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Should I bust a 1951 Ringside five cent pack?

WondoWondo Posts: 2,916 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Here's the story. About a year ago I bought two GAI graded packs from Mark Murphy for $2400. Thinking this was a great deal, I put one up on ebay and promptly got $900 for it - ugh. I took out the other today and tried to see if I could tell which cards are in it. There might be a big gun in there - Marciano, murphy, Tunney or Louis. What to do? image

image
image
Wondo

Comments

  • eyeboneeyebone Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭
    Don't rip it. Sell it. Get another 900 and cut your losses.

    Good luck. Eyebone
    "I'm not saying I'm the best manager in the world, but I'm in the top one." Brian Clough
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Keep it.....................
    or put it up on the Bay during some 20 cent listing day and start it at 1500.00

    Who knows maybe you will get a bite.

    Steve
    Good for you.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Is that an uncut strip?

    Steve
    Good for you.
  • swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,911 ✭✭✭
    dont bust it - put it away and ask us again in another year...


    Looking for 1970 MLB Photostamps
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  • WondoWondo Posts: 2,916 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Is that an uncut strip?

    Steve >>



    Steve,

    it is a two-card perforated panel.

    John
    Wondo

  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,486 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think graded packs are for displaying or for buying and selling - that's just how I see it.

    I agree with those who say - hold onto it for a bit - or do what Steve said when it's cheap to list.

    mike
    Mike
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525
    I know I definitely only speak for myself here, but I say rip it. To me, graded packs are the dumbest thing in the hobby. How can a graded pack be worth as much or more than 5 unopened cards from that particular set? It's absurd.
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • HeritageAddictHeritageAddict Posts: 3,266
    I would end up busting it, but my lack of self control is exactly why I could never own a graded pack.
    Cut Auto Cards 4 sale

    My Registry Sets
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 31,773 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I would end up busting it, but my lack of self control is exactly why I could never own a graded pack. >>




    Exactly the way I am!
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    I know I definitely only speak for myself here, but I say rip it. To me, graded packs are the dumbest thing in the hobby. How can a graded pack be worth as much or more than 5 unopened cards from that particular set? It's absurd.

    Ahmmm does scarcity have anything to do with this maybe?

    Ya think?


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,838 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ahmmm does scarcity have anything to do with this maybe?

    Ya think?

    image


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
    i'm a gambling man by nature john,
    i say b careful not damaging product in process.

    j
    image
    RIP GURU
  • jamesgotpoormanjamesgotpoorman Posts: 1,682
    The possibility of the best cards increases the Value!!!! What would it be worth if you just got all commons?
    succesful deals :richtree, Bosox1976, Bkritz, mknez, SOM, cardcounter2, ddfamf, cougar701, mrG, Griffins : thanks All

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  • jamesgotpoormanjamesgotpoorman Posts: 1,682
    Keep it sealed!!
    succesful deals :richtree, Bosox1976, Bkritz, mknez, SOM, cardcounter2, ddfamf, cougar701, mrG, Griffins : thanks All

    Go Phillies
  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,601 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Its the "potential" of what "could" be in there that makes it more valuable sealed.

    Potential perceived is potential achieved.
  • OAKESY25OAKESY25 Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭
    put it in your store for .10 a month at $1500 best offer
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525


    << <i>The possibility of the best cards increases the Value!!!! What would it be worth if you just got all commons? >>



    So, you sell it based on the "possibility" there's a 52' Mantle in there? That's lame. Friggin' rip it open and let's see what ya got. The scarcity tagline is dumb too. It's a PACK of cards intended to be open.
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525


    << <i>The possibility of the best cards increases the Value!!!! What would it be worth if you just got all commons? >>



    And in the same vein, what would it be worth if you got several great cards?
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    The scarcity tagline is dumb too.


    ok, lets see. 1952 Cards as singles can be bought every day of the week.

    How often do you see a 52 pack up for sale?


    It may be 'dumb' to you.

    Just don't let the facts get in the way.


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Mr Becker

    Lets put it this way, 1978 cello pack unopened with Dale Murphy on top.

    You gonna rip that thing?


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • baseballfanaticbaseballfanatic Posts: 2,415 ✭✭
    Looks like a light heavyweight, but NOT Murphy, on the back.
    Save it
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,486 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The possibility of the best cards increases the Value!!!! What would it be worth if you just got all commons? >>



    So, you sell it based on the "possibility" there's a 52' Mantle in there? That's lame. Friggin' rip it open and let's see what ya got. The scarcity tagline is dumb too. It's a PACK of cards intended to be open. >>

    MrB

    I can't argue that some may share your sentiments on unopened.

    But let's try to open our collective minds and see if one actually exists?

    mike
    Mike
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525


    << <i>Mr Becker

    Lets put it this way, 1978 cello pack unopened with Dale Murphy on top.

    You gonna rip that thing?


    Steve >>



    Hmm...good point, but that's a bit different. 78 Murphy's aren't that hard to come by. Honestly, it would just eat me alive to have a 1952 Topps pack and not open it to see the goodies inside. Guess that's just me.

    Now, a 1989 Topps with a Bob Stanley on the front, NO WAY am I rippin' that bad boy! image
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • WondoWondo Posts: 2,916 ✭✭✭
    What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ?
    Wondo

  • NYYanks23NYYanks23 Posts: 232 ✭
    I understand the collectability of unopened packs, but they are not for me. I am with Mr. Becker in that I would rather open the pack and I couldn't have a pack from a great year lying around unopened.
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525


    << <i>What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ? >>



    See, if a really good card is showing, I can see keeping it sealed, because you KNOW that card is in there. But I can also see opening it and getting that good card graded, since likely it would grade decent and you may also have another great card in there.

    Geez, doesn't the UNKNOWN just eat anyone else?? image
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • baseballfanaticbaseballfanatic Posts: 2,415 ✭✭


    << <i>What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ? >>



    Keep it intact.
    More raw cards are sold at PSA 8-9 prices because people pay 8-9 prices on the chance they will be graded as such, only to have them end up in PSA 6 slabs.
    I thought you had a Murphy pack at one time?
  • WondoWondo Posts: 2,916 ✭✭✭
    This SHOULD be in there - lol

    The ultimate
    Wondo

  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,486 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ? >>



    See, if a really good card is showing, I can see keeping it sealed, because you KNOW that card is in there. But I can also see opening it and getting that good card graded, since likely it would grade decent and you may also have another great card in there.

    Geez, doesn't the UNKNOWN just eat anyone else?? image >>

    Of course it may intrigue ya and make ya think of opening it.

    The pack collectors like to have some in that form - for display - for posterity - a 52T pack - unopened - is a thing of beauty in of itself.

    Now on the card showing - if one opens it - it may turn out to be dinged, OC, out of registration - anything is possible.

    So, if ya keep it in the pack - disclaiming what ya can see - it has all the allure necessary if ya decide to sell it.

    Once ya crack it open? All the suspense is gone.

    Just think about your first time? The exicitement leading up to it was far better in retrospect than what ya get after 10 or 20 yrs of marriage? image

    Just something to ponder MrB.
    mike
    Mike
  • mrbecker712mrbecker712 Posts: 525


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ? >>



    See, if a really good card is showing, I can see keeping it sealed, because you KNOW that card is in there. But I can also see opening it and getting that good card graded, since likely it would grade decent and you may also have another great card in there.

    Geez, doesn't the UNKNOWN just eat anyone else?? image >>

    Of course it may intrigue ya and make ya think of opening it.

    The pack collectors like to have some in that form - for display - for posterity - a 52T pack - unopened - is a thing of beauty in of itself.

    Now on the card showing - if one opens it - it may turn out to be dinged, OC, out of registration - anything is possible.

    So, if ya keep it in the pack - disclaiming what ya can see - it has all the allure necessary if ya decide to sell it.

    Once ya crack it open? All the suspense is gone.

    Just think about your first time? The exicitement leading up to it was far better in retrospect than what ya get after 10 or 20 yrs of marriage? image

    Just something to ponder MrB.
    mike >>



    I certainly agree a 52T pack unopened is a thing of beauty. But aren't the plain wax paper around the cards worth a good bit of money as well?

    But you got a good analogy on the...um...marriage issue there. Very well done. image

    BTw, what is "out of registration"?
    Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    another way of saying

    out of focus


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,486 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>What would you do if one of the big boys could be seen - does it pay to open it or still keep it intact and say "This guy's in here!" ? >>



    See, if a really good card is showing, I can see keeping it sealed, because you KNOW that card is in there. But I can also see opening it and getting that good card graded, since likely it would grade decent and you may also have another great card in there.

    Geez, doesn't the UNKNOWN just eat anyone else?? image >>

    Of course it may intrigue ya and make ya think of opening it.

    The pack collectors like to have some in that form - for display - for posterity - a 52T pack - unopened - is a thing of beauty in of itself.

    Now on the card showing - if one opens it - it may turn out to be dinged, OC, out of registration - anything is possible.

    So, if ya keep it in the pack - disclaiming what ya can see - it has all the allure necessary if ya decide to sell it.

    Once ya crack it open? All the suspense is gone.

    Just think about your first time? The exicitement leading up to it was far better in retrospect than what ya get after 10 or 20 yrs of marriage? image

    Just something to ponder MrB.
    mike >>



    I certainly agree a 52T pack unopened is a thing of beauty. But aren't the plain wax paper around the cards worth a good bit of money as well?

    But you got a good analogy on the...um...marriage issue there. Very well done. image

    BTw, what is "out of registration"? >>

    That's when the image appears to be double - it's from the fact that not all the colors were aligned during the printing.

    Do you have any background or understanding of offset printing?

    If not - to simplify - the colors are applied to the sheet in segments as the sheet runs down the printer - each color has to be "aligned" so they get applied in the same place so that they totally blend and don't spill over.

    If the printer is asleep at the wheel, and one of the colors goes out of alignment - the cards will have a double vision to them:

    Here's an example - notice the head - it's not perfectly clear:

    image

    It's almost the way 3-D works - the field is double shot - then the glasses do their work on the image.
    Mike
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    The blue line running down the leg is another tell tale sign.


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,486 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The blue line running down the leg is another tell tale sign.


    Steve >>

    Very true Steve.

    If the Rhoads wasn't such a tough card in any grade, I wouldn't have been as excited about the trade I made.

    mike
    Mike
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,838 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I can appreciate both sides in this argument, but there is no question that, more often than not, the value of the unopened pack will FAR exceed the value of the cards housed within. For every pack that yields a mint big money card, there are fifty that don't, so it's best to choose your opportunities wisely. For me, personally, I'm more likely to open a pack if I'm actively collecting a set from that year, and there's no question, too, that certain packs are better options to open in terms of breaking even with the cards you find. I hear a lot of guys on here saying they'd bust a 52 Topps pack because they can't stand not knowing what cards are inside, but imagine the expression on your face when three of the five cards are gum damaged and the other two are OC, and you've just blown 5K out the window. Definitely something to think about, if it's your investment on the line. The scarcity of unopened pre-1970 packs is so great that the value of the pack is almost always going to far outweigh what you might pull. Mid 70s to late 70s? Well, I open those all the time, and though you may get lucky, it's no fun when you've opened $500 worth of unopened to pull about $250 worth of cards (if that). Still, the thrill of the chase makes opening these packs worthwhile, IMO, and every now and then you will pull a big money card that'll help you forget about all the duds that preceded it. Just my 2cents.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    Risk/Reward does not compute well on the bust.

    Great item for an EBAY store. Price it high, and wait.

    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • stevekstevek Posts: 30,184 ✭✭✭✭✭
    BUST THE DAM THING

    Live bust on CU image
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