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Barry Larkin Collection 180: 1997 Topps Stadium Club - #17 - Matrix Parallel

Barry Larkin
Year:  1997
Brand:  Topps Stadium Club
Parallel set:  Matrix
Card number:  17

The Matrix parallel cards are actually a partial parallel (Topps only included parallels of the first sixty cards in each of the two '97 Series).  Luckily for me (as a Larkin collector), Barry's #17 in the set was low enough to make the cut for a Matrix parallel.  Originally, the parallels were seeded 1:12 packs making them fairly rare - especially if you wanted to try and complete the 120 card parallel set!

As for this particular card, I have to admit it's kind of cool.  The Matrix technology that Topps used is sort of a cross between a refractor and the diamond foil stuff they used back in 2011.  I do like the fact that the card is labeled "matrix" which helps let you know you are holding a parallel (something that is more important many years later when you find a card like this while sorting a large stack of assorted cards).

For as much as I like the front though, the back is quite disappointing.  Topps had a good idea but the end result was way too many numbers in way too small of an area.  It's virtually unreadable in my opinion.  Even so, I like the card quite a bit - definitely a nicer parallel then a lot of sets have had!

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