I had an interesting experience recently that I just dropped into a new post on SI. I was served an ad on IG for a listing on Etsy. It looked like a Gold Wemby Kaboom, but ended up being a listing for a "custom" card (but a replica of the original).
I've talked about this before but creator platforms, like Etsy, are flooded with people selling "custom" or "reprints" of licensed cards.
Some of us are probably aware of this, but wanting to make sure others are as well as it creates a dangerous landscape for new collectors coming into the hobby.
I'm sure plenty of folks probably got that ad, and can only imagine how many that seller was able to move.
Anyone come across any of these fakes in the wild?
https://www.si.com/collectibles/inside-the-hobby/will-counterfeit-cards-eventually-ruin-the-hobby

I'd originally shared the story on IG when it first happened, but I finally took the time to right out the story in a new post on SI.com.

For those that hadn't heard the story - a buddy of mine sent me a text with some pics of his childhood binders that his parents had dropped off.

What transpired was one of the most memorable moment I've had in the hobby. He unknowingly has a massive 90s grail sitting in one of his binders.

Such a great reminder that there are still incredible cards out there just sitting in old binders and boxes, waiting to be rediscovered.

Have you ever had something like this happen? Can only hope to have as much luck as my buddy ;)

You can read the full story below...

https://www.si.com/collectibles/inside-the-hobby/my-friend-found-a-90s-michael-jordan-grail-card-in-his-childhood-binder

A few days ago I started a fun new chanter of my collector journey and published my first article for SI Collect. I witnessed an incredible piece of memorabilia at the Philly show and wanted to share the story behind the collector and item. I’m sure some folks have met Miguel at shows but he has the original sign from the basketball hall of fame, which he’s been able to get signed by 45 HOFers over the past year. I was fortunate enough to be there when he got it signed by Dr J - phenomenal experience that I wanted to share.
Going to be documenting more stuff like this from shows (when I see it).
https://www.si.com/collectibles/inside-the-hobby/45-hof-signatures-and-counting-basketball-history-at-the-philly-show

I’m not a true set collector but there are definitely sets I gravitate towards. I always liked the Topps Chrome Destiny set so this weekend at the Philly show I picked up this Kobe to pair up with my Iverson. May go through and do something similar for some of the other sets I have pairings for 👀

While I was at the Philly show I happened to stumble across someone selling some non sports boxes - had just been talking about Marvel with ArmyATC22 when I saw some Upper Deck Moon Knight boxes. Thought I’d grab a couple for the car ride back and happened to hit a /35 in one of the boxes and a /10 in the other. Love the artwork on these and wish we had more products like this - these are only $50 and guarantee a couple of numbered cards. Not bad at all for some car rips 🤪