson - Donruss Update
#3 Jim Edmonds CTA - Leaf
#4 Darin Erstad CTA - Leaf
#5 Jason Dickson - Donruss
#6 Todd Greene - Donruss
#7 Roberto Alomar CTA - Donruss
#8 Cal Ripken Jr. - Donruss
#9 Rafael Palmeiro CTA - Donruss Update
#10 Brady Anderson - Donruss
#11 Mike Mussina - Leaf
#12 Mo Vaughn CTA - Donruss
#13 Nomar Garciaparra - Donruss
#14 Frank Thomas CTA - Donruss Update
#15 Albert Belle CTA - Leaf
#16 Mike Cameron - Donruss
#17 Robin Ventura - Donruss Update
#18 Manny Ramirez - Leaf
#19 Jim Thome CTA - Leaf
#20 Sandy Alomar Jr. - Donruss
#21 David Justice - Donruss
#22 Matt Williams - Donruss Update
#23 Tony Clark - Donruss Update
#24 Bubba Trammell - Leaf
#25 Justin Thompson - Donruss
#26 Bobby Higginson - Leaf
#27 Kevin Appier - Donruss
#28 Paul Molitor - Leaf
#29 Chuck Knoblauch CTA - Donruss Update
#30 Todd Walker - Leaf
#31 Bernie Williams - Donruss Update
#32 Derek Jeter CTA - Donruss Update
#33 Tino Martinez - Donruss
#34 Andy Pettitte - Leaf
#35 Wade Boggs CTA - Leaf
#36 Hideki Irabu - Donruss
#37 Jose Canseco - Donruss
#38 Jason Giambi - Donruss Update
#39 Ken Griffey Jr. - Donruss
#40 Alex Rodriguez CTA - Leaf
#41 Randy Johnson - Leaf
#42 Edgar Martinez - Donruss
#43 Jay Buhner CTA - Donruss Update
#44 Juan Gonzalez CTA - Donruss Update
#45 Will Clark - Donruss
#46 Ivan Rodriguez - Leaf
#47 Rusty Greer - Donruss
#48 Roger Clemens - Leaf
#49 Carlos Delgado - Donruss Update
#50 Shawn Green - Donruss
#51 Jose Cruz Jr. - Donruss
#52 Kenny Lofton - Donruss
#53 Chipper Jones - Donruss
#54 Andruw Jones CTA - Leaf
#55 Greg Maddux - Donruss Update
#56 John Smoltz CTA - Leaf
#57 Tom Glavine - Donruss Update
#58 Javier Lopez - Leaf
#59 Fred McGriff - Leaf
#60 Mark Grace - Donruss Update
#61 Sammy Sosa CTA - Donruss Update
#62 Kevin Orie - Donruss
#63 Barry Larkin CTA - Donruss Update
#64 Pokey Reese - Leaf
#65 Deion Sanders - Donruss
#66 Andres Galarraga - Leaf
#67 Larry Walker - Donruss
#68 Dante Bichette CTA - Donruss
#69 Neifi Perez - Donruss Update
#70 Eric Young - Leaf
#71 Todd Helton - Donruss
#72 Gary Sheffield CTA - Donruss Update
#73 Moises Alou - Leaf
#74 Bobby Bonilla - Donruss
#75 Kevin Brown - Donruss
#76 Ben Grieve - Leaf
#77 Jeff Bagwell CTA - Donruss Update
#78 Craig Biggio - Donruss
#79 Mike Piazza - Leaf
#80 Raul Mondesi - Donruss Update
#81 Hideo Nomo CTA - Donruss Update
#82 Wilton Guerrero - Donruss
#83 Rondell White CTA - Donruss Update
#84 Vladimir Guerrero CTA - Donruss Update
#85 Pedro Martinez - Donruss
#86 Edgardo Alfonzo - Donruss
#87 Todd Hundley CTA - Donruss Update
#88 Scott Rolen - Donruss
#89 Francisco Cordova - Donruss
#90 Jose Guillen - Donruss
#91 Jason Kendall - Leaf
#92 Ray Lankford - Donruss
#93 Mark McGwire CTA - Donruss
#94 Matt Morris - Donruss
#95 Alan Benes - Leaf
#96 Brian Jordan CTA - Donruss Update
#97 Tony Gwynn - Leaf
#98 Ken Caminiti CTA - Leaf
#99 Barry Bonds CTA - Donruss Update
#100 Shawn Estes - Donruss

Cards numbered #101-#130 were issued in the fall of 1998 in Leaf Rookies & Stars, and were serial numbered in the same fashion as previous Crusades (Green 250, Purple 100, Red 25). All cards in this issue are of the regular Crusade format (no Call to Arms in these numbers). Cards with no serial numbering do exist, leading some to believe that stock that may have been intended for damaged card replacement was leaked out the "backdoor" during the Pinnacle Brands bankruptcy (more on that in the next section). The checklist for these cards are:

#101 Richard Hidalgo
#102 Paul Konerko
#103 Miguel Tejada
#104 Fernando Tatis
#105 Travis Lee
#106 Wes Helms
#107 Rich Butler
#108 Mark Kotsay
#109 Eli Marrero
#110 David Ortiz
#111 Juan Encarnacion
#112 Jaret Wright
#113 Livan Hernandez
#114 Ron Wright
#115 Ryan Christenson
#116 Eric Milton
#117 Brad Fullmer
#118 Karim Garcia
#119 Abraham Nunez
#120 Ricky Ledee
#121 Carl Pavano
#122 Derrek Lee
#123 A.J. Hinch
#124 Brian Rose
#125 Bobby Estalella
#126 Kevin Millwood
#127 Kerry Wood
#128 Sean Casey
#129 Russell Branyan
#130 Magglio Ordonez

 

[smapdi]

They were hard to pull. Maybe 1 per case, depending on the product. I watched a guy open most of a case of Donruss Update, I think it was. I think that product was 32 small boxes, but I might be misremembering. Anyway, he took the last few boxes to open at home. I heard he did pull a Crusade of a scrub, but just the one.

Interesting collector, that guy. After he left, the dealer told me he came into his shop 4-5 times a year and never opened less than 2 cases of whatever struck his fancy. He was a contractor who worked out of town a lot but would just come in and rip. He never sold or traded his stuff, just stuck it in a storage room I guess to admire later privately. That day he had opened a case of UD basketball and gotten I think a Jordan jersey, which was a brand new thing at the time.

 

[gracecollector]

could someone post exact;y what 98 products they were in, and the odds of getting at least a green? was it one per box? i wouldnt mind ripping some 98, just dont wanna rip the wrong thing. thanks

Magic answered your question, but if you want even more info, I wrote up this info blog awhile back.

Donruss Crusade Info

 

[Brewer Andy]

Every time these come up, I wish one of my guys were in the set. Pretty sure the checklist doesn't contain a single Brewer haha. Those were some rough years

 

[subject to change]

Every time these come up, I wish one of my guys were in the set. Pretty sure the checklist doesn't contain a single Brewer haha. Those were some rough years

Try being a Pirate fan. There isn't a single Pirate in just about every decent looking insert set (rare or not) released through the mid 90's and early 00's.

Thanks to magic for the checklist. I had no idea there were multiple Pirates that had Crusades. Looks like I'll be beginning the hunt for them a bit late in the game.

 

[theplasticman]

Love these!

 

[AmishDave]

I still regret selling my Mike Cameron Red ...

 

[clarkfan]

After passing on a Will Clark Red in 2000 or so ($250ish), I actively searched for my player for 10 plus years and finally found one earlier this year (from a fellow Will Clark collector of course). They simply just don't show up for auction and like someone mentioned earlier, few people buy these to flip or invest in, it goes into an elite player collection and will never be sold. I didn't have too much problem getting the green & purple, but damn those reds. This was a rare opportunity for all of us when one of the top collections of Crusades got sold. I consider myself very very lucky to be able to get his set of Will's. I love having it as an extra.

 

[ajbraves25]

I found a Jeter Purple #/100 at a show, but the print run numbers come through to the front a bit and I passed on it. I didn't think I would be able to move it with that defect.

Is that something that is common or is that card ruined. I don't know that much about them either

~AJ

 

[Philip J. Fry]

I found a Jeter Purple #/100 at a show, but the print run numbers come through to the front a bit and I passed on it. I didn't think I would be able to move it with that defect.

Is that something that is common or is that card ruined. I don't know that much about them either

~AJ

I bet you still would have made your money back on it.

 

[Adamsince1981]

I doubt I'm the only person that feels that some of the prices I see for these cards are a bit silly. And, while I agree that these cards are attractive, there are many cards from the 90's I'd put before them. That being said, I don't think the look has a huge impact on the prices.

The points that have already been stated such as: serial numbered, 3 different versions, large checklist, couldn't get them in 1 single product, and you have set, player, and team collectors all going after this set drive the price much more than the look. I worked at a card shop from 2000-2005 and NEVER had anyone ask for a Crusade insert. I'd really like to know some sale prices from 1998-2006 and then record of the last 3 years.

I also think that, yet again, this board has impacted the prices. Especially the griffey collectors thread and the 90's insert thread. I really think more and more player and team collectors feel like the crusades are a must.

If Griffey was in his Mariners uniform in both of these cards, I'd much rather have the Gold Label. But the hype isn't there for the Gold Label, much like 99% of the other inserts that are very attractive.
[ebay:1bykdhj1]160373889656[/ebay:1bykdhj1]
[ebay:1bykdhj1]290363900550[/ebay:1bykdhj1]

The new Crusade market reminds me a little of the prospect market. There are very smart, patient, and grounded prospectors that stick to their formula. But there are also many that just want to have the it card or want a card so they can show off.

All I can say, is those holding the cursades have to be smiling.

 

[donrusscrusademan]

I doubt I'm the only person that feels that some of the prices I see for these cards are a bit silly. And, while I agree that these cards are attractive, there are many cards from the 90's I'd put before them. That being said, I don't think the look has a huge impact on the prices.

The points that have already been stated such as: serial numbered, 3 different versions, large checklist, couldn't get them in 1 single product, and you have set, player, and team collectors all going after this set drive the price much more than the look. I worked at a card shop from 2000-2005 and NEVER had anyone ask for a Crusade insert. I'd really like to know some sale prices from 1998-2006 and then record of the last 3 years.

I also think that, yet again, this board has impacted the prices. Especially the griffey collectors thread and the 90's insert thread. I really think more and more player and team collectors feel like the crusades are a must.

If Griffey was in his Mariners uniform in both of these cards, I'd much rather have the Gold Label. But the hype isn't there for the Gold Label, much like 99% of the other inserts that are very attractive.
[ebay:aqbh7gbk]160373889656[/ebay:aqbh7gbk]
[ebay:aqbh7gbk]290363900550[/ebay:aqbh7gbk]

The new Crusade market reminds me a little of the prospect market. There are very smart, patient, and grounded prospectors that stick to their formula. But there are also many that just want to have the it card or want a card so they can show off.

All I can say, is those holding the cursades have to be smiling.

the gold card looks kind of cheapy Imo

 

[Philip J. Fry]

That Gold Label is just...meh. It's almost as if Topps wasn't even trying. "Look, we made a die-cut card! No one has ever done this before!" And that's where the Crusades succeed...no one attempted such a large insert set across multiple brands at the time, and the Crusades were a one-time thing. Donruss attempted the set again when they came back earlier this decade, but it sucked. And that's putting it nicely.

 

[bigalbert]

I doubt I'm the only person that feels that some of the prices I see for these cards are a bit silly. And, while I agree that these cards are attractive, there are many cards from the 90's I'd put before them. That being said, I don't think the look has a huge impact on the prices.

The points that have already been stated such as: serial numbered, 3 different versions, large checklist, couldn't get them in 1 single product, and you have set, player, and team collectors all going after this set drive the price much more than the look. I worked at a card shop from 2000-2005 and NEVER had anyone ask for a Crusade insert. I'd really like to know some sale prices from 1998-2006 and then record of the last 3 years.

I also think that, yet again, this board has impacted the prices. Especially the griffey collectors thread and the 90's insert thread. I really think more and more player and team collectors feel like the crusades are a must.

If Griffey was in his Mariners uniform in both of these cards, I'd much rather have the Gold Label. But the hype isn't there for the Gold Label, much like 99% of the other inserts that are very attractive.
[ebay:3qc77l5o]160373889656[/ebay:3qc77l5o]
[ebay:3qc77l5o]290363900550[/ebay:3qc77l5o]

The new Crusade market reminds me a little of the prospect market. There are very smart, patient, and grounded prospectors that stick to their formula. But there are also many that just want to have the it card or want a card so they can show off.

All I can say, is those holding the cursades have to be smiling.

I have the gold labels of Cal and the crusades and I'd much rather have the crusades. JMO.

 

[Fandruw25]

I doubt I'm the only person that feels that some of the prices I see for these cards are a bit silly. And, while I agree that these cards are attractive, there are many cards from the 90's I'd put before them. That being said, I don't think the look has a huge impact on the prices.

The points that have already been stated such as: serial numbered, 3 different versions, large checklist, couldn't get them in 1 single product, and you have set, player, and team collectors all going after this set drive the price much more than the look. I worked at a card shop from 2000-2005 and NEVER had anyone ask for a Crusade insert. I'd really like to know some sale prices from 1998-2006 and then record of the last 3 years.

I also think that, yet again, this board has impacted the prices. Especially the griffey collectors thread and the 90's insert thread. I really think more and more player and team collectors feel like the crusades are a must.

If Griffey was in his Mariners uniform in both of these cards, I'd much rather have the Gold Label. But the hype isn't there for the Gold Label, much like 99% of the other inserts that are very attractive.
[ebay:2comjyxm]160373889656[/ebay:2comjyxm]
[ebay:2comjyxm]290363900550[/ebay:2comjyxm]

The new Crusade market reminds me a little of the prospect market. There are very smart, patient, and grounded prospectors that stick to their formula. But there are also many that just want to have the it card or want a card so they can show off.

All I can say, is those holding the cursades have to be smiling.

The gold label cards don't even come close to looking as nice when held side by side. The only other issues I can think of that are comparable, both in looks and prices, would be the 96 selects and the 97 totally certified.

Also, I don't think that the board is responsible for driving up the prices as much you seem to imply. Many collectors looked for years for these issues before tracking down their guy. For instance, it took me 4-5 years to track down a purple and almost 8 years to find a red. Just because I bought them now doesn't mean I wasn't looking and I'm sure many collectors are in the same boat.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Prices people pay for cards in general are pretty silly...

But with that said the cards in greatest demand will ALWAYS be the cards most sought out by both player AND set collectors - period, end of discussion.

Furthermore, yes there were/are two-three people who tried to corner the market on these Crusades during the last ten or so years, and yes they have used the same tactics prospectors traditionally use to sell their cards. Perhaps the biggest advantage these Crusades and similar cards have over prospects in general is that people actually know who these guys are and are much more likely to retain value and collector interest in general.

I doubt I'm the only person that feels that some of the prices I see for these cards are a bit silly. And, while I agree that these cards are attractive, there are many cards from the 90's I'd put before them. That being said, I don't think the look has a huge impact on the prices.

The points that have already been stated such as: serial numbered, 3 different versions, large checklist, couldn't get them in 1 single product, and you have set, player, and team collectors all going after this set drive the price much more than the look. I worked at a card shop from 2000-2005 and NEVER had anyone ask for a Crusade insert. I'd really like to know some sale prices from 1998-2006 and then record of the last 3 years.

I also think that, yet again, this board has impacted the prices. Especially the griffey collectors thread and the 90's insert thread. I really think more and more player and team collectors feel like the crusades are a must.

If Griffey was in his Mariners uniform in both of these cards, I'd much rather have the Gold Label. But the hype isn't there for the Gold Label, much like 99% of the other inserts that are very attractive.
[ebay:usxoif7p]160373889656[/ebay:usxoif7p]
[ebay:usxoif7p]290363900550[/ebay:usxoif7p]

The new Crusade market reminds me a little of the prospect market. There are very smart, patient, and grounded prospectors that stick to their formula. But there are also many that just want to have the it card or want a card so they can show off.

All I can say, is those holding the cursades have to be smiling.

 

[Adamsince1981]

I'm not trying to say the Gold Labels are better. I was showing that as a price comparison. Both are attractive inserts that are numbered to 100.

While your opinions are valid. They are coming from a user named crusade man and 2 guys with Crusade inserts in their sig. It is pretty clear that you guys LOVE these inserts.

My point is, while they are pretty, the prices are based on hype and the factors discussed.

 

[thenumberonemetfan]

I'm not trying to say the Gold Labels are better. I was showing that as a price comparison. Both are attractive inserts that are numbered to 100.

While your opinions are valid. They are coming from a user named crusade man and 2 guys with Crusade inserts in their sig. It is pretty clear that you guys LOVE these inserts.

My point is, while they are pretty, the prices are based on hype and the factors discussed.

You are right but cant that be said for any card that demands high prices?

 

[Adamsince1981]

I'm not trying to say the Gold Labels are better. I was showing that as a price comparison. Both are attractive inserts that are numbered to 100.

While your opinions are valid. They are coming from a user named crusade man and 2 guys with Crusade inserts in their sig. It is pretty clear that you guys LOVE these inserts.

My point is, while they are pretty, the prices are based on hype and the factors discussed.

You are right but cant that be said for any card that demands high prices?

Yes, I guess for me the major key to the success of Crusades is the fact that it was a large checklist spread out over various products. Everything else seems to be equal.

I just don't see the added value in these over other great looking and rare 90's inserts that don't get the love.