Classic Games Inc. produced hockey cards from 1991-1996. Looking back over 15 years later, I don't recall why the company stopped producing cards. After conducting a lengthy google search, I was still left with no answers. Any trace of the company seemed to disappear when it last produced cards in 1996.
As a kid, I really liked classic cards. They included autographs in their sets and they were not as tough as a pull compared to Score and Pro Set. Classic was also the first to include serial numbered cards and provided unique inserts. Please see below:
The above two cards are gorgeous examples of what Classic produced. The Kozlov card is actually clear acetate and these were big pulls back in the day. Sadly, time has not been friendly to these cards and the acetate has yellowed over the years.
As a kid I was really big into the Daigle hype and I broke a lot of 1993-94 Classic Hockey, trying to pull his cards from packs.
Despite being the most creative card company for a good portion of it's years, the brand never really took off. Without an NHL license, Classic had to stick with minor league and junior players. During the company's final years, they tried their hand at four sport releases. It is my guess, that the four sport release sealed the companies fate.
If anyone has any information as to what happened to Classic Games Inc., please post a comment. I'd really like to know why the company stopped producing cards.
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A Four Sport Autograph Card of Mike FountainIf anyone has any information as to what happened to Classic Games Inc., please post a comment. I'd really like to know why the company stopped producing cards. |
Not too sure about what happened to Classic, but I was going through my collection looking for a card tonight, a collection of which I have put away for the last 8 years... :( and ended up finding a few Classic cards I had either purchased or traded for back then. 1992 Classic Draft Pick Card #59 Manon Rheaume, 1995 Gold Images #75 Jamie Storr, and 1995 Gold Images #4 Jim Carey. It's refreshing to see the nice print on these cards, but would also love to know what these might be worth today. Any idea?
ReplyDeleteClassic Games, Inc. was a subsidiary of Score Board, Inc., a sports memorabilia company. In 1994, when the trading card craze of the early '90s was waning, Score Board consolidated its operations and moved Classic from its Atlanta-area headquarters up to Cherry Hill, NJ, laying off most of Classic's staff. Score Board itself went bankrupt in about 1997.
ReplyDeleteI have a complete unopened set from 1991 with 50 cards inside, several great players with Eric Lindros # 1 card. Would be nice to know if these have any value. Thank You. Jim Webb Buff,NY.
DeleteDid you ever get any response on your "value" question from 3/6/2014? I, too, have the same factory set (#078132) and would like to determine if there is any value. I have recently asked Beckett the same question as this series is not referenced in their 30th edition price guide, but I have not yet received an answer.
DeleteThank you all for the information and comments! Sadly the classic sets hold very little value now. The only items of value would be the autographs of star players like Mario Lemieux, Bure brothers etc.
ReplyDeleteI've got 8 sheets of Classic inc with 9 cards in each. They really were great cards
ReplyDeleteI have some cards, that I acquired over 10 years ago. I was going through them and was wondering. there are some card with red lettering and some with gold, same year, same card number (i.e. Kevin smyth, hartford, number 47) any idea why this was and if it has any significance on the card? why one would have red lettering, but the other card would have gold lettering? I can't find any information on this at all. Like the original post said, they disappeared without a trace.
ReplyDeleteI have a cool1990 card of Chipper Jones in his high school uni. From 26-card set “
ReplyDelete...1990 first round picks”
DeleteI worked in the art department for Classic Games, Inc. in 1993-1994. We produced cards for NHL, NBA, NFL and Minor League Baseball, as well as board games and trivia games. I produced the Michael Jordan card for the Birmingham Barons baseball team! As mentioned above, we were absorbed into the Score Board Company in 1995, when I moved on to work for Topps. Those were fun times at Classic Games, and we made some great cards of young players and draft picks.
ReplyDeleteI have an unopened shipping box of item #79222, 10 displays and 1 box of 20 displays item #79261. Any recollection of contents or where I might find some info?
Deletecastledevp@aol.com
Hi I am responding to your question regarding two cases you have from Classics Games Inc. Item #79222 and item #79261. Did you ever find out what they were? I have the same 2 unopened cases.
DeleteHi Marc, I was wondering if you knew who the player is on the 1994-95 Classic Hockey DraftPicks box?
DeleteHe's a Rangers player wearing number 4, but I searched all "Rangers" teams from NHL, AHL to CHL and I can't find any player that fits. It's obviously not Kevin Lowe.
Do you have any idea? Thanks.
I have a sealed case of (10 display boxes) numbered to 10,000 item # 69301 if anyone can help me out with what product is inside I would appreciate it! Waylonnewman@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have 50 1992 Draft Picks Baseball cards all in great condition. Any way to find their worth?
ReplyDelete