By the Box: 2008 Press Pass Elvis by the Numbers

Here are the results from a randomly selected box I recently opened …

2008 Press Pass Elvis by the Numbers cards (hobby box)
Suggested Retail Price: $70
Packs per box: 28
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 162
Base set completion: 80 of 80 (100 percent)
Duplicates: 46

Insert/short-print cards found: 36

— Elvis Master Pieces memorabilia (combined autograph and memorabilia odds are 1:14) — 2. No. MP1 Japanese Kimono, No. MP3 Plaid pajamas.

— Co-star autographs (combined autograph and memorabilia odds are 1:14) — 1. No number Barbara Eden (produced for 2007 Elvis Is set).

— George Kalinsky Gold Artist Proof Autographs (autograph and memorabilia odds are 1:14) — 1. No. GK2 serial-number 11/25.

— Petruccio Exhibit (1:6 packs) — 2. No. PE5, No PE6.
— Portrait Series (1:14 packs; serial-numbered to 399) — 2. No. PS3 67/399, No. PS5 71/399.
— Canvas parallels (one per pack) — 28.

Notes: This box was loaded, delivering two autographs and two memorabilia cards — twice what it should have. … The Kalinsky autograph is definitely the rarer pull, but the Eden autograph might draw in more than just Elvis fans as she’s best remembered as the star of I Dream of Jeannie. … Both of the memorabilia cards had peeling on the bottom edges, so beware that this could be commonplace on these cards. … The canvas parallels offer a nice touch — they’re printed on simulated canvas stock like Upper Deck’s Masterpieces cards. … This kind of a set is perfect for a non-collector who might be into Elvis or pop culture — and a hobby box should be an interesting break with some bang for them. Don’t expect the retail boxes to deliver as much, so stick with hobby if you want to assure yourself of potential autographs and memorabilia cards at an easier rate.

Grade: ***** out of *****

Chris Olds has collected sports cards and memorabilia since 1987. Before coming to Beckett Media, he wrote about the hobby for the Orlando Sentinel on his blog, SportsStuff, and for the San Antonio Express-News and The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News. Do you have a comment, question or idea? Send e-mail to him at colds@beckett.com.