Which would YOU rather have?...

Steve1124

If you had a choice between having a Bazooka gum box (1960s) enclosed within a GAI holder, and graded, OR having the panel from the box cut out, and having just the panel graded (by PSA), which would you rather have? PSA does not grade entire boxes, hence my basis for making this comparison. GAI's holders for items this large look somewhat like "license plate" holders--they're about that size, and kinda flimsy. BUT--they would at least be sealed and protected.

So which would you rather have? Which do you think is more valuable?

mikeschmidt

As always - it depends.

If the box is in pristine shape - obviously the less destruction of vintage materials, the better.

If however, the box has creases/bends/stains, but the panel is in good shape, I'd probably just want the panel.

Value does, however, seem to be a key. There does currently seem to be some irrationality in the market - with premiums paid for PSA graded Bazooka panels with star players. Part of that is the Registry, there are definitely some other qualititative reasons - but there is absolutely some irrationality as it relates to pricing and value.

Also - just realize from a "grade" perspective that a panel might ultimately grade much higher than a box because the panel is a single flat surface where the box might have minor creases/bends/folds and grade less. The market prices do not seem to accurately reflect these differentials right now...

Steve1124

I should have added to my question: "Suppose that the condition of the box OR just the panel was the same"--say, Nm-Mt for example, so that condition need not be a factor.