Precious Metal Gems (PMG) Guide: Colors & Print Runs
How Precious Metal Gems are numbered, what each color means and which sets matter — from 1997-98 Metal Universe to modern Marvel. Own one? Get a free value. 100% by mail — no driving, no fees.
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In 1997-98 Metal Universe basketball, each PMG was numbered to 100: copies 1–10 have a green background and 11–100 are red, but the green copies are not numbered separately — the serial number tells you the color. Later sets print the colors as separate parallels with their own numbering.
PMG colors by set
| 1997-98 Metal Universe basketball | 1997 | Green #1–10, red #11–100 |
| 2013 Marvel Fleer Retro | 2013 | Red /100, blue /50, green /10 |
| 2015 Fleer Retro Marvel | 2015 | Red /100, blue /50, green /10, gold 1/1 |
| 2017 Fleer Ultra Spider-Man | 2017 | Bronze /199, red /99, blue /49, green /10, purple /5, gold 1/1 |
| 2018 Fleer Ultra X-Men | 2018 | Bronze /199, red /99, blue /49, green /25, purple /10, gold 1/1 |
| Marvel X-Men Metal Universe | 2021 | Green #1–10, red #11–100, pink /75, purple FX 1/1 |
| SkyBox Marvel Metal Universe Spider-Man | 2022 | Green #1–10, red #11–100 |
| SkyBox Metal Universe Avengers | 2024 | Red /100, blue /50, green /10, gold 1/1 |
| SkyBox Metal Universe Batman | 2025 | Red /100, blue /50, green /10, gold 1/1 |
- Check the serial number first — it tells you the color in sets where green and red share one print run
- Surface scratches and chipped foil edges are the main grade problems
- Fakes and re-colored cards exist for top PMGs; graded copies sell for more because the slab settles authenticity
Raw or graded
We buy PMGs and Metal inserts raw or graded by PSA, BGS or SGC. Foil surfaces scratch and chip easily, so keep raw cards in a sleeve and top loader, and photograph them without glare — front, back and the serial number.
Selling by mail
Send photos for a free value from recent sales. If you sell, we email a prepaid, insured label and pay by PayPal or Venmo once your cards arrive and are checked.
precious metal gems (pmg) guide: questions
Why are 1997-98 green PMGs so valuable?
Only 10 of each exist, and the set includes Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and the Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady rookies.
Is a red PMG numbered 11 the same as green?
No — in 1997-98, 1–10 are green and 11–100 are red.
Do you buy single PMGs or only collections?
Both — one green PMG or a whole binder of Metal Universe.
Can I sell by mail?
Yes — everything happens online. Send photos for a free appraisal; if you accept our offer we email a prepaid shipping label. How selling by mail works.
Who pays for shipping?
We do. The label is prepaid, and high-value insurance covers your items in transit.
What if my package is lost or damaged?
It's insured for its value, and we handle the claim — not you.
how selling to us works
- 1Tell us what you have
Use the form below — a rough list, photos or a shared album link is plenty to start.
- 2Get a firm offer
We check each key item against recent sales at its grade and email you a firm offer within 24 hours.
- 3Firm offer
Have an offer from a dealer or auction house? Send it — we'll compete. No pressure.
- 4Ship it — on us
Accept online and we email a prepaid USPS, FedEx or UPS label, insured in transit. Paid by PayPal or Venmo, usually within 1 business day of arrival.
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