[mets5757]

How can you tell the difference between the base and the refractor they both look the same from scans on ebay?

[aprirr]

The background of the refractors is contoured. It looks bumpy except for about a quarter of an inch from the border.

[chgolf82]

The true refractors are all numbered. Don't get confused with the emerald, ruby, and gold parallels. They are not true refractors. The number will show up right above the Bowman Platinum logo on the front of the card.

[DrMitchJ]

The true refractors are all numbered. Don't get confused with the emerald, ruby, and gold parallels. They are not true refractors. The number will show up right above the Bowman Platinum logo on the front of the card.

That's true with the numbered refractors, but there are unnumbered refractors that have a "bumpy" background and unnumbered refractors that have a 'patterned" background. When I get home I'll find a base, purple refractor, bumpy refractor and atomic refractor. I only have a couple of the numbered refractors, I'll post them, too ..... Unless someone get to it before I do.

[rtcrules]

The base veteran/RC label cards dont have refractor versions just a gold, emerald, and ruby versions that are not serial numbered. Only the prospect cards have refractor versions. The refractor, x-fractor, and purple refractor are not serial numbered. The refractors are a thinner then the base and have about a quarter inch "border" around a as someone else said bumpy background.

[DrMitchJ]

Here is a refractor and a base ... Note the 'bumpy' background


Here is a purple refractor and a serial # refractor


Here's the x-fractor and the regular 'bumpy' refractor


Hope this helps ... I don't have any other types of parallel cards to use in this comparison study. Sorry.

[nyyankeesfan28]

Refractors are "bumpy" and chromed. The base is foilboard.