Sports trading card giant puts original artwork used in trading card sets up for sale at UpperDeckStore.com
North Las Vegas, NV (June 12, 2009) – Over the years, Upper Deck trading card releases have offered collectors an exciting variety of content, from sensational photography to swatches of game-worn memorabilia and authentic signatures from their favorite athletes. But there’s always been something special about another traditional content offering: original art. And now that same original artwork is being made available to rabid sports collectors at www.upperdeckstore.com.
“This is a very exciting time for Upper Deck and trading card collectors alike because this is the first time we’ve ever decided to do something like this,” said Michael Gilstrap, senior product manager of Upper Deck Authenticated, Upper Deck’s memorabilia division. “Over the years we’ve been preserving thousands of pieces of original, commissioned artwork from previously released trading card sets, so it just makes sense to make these valuable keepsakes available to fans that would really cherish them.”
The use of hand-painted art in Upper Deck’s sets date back to company’s early years and has been featured in a number of popular sets and insert collections including Upper Deck Masterpieces and Chronology. Die-hard sports fans will not want to miss this opportunity to add authentic sports art of their favorite stars to their private collections. Each original piece of 1-of-1 art comes complete with a special certificate of authenticity from Upper Deck Authenticated. Prices start at $199.99 per piece.
Some of the first moments to be offered online include: Mark Messier skating as a member of the Edmonton Oilers (9” wide x 12” high, featured in 2008-09 Upper Deck Masterpiece Hockey); Doug Flutie celebrating the “Miracle in Miami” (11” wide x 14” high, 2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces Football); John Elway rejoicing in “The Drive” against Cleveland (12” wide x 16” high, 2008 Masterpiece Football); and Julius Erving flying high toward the basket as a member of the old ABA’s New York Nets (9” x 12”, original commissioned art not yet used in an Upper Deck set). Additional original art pieces will be uploaded to the website every month, so check back periodically for the ever-evolving assortment of cherished sports moments.
About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.
About Upper Deck Authenticated
Upper Deck Authenticated is the leading provider of authentic sports memorabilia, featuring exclusive autograph partnerships with the world’s greatest athletes including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Albert Pujols, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade. Through UDA’s patented five-step authentication process, the company guarantees the authenticity of its autographed products by witnessing and recording every signature, and through its unique hologram registry which allows fans to register and verify each autographed product online. For more information on UDA’s products and authentication process, visit www.authenticated.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Terry Melia, Public Relations Mgr., Upper Deck
760-929-3055
terry_melia@upperdeck.com
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