How do you see through Wax Pack backs?

LOTSOS

So a few weeks back I ripped a ‘85 Topps Hockey Box and saved two packs to sub. PSA labels packs from time to time with who is visible either on front or back. I’d really like to figure out if possible who is on the back of the two packs that I have left.

So what’s the technique? Now I know that like all talents, skills or tricks of the trade they can be used for no good. I’m not trying to search packs or any other kind of shenanigans. You’ll have to take my word for it. I can understand that some people may be uncomfortable with sharing this info in public. If you’d prefer to pm that’s fine. Would really like to figure these two packs out before I sub them this week.

Thanks,
Kevin

secretstash

It really is an artform almost, but I am sure under the right light you can see potentially. I will try to explain how I do it, but it likely isn't the best way nor the way everyone else does. One thing to note is not all packs are made so that you can see and sometimes the wrapper not laying flat can be tougher to see or make it not possible at all. I would recommend looking under different shades of light to try in hand, but I usually take straight on pics and then manipulate the pictures with a photo editor to shade, lighten or contrast the areas of the pack until I can see a word or a picture part and then try to match it to set pictures, starting with RCs or HOF'ers...if none fit I likely give up.

Steve will also look during the authentication process, but it is likely he won't try beyond easy detection of a key rookie unless noted in the sub form.

70ToppsFanatic

I just look for a phone booth, change into my cape and tights and then just use my x-ray vision

In all seriousness, it's hit and miss with each pack. Depending on how the folds of the pack came down and were sealed by the roller in the back of the pack you may or may not be able to make out details from the card that is on the "bottom". If you see those details, you can usually match them to an actual unwrapped card and figure out who it is.

If you happen to track cutting and wrapping sequences (open enough packs and you can figure them out) it can also be very helpful.

ReggieCleveland

I agree with Dave, hit or miss. I remember it being next to impossible on '86 O-Pee-Chee baseball, much, much easier on '87.

It also comes down to how bad you want it. When I ripped some boxes of '85 Leaf I really wanted a Clemens. The upper part where the names are displayed was difficult so I found a large scan of the back of the Clemens card online and used the stats/notes that were halfway or toward the bottom to check the packs. Found one. Usually, an issue will give you something visible on the back of the packs. I once did a bunch of boxes using only the the player's row of batting averages.

Ya gotta want it, kid!

PaulMaul

A lot of it has to do with how the pack has aged. Some really fresh packs are very opaque and impossible to see through at all. Others are much more transparent.

gemint

What others have said. I have a 1964 wax pack that had a multi-player card on the flap side with the back of the card showing. I could only see a few words and was hoping it was the Cepeda/Mays Giants Gunners card. It's a card I don't own so I went on eBay and found one with the back scanned. I was able to find the words on the scan and provided the evidence when I submitted the pack to PSA. They did include the Giants Gunners designation on the flip.

LOTSOS

Thanks all for the feedback. I subbed the rest of the cards I had ready. I think the pack is going to be a bit more work then I have time for this week.

Thanks,
Kevin