From the Pedro Binder

2000 Pacific Gold Crown Die Cut

Ahh. Simplicity at its best. The design of the card clearly makes the player the key ingredient.

Yeah. Not so much.

What on earth is going on here?

I will start off by giving a little credit. The name of the insert set is “Gold Crown” and the card has a large “gold crown” on it. So, at least this monstrosity was created for a reason. The fact that the only reason to call something “gold crown” is because of the Pacific logo is simply annoying, though. It’s not enough to put the logo smack on the front of the card. It actually needs to be carved into the card itself. Self-promote much?

What is with the background design? All the streaks and splotches? Do they have a purpose? Are they supposed to be something? Other than distracting, of course.

The picture of Pedro does, actually, do a decent job of standing out from the mess. (Although, I dare you to read his last name.) I will forever be a fan of the player’s picture extending beyond the border of the card. That’s the one thing that this card does well. It at least allows Pedro’s head to partially obscure the mammoth crown at the top.

But, that’s it. That’s all I can say about this card that’s any good. Once again I’ll ask, when people complain about the Topps monopoly, are these the fresh ideas they’re missing?

I can certainly do without it.