Welcome and nice find!
I had been using that picture myself as reference, along with some topics on the top of the swiss army knife section.
To be honest I don't think that 1998 plier head model is rare at all.
I have seen many, many models for sale with that configuration, and you can still find them new in box.
On the other hand, the 1997 was a difficult one to locate, and only fond one after long search and was able to get it with the help by an US forum member.