The deep end. People buy this chasing top rookie patch autos and legend signatures, and the price reflects it.
Q2What makes 2005-06 The Cup so valuable?
It's the inaugural year of the product with one of the greatest rookie crops ever. Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin rookie autographs are the crown jewels, and the 2 autographs per box guarantee means you're hitting premium cards every single pack.
Q3What are the key rookie cards to chase?
Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin are the biggest names. Other notable rookies include Ryan Getzlaf, Cam Ward, Gilbert Brule, Wojtek Wolski, Peter Budaj, Al Montoya, Andrew Ladd, Daniel Paille, Mike Richards, Thomas Vanek, and Dion Phaneuf. Most come in autographed and autographed patch versions.
Q4How do the numbered parallels work?
Base cards are numbered to 249. Autographed Rookie Patches come in Level 1 (/99) and Level 2 (/199) tiers. Signature Patched cards are /75, Scripted Swatches are /25, and Limited Logos are /50. There are also 1/1 versions of certain cards like the Autographed NHL Shields and Masterpiece pressplates.
Q5What's the difference between the autograph patch levels?
Level 1 Autographed Rookie Patches are numbered to 99, making them scarcer. Level 2 goes to 199. Both feature rookie autographs with jersey swatches, so the main difference is print run and rarity.
Q6Are there any veteran autographs in this product?
Yes. Signature Patched cards feature veteran autographs numbered to 75. There are also Honorable Numbers (numbered to jersey number), Emblems of Endorsements (/15), and other veteran-focused autograph sets throughout the product.
Q7What's the base set like?
The base set has 100 cards mixing rookies and veterans, all numbered to 249. It includes Hall of Famers and current stars alongside the rookie class, giving you a solid foundation before you hit the premium autograph and patch cards.
Q8How many cards do you get per box?
Just 4 cards per box, since it's 1 pack with 4 cards. But with 2 autographs guaranteed per box on average (including at least 1 rookie auto), every box is loaded with hits.
Q9What are the best inserts in 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup?
Worth keeping an eye out for: Autographed Rookie Patch, Signature Patched, Scripted Swatches, Limited Logos, Stanley Cup Titlists.
Q10When did 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup come out?
It dropped July 25, 2006.
Q11What's in a 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup hobby box?
4 cards per pack, 1 pack per box, 6 boxes per case
Q12Where can I buy 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup?
We track listings across the major North American card shops and surface the best price up top. The Buy on eBay links go through the eBay Partner Network.
What to Expect
2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup Hockey
The inaugural 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup is a premium hockey box built around rookie autographs and patch cards, headlined by Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. With 2 autographs per box on average including at least one rookie auto, it's the product that set the standard for high-end hockey.
Autographs
2Autographs per box on average
On average per hobby box
1Base card
Inserts to watch
Autographed Rookie PatchThe marquee chase card, numbered to 99 or 199 depending on level, featuring rookie autographs with jersey swatches.
Signature PatchedVeteran autograph patch cards numbered to 75, with shortprints available.
Scripted SwatchesAutographed memorabilia cards numbered to 25, with shortprints available.
Limited LogosAutographed cards numbered to 50, with shortprints available.
Stanley Cup TitlistsInsert set numbered to the number of Stanley Cups won by each player.
Fast facts
Released
July 25, 2006
Box config
4 cards per pack, 1 pack per box, 6 boxes per case
