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A peek at Panini Preferred reveals bold autographs
High-end basketball card collectors can start drooling. Panini America released some more images of its upcoming Panini Preferred set. Images and information were released just before Christmas and those facts were duly noted here back then, but it’s worth showing a few more as the March 21 release date draws closer.
To recap: there will be four cards to a box, which will cost somewhere in the $200 range. Three of those cards will be autographs, with the fourth to either be a six- or eight-swatch memorabilia card.
The set will include designs from three sets: Donruss Signatures, Crown Royale Silhouettes and Panini’s Choice (which will mirror the triangular die-cut configuration of the old Pacific Cramer’s Choice inserts).
I like the bold autograph shown on the Kevin Durant card I’ve included, and how the photo is feathered toward the bottom, so your eyes are directed from the action shot at the top to the autograph at the bottom with no distractions. Very smooth.
The Crown Royale Silhouettes also include patches and bold autographs. The player’s silhouette is almost an afterthought as it does not dominate the card. It’s like an equal third to a three-component card — player, autograph and patch. The autographs are on-card, which is an excellent choice. To me, stickers are convenient, but to me, on card means the player actually signed the card. That’s much more desirable in my mind.
The Panini’s Choice seems like the more garish of the three designs. I’m not a fan of the silver foil bottom, as it tends to make reading the name on the card difficult — but as the Bill Walton card demonstrates, a bold autograph can cover plenty of misgivings. Walton’s autograph is clear, sharp and large. Love it.
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