Hi Starbucks Card Fanz!

Valentines / February 2002 Starbucks came out with an envelope to match their Generic / Brown Core Cup Card.  'How brilliant!' I remember thinking as I had been collecting all kinds of cards for quite a while. This was the 1st time I had seen a company come out with a holiday envelope to match their regular card.  Back then we called them envelopes. Today we call them sleeves, holders or carriers (which could be the official term as there is a sign over the cards that says something like ask your barista for a card carrier). 

Anyways, I found a box of stuff from my life in Viva Las Vegas. Inside were a few really cool printed Starbucks 'Treasurez' in it.  One of which was an Starbucks Gift Card Envelope with a red heart on the front cover for Valentines.  There was no matching card!  Starbucks was  using the 6005# Brown Card still, maybe up to 6006# by then, but I don't think so.  So on a time line, this carrier technically came before the Spring/Summer Cup Card, the Walt Whitman / Nations Card and the Toucan / Commitment to Origins Card, which are all considered quite rare. 
This was, in my opinion, like the 'third card' available to the public.  To the small but growing group of 'Crazy Starbucks Card Collectors' like myself, you will understand what I am trying to get at. 

I am happy to have collected Starbucks cards from the first Snowflake Holiday and Brown Cup Core Card.  Starbucks cards were my dream cards.  I had never been so excited to see a card from any store before.  My daily Starbucks now had their own gift cards (end of 2001).  Prior to this, they had booklets (about 3 or so choices) of gift certificates for different kinds of drinks. I was already collecting all kinds of Starbucks merchandise, but cards are always on the top of my list.  Back then I usually collected 1 - 3 of things.  If it is something I personally like or collect I will buy more. Today, I have accumulated 1/2 of a small storage filled with mostly Starbucks Stuff. (Tumblers, Mugs, mini mugs, Bearistas, etc. etc.) When buying merchandise,  I tell the baristas..."If you knew how much Starbucks stuff I had, you would never let me buy this stuff right now!" 

Back to the Valentine's Envelope.  I have rarely seen them since the beginning of Starbucks Cards on eBay.  I do not know much about the production number or how rare they really are?  I suspect it is in the Top 10 of the most rare of those cards / sleeves available to the public. In my personal collection, it is the most rare anything I have.

Outside Front: "Now the secrets out, For it is love that I am --- for, But of a beautiful, unheard-of-kind that ---in the world. - Yeates"  appear to be the inscription across front in a light brown over beige. Red Heart, great design. Starbucks Coffee Company written in red & Button Logo.

Outside Back: Red with c2002 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. J106928. SKU 177767

Inside Top: To: From: Amount & you are to fill in the blanks.

Inside Bottom: Pocket to hold card. Has a 'mini owners manual' written. Your Starbucks Card.  Your new Starbucks Card is the fastest, most convenient way to visit Starbucks. Simply use it like cash to quickly pay for delicious beverages, pastries and much more. And whenever you like, your Card can be reloaded to use again (and again).  Your Card is welcome at participating Starbucks locations. Starbucks.com and 1-800-STARBUC.

I have just put this carrier in my store with new photos & another story if you are interested in reading it too.  Item #330157294965, i can't seem to put a link..sorry.

So, if you have any details about this envelope that I can add to the details to share with others, please email me through eBay.
Thanks for taking the time to read this & please vote Yes as it really means a lot to me. 

Peace, PaCRat!  =^./.^=