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Mintonly let's talk about MBA

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I see there is another bad MBA graded card up for auction. at Heritage, it is an MBA "9" 1969 clemente, currently at $2562.00

    this card was formerly in a PSA 9 holder that was owned by PWCC and Brent "Mastro" and was turned over to the FBI during their investigation. It was subsequently decertified by PSA because it was trimmed. then it was returned to Brent

    isnt it amazing now that Brentsy is part of the admin team over at MBA that this card has resurfaced and is now in an MBA 9 holder? i wonder how many more Brent specials will be given the MBA treatment?

    remember guys, bad actors always return to the mean. it is also cliche, but also mostly true. you are known by the company you keep. Mr. Baker is keeping some very bad company...

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It is also easy to see Brents fingerprints all over the MBA 10 Brett Mini rookie that got auctioned for $75,000.00 earlier in the summer. that card was formerly in a BVG 9.5 holder.

    very questionable bidding pattern on that auction. very likely this card was schilled nearly from the start. one of Brents specialties. remember, he actually coached one consignor he had back with PWCC to actively bid a card up to a certain level.

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    ElMagoStrikeZoneElMagoStrikeZone Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭✭✭

    For the sake of sanity you win. Yes, these guys are "special". The problem here is that the allure keeps getting stronger. In a time of great demand and desire, buyers will only push the bar higher and those who feast on this behavior will thrive.

    I commend you for holding your ground on how dedicated you are to warning a small segment of the overall collecting world about the dangers of engaging with MBA. But, the dead horse already left the barn long ago.

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    NachoNeilNachoNeil Posts: 37 ✭✭
    edited August 16, 2026 6:46AM

    The MBA homers don't care, unfortunately, because they have too much money tied up in it already. It's not surprising that previously trimmed cards that Brent had to accept back to stay out of prison now end up in MBA holders. These cockroaches never leave the hobby--they just invent a new scheme.

    The latest scam is adding the bronze sticker which means that they agree with the current grade. So if I give them a 1967 Topps Clemente PSA 9, they entice me to send it in after charging me $10 for a digital review and telling me it's eligible for diamond stickering, then worst case they slap the bronze sticker on it and charge me 1% of VCP. That's 1% of VCP to tell me you agree with PSA. :D

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    2014bestservice2014bestservice Posts: 658 ✭✭✭✭

    Yeah just what I'd want - spend a couple hundred bucks and the stickers not even straight :s

    Take what you will from my inference


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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @NachoNeil said:
    The MBA homers don't care, unfortunately, because they have too much money tied up in it already. It's not surprising that previously trimmed cards that Brent had to accept back to stay out of prison now end up in MBA holders. These cockroaches never leave the hobby--they just invent a new scheme.

    The latest scam is adding the bronze sticker which means that they agree with the holder's grade. So I give them a 1967 Topps Clemente PSA 9, they entice me to send it in after charging me $10 for a digital review and telling me it's eligible for diamond stickering, then worst case they slap the bronze sticker on it and charge me 1% of VCP. That's 1% of VCP to tell me you agree with PSA. :D

    it is very clearly a grift. they simply cannot deliver what they are advertising. without inspecting every single copy of a particular card in the pop report, they will never, with any degree of accuracy be able to ascertain which cards are top 5%, 15% etc. it is impossible.

    with some people it is definitely stuff over values. perhaps i should say morals, as the value part is most important to some

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    1982FootballWax1982FootballWax Posts: 2,720 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @2014bestservice said:
    Yeah just what I'd want - spend a couple hundred bucks and the stickers not even straight :s

    Take what you will from my inference


    Crooked exactly like the character of those involved.

    It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
    Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)

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    it is very clearly a grift. they simply cannot deliver what they are advertising. without inspecting every single copy of a particular card in the pop report, they will never, with any degree of accuracy be able to ascertain which cards are top 5%, 15% etc. it is impossible.

    Nobody ever accused Mike Baker of being a statistician.

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ElMagoStrikeZone said:
    For the sake of sanity you win. Yes, these guys are "special". The problem here is that the allure keeps getting stronger. In a time of great demand and desire, buyers will only push the bar higher and those who feast on this behavior will thrive.

    I commend you for holding your ground on how dedicated you are to warning a small segment of the overall collecting world about the dangers of engaging with MBA. But, the dead horse already left the barn long ago.

    this horse wont be dead until MBA goes the way of GAI

    and eventually they will

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    1982FootballWax1982FootballWax Posts: 2,720 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @NachoNeil said:

    it is very clearly a grift. they simply cannot deliver what they are advertising. without inspecting every single copy of a particular card in the pop report, they will never, with any degree of accuracy be able to ascertain which cards are top 5%, 15% etc. it is impossible.

    Nobody ever accused Mike Baker of being a statistician.

    Math is difficult for some, Lying is easy for some.

    It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
    Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)

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    ElMagoStrikeZoneElMagoStrikeZone Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @craig44 said:

    @ElMagoStrikeZone said:
    For the sake of sanity you win. Yes, these guys are "special". The problem here is that the allure keeps getting stronger. In a time of great demand and desire, buyers will only push the bar higher and those who feast on this behavior will thrive.

    I commend you for holding your ground on how dedicated you are to warning a small segment of the overall collecting world about the dangers of engaging with MBA. But, the dead horse already left the barn long ago.

    this horse wont be dead until MBA goes the way of GAI

    and eventually they will

    Allow me an observation, because well.....this thread is now living inside my head.....

    In times past, the trust in PSA grading is a least part of the explanation for why a company like GAI ultimately failed. The dependence on PSA was handled fairly well with the intention of providing as much growth in the graded card market as possible, particularly when vintage-to-registry was still the main cog in the wheel. Those times don't exist anymore. Who will grade seekers turn to? It's already obvious as more and more MBA graded stuff hits the market, pretty soon you won't need to moan about stickers while the older vintage cards find their way into the current holders. Blame the industry leader. People can't get things done quick enough through the industry leader, so another one is emerging.

    Again, I'm not saying I approve. You are totally correct in your assessment of the individuals involved and your reasoning. However, this is different. PSA and other associated grading companies cannot keep up while they focus on the current fads. Someone needs to fill that gap. It's happening and neither of us can stop it.

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @1951WheatiesPremium

    thanks for the "attaboy" i have tried to live my life with integrity. no one is perfect, but i have tried...

    it really grinds my gears when i see a mess like MBA/stickers/Brent etc. back on the scene. We all know what will eventually happen. this has all played out before. ultimately, i love this hobby and i know there will be new players in the hobby who will be left holding the bag when this eventually fails (and it will)

    I know that whenever there is money involved that it will draw the grifters. like i said before, whenever i see another glaring example of MBA garbage out there I will be getting out my horse beating stick...

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    ElMagoStrikeZoneElMagoStrikeZone Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As I said, "Blame the industry leader". They have created the mess. How many of the thousands at the National walked away disappointed? There shouldn't be a single one. I DO NOT support transactional thievery and there is plenty of proof available about it. You guys are right.

    Blame the industry leader. Your heroes. PSA.

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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @craig44 said:
    @1951WheatiesPremium

    thanks for the "attaboy" i have tried to live my life with integrity. no one is perfect, but i have tried...

    it really grinds my gears when i see a mess like MBA/stickers/Brent etc. back on the scene. We all know what will eventually happen. this has all played out before. ultimately, i love this hobby and i know there will be new players in the hobby who will be left holding the bag when this eventually fails (and it will)

    I know that whenever there is money involved that it will draw the grifters. like i said before, whenever i see another glaring example of MBA garbage out there I will be getting out my horse beating stick...

    You know what really grinds my gears?

    Lindsay Lohan.

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    olb31olb31 Posts: 4,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    1951 where are you planning to put the sticker on Craig? LOL!!

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
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    1982FootballWax1982FootballWax Posts: 2,720 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 17, 2026 5:38PM

    @olb31 said:
    1951 where are you planning to put the sticker on Craig? LOL!!

    At least put on straight for the money that is being collected.

    Im sure a vice and lever press type device can be created. Or somthing as simple as a template...or maybe keep you eyes open while stickering!

    It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
    Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @olb31 said:
    1951 where are you planning to put the sticker on Craig? LOL!!

    the question is, do i get diamond, gold, silver or bronze?

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    1982FootballWax1982FootballWax Posts: 2,720 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @craig44 said:

    @olb31 said:
    1951 where are you planning to put the sticker on Craig? LOL!!

    the question is, do i get diamond, gold, silver or bronze?

    Depends entirely on how much you pay

    It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
    Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)

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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ElMagoStrikeZone said:
    As I said, "Blame the industry leader". They have created the mess. How many of the thousands at the National walked away disappointed? There shouldn't be a single one. I DO NOT support transactional thievery and there is plenty of proof available about it. You guys are right.

    Blame the industry leader. Your heroes. PSA.

    My heroes are He-Man, Combat Carl and Papa Smurf. Probably in that order.

    PSA just grades my cards, though in fairness, there’s a Jackie @ PSA who can probably be described as a heroine.

    IYKYK

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    RonSportscardsRonSportscards Posts: 1,190 ✭✭✭✭✭

    With the PSA pause in grading, the other companies are getting swamped.

    Beckett has paused lower tier grading until mid Sept.
    Both Beckett grading and CGC increased 115% in July YOY. (record highs)

    TAG has also paused lower tier grading.
    TAG also reached record highs, grading more than SGC which has decreased -71% YOY.
    How long will SGC last?

    A lot of smaller, independent grading companies are seeing a huge surge in submissions.
    MBA seems to be one of them. They're hiring graders $44k-$54k.
    Fanatics Collect partners with PSA, SGC, CGC, Beckett, and yes, MBA, giving them some credibility (assuming you think Fanatics has credibility. LOL)

    One YouTuber checked some numbers and said PCG (Premier Card Grading) has seen incredible growth and now grades nearly the same amount as TAG, which would be more than SGC. I'm sure there are other independents with similar stories. Collectors seem to like the independents for PC cards. Obviously PSA is still the dominant force if you're selling.

    (I'm not affiliated or shilling for any company. Just commenting on some stuff)

    Oh, and someone asked....
    Not vintage, but here is my recent MBA pickup. 1/3 the price of PSA10

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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @RonSportscards

    Can I ask you some straightforward questions about the Elly card?

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    bgrbgr Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭✭✭

    $44K to $54K doesn't seem like a lot of money for someone who's supposed to be an expert at anything. That's what a kid makes at a place like Starbucks working 4 days a week. How could they possibly maintain quality?

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    olb31olb31 Posts: 4,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    SGC SEEMS TO BE MAINLY SPORTS WITH VINTAGE (1991 AND OLDER) BEING A HEAVY SPECIALTY.

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
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    bgrbgr Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭✭✭

    WHAT?

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    brad31brad31 Posts: 3,045 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @brad31 said:
    Last PSA 7 went for $347K on 8/10/25 ,l last SGC 7 went for $579K on 6/21/26 - guesses on where the card graded by the hobby authority on eye appeal goes for?

    Went for $417,550.

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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,699 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 18, 2026 11:35AM

    So do you have to pay for the sticker after they decide the color? Or can you say please just keep the 25.00 fee and thanks for saying it would be a gold,purple, yellow or whatever. Or do they now owe the % or you cant get your card back?
    Not sending just asking.

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    ElMagoStrikeZoneElMagoStrikeZone Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You guys notice on the news how those floods have ravaged the Hawaiian Islands with water and mud? That's gonna be the flow of MBA cards and other assorted grading companies very soon.

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    BBBrkrrBBBrkrr Posts: 1,900 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I am happy to see other grading companies making some bank right now and hopefully several of them will gain the reputation to be seen as legit in the hobby. There's an obvious need for other companies and I'm glad they're stepping up. If I owned one of those I'd be marketing everywhere right now.

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    brad31brad31 Posts: 3,045 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 18, 2026 2:44PM

    I am all for other grading companies and really believe there is a need for one that caters to vintage sports cards. I just want it to be owned by someone who didn’t trim cards and then knowingly try to (and probably did) sell some to me.

    I really don’t think this is that crazy of an opinion.

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    craig44craig44 Posts: 13,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @brad31 said:

    @brad31 said:
    Last PSA 7 went for $347K on 8/10/25 ,l last SGC 7 went for $579K on 6/21/26 - guesses on where the card graded by the hobby authority on eye appeal goes for?

    Went for $417,550.

    so a card graded by the "king" of eye appeal sold for significantly less than the last SGC graded copy went for??

    isnt that interesting...

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

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    1982FootballWax1982FootballWax Posts: 2,720 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 19, 2026 12:42PM

    @craig44 said:

    @brad31 said:

    @brad31 said:
    Last PSA 7 went for $347K on 8/10/25 ,l last SGC 7 went for $579K on 6/21/26 - guesses on where the card graded by the hobby authority on eye appeal goes for?

    Went for $417,550.

    so a card graded by the "king" of eye appeal sold for significantly less than the last SGC graded copy went for??

    isnt that interesting...

    417K for a Trimmed Card is very solid.

    More dollars than sense applied to the winning bidder who was likley competing with shills

    It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
    Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)

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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @brad31 said:
    I am all for other grading companies and really believe there is a need for one that caters to vintage sports cards. I just want it to be owned by someone who didn’t trim cards and then knowingly try to (and probably did) sell some to me.

    I really don’t think this is that crazy of an opinion.

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 19, 2026 1:24PM

    Link did not work…delete.

    mint_only_pls
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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2026 8:20AM

    A ‘52 Topps Mantle PSA-8 (MBA-Silver) topped $2 million for the 1st time in that grade…selling for $3.7+ million last night in a Heritage Auction!

    mint_only_pls
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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    caveat emptor

    Wow!!!!!!

    That’s really amazing because that’s like a ten dollar card without the MBA SILVER sticker!

    I mean, clearly, it’s all about the sticker in this case and not the PSA 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle.

    Hopefully, they start selling the stickers soon as that’s where the real value lies. Look how it drives up the value.

    😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🥲🤣🥲🤣

    Seriously, let’s keep pumping this sticker thing, though, operated by two known scam artists.

    Because money.

    (The stickers are definitely probably not both a scam and dog whistle to shill the card, when combined. Definitely not. Definitely, definitely not…)

    caveat emptor

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2026 5:37PM

    I’ll keep reporting, sir! It’s a fact it adds value…

    Just keep ignoring and self-denial the uptick in price. The train has left the station! All aboard…

    :)

    mint_only_pls
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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Isn’t it funny that the same scammers…I’m sorry…MEMBERS on these boards who were the LOUDEST OF THE LOUD advocates of PWCC just happen to be the VERY same folks who are now pumping this…

    STAY CLASSY, SAN DIEGO

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2026 6:00PM

    Runaway train will run you over….

    You stay, classy, wheaties…breakfast of what?

    😀

    mint_only_pls
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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Memories,
    Light the corners of my mind,
    Misty water colored memories,
    Of the way we were.

    Scattered pictures…

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1018808/new-pwcc-stickers

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    ElMagoStrikeZoneElMagoStrikeZone Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭✭✭

    This thread is appetizers and main course. 😋

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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Breakfast of “Champions”

    mint_only_pls
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    olb31olb31 Posts: 4,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    MINT IS JUST REPORTING THE NUMBERS. I KNOW SEVERAL HERE ARE AGAINST MBA AND Y'ALL HAVE GREAT POINTS. BUT I'M NOT SURE WHY ALL THE ANIMOSITY.

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
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    bgrbgr Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭✭✭

    WHAT?

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    1951WheatiesPremium1951WheatiesPremium Posts: 6,600 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mintonlypls said:
    Runaway train will run you over….

    You stay, classy, wheaties…breakfast of what?

    😀

    Perfect analogy.

    Because that’s the thing about runaway trains…

    …eventually, they crash and burn.

    Always.

    Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest

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    olb31olb31 Posts: 4,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @bgr said:
    WHAT?

    HUH?

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
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    mintonlyplsmintonlypls Posts: 2,878 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Breakfast of “Champions”

    mint_only_pls
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    olb31olb31 Posts: 4,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @bgr said:
    WHAT?

    HUH?

    Work hard and you will succeed!!
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    bgrbgr Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @olb31 said:

    @bgr said:
    WHAT?

    HUH?

    I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO ADD SO i AM JUST RESPONDING IN ALL CAPS SO IT SEEMS LIKE I'M FURIOUS ABOUT THE WHOLE SITUATION!

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    We've already asked that this discussion stay focused on MBA and not on other members. The personal remarks are starting to creep back into the thread.

    Please keep the discussion on the topic and leave the personal exchanges out of it. Further personal remarks may result in the thread being closed.

    Thanks.

This discussion has been closed.