The Weekly Rip 10.6.24 [Prizm Nostalgia]
Brett explores the impact the Prizm brand has had on his collecting and explores what the brand's final lap might mean for collectors.
A big thank you to the Card Ladder team for being the official data sponsor of Stacking Slabs. Card Ladder makes me a better creator and collector. If you’re looking to make more data-driven collecting decisions make sure you give the app a spin.
Speaking of Card Ladder, we’re launching a new series called Card Ladder Confidential on the SSP main feed. This show concept will explore the connection between analytical and emotional side of collecting. We’re recording episode 1 this week and look forward to sharing it with you soon.
I love the ideation process on what I want to write about each week. Collecting is a process and the hobby is vast. There’s a never ending list of topics that are on my mind at any given time. It's an opportunity to step back, ponder the subjects that captivate my mind, and ultimately share insights that resonate with fellow collectors. This week, the spotlight falls on the legendary Prizm brand – a topic that has struck a chord with nostalgia-tinged enthusiasts, despite the fact that the product is still releasing new sets…for now.
With Fanatics set to take over the NBA and NFL licenses in 2026, the collecting community finds itself grappling with uncertainty. How many more Prizm releases will grace our shelves? One more for football, or perhaps two? Keeping track of releases can be a daunting task, but one thing is certain – all good things must come to an end. Yet, the impending departure of Prizm as we know it does not signal the end of our collecting pursuits. On the contrary, it is the hallmark of a truly great product that its legacy endures, igniting excitement and inspiring new approaches to collecting long after its final release.
Before I started to write this week’s newsletter I spent some time with my collection. As I thumbed through my case, admiring the cards within, I was reminded of the profoundly underrated utility value that our collections provide. A sanctuary of sorts, where we can bask in the beauty and craftsmanship of our prized possessions. For me, Prizm cards comprise a staggering 80% of my collection – a testament to my deep-rooted love for this product line.
What is it about Prizm that captivates me? Perhaps it's the allure of chromium-based, shiny cards that harken back to my earliest days of my collecting return. Or maybe it's the mesmerizing designs that have evolved with each passing year, their lineage and legacy etched into every parallel. The 2014 Black Finite, for instance, stands as a true marvel, its solid background and distinct aesthetic forever etched in my memory.
For me, Prizm is all about runs and collecting projects. Recently, I completed the entire TY Hilton Gold Prizm run, a feat that filled me with immense pride and satisfaction. As I laid out each card on my island in my kitchen, admiring the lineage from his rookie year in 2012 to the present day, I was struck by a profound sense of connection to the product.
Other ongoing quests include my Colts Gold Prizm run, my Andrew Luck Black Finite run (just three cards away from completion), and the Roman Reigns Gold Prizm run. Each project ignites a daily sense of excitement and purpose, fueling my passion for collecting. The consistency and duration of Prizm makes it a highly desired product that will likely withstand the test of time.
Prizm holds a special place in my heart, for it was this very product that reignited my collecting passion after a hiatus. I vividly recall the first Prizm cards I encountered upon my return to the hobby – their chromium-infused brilliance instantly captivated me. Since then, Prizm has become inextricably woven into the fabric of my life, enhancing it immeasurably and inspiring the creation of content on the Stacking Slabs platform. Prizm is the only product line I’ve ever created a weekly show about (check it out in SSP Patreon).
As I approach the final quarter of this year, my thoughts increasingly turn to Prizm's impending departure and the profound impact it has had on my collecting journey. While the future may hold uncertainty, one thing is certain: my love for Prizm will endure. Even when the final release graces our shelves, I will remain dedicated to exploring the vast realms of this iconic brand, pursuing the countless projects and parallels that have yet to grace my collection.
All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean that collecting a product that you deeply love is going to come to an end. Prizm's legacy will live on, inspiring new generations of collectors and igniting a passion that transcends the boundaries of any single release.
SSP Exclusive Offers For You
I’m working with the PSA team to extend more offers to my audience. We’re kicking off the promotion by giving any first time PSA submitters a $25 discount on your first order. Take advantage of the promotion by using promo code SSP25 on your first submission today.
SSP on The YouTube Machine
I’ve had a blast creating content with members of the PSA team. I was fortunate to sit down and have a conversation with Nat Turner, CEO at Collectors last week to discuss in-person interaction, eBay partnership, and his Top 100 cards at The National. We dropped it on the YouTube Machine this week. I love the visuals that accompany this one.
If you want to check out more conversations with amazing visuals of cards subscribe to SSP YouTube today.
Auctions to Follow
Every week I leave some space to share live auction listings from members of the Patreon community. We’ve got a few soccer cards this week for you to check out.
Whenever I see the Merlin brand I always think about wrestling cards that were out when I was growing up as a kid. When these auction listings came my way I dug into the set to get a better understanding of its impact on soccer cards. It was fun to learn how this was a return set that leaned into chromium technology. The presentation is very strong. Check out these cards there might be one here for you.
2020 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA Gold Refractor Eduardo Camavinga RC /50 #20 PSA 9
2020 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA Gold Refractor Alphonso Davies /50 #33 PSA 10 GEM
2020 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA Gold Refractor Goncalo Ramos ROOKIE /50 #52 PSA 9
A Weekly Content Roundup
We dropped 4 episodes on the main feed this week and we kicked things off with our conversation with Nat Turner, CEO at Collectors. I really enjoy listening to him discuss initiatives like more in-person interactions at PSA in 2025. Also, it’s fun to hear Nat get into weeds on specific sets that he loves.
Last week I realized that we recorded Auction Talk before the Sotheby’s auction closed and didn’t get a chance to comment on it. I dedicate the flagship episode this week to a discussion on undeniable change in the hobby.
This week on Auction Talk with Nic (@thewharfsportscards) we dig into football’s placement in the current auction landscape. After I left this chat I was excited about where I was spending a lot of my energy in the hobby.
Finally, we unlocked a new collector on the damn program. I talked with Rams collector, Preston (@presetonscards) about his area of focus and why he love team collecting.
Joining the Stacking Slabs Patreon is The Best Way to Show Your Support
Collectors are joining Stacking Slabs Patreon to consume exclusive content, connect with other collectors, and promote their cards. I’m putting out new collector focused content in the group on a daily basis and it’s the hub for all of SSP’s video content. If you’re enjoying what I’m putting out on the main feeds check out what the group has to offer. I appreciate your attention and commitment to helping grow the damn brand. Join Today
I got real nerdy and dug into a lot of data around card performance in 2024. This was an impromptu episode, but that’s the kind of content you’re going to get by joining SSP’s Patreon community.
A Collector To Follow
I’ve really been enjoying following @anwcollectibles page. Brian does a wonderful job of curating cards of significance and sharing why they matter to him. If you’re looking to follow a page with focus look no further.
I appreciate your support for Stacking Slabs.
Take care,
Brett