1983 Topps Rack Pack - Looks Wierd!

shambo2000

I recently purchased a 1983 rack box and the cards weren't sealed in the racks the same way as other 1980's rack product. The label was sealed in a top section and there were three more sections of sealed cards. These weren't individually sealed in cello like you would find in grocery racks they were sealed in a somewhat thicker plastic. I've never bought 83's before but have purchased many 82's and 84's and there is a big difference in the makeup of the racks.


Sealed label (hole not punctured)


Not your typical seal.

This may be typical of '83 racks, I'd really like to see if others have received similar racks.

Thanks for looking,
Shannon
shambo2000

ToppsCo1lector

Resealed maybe? I'm not familiar with those racks but from the ones I've purchased/recieved I'm never found one that didn't have a puncture.

tennesseebanker

Shambo, You may want to send this pic to Steve Hart at BBC Exchange with a short description and get his opinion. He is usually more than happy to give someone some details about what to look for in unopened material. And there isnt a better person to ask.

shambo2000

I sent a note to Steve. I'm sure he's swamped with getting all his stuff from the national listed on his web site. Hopefully he'll find a minute or two to chime in.

I've never seen a label on a rack pack like these. It's actually a piece of cardboard with its own seperate section in the rack. It's like there's four seperate compartments one for the label and three for the cards.

grote15

Hi shambo,

I've seen many 83 racks in very similar packaging but those have had the color and graphics printed right onto the outside of the cello at the top of the rack, never with a separate "header" card in its own sleeve. I've also seen 83 racks that contain individually wrapped 12-card grocery cellos. I've never seen any 1983 racks with their own header cards inside a separate sleeve. Would be interested to learn what you find out from Steve.

Stone193

Here's a sample from Steve's web - it looks similar to yours I believe - unfortunately he didn't show it all.

It doesn't have the bar code?

mike

CDsNuts

They are less common than the regular cellophane racks that took over from 1984 on, but definitely legit. Link

I think Topps was in the transition of going from the more expensive packaging with the thicker plastic and cardboard insert to an all thin cellophane wrapper. All of the racks from 1980 and before were similar the one you have, 1981 went to all cellophane (I think), and 1982 and 1983 had both.

However, it would be scary if somebody could reproduce the Topps rack wrappers- they could put any stars on top and bottom. Could you imagine what a 1985 rack with Clemens, McGwire, and Puckett showing would bring?

Lee

shambo2000

Stone, the scan from Steve's web site is what I would expect the racks to look like. The box I purchased is packaged much different. It's tough to notice in my scan but the seal between the stacks of cards is "machined" different than any I've ever seen, not at all like Steve's example. I will go ahead and open one of the packs and scan the label.

If you were to look at the wrapper you would swear they were reseals but the cards are sharp and many of the racks have rookies and HOF'ers showing. I'm guessing these may have been some sort of "special" retail packaging but that is a just a guess.

Scans to follow later tonight.

shambo2000

Thanks for the link and the info, Lee. Actually this is the seller that I got my box from last week. Link

I'm not doubting their authenticity they just look wierd. And if one wanted to reseal a rack pack it would be much easier with the cardboard insert label.

As soon as my daughter goes to sleep (she's cutting teeth) I'll rip a pack or two.

grote15

They are less common than the regular cellophane racks that took over from 1984 on, but definitely legit. Link

This is the same seller sambo bought his box from. I've never seen 83 racks with a cardboard header card in the sleeve, but maybe they are legit. When Steve gets back to you, please let us know.

shambo2000

Here is one of the '83 racks beside a 1986 rack.



The cards are in great shape and well coalated. Wonder if can get the label graded?

shambo2000

Steve replied the following:

Shannon,
The racks you have are fine. Topps made 2 different
types of rack packs
in 82 and 83. The ones you have are a little goofy
looking compared to usual
ones. They have a header card in it's own section(like
the ones you
scanned). Racks are really, really tough for the crook
to reproduce(even
though I saw some 68's recently that were homemade!)

Thanks! Steve