Mike Pritchard
Wide Receiver · Colorado Buffaloes / Atlanta Falcons
1991 Classic Draft Picks - Premiere Edition ##36
Year & Era
1991 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Draft Pick Card
Grade
6.0 (EX-MT) estimated raw
Rarity
Common; massive print runs during the 1991 season mean this card is widely available in the marketplace.
Overall Assessment
A classic specimen of 1990s draft pick cards. While not a high-value asset, it is a nostalgic piece for fans of the early 90s Falcons or the Colorado Buffaloes 1990 championship era.
Condition Grade
6.0 (EX-MT) estimated raw
Centering Assessment
Front: Approx 65/35 Left-to-Right; Top-to-Bottom appears slightly better at 60/40. This is below the threshold for high-grade GEM MT status.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; visual inspection shows decent gloss, but common for this set are light surface scratches and potential wax stains from factory packaging.
Corner Condition
Lower right corner appears soft or slightly rounded. The other three corners show minor white chipping consistent with standard cardboard stock from 1991.
Edge Condition
Standard rough-cut edges typical of Classic production; minor chipping visible on the right vertical edge.
Print Quality
Average; color saturation is typical for the era. The patterned border design often hides minor print defects, but the photo clarity is soft compared to modern standards.
Estimated Value
USD $0.25 - $1.00
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy has slightly worse-than-average centering compared to the typical 'Top 100' set registry examples.
Authentication Tips
Look for the metallic gold foil '91' and the Premiere Edition logo. Counterfeits of this specific card are extremely rare as the market value does not incentivize forgery.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading ($15-$25+) significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears to be an authentic, un-altered original from a 1991 pack.
Provenance Notes
Distributed primarily through hobby boxes and jumbo packs in early 1991. These were staple inventory in card shops during the early 90s boom.
Historical Context
Pritchard was a star on the 1990 Colorado National Championship team and was the 13th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Market Trends
Stable/Low; common cards from the junk wax era are largely treated as bulk, though Colorado Buffaloes alumni collectors maintain minor interest.
Investment Potential
Low; due to the high population and the player's solid but non-Hall of Fame career, this card is unlikely to appreciate significantly.
Similar Cards
1991 Classic Brett Favre #30, 1991 Classic Herman Moore #11, 1991 Topps Mike Pritchard #444.
Display & Preservation
A standard penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient; it does not require UV-protected slabs unless held for sentimental reasons.
Interesting Facts
Mike Pritchard was one of the few players of the era who had success both as a wide receiver and as a return specialist early in his career.