Third Lankford of 2024 ... Sort Of

Any player collector who is a member of TCDB has their opinion on what constitutes a new card when there is a slight variation.  Donruss sets from the early 1990s are notorious for missing periods or having slight border differences.  For the most part, I did not actively seek the Ray Lankford variations.  I was lucky enough to find another Cardinals collector who had most of them, and we worked out a trade last fall.

Topps was not exempt from the craze.  1991 flagship had some glow backs and dark logos, while Stadium Club had cards with 1 or 2 * on the back.  Topps took things to the next level with 1993 Topps Gold contest cards.  Collectors can chase after cards with contest backs, checklists backs, and A, B , C, D versions.  Very confusing.  Lankford has 8 different versions.  My 5th different card arrived from EBAY earlier this week. 

You almost have to get out a magnifying glass to make out the players.  Lankford is the last card on the second row.

An up close scan is not much better.  At least you can make out the Cardinals uniform.  This treasure cost me about $2.  One of the other versions is more rare and goes fro $10-15.  I am not quite ready to pay that price for this type of card.  My player collecting insanity does have its limits.