Graded Wax Packs

XanaduNow

I'm looking to bust some late-70s to mid-80s ('78 T, '81 T & '86 T) wax for cards to grade. I'm not so much looking to resell as I am just interested in compiling a collection of PSA 10s (be it common or star). At what point in the pack grading scale is it just not worth it because the odds of pulling anything "pack fresh" just isn't there?

And what can I deduce about the ungraded packs on websites that offer both graded (from high to low) and ungraded? Are the ungraded even worth it?

Much appreciated.

grote15

Hi XanaduNow,

The grade on the GAI holder pertians to the condition and the centering of the wrapper for the most part and may not always be consistent with the quality of the cards inside the pack. I'd recommend GAI 7.5 or better, as these packs are usually better preserved over the years and should yield some decent cards. Your best bet, though, is to purchase an unopened box (or sealed case) from a trustworthy source like bbcexchange, as you can then eliminate the guessing game that accompanies purchasing raw material as many of the "raw" vintage packs that come up for sale on ebay are reseals or otherwise doctored. Defintely stay away from all "private" auctions where the bidders' user names are not revealed. These auction are usually private because the seller fears that an unsuspecting high bidder will be notified by a more experienced collector that what he is bidding on may very well turn out to be junk.

XanaduNow

Okay, that makes perfect sense, thanks for the info. But it leads to my next question ...

I'd like to preface this by stating that EVERYTHING I've read or heard about bbcexchange has been positive in regard to their service and reputation. But, they sell rack packs, cello packs and wax packs with premiums because a particular star or rookie card is showing. Are these particular packs bought outside of their inventory or do they come from their own material? All, or virtually all, of the older Topps wax boxes aren't "factory sealed" so it's difficult to know with certainty whether they've been searched.

I'm not trying to make any accusations about bbce, only inquiring about this perceived (and likely incorrect) practice.

CDsNuts

I've bought rack boxes/cases from them that have had major cards showing. My understanding is that they only pull the packs with stars showing from the boxes that they open to sell packs individually. It's worth saving up and buying case-fresh boxes from them. I think I got like 10 PSA 10's and a plethora of 9's from a case-fresh BBCE 78 Topps wax box a while back. Advice from somebody who's busted a lot of 70's and 80's stuff over the past year: Go case-fresh from BBCE. You won't be disappointed. Also, if it's something like a 3-box rack case, Steve might consider breaking the case and sell you a box if you ask.

Lee

storm888

I would trust BBCE to spot "tampered packs" with at LEAST
as much confidence as I would place in PSA's abilities at the
start of their new venture.

Having been present when stuff from BBCE was busted open,
I can report that BBCE definitely does NOT tamper with the
stuff before they sell it.

There are a couple of other for-certain reputable outfits too,
but BE CAUTIOUS with folks you have not heard of on eBay.

storm

grote15

Sealed boxes or cases (depending on your budget) is defintely the way to go. With regard to the "star" packs that Steve sells, I believe a number of the packs are purchased from collectors that way and aren't necessarily pulled from boxes. Steve is an aggressive buyer of unopened material, as well as a seller, and he probably has offers from collectors all the time looking to sell these "star" packs they've been saving or set aside through the years.