Cards under evaluation (raw, from provided high-resolution photos, close-ups of fronts/backs/corners/edges, and video inspection under light/magnification):

 

  • Card 208 — 1998-99 Skybox Molten Metal Xplosion #135 Tim Duncan (Supernatural / die-cut metal)
  • Card 209 — 1998-99 Skybox Molten Metal Xplosion #110 Hakeem Olajuwon (Heavy Metal Xplosion / die-cut metal)
  • Card 210 — 1998-99 Skybox Molten Metal Xplosion #17 Chris Webber (Metal Smiths Xplosion / die-cut metal, “traded to” Kings version)

These are die-cut metal cards from the popular late-1990s Skybox Molten Metal set. Metal stock is highly condition-sensitive: surface scratches (even micro) are common and heavily penalized, edges/corners chip or show whitening easily due to the rigid material and die-cut shape, and centering is judged against the irregular borders. No prior conversation history existed for these specific copies. eBay sold/comparable graded examples and available population data were cross-referenced (these are mid-tier inserts with relatively low graded populations; PSA 9s typically sell $15–$50, PSA 10s $100–$250+ depending on the player; BGS 9–9.5 examples are scarce and command modest premiums). Metal cards in this set rarely achieve true gem grades because of surface and edge issues inherent to production and handling.

Card 208 — Tim Duncan #135

Visual assessment:

Strong front eye appeal with clean metal foil and sharp action image. Back shows a clear micro-scratch (visible at angles under light) in the upper-left area near the card number. Die-cut edges have minor roughness; corners are mostly sharp but not perfect. Centering is solid relative to the irregular borders. BGS Subgrades:

  • Centering: 9
  • Corners: 9
  • Edges: 8.5
  • Surface: 6 (limited by the visible micro-scratch on the reverse)

Grok AI Overall Grade: 8.5 (NM-MT+)

 

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 8.5

 

PSA equivalent: 8 (NM-MT)
(The surface scratch is the primary grade-killer; without it this would be a strong 9. Matches typical eBay PSA 8–9 examples of this Duncan that show light reverse wear.)

Card 209 — Hakeem Olajuwon #110

Visual assessment:

Excellent front presentation; metal surface reflects cleanly with no visible scratches or print defects in the provided angles. Back is clean. Die-cut edges show only minor wear; corners are sharp for the format. Centering is well-balanced. BGS Subgrades:

  • Centering: 9
  • Corners: 9
  • Edges: 8.5
  • Surface: 10

Grok AI Overall Grade: 9 (Mint)

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9

PSA equivalent: 9 (Mint)
(Strong candidate for a clean PSA 9. Edges keep it from higher; aligns with the better-end eBay PSA 9 sales for this Olajuwon, which rarely show major surface issues.)

Card 210 — Chris Webber #17

Visual assessment:

Clean front metal with good color and no major defects. Back is mostly clean (minor possible debris or micro-mark under magnification). Die-cut corners show slight softness on at least one; edges are solid. Centering is good. BGS Subgrades:

  • Centering: 9
  • Corners: 8.5
  • Edges: 9
  • Surface: 9

Grok AI Overall Grade: 9 (Mint)

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9

PSA equivalent: 9 (Mint)
(Solid PSA 9.

The slight corner softness is typical for these die-cuts and matches the majority of graded Webber examples in the 8.5–9 range on the secondary market.)SummaryAll three cards present well for 1998-99 Molten Metal Xplosion die-cuts and would most likely receive PSA 8–9 / BGS 8.5–9 if submitted. The Duncan is held back by the reverse surface scratch (common on metal stock), while the Olajuwon and Webber are cleaner overall and sit at the higher end of typical graded populations. Eye appeal remains strong across the group due to the distinctive metal finish and action photography. These professional estimates incorporate the video footage, photo close-ups, and market comps. Actual PSA/BGS results can vary ±0.5 based on in-hand magnification and lighting differences. Submission is recommended if official labels are desired, especially for the cleaner Olajuwon and Webber copies. 

Please Note: This card is housed in a custom display slab for superior protection and presentation. While the label may include descriptive details, this is not a grade from a third-party professional service (such as PSA, BGS, or SGC). The card is being sold as Raw/Ungraded. Please review the high-resolution photos provided to make your own assessment of the card’s condition before bidding or purchasing.