For as long as I have been collecting, I have heard stories about the 1990 Donruss Aqueous Test cards. It is believed that there only exist 2,000-2,500 total cards with just a small part of the ’90 checklist included. What that means is maybe your player has one, maybe not.
What is known is that these test cards are popular. Just how popular, you ask? The Ryne Sandberg version reeled in $41 dollars through eBay days ago. Not bad for a 1990 Donruss card that features no fancy technology. It’s perfectly possible that someone is sitting on a box of these somewhere and doesn’t even know what he has.
After doing some quick research, I found out just what Aqueous means:
An aqueous coating is a fast-drying, water-based, protective coating which is applied in-line on press to attain a selection of finishes more economical price than varnish.
This clear coating provides a high gloss surface which protects the surface from dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratch. Aqueous coating improves postcards durability as they go through mail or inserted in pockets. It is also applied on brochures, catalog covers, flyers and other visual ads.
So that’s that. Now off to check my box of junk wax to see if I have a few of these!
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