Just thought I'd share a technique for removing the film that covered Topps Finest cards printed in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The film was intended to protect the cards and the film says in bold print PEEL AND REMOVE. The problem being is that, ironically, there is a good chance you will damage the corner or edge of the card by attempting to remove the protective film. There is usually no corner or spot to get a start on peeling the film back and with the only other logical option being picking at the card with your fingernail, a lot of collectors have left the protective films on in perpituity. The protective film detracts from the appearance of the card, however, and has likely hindered the collectibility of these issues for that reason. I'm sure there are many collectors out there who would like to see these cards without the film but at the same time not risk any damage to the cards' integrity. These cards after all were certainly some of the "Finest" and best cards of the 1990's.
The technique I employ is nearly 100% safe and effective and I think you'll be very pleased with the results. I have collected and graded 100's of Finest cards so let me assure you that their "gradeability" has not been diminished in anyway and my enjoyment of these issues has greatly increased at the same time.
Under great magnification, I would say at least 10X, it is easy to see small spots along the corners of the cards where the film is raised already to a very small degree, or there is almost always one corner where the film overhangs the card to a small degree. Using a needle with a somewhat blunted end, e.g. a small needle used to hold hems or alterations in place, it is usually very easy to start to peel the film back using one of these imperfections. Once you have it started to a degree where you can grasp the film with your fingers you are ready to remove the card from the magnification and finish the job.
This technique is very easy once you get the hang of it and rarely does the needle ever touch the actual card. Even when the needle does touch the card damage is rare. If you are nervous about it try it out on a few commons. I use a stereoscope at 20X magnification myself, but again that sort of magnification probably isn't necessary. I think you'll like the results.
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