How many cornerstone cards are too many? Some people say 4 or 5. I did have a Top 10 until I realised more and more that the below cards are pieces that I could not part with, even if I did break my collection up. As you can see I don't have many high-end'ers, but the cards below are judged on personal value and not BV or print run. Of course, I hope to add more to this page in the future, however, the below are all favourites of mine, and with a little explaination, each has its own charm in some way.
So, in year order of release, I hope you enjoy my 'cornerstone collection' as much as I do.
2002/03 ITG Used Triple Memorabilia #TM13
Print Run: /35 (card not numbered)
Stored: 55pt one touch
Saw this particular triple game used card on Ebay and hadn't seen it pop up anywhere else since collecting. It has a swatch of his glove, jersey and stick which is the 'S' from the Easton Ultra-Lite from which Gagne used during his Junior and rookie year in the NHL. Triple game used cards are a treat to have in a collection as it offers the fundamental basics of the players equipment.
Print Run: /35 (card not numbered)
Stored: 55pt one touch
Saw this particular triple game used card on Ebay and hadn't seen it pop up anywhere else since collecting. It has a swatch of his glove, jersey and stick which is the 'S' from the Easton Ultra-Lite from which Gagne used during his Junior and rookie year in the NHL. Triple game used cards are a treat to have in a collection as it offers the fundamental basics of the players equipment.
2002/03 SP Game Used First Rounder Patches #SG
Print Run: /30
Stored: 130pt one touch
I love being able to pick up game used cards from the early years of his career and this one is a beauty! Thanks to Chris (aka Vegaspuck) for the deal. Much like the Triple Memorabilia card above, I have not seen many of these floating about. Lovely stitching evident here.
2003/04 Be A Player Ultimate Memorabilia Autographed Sticks #86
Print Run: /30
Stored: 130pt one touch
There are number of reasons why I adore this card, from the on-card autograph, the hand written print number run on the back to the gorgeous colouring and pattern of the stick (again, an Easton Ultra-Lite - which he primarily used in the early 00's). This was a target on my 'want list' for some time. Thanks again to Chris (aka Vegaspuck) for the deal.
2004/05 SP Authentic Rookie Review #RRSG
Print Run: /100
Stored: 130pt one touch
After only seeing roughly 4 or 5 copies of this card, I didn't think I was going to get one. It also had to be a multi-coloured patch. Picky? Maybe, but I grabbed one and reeled him in. This is my Moby Dick.
2005/06 SP Game Used Auto Draft #ADSG
Print Run: /22
Stored: 35pt one touch
Another huge whale landed on October 26th 2010 after numerous failed attempts. Acquired from Kevin (aka Lindros877) on Hobby Insider, this has one of my favourite pictures of the Quebecois native on the card. Taken at the 1998 NHL Draft, it is also featured on the Home page banner. This set in particular is one of my favourites and a tough one to complete!
2005/06 Ultimate Collection Ultimate Achievements #UASG
Print Run: /17
Stored: 35pt one touch
The Ultimate product produces some great autographed cards incorporated with a really nice design every year. The set print run ties in with the 'achievement' earned. With a print run of just /17, this one commemorates Gagne's 17 career Playoff goals. Sharp auto!
2005/06 Upper Deck The Cup Signature Patches #SPSG
Print Run: /75
Stored: 130pt one touch
One of my favourite patches; a lovely 3 colour swatch showing some nice corner stitching. With a nice big on-card autograph, The Cup never disappoints.
2007/08 Upper Deck The Cup Emblems of Endorsements #EE-SG
Print Run: /15
Stored: 130pt one touch
The Cup cards are Upper Deck's most eagerly awaited annual product. Acquired from Kilga on the SCF, this two-window design, both sports a 3 colour patch.
2007/08 Upper Deck The Cup Scripted Swatches #SS-SG
Print Run: /25
Stored: 130pt one touch
Jersey cards are nice and autographed cards are nice; they don't come around very often, but a signed jersey swatch is a fantastic concept! Love this. I haven't seen many two-colour swatches in this /25 run.
2008/09 OPC Premier Remnants Triples Gold PHA #PR-SG
Print Run: /35
Stored: Toploader
I'm not really a huge fan of everything OPC creates, but their Premier Remnants set is neat, tidy and at the time of acquiring this, this was my first gold. A beautiful multi-break card.
2008/09 Upper Deck Black Lustrous Materials Autographs Jerseys #LM2-GA
Print Run: /25
Stored: 130pt one touch
This two colour patch card has a very sleek and sharp design with the players initials either side and a translucent centre. It does exactly what the card name suggests; lustrous!! One of my favourite sets from Upper Deck.
2009/10 ITG Superlative Famous Fabrics Stick Work Silver #SW-27
Print Run: /9
Stored: TBD
Possibly my favourite ITG card in my collection. I currently own two of these because my first was so incredibly bent (probably a manufacturing issue) that it kind of 'ruins' the card in a way. This one is a vast improvement, with stunning details such as the lettering and numbering of the Supreme One90 stick and the striking blue in colour.
2009/10 SP Authentic Marks of Distinction #MDGA
Print Run: /25
Stored: 35pt one touch
SP Authentic is probably my favourite product. Crisp, well-thought out card designs and with a superb on-card auto, SPA is also an affordable product.
2009/10 Upper Deck Black Pride of a Nation #PNGA
Print Run: /35
Stored: 130pt one touch
The Black Pride of a Nation set is sublime! From the eye-popping Canada flag patch to the beautiful gold auto, this card to me is stunning! I had lost out on a couple of these before Mikael (aka The Germinator on the SCF) kindly offered to unload his to me. Thank you! I have a big special place in my heart for Canada after spending 9 beautiful months in the Great White North in 2009, and the flag on the card makes me smile every time I see it. This is hands down my favourite in the PC and I don't think even the Shield would top this for me!
2009/10 Upper Deck The Cup Limited Logos #LLSI
Print Run: /50
Stored: 180pt one touch
Another stunning Cup card from Upper Deck. The Limited Logos is another favourite set of mine and I managed to pick this up for a good price. The 'E' from Gagne - although you cannot see it from the scan - has what I believe to be a little game wear on the bottom left hand side.
2010/11 ITG Ultimate Memorabilia Stick Work
Print Run: /24
Stored: ITG slabbed case
Although ITG is not loved by everyone, I personally love the massive stick swatch cards they produce. This particular stick is from the Nike Ignite range from the early 00's and late 90's. I believe Gagne briefly used Nike Ignite in his sophomore year in the NHL. My favourite piece of equipment you could get hold of from a hockey player is his main 'tool of the trade', the stick. The only downside to ITG is their slabbed cases.
2010/11 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Duals #ST2-TBL Stamkos / Gagne
Print Run: Unknown
Stored: 55pt one touch
This is without doubt the biggest co-signed card I own. Stamkos is hot property and I am glad they chose him to accompany Gagne on a dual autographed card. Again, SP can do no wrong. A lovely card.