There are still cards to be discovered
As much time as I spend checking out the 'bay and looking at cards and hobby news online (ok, maybe its not that much, but it's a semi-regular part of my day), I'm delighted when I come across something that I never knew existed before. And not in regards to new, modern cards, where manufacturers purposely release about 82 different variations and short prints and stuff. I'm talking about cards from the hay-day, from simpler times. Pre-1990, cards were simple. I think thats why I still love the vintage so much. You had your couple main base sets from Topps, Bowman, Fleer, Donruss, etc. (and of course maybe only Topps and Bowman in the real early days). There were of course some cool highlights and all star cards, maybe some interesting action shot cards and other novelties. But the hobby was simple. That's why I get so much enjoyment to come across something from back in that time period that I never previously knew existed.
Today, while just perusing my normal email newsletters and spam, I came across one that had a link for recently posted '1982 Topps Blackless'. Man, these cards are sharp! I love the bright colors and variation to the look of normal 1982 Topps. I never knew these things existed!! A quick googling reveals that they are indeed pretty scarce, and putting together a complete set would be quite a challenge. It makes sense that cards like this would exist out there. A few mishaps in printing, one of the CMYK colors runs out during the print run, or something to that effect, and BAM! Instant card that was printed without the black. Another quick google reveals that indeed, there are "blueless" (cyan) variations as well. Are there magenta-less and yellow-less variations out there? I may not be entirely correct about what these are and I'll probably do a little more research when I have a moment.
Of course, being a designer has really sparked an interest in these cards. Same reason I love the printing-plate cards (even though I don't own any yet). They are a glimpse into the design, printing and manufacturing process of the pieces of cardboard we all love. Now I feel I MUST HAVE one of these. Time to keep my eye's peeled for a good deal on a 1982 Topps Blackless Nolan Ryan. Perhaps a 1982 Topps Blackless Cal Ripken rookie? Haven't seen any of these floating around yet, but worth looking for a good deal.