Hi Scott! As probably the one who is closest and frequents the 4Bears the most frequently, I can honestly say that I noticed the difference in the cards right away, at least in terms of the color and brightness on the front. I do not collect the cards, so I did not get too into detail, but thought yours were indeed the better quality of the 2 variations. (Not that quality has ever mattered to 4Bears!) Looking at the 2 I have here in front of me on my desk, you can indeed see the difference!