Okay. I'm hooked. 1985 Topps Football. I need'em

Fabfrank

I've had my eye on this set for awhile. I can't explain this obsession of mine for black-bordered sets. I'm looking to build this set in PSA 9 and will also consider 10's. PM me if you have any extras or email me at: FFMAZZ@AOL.COM

sixdart

Welcome aboard Frank! I was wondering when you'd join the party?

imafishinnut

Frank,

For some reason, I am addicted to the black border sets as well. I have seriously considered started the 1985 Topps Football in PSA 9 and the 1962 Topps Football in PSA 7 as my next big projects. I think we both need to seek professional help

Mike

Southsider

The more the merrier. Join us. The 1985 Topps Football set is a great set. What it lacks in superstar rookies it more than makes up for in sheer numbers of HOFers. Something like 33 HOFers included? Not to mention one of the alltime great football multi-player cards: Marino & Montana Passing Leaders.

ArnyVee

From the little research that I've done on this (one of my favorite modern sets) I've noticed that those 9s (especially low pop and HOFs) go for quite a few bucks. I haven't even tracked the 10s at all. So, it's quite a set to put together from a monetary standpoint. But, well worth it!

Fabfrank

For some reason, I am addicted to the black border sets as well. I have seriously considered started the 1985 Topps Football in PSA 9 and the 1962 Topps Football in PSA 7 as my next big projects. I think we both need to seek professional help

I was also thinking of doing the 62 set in PSA 7, but I want to get further along on my 48 Leaf, and 52 Bowman Large before I start that set. I figured I could pick up 85 commons cheaply in PSA 9. I have many of the stars already in PSA 9 with a few PSA 10's that I'll add in the coming days.

So does anyone have any dupes that they are looking to sell????

RedHeart54

<< <i>I've noticed that those 9s (especially low pop and HOFs) go for quite a few bucks. >>



The Payton, is what, $125? (Granted, I think there's only 5 or 6 '9s'.)

sixdart

Jeremy (The Football Card Store) has several PSA 9s and (1) PSA 10 on his Ebay store.

I have several candidates for 9s that I haven't submitted - lately PSA has been tough on this set. I recently sold a nice lot of PSA 9s (some PSA 8s) on EBay. The only extra PSA 9 I have is a #83 Jeff Kemp ... PM me if you want it.

I think Moon is eligible for the HOF next year? The Munchak RC is the only HOF RC at this time, however Dent, Ellard, Fryar and maybe Clayton will get in. Frank already has the Ellard and Fryar in PSA 10!

There are currrently 33 HOFers in this set ... the difficult Elway and Payton cards lead the way.

sixdart

The Payton has a current PSA 9 POP of 11 - no PSA 10s. The PSA 9 sells between $150 - $250 ... last two sold for $155 and $162. There are so many Payton collectors there will always be competition for this card. The Elway is more difficult by submission ratio, and the last Ebay PSA 9 (POP 28 - no 10s) sold at $61 - which was a steal.

Southsider

Moon is eligible for this year's HOF class, and I'm pretty certain he will get in. As a Bears fan, I would love for Dent to be enshrined. But, I'm not positive it'll happen. He had the bad fortune to play in the same era as Bruce Smith and Reggie White (who is finally eligible for the HOF this year). As for the receivers, I don't see them getting in. Certainly not before Art Monk, why he's not in already is a damn shame! And another thing is that the recent proliferation of huge WR numbers dwarfs the accomplishments of Clayton, Ellard, and Fryar. Their numbers simply pale in comparison to what WRs have been putting up over the past decade.

shouldabeena10

The 1985 set is also on my short list of newer sets to start picking at soon. When I got back into collecting cards (for a short time) in the early 90's, it was one of the years that my local dealer had lots of wax available for ... and I too, love the look of the black border sets.

I remember busting quite a few packs back then ... although I'm pretty sure my monster boxes stash won't yeild very many mint condition cards. My old monster boxes have become like an unopened wax pack for me ... as long as I don't look, they're still in great condition.

Anyway, where are you guys finding the better grade 1985 raw cards are coming from; Wax, cello's, racks, grocery, vending, etc?

Are there any of the above that you've had bad luck with and are staying away from?

Did 1985 have a sealed factory set?

Thanks,

Mike

sixdart

Hello Mike,

The rack pack boxes have produced the best results (in my experience). However, if you can locate some clean wax boxes (non-close out), I have been successful with those as well. Cellos (grocery or packs) are nice, but the corners tend to be brutual.

I did grade my (4) Paytons from grocery cellos - I was lucky they were at the center of the pack.

Topps did issue a factory set, but I have yet to actually see one.

sixdart

Eric,

I agree on the WR issue ... and Irvin is not in yet either. I think this year there could be 6 new members? Aikman, Moon and White are locks.

sixdart

Frank,

If this helps? ... Chris_C_Allen (EBAY user id) was very active with '85 Topps FB, however he has discontinued collecting this set. Chris had several PSA 9s available and has sold to other members of this forum (off EBAY).

The other person that may have several extras is Mike King (a.k.a CU MetalMike20) and is King77 on EBAY.

Fabfrank

Sixdart- Thanks for the leads. I'll get in touch with those guys.

MARKSFBCARDS

Fab,

We only have (1) PSA from 85 but it's a nice Marino RB pop 1/2. Also have (75) case fresh grocery racks available. We have a small submission going into PSA soon and will be busting more for submittal in the near future. Check back often for updates.

www.marksfbcards.com

Thanks. MARKS

ldferg

i really like the black borders (same as 85 donruss bb). i do not have an 85 registry set, but i purchased an 85t rack pack box from BBCE a couple of weeks ago, opened 4 racks, pulled a marino and payton. i submitted around 8 from these 2 racks. i don't know that any will be 10s but hopefully some 9s. centering was nice, color and edges varied on the 4 racks.

i've got the remaining 20 racks on ebay now. if any of you guys are interested i'd let it go for $280 (shipping included). my cost was $350 and i've busted 4 racks. i was hoping for an elway but after not seeing any GEM cards, i stopped opening the box. the remainder of the box has been untouched except for the pack i scanned on ebay. these are the racks packs and NOT the grocery racks.

i hope no one takes offense to this "spamming". just thought i'd offer it to you guys.

gosteelers

<< <i>Frank,

If this helps? ... Chris_C_Allen (EBAY user id) was very active with '85 Topps FB, however he has discontinued collecting this set. Chris had several PSA 9s available and has sold to other members of this forum (off EBAY).

The other person that may have several extras is Mike King (a.k.a CU MetalMike20) and is King77 on EBAY. >>



I just won one of Mike's auctions. I won a Henry Ellard PSA 9 (trying to bump up my set rating, being that Ellard has a set composition of 3.50). I tried getting his Mark Duper PSA 9, as well, but was outbid.

Mefer

Well, I have joined my brethern from the 71 group. This talk about the 85 Football set got me itching to try a box. I just ordered a wax box from BBE. At only 396 cards, I should have a good chance of putting a set together from the wax box. Thanks for directing me towards more black bordered cards and putting a further dent in my wallet.

Fabfrank

Mefer- A few more people collecting black bordered sets and we'll start our own support group

metalmike20

Welcome to the club Frank, you've picked one of the best modern football sets to collect and probably one of the hardest!! Enjoy the ride it will be a wild one!

As of right now the last few dupes I had were just on Ebay in which Frank and "gosteelers" got most of them, thanks guys!! I have some more 85 unopened coming so maybe in a month or so I'll have some more 85's for sale.

Gotta love 85's!!


Mike

Fabfrank

As of right now the last few dupes I had were just on Ebay in which Frank and "gosteelers" got most of them

HaHa, I didn't know it was you I won the cards from Mike. That's great. I just sent you payment. LMk when you get more 85's in. You know I'm a ready buyer

metalmike20

Will do Frank, your cards will go out in the morning!

Mike

sixdart

Ah-hem ... Mike. Let's not forget about the rest of us?!?!

gosteelers

<< <i>I've had my eye on this set for awhile. I can't explain this obsession of mine for black-bordered sets. I'm looking to build this set in PSA 9 and will also consider 10's. PM me if you have any extras or email me at: FFMAZZ@AOL.COM >>



Wow, you're Number 3 already! Congrats on the lightning fast climb up the charts...

Mark

Fabfrank

I basically bought Mike's set. A small lot from Marcus (Sixdart), a few singles here and there and I added some 10's that i had in my other sets. I have a feeling though that the rest of the cards will be coming from my own submissions.

Axtell

Congrats on the set...I've had to put a hold on my sets with purchasing a home (ouch those bills add up quickly) and I sold off a lot of 8's I upgraded to 9s recently.

It's a great set, but I think a lot of people overlook it...the photography is incredible (I love the team cards...especially the Bears with Payton busting up the gut and the 49ers with a classic Montana shot), and the black borders speak for themselves. Add in second year cards of Elway and Marino, sprinkle in a good number of hall of famers, and you have yourself an amazing set.

Congrats again.

sixdart

Frank,

You started this set with a bang! I wish I'd had the same opportunity when I started the set. Most of mike cards were from his own submission - which seem to be higher-end PSA 9s/10s. It took him several years to assemble what he did.

Brian,

I was wondering where you were?

gosteelers

I have a decent amount of raw '85s ready to submit. I haven't submitted any raw '85s yet, I've purchased them already graded. My question is, should I be wary of anything (besides the obvious chipping of the black borders) that PSA might deduct for? Quite a few of them look like 9s to me, but I don't want to be surprised when I get my submission back.

Mark

sixdart

PSA seems to focus more on the corners and they accept minor edge chipping. If any corners show white (to the naked eye) then the best you can hope for is a PSA 8.

If you plan on submitting cards, you will need a nice 10X device (preferrable with a light source). There are many hidden edge creases that can only be seen under 10X. Examine your current PSA 9s and compare them with cards you plan to submit - this will give you the best understanding of PSA's criteria.

IJustLoveCards

What a set, I have the set complete in raw form in what "I believe" (now we get psa's opinon) to be just stunning. I bought a set off ebay and upgraded from several other sets I had purchased over the years. I have also purchased a few waxboxes (another one should be here by monday) looking to bust the packs and hope to upgrade the best of what I have. Once I feel I have what I want condition wise, off to psa in one big 396 card sub (5.00 special) and hope for the best.

I have been upgrading my set, by buying other sets and wax packs.

What a georgous set.

Eddo33

Just wanted to let everydody know I got 5 rack packs off of Marks Football Cards. The cards inside were very sharp! I pulled a Moon and Marino/Montana that should come back a 9.
I give these rack packs two thumbs up!

gosteelers

Hello fellow '85ers,
I have decided to break up my small PSA 9 1985 Topps Football set. I have a few already up on eBay if anyone's interested. More will be going up soon.

Thanks,
Mark

Fabfrank

Hi mark. PM me with what you have if you want to consider selling directly. Do you have a list?

sixdart

Mark,

Did you ever send your batch in to PSA?

gosteelers

Not yet. I compiled about 15 that look pretty good to me. I'll be sending them in under the current special.

Mark

sixdart

Which ones are you sending in ... ?

Fabfrank

Well, opened up an 85 wax box last night while watching the Cowboys/Steelers game. yuch
Maybe 30 cards worth grading, but virtually every pack and almost all the cards were warped. Add to that the gum stain bleeding through 2 cards not just one and this box was a "write off"
I was wondering though if I flattened the cards to eliminate the warping if they would still be grade worthy? Or should I just forget it?

sixdart

Frank,

30 cards? You were lucky! These cards are brutal ... if I get 5-10 PSA 9 candidates per box I'm happy. Unfortunately, they're almost always the same high-pop commons.

I have a few with a slight vending curve, but I don't remember ever seeing a PSA 9 with a warp. You might what to send in a sample one or two and see how PSA grades them?

Most people give up the idea of starting this set once they open a box or two. Although it's considered a modern, you have to open a lot of product to get mint cards - which gets expensive.

gregm13

<< <i>Frank,

30 cards? You were lucky! These cards are brutal ... if I get 5-10 PSA 9 candidates per box I'm happy. Unfortunately, they're almost always the same high-pop commons.

I have a few with a slight vending curve, but I don't remember ever seeing a PSA 9 with a warp. You might what to send in a sample one or two and see how PSA grades them?

Most people give up the idea of starting this set once they open a box or two. Although it's considered a modern, you have to open a lot of product to get mint cards - which gets expensive. >>



Not to mention the boxes are getting more and more expensive. I saw BBC Exchange w/ a beautiful rack box - and he was asking over $400. That's as much as an 86 box.

Regards,

Greg M.

Fabfrank

I saw BBC Exchange w/ a beautiful rack box - and he was asking over $400

I paid $130 for my wax box, but want to look for a rack box or maybe a case. I put the cards under a heavy book and it seems to help in straightening out the cards. I'll give it a few more days.

thefootballcardstore

30 cards wow! My last 85 box I got 7 cards and 3 of them came back PSA 8.

sixdart

Steve had three rack boxes at the National. I purchased one but now wish that I had taken all three.

The non-close out wax boxes produce the best results for me. My very best submissions came from grocery cellos - which is odd because they have the worst rep. You just never know with these cards?!

gosteelers

Hey guys,
I just put a few more '85 PSA 9s out on eBay with lowered Buy It Now prices.

Thanks,
Mark

digicat

Hey Sixdart, what do you mean by "close out boxes"?

digicat

Fabfrank, did the book trick work for flattening out your cards? It looks like I'm gonna have the same issue. Send any in for grading?

IJustLoveCards

I just opened my second wax box with so so results, I had toput them under books as well....decent centering, prob 20 upgrades out of the box.

Fabfrank

Fabfrank, did the book trick work for flattening out your cards? It looks like I'm gonna have the same issue. Send any in for grading?
I actually put the short stack that I was going to send in for grading under a box of PSA cards. That was enough concentrated weight to flatten the cards and remove the warping. I also did the same thing with the cards that were nice (PSA 7-8 material) but not worth grading, and those cards also straightened out after a week or so.

I will post the results when I receive them.

sixdart

Digicat,

These boxes were returned by retailers and received a black marker across the box top (see pic). These boxes can be an accumulation of partial box wax packs and often received more handling than non-closeout boxes.

vs.

SKINSFAN

Frank i have a rack box you can twist my arm for if your interested in it

Mefer

Hey if any of you are interested, I have some 85s coming back to me from PSA right now. I have:

8 AFC Championship PSA 9
30 Dan Hampton PSA 9
360 Mike Merriweather PSA 9

I also have two 8s and a 7 that I am assuming is below the minimum for everyone here. I also lucked out and hit a PSA 10 Marcus Allen that I plan on putting up on eBay. If you are interested in any of the 9s, PM me with an offer.