Tim Brown
Wide Receiver · Los Angeles / Oakland Raiders
1998 Topps Chrome Zone Out #ZO10
Year & Era
1998 — Modern Era
Card Type
Insert Refractor
Grade
Raw — appears Excellent-Mint (EX-MT 6 to 7)
Rarity
Uncommon insert from the late 90s chrome era, moderately scarce in high grades due to condition sensitivity of black borders.
Overall Assessment
A classic 1990s chrome insert featuring a Hall of Fame legend. While hindered by condition issues like corner wear and edge chipping, it remains a fantastic nostalgic piece for a Tim Brown or Raiders PC collector.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Excellent-Mint (EX-MT 6 to 7)
Centering Assessment
Front: Slightly heavy top-to-bottom and left-to-right off-center; Back centering unverified.
Surface Condition
Surface shows minor scuffing, a distinct vertical scratch/glare line, and potential fingerprinting typical of raw chrome cards from this era.
Corner Condition
Top-right corner shows visible rounding and minor fraying; bottom-right and bottom-left appear relatively sharp but display slight softening under close inspection.
Edge Condition
Edges show minor chipping along the dark borders, common for black-bordered Topps Chrome cards.
Print Quality
High gloss chrome finish with distinct reflectivity, though subject to standard 1998 Topps Chrome roller marks and print lines.
Estimated Value
$5 to $15 raw, potentially higher if graded in Gem Mint condition, though this specific copy is likely valued on the lower end due to corner and surface wear.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy falls below average for the set due to noticeable corner wear and edge chipping on the dark border compared to professionally graded Gem Mint specimens.
Authentication Tips
Verify the chrome gloss, textured or printed refractor sheen, standard Topps C-Logo in the bottom right, and authentic card stock weight.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading given the visible corner wear and surface imperfections, which would likely yield a mid-grade (PSA 5-7) not justifying grading fees.
Red Flags
No significant red flags of counterfeiting observed; normal wear and tear for a raw vintage-era modern insert.
Provenance Notes
Pulled from original 1998 Topps Chrome hobby packs or accumulated through secondary market singles collectors.
Historical Context
Tim Brown was a legendary wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner who spent the vast majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Raiders, retiring with massive career receiving numbers.
Market Trends
Stable demand for Hall of Fame wide receivers, with vintage and 90s inserts maintaining a steady niche following among nostalgic collectors.
Investment Potential
Hold category; stable collector piece for a PC (Personal Collection) rather than a high-growth financial investment due to condition limitations.
Similar Cards
1998 Topps Chrome Randy Moss Rookie, 1998 Topps Chrome Peyton Manning, and other inserts from the Zone Out subset featuring contemporaries like Jerry Rice or Cris Carter.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve followed by a rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder, kept away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Interesting Facts
Tim Brown was the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy (1987) before embarking on a stellar 16-season career primarily with the Raiders franchise.