Cris Carter
Wide Receiver · Minnesota Vikings
Action Packed #Not visible
Year & Era
1992 -- Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
Raw -- appears Good to Very Good
Rarity
Common mass-produced base card from the early 1990s Junk Wax Era with a very high print run and abundant population.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic 1992 Action Packed base card of Hall of Famer Cris Carter with notable condition issues including heavy corner wear and off-center printing. Ideal for a low-cost player PC or nostalgic collector, but lacking financial or investment grade appeal.
Condition Grade
Raw -- appears Good to Very Good
Centering Assessment
Front: Off-center with heavy bias to the left and top; Back: Not inspected
Surface Condition
Fair to Good. Heavy wear is visible on the embossed surface features, with chipping and scuffing on the gold foil border and image area.
Corner Condition
Poor. Significant rounding and wear visible on multiple corners, particularly the top-left and bottom-left.
Edge Condition
Fair. Noticeable chipping along the edges, especially along the right-side gold foil border and bottom edge.
Print Quality
Typical for Action Packed cards of this era, featuring 3D embossed elements, though prone to flaking of the gold foil and surface wear.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 raw
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy falls well below average condition standards due to heavy corner wear, edge chipping, and off-center alignment compared to well-preserved raw or graded 9/10 copies.
Authentication Tips
Look for authentic Action Packed embossing depth and proper card stock thickness. Counterfeits are virtually nonexistent for common base cards of this era due to low market value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (PSA/BGS/SGC) far exceeds the market value of the card given its condition issues.
Red Flags
No significant red flags of counterfeiting or alteration, just natural heavy wear and corner/edge damage from handling and storage.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed via Action Packed wax or foil packs during the early 1990s hobby boom. Sourced typically from legacy collections or loose bulk lots.
Historical Context
Cris Carter was one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s, known for his exceptional hands and route running. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Market Trends
Stable to low-demand market. Cris Carter HOF items hold nostalgic value, but common base cards from the early 90s generally trade for minimal value unless in pristine gem mint condition.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential for this specific copy due to condition flaws and high original print runs. Best suited for set builders or personal fan collections.
Similar Cards
1992 Score Cris Carter, 1992 Topps Cris Carter, 1992 Pro Set Cris Carter
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top loader to prevent further corner and edge degradation. Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
Interesting Facts
Action Packed cards are famous for their unique 3D embossed leather-like or glossy plastic relief style, making them stand out visually from traditional flat cardboard sets of the era.