1. Introduction
This document provides detailed information regarding the 1984 Topps M&M Ron Freeman 1600 Meter Relay Olympic Heroes Trading Card. This card is part of the Topps Olympic Heroes series, commemorating athletes from various Olympic Games. This specific card features Ron Freeman, an American track and field athlete known for his participation in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
2. Card Details and Features
The front of the card presents key information about the featured athlete and the Olympic event. Below is an image of the card's front, followed by a description of its visual elements.
Image: Front of the 1984 Topps M&M Ron Freeman 1600 Meter Relay Olympic Heroes Trading Card.
This image displays the front of the trading card. It features a black and white photograph of Ron Freeman in an Arizona State track uniform, running. The card is titled "OLYMPIC HEROES" with "XIXth OLYMPIAD-1968 MEXICO CITY" below it, indicating the specific Olympic Games depicted. The bottom of the card clearly states "RON FREEMAN" and includes a prominent M&M's logo, signifying a promotional tie-in, along with a 1980 L.A. Olympic Committee logo.
The card's design typically includes the athlete's name, the Olympic event, the year of the Olympics depicted, and series branding. The reverse side of the card (not shown) usually contains biographical information about the athlete, their achievements, and additional series details.
3. Care and Preservation
To maintain the condition and value of your trading card, proper care and handling are essential. Follow these guidelines:
- Handling: Always handle the card by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin to the card surface. Consider wearing cotton gloves for maximum protection.
- Storage: Store the card in a protective sleeve (e.g., penny sleeve) and then in a rigid top-loader or a graded card slab. This prevents bending, creasing, and surface wear.
- Environment: Keep the card away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. These conditions can cause fading, warping, or mold growth. A cool, dry, and dark environment is ideal.
- Cleaning: Do not attempt to clean the card with liquids or abrasive materials. Any cleaning should be done by a professional conservator if absolutely necessary.
4. Authenticity and Identification
To identify and verify the authenticity of your 1984 Topps M&M Ron Freeman card, consider the following:
- Year and Series: Confirm the card is from the 1984 Topps Olympic Heroes series. The year of issue is typically printed on the card.
- Athlete Name: Verify the name "RON FREEMAN" is correctly printed on the front.
- Logos: Check for the presence and correct appearance of the M&M's and 1980 L.A. Olympic Committee logos.
- Condition: Assess the card's condition (corners, edges, surface, centering) against standard grading scales for trading cards.
- Reference: Compare your card with authenticated images and descriptions from reputable trading card databases or price guides.
5. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Card Title | 1984 Topps M&M Ron Freeman 1600 Meter Relay Olympic Heroes Trading Card |
| Brand | Topps |
| Model/ASIN | B00A44NEWS |
| Year of Issue | 1984 |
| Featured Athlete | Ron Freeman |
| Olympic Event Depicted | 1600 Meter Relay (XIXth Olympiad - 1968 Mexico City) |
| Card Type | Sports Trading Card (Olympic Heroes Series) |
| Approximate Dimensions | 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches (standard trading card size) |
Note: The "Date First Available" (November 9, 2012) refers to the Amazon listing date for this specific product, not the original release date of the 1984 trading card.
6. Support and Warranty Information
As a collectible trading card, this item typically does not come with a manufacturer's warranty in the traditional sense. Its value is primarily determined by its condition, rarity, and market demand.
For inquiries regarding the authenticity or specific details of Topps trading cards, it is recommended to consult official Topps resources or reputable trading card grading services and collector communities. Information about Topps products can often be found on their official website: www.topps.com.
