Yesterday, it was announced across the hobby that for the first time ever, all of the Rookie Patch Autographed (RPA) true rookie cards in Upper Deck’s anticipated
2023-24 The Cup releasewill be encased & slabbed in plastic holders within the product.
The reason for the encasing is to protect the patch cards integrity. For many years now, patch fakers have become rampant in the hobby and prey on unsuspecting collectors. For those who aren’t aware, patch faking involves taking apart a card and replacing the genuine game-worn memorabilia piece with a better looking but fake patch in order to increase the likelihood of the card selling for a higher price at resale.
Over the years, there have been efforts across the hobby from various collectors who have documented the original photos of certain cards to provide documentation of the cards history to alert collectors if a card was faked along the way. It’s not perfect, and some likely do slip through the cracks, but the task at hand was a hefty one. It was always said through the community of collectors how the manufacturers had to step in and address this issue – And now they have.
As 23-24 The Cup released this upcoming week, you will notice that all the Rookie Patch Autographs in this release will be slabbed and encased in a plastic shield. Similar to grading, this will provide an extra level of protection, but this time around it will also provide collectors with a level of relief knowing the the encased card came directly from the Upper Deck and the patch integrity was kept intact.
But wait! It gets better…
The slab itself will feature a unique QR Code and serial number which will allow collectors to view an online image database to view their card. This will allow people 5, 10, 15 years from now to see that the patch is the original piece of memorabilia that was included on the card when the product was first boxed out. This will help many people buy with confidence knowing that the card is the real deal. Love that.
QR Code and serial number at the top right on the front of the slab label.The biggest question now will be if grading companies can figure out how to keep a record of the serial number for each of these cards, as the unique serial number can only be used to view that specific card in the database.Even if collectors themselves decide to crack the slabs, they will need to keep the label with the card to ensure the next owner can verify the cards authenticity before any potential purchase to safe themselves any disappointment down the road. All that aside, heightened measures around patch faking was something collectors have been calling on for many, many years. I’m very glad Upper Deck has jumped all-in on card security with this new patch verification database project to ensure the patches inside these cards are real.
I’ve added some photos of these encased RPA’s below for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
Connor Bedard Upper Deck Rookie Patch Autograph from 2023-24 The Cup
Sean Farrell Upper Deck Rookie Patch Autograph from 2023-24 The Cup
Matt Murray Upper Deck Rookie Patch Autograph from 2023-24 The Cup
2023-24 Upper Deck The CupSo there you have it. A new venture in cardboard security, and I’m excited about it. And who knows, maybe we will see this program expanded to other high-end products and/or specific runs of rarer memorabilia or key rookie cards.
What are your thoughts on Upper Deck new security system for their new Cup RPA’s? Please let me know your thoughts here or send me an email!
Until next time, Happy Collecting,
Aaron
CREASECOLLECTOR 
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