This one is from 2010-11 Black Diamond's Hardware Heroes insert set and is numbered 85/100. Hardware Heroes cards were inserted at a rate of just one per case, so to have one of Crosby is quite the rarity. This one, in particular, commemorates Crosby winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer for the 2009-10 season.
I scanned in the front, but scans REALLY do not do justice to how fantastic these cards look in person. The entire front of the card is done in a rainbow-like foil board, except for the image of Crosby on the left and the trophy on the right, which makes those two images really stand out by contrast. The card is also die-cut on the right-hand side to conform to the shape of the Richard trophy, leaving just enough of the silver foil surrounding it. The center of the card is also die-cut in a hexagon shape and inserted is a clear material with an image of Crosby.
The reverse of the cards shows the uniqueness of the center image on the card. Both sides are die cut to the hexagon, which allows light to pass through it to show the image on the front. The easiest way to describe it is that it is similar to the image on a slide. These is very little information on the back, but with as beautiful as the front is, you won't be looking back there much anyway.
It's always nice to get finally get your hands on a card you have had your eyes on for so long, especially one that is so rare. As far as I know, there are three others from various Black Diamond years: Hart Trophy and Pearson Trophy from the 2009-10 set and Pearson Trophy from the 2010-11 set. I have the 2009-10 Pearson Trophy one on the way, and I just have to wait for the right price on the other two.
awesome pickup, congrats! that's a sick design.
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