Thurman Thomas
Running Back · Buffalo Bills
Upper Deck Collector's Choice #390
Year & Era
1994 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Subset - The Collector's Choice (Artist Series)
Grade
7.0 (Near Mint) estimated
Rarity
Common; mass-produced during the height of the 1990s overproduction era.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic mid-90s card featuring high-quality sports illustration. Best suited for a Bills fan or a Thurman Thomas player collector, but not a financial investment piece.
Condition Grade
7.0 (Near Mint) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approx 65/35 Left-to-Right; heavily biased toward the right edge. Bottom border is also slightly thicker than top.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; clean appearance with no visible scratches or wax stains, though the matte finish of this set often shows minor surface scuffing upon close inspection.
Corner Condition
Slight softening visible on the bottom right and top right corners; white stock is showing through through the dark ink of the image.
Edge Condition
Excellent; minor white chipping visible along the left vertical edge where the dark background meets the border.
Print Quality
High; vibrant colors in the 'Vernon Wells' artwork. Sharp registration and clear typography typical of early Upper Deck products.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 raw; $15 - $25 graded at PSA 9/10 level.
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is below average for this set; most 1994 Collector's Choice cards generally have better L-R balance.
Authentication Tips
Check for the holofoil diamond logo on the card back (standard for Upper Deck) and ensure the paper stock is bright white, not cream-colored.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless sentimental. The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the card due to high population.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears to be an authentic, untouched original.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in 12-card hobby and retail packs; also found in factory sets. Features artwork by renowned sports artist Vernon Wells.
Historical Context
Thurman Thomas was the 1991 NFL MVP and a vital part of the Bills' four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. This 'Artist Series' subset celebrated elite players through illustration.
Market Trends
Stable/Low; common cards from 1990s Buffalo Bills players primarily interest team completionists rather than high-end investors.
Investment Potential
Low; as a non-rookie base subset card from a mass-produced era, it lacks significant growth drivers.
Similar Cards
1991 Upper Deck Thurman Thomas, 1994 Collector's Choice Jim Kelly, 1994 Collector's Choice Andre Reed.
Display & Preservation
Standard penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient for preservation.
Interesting Facts
The artist, Vernon Wells, also created iconic sports art for Upper Deck covers and murals; the Bills' 'K-Gun' offense featured three Hall of Famers including Thomas.