Barry Sanders 1996 Fleer Premium 'Premium Player' Insert
Trading Card (Commercial Print on Cardstock) • Fleer/SkyBox International (Publisher); Staff Designers
Style & Movement
1990s Contemporary Sports Graphic Art / 'Junk Wax' Era High-End Insert Sub-style
Medium & Technique
Multi-layer lithography on cardstock with holographic foil stamping and refractive 'shimmer' coating.
Creation Period
1996
Dimensions & Format
Standard 2.5 x 3.5 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
NFL Running Back Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions in an action pose, set against a background of 'PREMIUM PLAYER' typography with a vibrant holographic rainbow finish.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; visible whitening/chipping on bottom edges and corner wear (soft corners), typical of foil-coated cards.
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $8.00 USD (Raw/Ungraded)
Auction Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD (Starting bid)
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial sports collectible; originally distributed in 1996 Fleer Premium football wax packs.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-90s shift in the hobby focusing on 'chase cards' using advanced foil technology to differentiate premium products from base sets.
Notable Features
High-gloss holographic foil that shifts color based on light angle; part of a specific 15-card insert set from the 1996 Fleer production run.
Condition Issues
Visible edge wear and fraying at the bottom; surface scratches likely present on the sensitive foil coating; centering appears slightly off-left.
Conservation Recommendations
Place in a non-PVC archive-grade semi-rigid holder or top-loader to prevent further edge chipping and surface oxidation.
Collector Notes
Worth