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Where is the unopened market heading, Up 20% or Down 20%?

Wanted to start this as a clean discussion from the previous posting. Here's my prediction with today BBCE prices to see where we will finish 2018 at. Please weigh in to cast your stance if you're in the up 20% or down 20% camp. Here's my original post:

I do think CrissCriss is correct in that certain cards have corrected or are in correction meaning they have declined in value atleast 10% from their high. It appears others cards may still be in their upward trend like the Bird/magic rookie or the Thomas as some suggest and if Anyone chooses to post that data we would see for sure those data points.

I think the reason most who post are so dismissive of the OP is because he has on many previous posts said the market correction was coming or was happening but the prices moved much higher instead. Even if he is actually right today they feel his advice is useless because if they would have listened previous times they would have missed out on 50%+ upside moves so catching a 10% down move still puts them behind.

Being open minded I do think we have seen a 10% decline in a wide enough pool to say we probably have seen a correction in vintage baseball cards, 1978/79 unopened and 1986 fleer basketball.

Now for the useful part of this discussion... Where do we go next, is the next 10% move up or down? Actually I don't know, I think the sentiment is implied if not outright stated Criss thinks it downward. If I were to take a stance I would stand behind the next 20% being upward not downward for unopened and 1970's/80s basketball cards. I will try to capture some of today's prices so we can compare where they finish 2018 and see if I'm closer that it's 20% up or Criss is right and its closer to 20% down.

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Comments

  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 27, 2017 8:31PM

    Today's BBCE pricing: July 23, 2017
    Topps baseball-
    1974---$195 (15 Cent wax)
    1975---$89 (mini-wax)
    1975---$169 (mini-cello)
    1976---$139 (wax)
    1977---$90 (wax)
    1978---$53 (Cello)
    1978---$115 (Rack)
    1979---$49 (Cello)
    1979---$38 (wax)
    1980---$45 (Cello)
    1980---$28 (wax)
    1981---$260 (Topps wax box)
    1982---$260 (Topps wax box)
    1983---$260 (Topps wax box)
    1984---$85 (Topps wax box)
    1985---$89 (Donruss wax box) no Topps offered
    Composite= $1964

    Basketball-
    1978---$575 (Topps wax box)
    1979---$550 (Topps wax box)
    1980---$6,000 (Topps wax box)
    1981---$575 (Topps wax box)
    1986---$1,000 (Fleer wax pack)
    1987---$5,500 (Fleer wax box)
    1988---$1,800 (Fleer wax box)
    Composite= $16,000

    Football-
    1979---$1,250 (Topps cello or wax box)
    1980---$350 (Topps wax box)
    1982---$425 (Topps wax box)
    1984---$1,200 (Topps wax box)
    1986---$1,800 (Topps wax box)
    1989---$320 (score wax box)
    Composite= $5,345

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • HighGradeLegendsHighGradeLegends Posts: 1,693 ✭✭✭✭

    We are better than 2009. That is all that matters. Short term 1 year shifts are irrelevant.

  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 23, 2017 6:32PM

    @UltimateSchmidt said:
    A 1979 wax tray case containing 48 wax trays recently sold on eBay for $9,000. That's $187.50/tray or $62.50/pack. This is almost double what rtimmer is claiming as today's prices.

    I think there's a big difference between factory sealed cases and packs that are loose and possibly fake or searched.

    Yes I totally agree factory sealed case wax tray pricing is and should be higher than loose pack pricing. But I think everyone here would take that statement for granted. To be clear the above pricing list is not my own pricing value list, I just simply copied down the prices the BBCE had on their website today for the items they had for sale. I feel while this listing could be slightly imperfect they will be around in 18 months with a representative offering of the same unopened items to be able to make a fair comparison.

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,220 ✭✭

    @UltimateSchmidt said:
    A 1979 wax tray case containing 48 wax trays recently sold on eBay for $9,000. That's $187.50/tray or $62.50/pack. This is almost double what rtimmer is claiming as today's prices.

    I think there's a big difference between factory sealed cases and packs that are loose and possibly fake or searched.

    Hmmmm ... and who is selling THIS crap?????
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Empty-Wax-Tray-Cardboard-Lot-Of-20-Backings-No-Cards-/292161683353?hash=item4406317f99:g:UQQAAOSwGtRXyK~z

    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,220 ✭✭
    edited July 23, 2017 8:21PM

    SO you just ended that auction ... how about THIS one you are still running?????

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-288-Count-Lot-/292178668464?hash=item440734abb0:g:CL4AAOSwCmZZPFPV

    Hmmm ... and ANOTHER one! Talk about fake packs ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-144-Count-Lot-/302374392085?hash=item4666eb1115:g:ESwAAOSw0hlZNIFy

    And here are the wrappers ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Wax-Pack-Wrapper-Lot-Of-76-Wrappers-/302379484758?hash=item466738c656:g:pzcAAOSwFdtXyKx5

    One would think with all of the valuable '78 and '79 cards you have sitting in PSA slabs you wouldn't need to sell "Resealing Kits" to make a few extra bucks.

    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • SpinFadeSplash23SpinFadeSplash23 Posts: 909 ✭✭✭

    Baseball and Football down, Basketball and Hockey up from current market prices.

    Joe

    IG: goatcollectibles23

    The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
  • ChiefsFan1stChiefsFan1st Posts: 845 ✭✭✭

    @SpinFadeSplash23 said:
    Baseball and Football down, Basketball and Hockey up from current market prices.

    Ha!! Love your sig line :D

    I dont wanna grow up, Im a Toys-R-Us kid!
  • 70ToppsFanatic70ToppsFanatic Posts: 2,103 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 23, 2017 10:32PM

    At this point the "habitual naysayer" gets lumped in with the likes of Chicken Little and the Boy Who Cried Wolf as far as I am concerned.

    Even a broken analog clock appears to be correct twice a day!

    If you want to talk facts, then let's talk facts. 5-6 individuals (and several auctioneers) were manipulating auctions (or looking the other way and letting things happen that they should not have) on certain cards starting as far back as 2015 and dramatically escalating between late March of 2016 - June, 2016. When it finally became obvious the prices on these certain cards gradually slipped back (though still far above where they began).

    The "run-up" on 70s baseball unopened from late 2014-2015 was similarly rapid, but was not artificial. Due to scarcity and the limited availability of reliable authentication the laws of supply and demand were the majority of the fuel in that upward move. As the move continued the emotion of the move drove an over-estimation of scarcity for later 1970s unopened product leading to a bit of a pullback in 1977-1979 unopened product starting in the fall of 2016. But the truly scarcer material from 1970-1976 (excepting 1975 mini, 1973 series 4 wax and 1975 cello) has remained basically rock solid since that move. Consider the following:

    • When was the last time you even SAW a 1970 Topps Baseball rack offered in any public auction?
    • The one 1970 wax tray sale in the last two years was priced at more than 2.5x the price of 3 individualy PSA-slabbed packs
    • Look at the strong prices realized on the few public sales of 1971 wax (single and box) and racks since 1/1/2016
    • Prices on 1972 and 1975 regular wax sales have remained rock solid
    • Not much 1971 cello, 1972 cello, 1972 rack, 1973 cello, 1973 rack, 1974 cello, 1974 rack even being offered

    Barring a significantly negative economic hit in the next year, I expect vintage baseball unopened prices to stay more or less where they are now. Premiums for sealed cases and boxes will still also be expected.



    Dave
  • DarinDarin Posts: 6,247 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Crisser, how can it be over. This material just keeps getting older and harder to find.
    Pull a 75 topps baseball wax case out of your closet and put it on the market
    and then you'll find out how stagnant the market is.

    DISCLAIMER FOR BASEBAL21
    In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
  • tbonewillytbonewilly Posts: 424 ✭✭✭

    @Dboneesq said:
    SO you just ended that auction ... how about THIS one you are still running?????

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-288-Count-Lot-/292178668464?hash=item440734abb0:g:CL4AAOSwCmZZPFPV

    Hmmm ... and ANOTHER one! Talk about fake packs ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-144-Count-Lot-/302374392085?hash=item4666eb1115:g:ESwAAOSw0hlZNIFy

    And here are the wrappers ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Wax-Pack-Wrapper-Lot-Of-76-Wrappers-/302379484758?hash=item466738c656:g:pzcAAOSwFdtXyKx5

    One would think with all of the valuable '78 and '79 cards you have sitting in PSA slabs you wouldn't need to sell "Resealing Kits" to make a few extra bucks.

    These should be completely illegal to sell, parts to make up a rack pack!..Guess it's time to bring out the

    Ken - Volunteered to work in Florida Keys, now freezing in Ohio
    Work in progress - Unopened Racks/Cello/Wax with star power for Baseball, Football and Basketball
    Collecting unopened 80's boxes and graded packs
    I may be hoarding too much 80's junk wax but I like it!
  • 19541954 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭

    I hate the Crisser see you tomorrow

    Looking for high grade rookie cards and unopened boxes/cases
  • olb31olb31 Posts: 2,898 ✭✭✭✭✭

    $195 for a pack of 1974? most 9's don't even sell for over $100. I think supply and demand is starting to swing. the demand just isn't there for these unopened because the risk is higher than the reward. just because 1974 packs are a little less available doesn't mean anyone really wants them at those inflated prices.

    I get all of my unopened cases from a person on the board that goes by "jenny". she has quite a selection at very reasonable prices. I picked an unopened case of 1969 basketball wax last week. she "blows" bbce away.

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
  • 70ToppsFanatic70ToppsFanatic Posts: 2,103 ✭✭✭✭

    @olb31 said:
    $195 for a pack of 1974? most 9's don't even sell for over $100. I think supply and demand is starting to swing. the demand just isn't there for these unopened because the risk is higher than the reward. just because 1974 packs are a little less available doesn't mean anyone really wants them at those inflated prices.

    I get all of my unopened cases from a person on the board that goes by "jenny". she has quite a selection at very reasonable prices. I picked an unopened case of 1969 basketball wax last week. she "blows" bbce away.

    When you assume that the only people who buy unopened are those who want to rip it for submittsble cards you miss the point.

    Those who COLLECT unopened product are plentiful and the normal laws of supply and demand continue to be in effect. In fact, those who rip just cause the supply to shrink further pushing the price over the remaining unopened over the longer term.



    Dave
  • 1neatstuff1neatstuff Posts: 1,157 ✭✭✭

    i think prices will still be all over the map but i would still say more upside...i can tell you from what i have seen is certain products are just getting impossible to find... football like 1976 racks also 1986 topps football racks are almost impossible to find and just keep going up...i also agree with 1975 baseball racks and packs are starting to move back up again im sure things will be all over the map but i do see more upside in the next year ...

  • Time4aGansettTime4aGansett Posts: 382 ✭✭✭

    I don't see a decrease or increase of 20%. Market has stabilized and there is enough product around to satisfy demand.
    True scarcer items will always be an anomaly to this, so my opinion is based on the above mentioned items by the OP.

  • tbonewillytbonewilly Posts: 424 ✭✭✭

    Can someone explain to me why this would warrant a "flag" from a couple of users? Unless I'm mistaking, I'm pretty sure 99.9% of us would not want to sell the headers in that quantity...5 or 10, maybe for a collection, but 72??? I'm just a bit confused as to why someone would consider this quite offensive..I don't have a problem with the box being sold, but the scary part was that the box and the headers were sold to the same guy, now he has all of the parts to make a 1979 rack case once he gets 3 rack boxes which wouldn't be too hard...That scares the heck out of me and if I collected that year, would make me think twice about where a case came from...

    Ken - Volunteered to work in Florida Keys, now freezing in Ohio
    Work in progress - Unopened Racks/Cello/Wax with star power for Baseball, Football and Basketball
    Collecting unopened 80's boxes and graded packs
    I may be hoarding too much 80's junk wax but I like it!
  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 24, 2017 6:30PM

    @CrissCriss said:
    I think it's pretty stagnant and will stay there. Nice run from 2009-15. It's over.

    Wait a minute how can the down 20% side of my up 20% side debate on the unopened market now be predicting neutral? Is this breaking news and all the sky is falling posts referenced are going to cease?

    70Toppsfanatic, I totally respect your neutral call and agree with several elements of your reasoning. Though not an original choice I do think Neutral (0%) is a very valid opinion in the up 20 down 20 debate, but for the guy who starts thread after thread with the general "sell now or regret your losses tomorrow" can't be in the neutral camp and this not be big news right?

    Crisper no offense but you are the most bearish (prices are going to crash tomorrow) person I know on the boards and if the most bearish person I know will only commit to "unopened prices are going to be stagnant/neutral" I feel I've already won this theoretical debate.

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭

    I added football unopened pricing so we can compare the 3 major sports too:
    Football-
    1979---$1,250 (Topps cello or wax box)
    1980---$350 (Topps wax box)
    1982---$425 (Topps wax box)
    1984---$1,200 (Topps wax box)
    1986---$1,800 (Topps wax box)
    1989---$320 (score wax box)

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭

    I didn't make it but from what I've head from nationals I'm more confident in my strong market call than the Crissers call for a fall. Anyone have a story of increasing or decreasing prices from their visit?

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • 70ToppsFanatic70ToppsFanatic Posts: 2,103 ✭✭✭✭

    @rtimmer said:
    I didn't make it but from what I've head from nationals I'm more confident in my strong market call than the Crissers call for a fall. Anyone have a story of increasing or decreasing prices from their visit?

    Maybe we could have BBCE shrink wrap the Crisser and then see if he increases or decreases in value by next year's National?

    ;)



    Dave
  • SdubSdub Posts: 736 ✭✭✭

    @70ToppsFanatic said:

    @rtimmer said:
    I didn't make it but from what I've head from nationals I'm more confident in my strong market call than the Crissers call for a fall. Anyone have a story of increasing or decreasing prices from their visit?

    Maybe we could have BBCE shrink wrap the Crisser and then see if he increases or decreases in value by next year's National?

    ;)

    Im in for two boxes of FASC. From a sealed Crisser.

    Collecting PSA 9's from 1970-1977. Raw 9's from 72-77. Raw 10's from '78-'83.
    Collecting Unopened from '72-'83; mostly BBCE certified boxes/cases/racks.
    Prefer to buy in bulk.
  • LOTSOSLOTSOS Posts: 1,303 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Sdub said:

    @70ToppsFanatic said:

    @rtimmer said:
    I didn't make it but from what I've head from nationals I'm more confident in my strong market call than the Crissers call for a fall. Anyone have a story of increasing or decreasing prices from their visit?

    Maybe we could have BBCE shrink wrap the Crisser and then see if he increases or decreases in value by next year's National?

    ;)

    Im in for two boxes of FASC. From a sealed Crisser.

    Lol. Made me think of this.

    https://youtu.be/SzsUDS59EOw

    Kevin

  • tbonewillytbonewilly Posts: 424 ✭✭✭

    @70ToppsFanatic said:

    @rtimmer said:
    I didn't make it but from what I've head from nationals I'm more confident in my strong market call than the Crissers call for a fall. Anyone have a story of increasing or decreasing prices from their visit?

    Maybe we could have BBCE shrink wrap the Crisser and then see if he increases or decreases in value by next year's National?

    ;)

    Yea, but would Steve be able to "authenticate" him?? Or would he be considered "questionable" :)

    Ken - Volunteered to work in Florida Keys, now freezing in Ohio
    Work in progress - Unopened Racks/Cello/Wax with star power for Baseball, Football and Basketball
    Collecting unopened 80's boxes and graded packs
    I may be hoarding too much 80's junk wax but I like it!
  • KendallCatKendallCat Posts: 2,966 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "You got 3 pints of Kramer in you buddy!"

    Love it!

    KC

  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 12, 2017 2:21PM

    Decided to put some money on my side of the up 20% debate against Crisser. Picked this case up lets see how it does by Dec 18.

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • SdubSdub Posts: 736 ✭✭✭

    @Dboneesq said:
    SO you just ended that auction ... how about THIS one you are still running?????

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-288-Count-Lot-/292178668464?hash=item440734abb0:g:CL4AAOSwCmZZPFPV

    Hmmm ... and ANOTHER one! Talk about fake packs ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-144-Count-Lot-/302374392085?hash=item4666eb1115:g:ESwAAOSw0hlZNIFy

    And here are the wrappers ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Wax-Pack-Wrapper-Lot-Of-76-Wrappers-/302379484758?hash=item466738c656:g:pzcAAOSwFdtXyKx5

    One would think with all of the valuable '78 and '79 cards you have sitting in PSA slabs you wouldn't need to sell "Resealing Kits" to make a few extra bucks.

    Hi Doug,

    Who is "you" in your post?

    Collecting PSA 9's from 1970-1977. Raw 9's from 72-77. Raw 10's from '78-'83.
    Collecting Unopened from '72-'83; mostly BBCE certified boxes/cases/racks.
    Prefer to buy in bulk.
  • PaulMaulPaulMaul Posts: 4,679 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Presumably bubblebathgirl.

  • SdubSdub Posts: 736 ✭✭✭

    @PaulMaul said:
    Presumably bubblebathgirl.

    That's what I thought, but he uses the noun "you". Inferring Bubblebathgirl is in this thread??

    Collecting PSA 9's from 1970-1977. Raw 9's from 72-77. Raw 10's from '78-'83.
    Collecting Unopened from '72-'83; mostly BBCE certified boxes/cases/racks.
    Prefer to buy in bulk.
  • secretstashsecretstash Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭✭

    @Sdub said:

    @Dboneesq said:
    SO you just ended that auction ... how about THIS one you are still running?????

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-288-Count-Lot-/292178668464?hash=item440734abb0:g:CL4AAOSwCmZZPFPV

    Hmmm ... and ANOTHER one! Talk about fake packs ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Unopened-Rack-Pack-End-Card-144-Count-Lot-/302374392085?hash=item4666eb1115:g:ESwAAOSw0hlZNIFy

    And here are the wrappers ...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Topps-Baseball-Wax-Pack-Wrapper-Lot-Of-76-Wrappers-/302379484758?hash=item466738c656:g:pzcAAOSwFdtXyKx5

    One would think with all of the valuable '78 and '79 cards you have sitting in PSA slabs you wouldn't need to sell "Resealing Kits" to make a few extra bucks.

    Hi Doug,

    Who is "you" in your post?

    I believe he was talking to @UltimateSchmidt (whom never posted in this particular thread, but was copied over here)

  • PaulMaulPaulMaul Posts: 4,679 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I read it as him addressing BBG without him actually being present.

  • baz518baz518 Posts: 1,231 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 8, 2018 5:33PM

    I assure you, BBG is forever lurking... and certainly makes an appearance every now and again.

  • KendallCatKendallCat Posts: 2,966 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Strangely enough some people mentioned in this thread have been absent for a while...

  • tbonewillytbonewilly Posts: 424 ✭✭✭
    edited January 8, 2018 6:04PM

    BBG, aka arod75, ultimateschmidt or dkfastball, the reason I have 42 "abuses" on my account...just because I mentioned those same listings. If I remember right, Doug also has quite a few "abuse" tags also from that individual. And I suspect my total will go up again :)

    Ken - Volunteered to work in Florida Keys, now freezing in Ohio
    Work in progress - Unopened Racks/Cello/Wax with star power for Baseball, Football and Basketball
    Collecting unopened 80's boxes and graded packs
    I may be hoarding too much 80's junk wax but I like it!
  • Thank you Mark Murphy and Paul Wright.... two collectors I am most grateful to have met that paved the way towards hobby euphoria.

    Once upon a time.... and yes, this will be a story ~ so grab a beer, put on some soothing background music, settle back in your favorite recliner and read....
    Years ago (yes I'm old yet I still remember) I attended my first major sport card show, the 1991 Anaheim National Sports Collectors Convention. I had in hand some major rookie cards to sell, most noteworthy were my 1954 Aaron and 1955 Clemente rookies. I thought I had a fistful of gold with my handful of cards, yet as I walked to each table, it seemed nearly everyone had the same cards I had. Sadly, that made me realize I was simply another card collector with just a few of the TENS OF THOUSANDS of the same single cards that have been printed and are still readily available today. Granted, these cards are, in my opinion, two of the finest rookies a collector should have in their collection.... but seeing so many of the same card just at that one show alone made me realize they aren't rare or special at all.

    Then, there sat The Baseball Card Kid, at his table filled with unopened packs and boxes, some the likes of which I have never seen before and I collected cards as a kid back in the early 60's....did I mention I was old? Mark was well dressed, pleasant to talk with, seemed very passionate about his unopened niche in the hobby and unknowingly drew me in to what I still consider the BEST part of this hobby of ours ~ vintage unopened packs! I stopped collecting single cards right then and never turned back. So your 20% up, 20% down question isn't even in the ballpark.. no pun. I've seen many vintage unopened packs - and I'm referring to packs from the 50's, 60's and early 70's - go up 100%, 200%, 300% and higher over the years. The beauty of those lofty increases, is, they NEVER go down. I've been a vintage pack whore for nearly 30 years now and though my initial goal wasn't to make tons of money, I NEVER sold a pack for less than I paid. That speaks volumes when compared to single cards that shot up in value but came crashing down just as quickly leaving so many collectors scrambling to dump their overpriced singles. Yes, I know there are exceptions which I will most definitely get an earful from the more outspoken board members, but in general the unopened market is still da BOMB and the mere fact the supply is always decreasing (with packs still being opened by those lucky few that can afford that thrill) and the demand is always increasing even with the more limited collector base.

    The post with the 1989 Score Football Case 'test' is noteworthy. I love the '89 Score Football, terrific colors, outstanding number of stars and rookies and nearly 30 years old, but it's far from vintage and I'd bet for every hundred 1989 Score Football Cases still out there, you'll only find one 1963 or 1965 Topps Baseball Cello pack for instance. That case may go up 20% some time in the future but I'd rather put my money into a vintage pack that WILL go up at least 20% in the future. So, those who claim the unopened market is stagnant or falling.... I for one have to disagree based on my 30+ years enjoying that incredible part of our hobby.

    ....and I lived happily ever after......even being married.....

  • hyperchipper09hyperchipper09 Posts: 1,438 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Unopened isn't my shtick or racket but it does create some interesting threads. :D

  • ndleondleo Posts: 4,064 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tbonewilly said:

    Can someone explain to me why this would warrant a "flag" from a couple of users? Unless I'm mistaking, I'm pretty sure 99.9% of us would not want to sell the headers in that quantity...5 or 10, maybe for a collection, but 72??? I'm just a bit confused as to why someone would consider this quite offensive..I don't have a problem with the box being sold, but the scary part was that the box and the headers were sold to the same guy, now he has all of the parts to make a 1979 rack case once he gets 3 rack boxes which wouldn't be too hard...That scares the heck out of me and if I collected that year, would make me think twice about where a case came from...

    Along these lines, I have a rack case that I bought a while ago that still has the Fritsch mailing label that Topps put on it to send it to Larry. If I ever sell the case, is that worth noting?

    Mike
  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ndleo said:
    Along these lines, I have a rack case that I bought a while ago that still has the Fritsch mailing label that Topps put on it to send it to Larry. If I ever sell the case, is that worth noting?

    Yes, that's pretty rock solid provenance.

  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭

    @LuvOldPacks said:
    Thank you Mark Murphy and Paul Wright.... two collectors I am most grateful to have met that paved the way towards hobby euphoria.

    Once upon a time.... and yes, this will be a story ~ so grab a beer, put on some soothing background music, settle back in your favorite recliner and read....
    Years ago (yes I'm old yet I still remember) I attended my first major sport card show, the 1991 Anaheim National Sports Collectors Convention. I had in hand some major rookie cards to sell, most noteworthy were my 1954 Aaron and 1955 Clemente rookies. I thought I had a fistful of gold with my handful of cards, yet as I walked to each table, it seemed nearly everyone had the same cards I had. Sadly, that made me realize I was simply another card collector with just a few of the TENS OF THOUSANDS of the same single cards that have been printed and are still readily available today. Granted, these cards are, in my opinion, two of the finest rookies a collector should have in their collection.... but seeing so many of the same card just at that one show alone made me realize they aren't rare or special at all.

    Then, there sat The Baseball Card Kid, at his table filled with unopened packs and boxes, some the likes of which I have never seen before and I collected cards as a kid back in the early 60's....did I mention I was old? Mark was well dressed, pleasant to talk with, seemed very passionate about his unopened niche in the hobby and unknowingly drew me in to what I still consider the BEST part of this hobby of ours ~ vintage unopened packs! I stopped collecting single cards right then and never turned back. So your 20% up, 20% down question isn't even in the ballpark.. no pun. I've seen many vintage unopened packs - and I'm referring to packs from the 50's, 60's and early 70's - go up 100%, 200%, 300% and higher over the years. The beauty of those lofty increases, is, they NEVER go down. I've been a vintage pack whore for nearly 30 years now and though my initial goal wasn't to make tons of money, I NEVER sold a pack for less than I paid. That speaks volumes when compared to single cards that shot up in value but came crashing down just as quickly leaving so many collectors scrambling to dump their overpriced singles. Yes, I know there are exceptions which I will most definitely get an earful from the more outspoken board members, but in general the unopened market is still da BOMB and the mere fact the supply is always decreasing (with packs still being opened by those lucky few that can afford that thrill) and the demand is always increasing even with the more limited collector base.

    The post with the 1989 Score Football Case 'test' is noteworthy. I love the '89 Score Football, terrific colors, outstanding number of stars and rookies and nearly 30 years old, but it's far from vintage and I'd bet for every hundred 1989 Score Football Cases still out there, you'll only find one 1963 or 1965 Topps Baseball Cello pack for instance. That case may go up 20% some time in the future but I'd rather put my money into a vintage pack that WILL go up at least 20% in the future. So, those who claim the unopened market is stagnant or falling.... I for one have to disagree based on my 30+ years enjoying that incredible part of our hobby.

    ....and I lived happily ever after......even being married.....

    Glad to see this thread revived and glad to see "the old guy" on my side of the debate with the Crisser. Let's see what the next 12 months bring, I have a feeling I'm ahead in the up 20% prediction but 12 months is a long time left to go.

    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • fleet47fleet47 Posts: 78 ✭✭

    Thank you LuvOldPacks. Great write-up. I too love the old unopened. And bought from both Paul and Mark. Not sure about pricing for the newer items, but can tell you that the unopened from the 50's and 60's is getting next to impossible to find or purchase. If you want a 1952 Topps Mantle, you have lots of choices. If you want a 1958 Topps wax pack, good luck! Same with a 1965 Topps cello pack. Next to impossible.

  • ...and the beauty of our hobby is there is something for everyone, albeit, at some lofty prices at times, but the bottom line is to enjoy what you collect. I do.....

  • ReggieClevelandReggieCleveland Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tbonewilly said:
    BBG, aka arod75, ultimateschmidt or dkfastball, the reason I have 42 "abuses" on my account...just because I mentioned those same listings. If I remember right, Doug also has quite a few "abuse" tags also from that individual. And I suspect my total will go up again :)

    Add Mortiz to that list of alibis (and abuse reporters).

    Arthur

  • DarinDarin Posts: 6,247 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @LuvOldPacks said:
    ...and the beauty of our hobby is there is something for everyone, albeit, at some lofty prices at times, but the bottom line is to enjoy what you collect. I do.....

    My favorite card in the hobby is the 1975 George Brett rookie card.
    I have 14 total Brett rookies, 5 are graded PSA 8. I would bet anyone that
    they cannot collect 5 PSA 8 Brett rookies that look nicer than my five.

    You mentioned in your unopened post about cards being so common,
    that's just one way to have fun with it.

    DISCLAIMER FOR BASEBAL21
    In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
  • Similar to wine, it's one of the few collectibles that the inventory decreases over time (obviously as people open the material, or in the case of wine drink it), therefore scarcity increases which typically leads to higher prices in the future. Reward goes to the person who can buy the unopened material and not open it!

  • KendallCatKendallCat Posts: 2,966 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Darin said:

    @LuvOldPacks said:
    ...and the beauty of our hobby is there is something for everyone, albeit, at some lofty prices at times, but the bottom line is to enjoy what you collect. I do.....

    My favorite card in the hobby is the 1975 George Brett rookie card.
    I have 14 total Brett rookies, 5 are graded PSA 8. I would bet anyone that
    they cannot collect 5 PSA 8 Brett rookies that look nicer than my five.

    You mentioned in your unopened post about cards being so common,
    that's just one way to have fun with it.

    Ok Darin - let's see those Brett rookies!

    KC

  • JoeBanzaiJoeBanzai Posts: 11,171 ✭✭✭✭✭

    UP!

    2013,14 and 15 Certificate Award Winner Harmon Killebrew Master Set and Master Topps Set
  • DarinDarin Posts: 6,247 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @KendallCat said:

    @Darin said:

    @LuvOldPacks said:
    ...and the beauty of our hobby is there is something for everyone, albeit, at some lofty prices at times, but the bottom line is to enjoy what you collect. I do.....

    My favorite card in the hobby is the 1975 George Brett rookie card.
    I have 14 total Brett rookies, 5 are graded PSA 8. I would bet anyone that
    they cannot collect 5 PSA 8 Brett rookies that look nicer than my five.

    You mentioned in your unopened post about cards being so common,
    that's just one way to have fun with it.

    Ok Darin - let's see those Brett rookies!

    KC

    I know it sounds like an excuse, but seriously I can't get my scanner to work. I am going to take
    it to a computer store to get fixed or get a new one but I will post them at some point because
    I do think all of them could have a shot at an upgrade and would like the boards' opinion.

    Kendall, I do think it would be fun to have board "challenges". For example, somebody posts a
    53 Mantle(one of your favorites, I believe) PSA 8, or 7 or whatever grade, and asks if anyone has a nicer looking card in the same grade, then anyone can respond, and then the board votes on who has the nicest example for the grade.
    No real losers, because it would all be in fun. And we would get to see a lot of great looking cards.

    DISCLAIMER FOR BASEBAL21
    In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
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