Need help...what are OPC Color Proof cards?

[Breakaway Dealz]

Seen a few of these on ebay and just wonered why OPC are selling these..
Could someone please explain what these Proof cards are?

such as..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140388040237&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/1972-TOPPS-COLO...t=US_Hockey_Trading_Cards&hash=item2eb3c37142

Are these rare cards? What was the purpose of selling these?

Any help with information abt these would be greatly appreciated
thanks

 

[Hama]

They're cards where they print one or more colours to test and see how the ink is appearing on the cards before they finalize printing the actual cards. There are four colours in the printing process - black, cyan (blue), yellow and red. That's why you see four different printing plates for every card whenever they are inserted in say UD2 or The Cup.

They are legit - they're not the actual cards - but they are interesting in that they show how the cards are made - and is just another step in the process.

Over the last few years, Topps has been clearing out some excess stuff from their files that likely aren't required and along the way some of these proofs have made their way into the market - across all sports.