Juwan Howard
1997-98 Topps Finest Catalyst Embossed Refractor #158 C8
Card Snapshot: This 1997-98 Topps Topps Finest (Catalyst) card features Juwan Howard during his tenure with the Washington Bullets. Card number #158 C8. This is the coveted Embossed Refractor parallel variation with a printrun of 45/74.
🔄 Tap Card to Flip
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Player | Juwan Howard |
| Season | 1997-98 |
| Team | Washington Bullets |
| Manufacturer | Topps |
| Brand | Topps Finest |
| Theme | Catalyst |
| Variant | Embossed Refractor |
| Card Number | 158 C8 |
| Serial / Print Run | 45 / 74 |
| Rookie Card | No |
| Memorabilia | No |
| Autograph | No |
📈 Market Value & Price History
Confirmed sales (eBay / PSA / Fanatics / Self-Purchase)
| Date | Grade | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-09-09 | Raw | $8.50 | eBay |
📊 Collector Insights & Card Highlights
🏆 Hobby Significance
Topps Finest was the very first 'premium' brand in basketball cards, introducing Chromium technology to the hobby in 1993 and changing card design forever. The Juwan Howard collection spans multiple decades of basketball history, capturing everything from the high-flying 90s to his championship years with the Miami Heat. Each card represents a unique piece of this journey.
⚒️ Card Technology
Jersey Number (5): This card is a true Jersey numbered card. Being the card with a matching serial number/ Jersey number match. A nice feature for a serious collector. Chromium Refractor: Chromium technology revolutionized the hobby by adding a rainbow light-diffracting coating to the card surface. The specific color (Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, etc.) designates its exact scarcity tier in the set. Embossing: Manufacturers used heavy presses to stamp raised, 3D textures into the card face, adding a premium tactile element that collectors could physically feel. Trading Card Manufacturing: Traditional trading card manufacturing involves multiple layers of printing and finishing. Even standard base cards from this era often featured premium UV coatings and high-quality card stock that was revolutionary at the time.
📈 Player Performance & Team
During this era, Juwan was the focal point of the Washington Wizards offense. He shared the court with prime Rod Strickland, who led the league in assists, and a young rookie named Richard Hamilton. Capital Centre Bullets Era: Formed one of the Eastern Conference's most potent young frontcourts alongside Michigan teammate Chris Webber and 7'7" center Gheorghe Mureșan, earning 1996 NBA All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors.
🏀 NBA Era & Pop Culture
Late 90s Premium Insert Craze: Introduction of high-end parallels (PMG, Rubies, Refractors). In 1997, the NBA was at its cultural peak. Michael Jordan's Bulls were chasing their second three-peat, and the 'Bulls vs. The World' narrative dominated every headline and highlight reel. 1990s Washington Bullets Era: Defined by fierce Atlantic Division rivalries, classic uniforms, and intense physical play at the Capital Centre before the franchise's transition to the modern Wizards era.
🔗 Collector Reference Profiles & History
💎 Related Chase Cards in Collection
Collector Sentiment
Collector FAQs
Why is this 1997-98 Topps Finest Catalyst Embossed Refractor card significant?
Utilizing Topps's iconic Chromium technology, the light-diffracting coating gives this card a stunning rainbow sheen under direct light.
How rare is this specific card?
This card is serially numbered 45 out of a total print run of 74.
Is this a Juwan Howard Rookie Card?
No, this card was released during the 1997-98 season, which was not Juwan Howard's debut season.