Wade Wilson
Quarterback · Minnesota Vikings
Pro Set Collect-A-Books ##11
Year & Era
1990 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Folding Collectible Mini-Book
Grade
Raw — Good (3-4 estimated)
Rarity
Extremely Common; massive print runs during 1990 with very low secondary market demand.
Overall Assessment
A common 1990s collectible in poor-to-fair condition featuring a mid-tier veteran player. Of interest only to Vikings completionists or Wade Wilson fans.
Condition Grade
Raw — Good (3-4 estimated)
Centering Assessment
Moderate top-heavy centering on the name banner; borders appear narrow/fuzzy due to the card's format.
Surface Condition
Fair/Poor — heavy blurring on the image, noticeable light reflections, and potential creasing along the spine area.
Corner Condition
Rounded — heavy wear visible on the top-left and top-right corners with white exposure/paper loss.
Edge Condition
Rough — significant chipping and softening along the top edge and left perimeter.
Print Quality
Average for the era — utilizes standard Pro Set photography which was often grainy; noticeable lack of focus in this specific copy.
Estimated Value
$0.25 - $1.00
Comparison to Known Examples
Lower quality than typical survivor copies; most kept in boxes are sharper than this heavily-handled example.
Authentication Tips
Look for the metallic Pro Set logo and specific card stock used in folding books; counterfeiting is non-existent for this low-value item.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading; costs would significantly exceed market value.
Red Flags
None in terms of authenticity, however, the heavy corner wear and blurring are significant condition red flags.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in plastic-wrapped sets or individual packs via retail outlets like Kmart and Walmart in 1990.
Historical Context
Wade Wilson was a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Vikings in 1988 and later a long-time NFL coach.
Market Trends
Flat; Junk Wax Era non-rookie cards from Pro Set have seen no significant appreciation in value.
Investment Potential
Minimal to none; suggested as a nostalgia piece or player collection filler only.
Similar Cards
1990 Pro Set Base, 1990 Score, 1990 Topps Wade Wilson cards.
Display & Preservation
Standard penny sleeve or storage box; the card is thicker/folded so it does not fit standard 20pt top loaders.
Interesting Facts
The Collect-A-Books series was an attempt to make cards more interactive by including a small 'biography' inside the fold.