2004 Topps Cracker Jack Question

[Loyalty32]

Why are some of the backs on the cards upside down? I know I'm a few years late with this question, but I was an 80's player collector, remember?

Thanks
Craig

 

[mrmopar]

I don't know on the new issue, but it may have something to do with the fact that the original cards had 2 different back orientations cross the 2 year issue. I believe this is how you could tell the different between a 1914 and a 1915 Cracker Jack card, how the back was oriented.

I have a few of the originals and that is the only difference I noticed between some of them.

 

[JamesNevans]

The easiest way to identify a 1914 or
1915 card is to view the reverse. First,
the 1914 ad-backs mention 144 cards,
while the 1915 ads reference 176.
Also, 1914 backs are positioned the
same as their corresponding fronts,
while 1915 backs appear "upside down"
when a card is flipped horizontally 1914
Cracker Jacks were available only in
boxes of the candy-coated popcorn.
1915's were available in the same way,
but could also be obtained by either
sending 100 Cracker Jack coupons, or
1 coupon and 25¢. (An album was also
available for 50 coupons or 1 coupon and
10¢). For these reasons, the 1914's are
rarer and command a higher price in most
cases. Also, most 1914's are found
with some staining whereas 1915's will
be found both with stains and without.
It should also be noted that 1915's are
printed on slightly thicker paper than
1914's -- another reason 1915's are
more plentiful in higher grade.

 

[Loyalty32]

Thanks fellas!

Craig