Need Help Identifying this John Leclair Card

[WingNut]

Does anyone have any information on this card?

Screen Shot 2021-04-28 at 3.05.23 PM by Justin Ozrovitz, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2021-04-28 at 3.05.18 PM by Justin Ozrovitz, on Flickr

 

[weasel-king]

98-99 Topps Mystery Finest.

Had six versions total--Bronze, Silver, Gold; and a Refractor version of each.

This is probably one of the few sets where it is "acceptable" to peel off the film.

 

[penguinpr]

You don't always have to peel, though. It will say on the back whether or not it is a Refractor.

Also, you can usually tell which photo variation based on the pose because it tends to stand out when you look at the black film carefully.

 

[creasecollector]

Very interesting and thanks for sharing. Never seen that bold type of film before.

 

[Kharlamov17]

What a weird and fascinating card.

 

[BlindThomen]

Seems like your LeClair is a refractor.

Still remember pulling Modano Gold Refractor from a box back in the day. I think the box had a Selanne Mystery Finest too. It was a nice break.

- Sauli

 

[weasel-king]

It's also worth mentioning that the Bronze and Gold can--at least to me--be a little difficult to tell apart IF you don't have examples side-by-side. And we've all seen scans and cell phone pics that don't do justice to cards. The picture on the front will match the jersey on the back in that order--Bronze/Silver/Gold. (So the Gold Leclair will have an All-Star pic on the front.)

 

[quincy]

That is definitely a refractor - says so on the back next to his weight.

These are the Mystery Finests, and one of my favourite inserts ever. If you look carefully at the surface, you may be able to discern the outline of the player on the card and then match that up to the peeled versions scanned for auction. In this manner, you can determine which version you have - bronze, silver or gold - without peeling it.