Craig Biggio 1991 Topps Desert Shield #565 PSA 8 NM-MINT Astros HOF Low Pop 104 Only 6,800 Sets Produced

Brand-new PSA label (with fugitive ink technology) and PSA plastic case.

This PSA slab comes in a perfectly-fit plastic sleeve to prevent scratching on the plastic surface.

Item will be securely wrapped with inner bubble wrap and cardboard backing on all sides to mitigate damage during shipment.

Package will be shipped via USPS Ground Advantage within 1 business day upon receipt of payment.

For combined orders, shipping will be the highest shipping cost plus $2 for additional card. 

Combined shipping only applies to cards purchased within 3 days of each other and must be checked out in the same order.

Cards that require eBay Authentication ($250 or above) do not qualify for combined shipping.

🟫 1991 Topps Desert Shield — Confirmed Print Run

📌 Official Topps Memo (Dec. 21, 1990)

A recently surfaced internal Topps letter confirms:

• 500 cases of Desert Shield cards were produced.
• Each case contained:
• 20 boxes per case
• 36 packs per box
• 15 cards per pack
• Total cards produced:

• 500\cdot 20\cdot 36\cdot 15=5,400,000 total cards
• Divided across a 792‑card set, that equals ~6,800 of each card.

This aligns with long‑standing hobby estimates of 6,300–7,000 per card.

🟫 Effective Surviving Population (Much Lower)

Because these were shipped to troops during the Gulf War:

• Many packs were discarded, damaged, burned, or never picked up.
• Some collectors estimate maybe ~3,000 copies per card survive, and likely fewer in high grade.
• Example:

• Chipper Jones Desert Shield PSA population is only 935 despite a theoretical 6,800 printed.

This is why Desert Shield behaves like a true scarcity anomaly in the junk‑wax era.