1979 Nolan Ryan Topps Wax Pack Question
Mookie1986
Posts: 92 ✭✭✭
The pack has Ryan showing on the back, but not mentioned on the flip. Should I send it in to be redone? The pack has gum tears
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If it were mine...I wouldn't send it back to get a PSA 4 grade just to have Ryan noted on the holder. I would put "Ryan on back' on a post it note on the pack
Any idea what a pack like that is worth in the condition above? It might make sense to open it and hope the Ryan is centered. If its a PSA 9 it would sell for at least $400. Is the pack even worth that? It's also one of the easiest Hall of Fame cards from the set to find in mint condition, so there's a decent chance it will be centered.
I could be way off on my thinking which is why I asked what the pack is worth.
I would say the pack is worth about $300 in its present state which is unfortunately worse than the 6 it was assigned at the point of encapsulation. The value of the card in PSA X grade is not especially relative to the value of the pack as packs with Nolan Ryan showing are much rarer than graded Nolan Ryan cards even in higher grade. I'd say the present grade for this pack is in the 3 to 4 range as it's pretty chewed up now. I would probably still have it attributed though even at the lower grade if you decide to keep it unopened.
To your point about opening the pack in hopes of getting a high grade Ryan card to submit~I would consider that option also because of the condition of the pack in this case which is pretty poor. However, it's tough to tell through the wax pack wrapper how well centered the card is as well as the overall condition of the card itself. You can probably effectively remove the wax stain with a nylon if the card is faced out but there are other variables at play, too.
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.
I appreciate your comments grote - thank you.
Thanks for the thoughts. I checked the pop report and there are 6 with Nolan Ryan on the back. I guess I'm torn between cracking it open and having it relabeled. I don't normally open anything, but the poor condition of the pack makes it tempting.
just leave it.
also be aware that you shipping it to psa and them shipping it back to you could create even more gum pokes and you'd end up with a psa 1 and wish you didnt send it back.
The tears will continue to get worse if you ship it. About all you can do is open it.
https://kennerstartinglineup.blogspot.com/
I would open it & think of it as an unexpected bonus. Upside could be really good if it's well-centered. Any wax should easily be removed.
Erik
This one is in an older holder. It has more room to move around. Some people like that and some like the newer tighter version of wax pack PSA holders. I happen to like the older ones as they give the pack some slack as I've had a few get scrunched up on the sides and corners on the new ones. Just can't jiggle or move much on the older. Either way just remember everytime PSA grades packs there's a chance they could get damage it as well.
Thanks everyone. I am leaning towards opening it. That was my original intent when I purchased it with the gum pokes. I only started debating it when I realized Ryan was showing on the back. I can't believe how much damage the loose gum did over the years.
Good idea. If the Ryan is centered with sharp corners you are a winner and if you also get another Hall of Famer that has a shot at a 9 you will be a big winner.
Good point...a PSA 9 Ozzie could be lurking inside
On the other hand, you could turn $250+ to $25 in a span of several minutes but the excitement of opening a vintage pack is worth something too.
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.
I'd be doing backflips over a low pop common with great potential. I must be living in the Registry Age.