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Don't you wish you were an un-opened collector in 1984/1985?????

cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Hey guys,

Last weekend I was sorting through a tub of old Beckett's, Tuff Stuff's, CPU's and baseball card magazines. The tub literally weighed like 200 lbs. So I downsized and kept the stuff I really wanted. So I got to looking through some of the baseball card magazines (some were SCD's) from 1984 and 85 (I was 13 in 1984). I just couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the amount of un-opened being sold and the prices. Some of these magazines I literally read 150 times and just never noticed or maybe cared. Vintage un-opened wasn't that big.

So I scanned a bunch of the for sale ad's and thought I would share with everyone. ***Warning*** You might want to put a bucket next to your computer. This may be nauseating.

I am not going to give any prices away. Just read through each listing. There is literally something for everyone.

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Mark
Project:

T206 Set - 300/524

Comments

  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    i think a lot of those ads also ran in the SCD. they look familiar

    in 1986 i paid $6 for a box of 84/5 OPC Hockey at a flea market in Queens
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'll take a 76 vending case for $1,495, please! And a couple of 79 cello boxes for $36.95, too, please! LOL!

    The most interesting part is that until the past couple years, the price of the early 80s packs were relatively unchanged!


    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.
  • heritageheritage Posts: 2,662 ✭✭✭
    That's something isn't it. 15 Bucks for a 1967 topps cello pack.
  • xbaggypantsxbaggypants Posts: 2,185 ✭✭✭
    $20 for a 1966 Cello pack... I wish.
    My E-Mail Address
    Website
  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭


    << <i>That's something isn't it. 15 Bucks for a 1967 topps cello pack. >>



    Did you see they noted "commons showing" LMAO.

    How about 71 racks for $35/rack or a 62 wax box for $725.
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • itzagoneritzagoner Posts: 8,753 ✭✭
    Eric Dickerson was a horse. a thoroughbred. there oughta be a law that a guy like can't just be casually handed a football and then run past defenders looking like a blur. just unfair.

    he was amazing in his prime. no wonder his rookie card was so expensive.
  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>That's something isn't it. 15 Bucks for a 1967 topps cello pack. >>



    Did you see they noted "commons showing" LMAO.

    How about 71 racks for $35/rack or a 62 wax box for $725. >>



    Sorry Mark, I went back in my time machine and bought all those 1971 racks, but I'll give you a deal on the 1962 wax box. image
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • jordangretzkyfanjordangretzkyfan Posts: 2,487 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My favorite is a box of 80/81 Topps Basketball Wax for $4.50. Simply shows no one saw the rise of the NBA coming.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think the '81 Fleer Stickers are actually cheaper now, LOL..


    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.
  • DtyDty Posts: 310 ✭✭
    This may very well be one of the best posts this year.

    Walking down Memory Lane.


    Sign me up for am 80-81 Topps Basketball wax box for $4.00 each. And a few 1984 Topps Football CASES for $69.00 (Postage paid, to boot.)


    Simply WOW!
    Link to my eBay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/halftimecardsandcollectibles/



    Unopened Boxes, Packs, Cards, and Tickets



    Just send me a PM or email me for discount off eBay pricing. Thanks
  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭


    << <i>My favorite is a box of 80/81 Topps Basketball Wax for $4.50. Simply shows no one saw the rise of the NBA coming. >>



    Yeah, a box of Jaws 3D was $15 and Menudo was $10. LOL!!!!! Football and hockey were DIRT cheap as well.
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    Group break?!? image
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am surprised no one has mentioned the Gretzky prices. If they were indeed mint what a home run.

    Or the John Elway lot of 100 for $.2995 a piece.

  • jmaciujmaciu Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭
    All I can say is:image

    Jmaciu's Collection
  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Group break?!? image >>



    Buddy, I think at those prices, it would be a group RIP.

    I wonder if anyone on the boards picked any of the vintage stuff up back then?

    Mark
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • MacrosBMacrosB Posts: 525 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Group break?!? image >>



    Buddy, I think at those prices, it would be a group RIP.

    I wonder if anyone on the boards picked any of the vintage stuff up back then?

    Mark >>



    I might have picked up a few things back then image. Of course I worked with Billy Caldwell at shows back then also. Of course we didn't really think of the prices as cheap back then, they were just the normal prices. Except for football which was given away.

    Jim
    Looking for 66 and 69 OPC baseball
    60's OPC packs
    72 BB, 60's FB, 71FB, 73FB, 74FB, 75FB, 76FB, 78FB Rack Packs
    72 and earlier BB cello
  • hyperchipper09hyperchipper09 Posts: 1,455 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was around for all that. I never gave any thought to keeping anything unopened though. 84 Donruss box that Dad brings in. It's getting ripped. Mom brings in a 85 Fleer box, same thing. Go back a few years earlier and an 80 Topps wax box along with some bonus racks for my birthday. Ripped. Now if I had a time machine and could go back now, knowing what I know....image
  • RynoandBoRynoandBo Posts: 393 ✭✭
    Somebody already pointed this out, but the 80-81 Basketball wax box at $4.50 bliss my mind.
    My Perfect 10 Ryne Sandberg PSA Basic Set

    My #2 Ranked Michael Jordan PSA Basic Set
  • mygottamygotta Posts: 1,652
    As amazing as it looks now, if I was an upopened collector in 1984, I would have lost money, assuming I would have liquidated it in the 90's, thinking after 6 years and very little improvement on it. And PSA did not enter the market till, what, 1999?
  • aconteaconte Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I think the '81 Fleer Stickers are actually cheaper now, LOL.. >>



    I think I stocked up on these back then.

    Ugh....

    aconte
  • mrmoparmrmopar Posts: 1,062 ✭✭✭✭
    It's all relative. In the 1980s, 1970s packs and boxes weren't that old. That is like sellers offering stuff from the early-mid 2000s now. Maybe in 15-20 years, people will be marveling at the prices we are all unimpressed with from current sellers.

    It's also funny to see oddball sets (Drakes, Star, Police, etc) that were new selling for $5-10 or so and knowing those same sets might not sell for $1-3 today.
    I collect Steve Garvey, Dodgers and signed cards. Collector since 1978.
  • gemintgemint Posts: 6,121 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>That's something isn't it. 15 Bucks for a 1967 topps cello pack. >>



    Did you see they noted "commons showing" LMAO.

    How about 71 racks for $35/rack or a 62 wax box for $725. >>



    And I paid $500 per for 1971 rack packs a few years ago and considered it a bargain! These are the sales that probably fueled many of the cards in PSA 8 and 9 holders today. The 1962 packs opened in 1962 are probably mostly beaters. But the ones opened in the early 80s were probably put into plastic pages immediately, protecting them from destruction.
    https://ebay.com/sch/gemint/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
  • ICE9ICE9 Posts: 552 ✭✭✭
    Those prices are cool & all, but jeez, what I wouldn't give for it to be 1985 again...
    "Must these Englishmen Live That I Might Die? Must They Live That I Might Die?" - The Blue Oyster Cult
  • initialDinitialD Posts: 1,624 ✭✭✭
    Forbes is still the man!! Good ol' Al is still my go to guy!!

    True old school dealer/wholesaler, of which I have had the pleasure of knowing

    since '86 when I was 10yo buying my first box of '85 Topps baseball image

    I wish all of the unopened I've picked up from him were at these prices though lol!!

    I can say most all of this listed he still carries. I will have to show him this ad and grab a

    83 OPC hockey box for $3.50 LMFAO!! Thanks for sharing....

  • 60sfan60sfan Posts: 311 ✭✭✭
    100 Elway rookies for $29.95?
  • shagrotn77shagrotn77 Posts: 5,609 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Eric Dickerson was a horse. a thoroughbred. there oughta be a law that a guy like can't just be casually handed a football and then run past defenders looking like a blur. just unfair.

    he was amazing in his prime. no wonder his rookie card was so expensive. >>



    I couldn't agree more. I also like the comparison of Dickerson rookies to Jim Brown rookies that sell for "$50+".
    "My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. Our childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When we were insolent we were placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds - pretty standard really."
  • galaxy27galaxy27 Posts: 8,284 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Eric Dickerson was a horse. a thoroughbred. there oughta be a law that a guy like can't just be casually handed a football and then run past defenders looking like a blur. just unfair. >>



    Unless Darrell Green is on the field. I can't remember where I put my car keys an hour ago, but this play will forever be etched in my memory:

    Fast forward to :30 if you don't care to watch the entire clip.

    you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet

  • swish54swish54 Posts: 707 ✭✭✭✭
    This makes me think what would be a good investment in todays market in 25 years. I've thought about this lately, and 2013 Topps update has the potential to have a bunch of big time RC's 25 years later. You've got Puig, Wacha, Myers, Fernandez, Profar, and to a lesser extent Rendon and Wheeler. A box is still cheap and $40. 2011 Topps Update is already at $110 thanks to Trout's rc.
  • lahmejoonlahmejoon Posts: 1,760 ✭✭✭✭
    Very cool. 1981 and 1984 football would have been huge, as well as 1980-81 baskeball and packs of 79-80 hockey for $3. The "investment" lot of '84 Elways would have turned out nicely too. I have to imagine that there's hardly anything of the current stuff that we'll be looking back on in 30 years doing a would'a-could'a-should'a that would yield similar return.
  • 19541954 Posts: 2,905 ✭✭✭
    I would like to take this time to throw up now.

    Amazing how cheap things went for back in 1985. I wonder if the 1986 Topps baseball will be one of those that can be had today for $14 a box and in 30 years we will be saying the same thing then about how much a steal that would have been? Never say never.

    SL
    Looking for high grade rookie cards and unopened boxes/cases
  • LefthanderLefthander Posts: 97 ✭✭
    I bought packs, boxes and sets from the 1970's, 1960's and 1950's from some of the dealers in these ads and many others in SCD during the 1970's and early 1980's when I was a teenager. I remember getting SCD when it was owned by the Stommen's. I'm lucky because I bought everything strictly for fun, and I still have most of what I bought from these guys. I never considered the purchases to be investments, but with the passage of time the stuff has become worth a heckuva lot more than I ever imagined!
  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭
    Come on Dr. Brown, get the Delorian fixed so we can go back in time!!
  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭
    It was a blast going through and reading the magazines again. I tell you this, there was 5000% more relevant articles, stories and biographies of the old timers as well as the new kids than anything we have now. Not even close.

    There is an article concerning whether you got your money back from opening vintage wax or was it a losing proposition. It was a very interesting read. If I get a chance I will scan and post.

    Mark
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • qualitycardsqualitycards Posts: 2,811 ✭✭✭
    I bought a ton (literally) from Steve Myland in AZ over the years in the mid 80's
    He used to get closeouts and pass on the savings if you bought in quantity.
    Wonder what he's doing these days?

    image


    image
    Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I bought a ton (literally) from Steve Myland in AZ over the years in the mid 80's
    He used to get closeouts and pass on the savings if you bought in quantity.
    Wonder what he's doing these days?

    image >>



    Very interesting ad! But shouldn't it be 720 packs in an 84 wax case?


    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.
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    I truly am the world's worst shopper. If I had a time machine, I'd probably go back to 1984 and pick up a box of plastic sheets for $16.95. Seemed like a bargain. Doh!
    bobsbbcards PSA Registry Sets
    bobsbbcards SGC Registry Sets
  • 3BoyzTrading3BoyzTrading Posts: 798 ✭✭
    Wow, 66 Topps 48 pack cello boxes for $715? 76 Topps FB box for $17.50, 81 Rack cases for $17, 100 Elway RC's for less than $30. 54 Hockey set for $400! Crazy.
  • CollectorAtWorkCollectorAtWork Posts: 859 ✭✭✭
    All I can say is that I wish I had the income that I had now as a kid in the 80s, so I could have loaded up on prewar cards back then.
    Babe Ruth Master Set
    Lou Gehrig Master Set
    Non-Registry Collection
    Game Used Cards Collection
  • jmoran19jmoran19 Posts: 1,620 ✭✭✭
    I find it very interesting that not a single ad listed 1971 topps wax packs

    Current obsession, all things Topps 1969 - 1972

  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I find it very interesting that not a single ad listed 1971 topps wax packs >>



    John, it is funny you mentioned that. I found a few more magazines and was skimming through them and thought it was odd that the only 71 product I saw was one listing 71 racks. No wax at all. I don't even remember seeing 71 FB either. So even 30 years ago it seemed to be scarce. Very interesting.

    Mark
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • cincyredlegscincyredlegs Posts: 2,032 ✭✭✭
    Found this from a June 1989 copy of the "Baseball Card Magazine". I bet there are a few guys here that would love to see the 500 rack catalog...........right Tim and Mike?????? Didn't see near the pre 79 un-opened as I had in the 84-86 issues. Also, still haven't seen the first 86/87 fleer bskt case OR wax box.

    image

    Mark
    Project:

    T206 Set - 300/524
  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    I'll take all 500 please. image

    No wonder there are so many 1975 racks still floating around.

    BTW, I hear 1977 racks are popular these days. image
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I wonder if that Brett rack is still sealed?!

    The prices on the other 75 star racks are very low, but the Brett price although low is not ridiculously so, considering the ad is from 1989. I bought my 75 rack with Brett on top from BBCE for $350 in 2011.


    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.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Even more remarkable is that the 83 and 84 wax pack prices are almost as high as they are now!

    And the 85 packs are actually higher in 1989 than 2014!


    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.
  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>And the 85 packs are actually higher in 1989 than 2014! >>



    Three words, Gooden, Clemens, and McGwire. What could have been. image
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • tmgrnzx9rtmgrnzx9r Posts: 546 ✭✭✭
    88 Donruss box for 17.00!!!!
  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I wonder if that Brett rack is still sealed?!

    The prices on the other 75 star racks are very low, but the Brett price although low is not ridiculously so, considering the ad is from 1989. I bought my 75 rack with Brett on top from BBCE for $350 in 2011. >>



    Unopened Prices during the recent recession (considering inflation) were certainly much better than many prices offered in '84-89. What unopened offerings today do you think will be the best deals 30 years in the future?
    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • robert67robert67 Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 4, 2017 3:08PM
    .
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,743 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I think John Pritchyk is snappledrinker on ebay. Not selling packs at the prices listed above though!image

    Packman Billy Caldwell was at several shows in the Knoxville area when I was a kid as well.

    Good thread! >>



    Just had a great transaction with John Pritchyk on ebay. Great guy to deal with obviously many years experience in the hobby.


    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.
  • esquiresportsesquiresports Posts: 1,360 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I find it very interesting that not a single ad listed 1971 topps wax packs >>



    John, it is funny you mentioned that. I found a few more magazines and was skimming through them and thought it was odd that the only 71 product I saw was one listing 71 racks. No wax at all. I don't even remember seeing 71 FB either. So even 30 years ago it seemed to be scarce. Very interesting.

    Mark >>



    I missed this thread when it first listed somehow (oh - I was away from the internet that weekend - arghh). Thanks for sharing. The ads are awesome. I noticed the same thing because I was skimming every ad for 1971 wax.

    I note two more things:

    1. I was able to pick up some 1984 Padres Smokey the Bear sets just a few months ago for less than they cost way back. Still sealed. I am a sucker for anything 1984 Padres.

    2. Of all the 1970s product, 1977 Topps Cloth appears to have appreciated the least dollar and percentage wise. I am very bullish on this product primarily because I thought they were very cool when I was a little kid. Only had a couple stickers but loved them. With all the star power in that set, relative scarcity, and only 55 cards to complete, I don't get how you can pick these up now and then for $300 per box or so.

    Always buying 1971 OPC Baseball packs.
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