1997-98 Metal Universe Allen Iverson Basketball Card #13
Collectible Trading Card, Mass-produced Lithograph on Metallic Foil Cardstock • Fleer/SkyBox International (Publisher), Graphic Design Team at Marvel/SkyBox
Style & Movement
90s Retro-futurism, Pop Art, High-Tech Commercial Design
Medium & Technique
Multi-layered offset lithography with foil embossing and 'PMG' style texture etching on silver-to-gold foil substrate
Creation Period
1997-1998
Dimensions & Format
2.5 x 3.5 inches, Portrait orientation, Standard trading card size
Subject Description
Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers in a red jersey, depicted in a surreal cosmic environment with multiple planets, one of which functions as a basketball. The background features concentric etched golden circular patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible chipping/wear along the top and bottom edges; surface silvering/rubbing on the bottom left corner.
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 (based on raw condition)
Auction Estimate
$15.00 - $40.00
Provenance History
Mass-produced for retail; currently located on a display board with handwritten inventory numbers and tags.
Art Historical Significance
A staple of late-90s basketball card design, the Metal Universe set is highly regarded for its innovative use of textures and non-traditional backgrounds, departing from standard photography.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 'Metal Universe' logo with industrial-style typography and a distinctive planetary motif that defines the 1997-98 set design.
Condition Issues
Significant edge wear and corner blunting; surface scuffing on the reflective foil; possible centering issues common for this set.
Conservation Recommendations
Place in a PVC-free penny sleeve and a rigid top-loader or semi-rigid card holder to prevent further edge chipping.