It was a seldom seen redemption card from 2007-08 Bowman Sterling Basketball that featured the best Larry Bird & Magic Johnson autographed card.  Sure, we’ve seen plenty of their dual autos from Upper Deck and Topps, all using the new technology and featuring game-used items.  This card was something even better and only 10 copies were available.

This redemption card was for an authentic 1981 Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie card, signed in gold ink and hand #’d /10 copies.

By the looks of this auction, Topps had a strict deadline for these and sent back any expired redemptions with a company seal (Ouch, that’s pretty bad).  Anyone that actually pulled one from packs and sent into Topps in time, got one these pictured below.

The card came graded by BGS w/ the Topps logo, although I’m not sure why they used a gold label for a “7″ grade.  Despite that, the card is one truly amazing collectable and judging by this auction (has a reserve), they are rare and extremely expensive.

If these are too rich for your blood, check out some of these other Bird/Magic autographs available.  One of them might fit well in your collection and you can celebrate one of the best basketball rivalries ever.

1993-94 Skybox Hoops Certified Dual Auto (The Original & Classic Card from the 90′s!)

2006-07 Topps Luxury Box Dual Auto Jersey /79

2008-09 UD Exquisite Dual Auto /25

2010 UD Ultimate Collection Dual Auto /25

and one of the most incredible looking cards Upper Deck has ever released (thus making it VERY expensive)…

2007-08 UD Chronology Dual Auto /10

Just as these have started to completely dry up and see some crazy prices, a Las Vegas base seller listed one of each Panini Hall Of Fame Dream Team Autos for sale via auction format.  Some of them are getting out of hand early, but others are still sitting low.

If you have any thoughts of buying your favorite Dream Team player or want to make the set, this is your chance.  That holiday money should help your wallet feel a little better after it’s all said and done.

Chris Mullin

Clyde Drexler

Scottie Pippen

Magic Johnson

John Stockton

It should be noted that we have still not seen a single copy of these players.  I’m starting to think they never were produced, but Panini hasn’t disclosed any info.

Christian Laettner
David Robinson
Charles Barkley
Patrick Ewing
Karl Malone

Welcome to the first major screw-up of the 2010 product line from Panini!

If you pulled a Jordan Swagerty autograph from 2010 Panini Elite Extra Edition, you might have done a double take at the ink.  You might be thinking, who is this Jordan Swagerty and why does his signature look like Magic Johnson?  Well, it’s because it is a Magic Johnson autograph on all of Swagerty’s cards.

Queue the “Oh Shit” meter.

Not only is it amazing to see that every single Jordan Swagerty has been hijacked by Magic, but even the patch/autographs have the autograph — on fabric — with the completely wrong school logo.  Johnson went to Michigan State and Swagerty went to Arizona State University, so something truly went wrong.

Queue the “Double Oh Shit” meter.

The prices for these Swagerty autos have been astonishing, given the screw-up, which is also completely confusing.  Magic Johnson autographs have become quite plentiful on the market, yet these cards are almost selling for as much as his correct cards.  Meanwhile, the real Swagerty autographs (he has past USA autos) sell for almost nothing.

So, what do you do if you want a real Swagerty to complete your Elite set?  Will panini offer a replacement?  Will you take a replacement?

I reported earlier on the new Panini Hall Of Fame Dream Team Autographs and their potential craziness on the eBay market.  Well, it’s even crazier than anyone though and still climbing.  Some auctions were being bought immediately in the $150-250 range for players, but now the prices have almost doubled on a few since the product hit.

Check out some of the recent sales…

Scottie Pippen #’d /49 & Auction #2 – $180/$200 increase in a week!

Magic Johnson #’d /44 – $200 increase in a week!

Chris Mullin #’d /49 – $50 increase in a week! One more listed.

Clyde Drexler #’d /49 – Only one to sell so far. One more listed.

Larry Bird #’d /49 - $200 increase in a week!

It’s also worth noting that we have yet to see any of the following players hit the market.  Either they are too tough to pull, or people aren’t breaking a lot of the product.

Christian Laettner
David Robinson
Charles Barkley
Patrick Ewing
Karl Malone

I feel sorry for any deep pocketed collector trying to make this Dream Team Set.