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GAI Wax Pack Grading Standards

I recently bought a 1965 Topps Baseball wax pack graded 8.5 Nm+. Upon close examination I could see a small rip at one of the corners, as well as a couple of pin sized holes. This is the first wax pack I have ever bought. I have a complete 1965 set and thought it would be cool to have a wax pack to go with it. To me, an 8.5 should be an almost perfect pack. Does anyone know if this is normal on a higher grade pack, or are GAI's grading standards lax? Also, is it possible for the condition of the pack to deteriorate after slabbing? By the way, I paid $432. Is that a good deal according to book value? I would appreciate any comments.

Comments

  • Link to GAI pack grading standards

    << <i>Global NM-MT+ (8.5)
    Appears to be very similar to a Global NM-MT pack but will have a superior characteristic.

    Global NM-MT (8)
    A nearly flawless pack. While the corners appear flawless, upon closer inspection, this pack may have one or more corners with a light wrinkle or wear. There may be a few other minor flaws including print marks, a light stain, or light surface scratches.
    Centering must be 90-10 or better. >>

    By GAI's own grading standards, tears should automatically knock the grade down to no better than a 6.5. One more reason not to adopt a GAI lifestyle.

  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    I've yet to figure out the criteria for pack grades. Mine are all over the place.
    Part of the problem is the holder- it allows the pack (and especially the gum) to rattle around, often causing the gum to create tears in the wrapper. I had a '63 Fleer pack that said "cookie intact" on the label, the cookie had been pulverized and created a fine powder on the inside of the holder. Sort of like a baseball card snowdome.
    Not to sound like Da Big Hurt but PSA's pack holder is very solid and should eliminate any chance of post grading damage.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • stevekstevek Posts: 30,278 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Seems of course terribly overgraded. It has already been well discussed on this forum that too much of GAI's slabbing practices were downright fraudulent, in my opinion. But forget about the grading for a second...it is hoped that your pack is actually an unopened pack...considering the bad overgrade, I would have to believe that it is very likely, if not definitely, that pack was resealed. Sorry!
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,854 ✭✭✭✭✭
    GAI grading is indeed very inconsistent, I have packs graded NM 7 that look like 9s and packs graded 9.5 that look like 8s. As mentioned previously, the revolving door of pack graders: Murphy, Rutter, Murphy again, etc. has added a degree of uncertainity, too. I do not believe, however, that necessarily means the pack is resealed. Buying GAI graded packs is still far better than buying raw packs on ebay, as most vintage raw packs are reseals or otherwise tampered with.


    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.
  • Sorry I can not let this thread go by. I bought 2 GAI (7) 1975 topps mini boxes and all 72 packs where reseals, hell they didnt even have the right sized gum and GAI still threw their "stamp" of approval on them. After the 2nd box was opened in front of GAI at the chicago show in June they did settle up only took until October 29th.
  • MacCrimmonMacCrimmon Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Sorry I can not let this thread go by. I bought 2 GAI (7) 1975 topps mini boxes and all 72 packs where reseals, hell they didnt even have the right sized gum and GAI still threw their "stamp" of approval on them. After the 2nd box was opened in front of GAI at the chicago show in June they did settle up only took until October 29th. >>



    That's just so sweet.....image


    Hey, I'm sitting here with 35 petrified sticks of 75 minis gum (..yeah, I tried one...) from the recent case break. Try a case break next time.image
  • BunkerBunker Posts: 3,926


    << <i>By the way, I paid $432. Is that a good deal according to book value? I would appreciate any comments >>



    What series was it? Below is a link to BBCE. If the pack was truely a 8.5 I would say that you got a good deal.

    Link to BBCE unopened packs
    image

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  • Thanks for the comments. It is a series 1 (Fred Talbot can be seen through the back). Although I am not an expert, I am fairly certain the seal is intact. It looks pretty tight. So I guess I got a decent deal, even if the pack is really more of a 6 or 7 in an 8.5 holder. I'm sure I could easily re-sell it for what I paid.
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