Yeah, the “first release” '98 Shatners were awesome. I was recently informed by another member that my Shat is actually a “first release” '98 Shatner rather than a '99. Not sure about whether mine is a $40 or $100 version but whatever it is, it’s all I need really. It satisfies my needs for an H1 mask. AHG’s Shatner is another perfect example of how accurate these masks can be. I have yet to see a mask that tops his Shatner. That thing IS the Hero! 
Hey there, I just wanted too let you know that there is no $100 version of the 1998 DPS Shatner. The 1999 Shatner on the other hand had a $100 version which was made before production of the $40 version of the '99 and was only available from DPS themselves. As far as your 1998 DPS Shatner being a “first” release, meaning prior too the production run/ enlargement of the 1998 piece, would mean your mask is too small too wear, but pretty rare. If you have any photos of the mask before the conversion that would give undeniable proof on the masks origin and rather it is a 1998 (pre enlarged or enlarged) or even a 1999 ($40 or $100) I would love too see some before pics of that piece too be able too ID it properly. The statement you heard about it being a “first release” may be in reference too it being a standard 1998 Shatner, which was the first realease from DPS of a “Shatner” not a “Kirk” DPS made the 1975 Star Trek Captain Kirk than DPS/Rubies made the 1990 Star Trek Kirk, Then it switched too “William Shatner” because there are no laws about sculpting a LIVING person, but there are laws about sculpting a fictional character (It’s a bit of a touchy subject none the less) So The first real release from DPS of a William Shatner mask would indeed be a 1998 dps Shatner. You have a great looking mask none the less, Like I said I’d love too see some before pics of the piece.
Take care,
KennyD
I do not have any pictures of it before the conversion. AHG might, but I doubt it. I was told this Billy Kirkus who spoke with Don Post Jr. about it and he was told by Don Post Jr. himself that it is a first release '98 Shatner. That is pretty credible I’d say. The back of the mask reads “1998 A Don Post mask”. It’s definitely not the "enlarged version. It’s small, believe me. I don’t have a very large head, so I can get it on. Taking it off is very hard though because it is pretty small. Whatever sculpt this mask came from was not “enlarged” from any previous version. I believe it’s legit, but on the other hand I understand you wanting to see more pics of it before any ID can be set in stone. Those words came from Don Post Jr. himself though and I believe what he says to be true. He knows what he’s talking about.
EDIT– I actually just purchased another '98 Shatner. I believe this is the “production run/enlarged” version. Definitely not the same as mine… I’ll be able to elaborate more on the size when it arrives. If it’s bigger than mine, that that will be very useful in helping to identifying my mask. If there really was only ONE production run version of the '98 Shatner, and this Shatner is different than mine, than that definitely will rule out the possibility that mine is the “enlarged” version. On with the pics…
The one I just bought…
Mine…
Definitely not the same.
Not the same at all. The one you just bought is without a doubt a production (enlarged) copy of the 1998 Shatner with a bad conversion. I recieved some images of your mask before the conversion just now and indeed it would seem this is an unenlarged blank 1998 shatner that has been converted. Thats a rare find indeed. I kind of wish it was done up Kirk style because of it’s rarity, but that’s just me. The one thing that bothers me is the fact you have a copyright on it. From what I have seen the unenlarged 1998 did not have a copyright, but this version may of been right on the verge of going into production (meaning adding a copyright) before the sculpt was enlarged and went into full production and out too stores. Congrats regardless. Thats a rare mask/score you got yourself!
-KennyD
ps Hear is an image of your mask as a blank. If you look closely you can see the Iris of the eye etched in the sculpt (left eye when looking at the image), which the unenlarged 1998’s had and were painted in like eyes, which also suggests it’s unenlarged, although I havent seen an enlarged blank before the eyes were cut out too compare.
WOW…Now i realize these are made with crappy latex but another reason i won’t spend $300 on one of those H78’S…Latex breaks down regardless…I’m a blank hunter lol!
An indy made mask will last you a lifetime if treated properly. Mass produced masks includes additives that allow a mask too break down much easier all too save a buck 
a shame isnt it?
-KennyD
Sorry, but I have to agree too. I don’t care whether a latex mask has additives or not, it will rot if you wear it and do not clean it properly afterwards. I know because I happen to have the same mask (a $40 Don Post 1999) and it is in perfect condition. Another possibility is that something done during the conversion (paint for example) screwed up the mask. Mine is unconverted:
https://forum.michael-myers.net/t/don-post-captain-kirk-1998-or-1999-mask/31204/1