1998-99 Fleer Metal Universe Juwan Howard Base Set Precious Metal Gems #5
Card Snapshot: View details for the 1998-99 Fleer Metal Universe Juwan Howard card #5 from our Juwan Howard Private Collection. Rare Precious Metal Gems variant. Numbered 33/50. A must-see for any Juwan Howard Super Collector. High-res scans and hobby history.
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| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Season | 1998-99 |
| Team | Washington Wizards |
| Manufacturer | Fleer |
| Brand | Fleer Metal Universe |
| Theme | Base Set |
| Variant | Precious Metal Gems |
| Card Number | 5 |
| Serial / Print Run | 33 / 50 |
| Rookie Card | No |
| Memorabilia | No |
| Autograph | No |
🏆 Hobby Significance
SkyBox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMGs) are widely considered the holy grails of 1990s basketball. The print run was strictly limited to 100 copies. They are notorious for severe edge-chipping straight out of the pack, making highly-graded copies 'unicorns' at auction. 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
Opti-Chrome Technology: This parallel utilizes hyper-refractive geometric foil patterns (like Mojo, Pulsar, or Tie-Dye) that react dynamically to light. These finishes are highly sought after by modern investors. Etched Foil: Utilizes proprietary technology to create deep, grooved textures in the metallic background of the card, allowing light to catch the card in dynamic ways. 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
Juwan continued his steady production in Washington, remaining one of the most reliable post players in the league. His veteran leadership began to show as he helped mentor younger teammates during a period of transition for the franchise.
🏀 NBA Era & Pop Culture
The 1998-99 season was shortened to just 50 games due to a league-wide lockout. As a result, card manufacturers produced fewer sets and lower print runs, making specific inserts from this era surprisingly scarce today.
Collector FAQs
Is this a 'Holy Grail' card?
Yes, this card belongs to one of the most prestigious parallel series in the hobby. These are extremely rare and heavily targeted by high-end investors.
How rare is this specific card?
This card is serially numbered 33 out of a total print run of 50.