Hardy Nickerson
Linebacker (LB) · Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Action Packed #117
Year & Era
1994 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Veteran Card
Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Common; high print run from the mid-90s mass-production era.
Overall Assessment
A well-loved veteran card representing a core member of the 90s Bucs; primarily of interest to team collectors rather than investors.
Condition Grade
4 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
The back centering is heavily shifted toward the top-right, with roughly 70/30 distribution.
Surface Condition
Visible scuffing on the red border and significant wear near the 'Action Note' text section.
Corner Condition
Significant rounding and softening is visible on all four corners, particularly the bottom-right and top-left corners.
Edge Condition
Notable chipping and white exposed card stock along the top and right edges.
Print Quality
Standard for the set; utilizes gold-foil stamping and embossed '2D' effect which is hallmark of Action Packed cards.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows significantly more wear than the 'Near Mint' copies commonly found in bulk lots or factory sets.
Authentication Tips
Authenticity is verifiable through the raised embossing on the front (not shown) and the specific high-gloss card stock texture.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The cost of service exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No signs of counterfeit; however, the heavy corner wear suggests poor storage history.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from a standard commercial pack or a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team set from 1994.
Historical Context
Nickerson was a centerpiece of the 'Buccaneer Cove' defense and a 5-time Pro Bowler known as 'The Hardware Man'.
Market Trends
Stable/Low; non-rookie cards of defensive players from the 90s generally trade as bulk unless in GEM MT condition.
Investment Potential
Low; purely a nostalgia or player-collection item with minimal growth prospects.
Similar Cards
1994 Topps Hardy Nickerson, 1994 Score Hardy Nickerson, 1994 Action Packed Derrick Brooks (RC).
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient; standard cardboard storage is appropriate for the value.
Interesting Facts
The patent number listed on the back (#315,364) refers to the specific process used to create the embossed, rounded-corner cards.