1973 Topps Series 5 Wax Pack from BBC

thunderdan · September 9, 2008 8:56AM

I'm dying to buy this from Steve and go for the Schmidt RC. Anyone know off the top of their head how many cards in the series and how many in a single wax pack. I need to calc the probability maybe to set myself straight. The other one beckoning me is the 75 cello back he has up.

I watch these rips on here and it's not healthy for me despite my knowing the poor economics associated with buying and ripping wax.

jmoran19 · September 9, 2008 9:01AM

1973 has 132 cards in each series and the 5th series packs have 10 cards plus a blue team checklist card, JOhn

thunderdan · September 9, 2008 9:20AM

So an 8.3% chance of pulling the rookie. Seems like that's about the same probability for pulling a jordan RC given how many exist--on average--in each fleer 86 bb box.

swartz1 · September 9, 2008 10:15AM

How much does the pack go for?

might be better off buying a graded one ...PSA 7's are reasonable...especially considering centering and gum issues...good luck regardless...

RawPlusSlabbed · September 9, 2008 11:10AM

From my experience with the 73's:

1. Steve is too high on his price. You can get them cheaper on eBay for this particular year. Dave and Adams had a bunch not too long ago. Not sure now, but you can certainly find 73T packs cheaper.
2. Of the 10 cards, 2 are typically ruined. One from the gum and one from a wax stain on the back of the card.

mtcards · September 9, 2008 11:48AM

Cheaper on ebay....Yes

Chance of them being resealed....VERRRRY MUCH YES

RawPlusSlabbed · September 9, 2008 11:49AM

<< Cheaper on ebay....Yes

Chance of them being resealed....VERRRRY MUCH YES >>

I mean graded packs from different sellers.

thunderdan · September 10, 2008 1:50AM

Yeah, Steve's was graded. Price was a little high, but he seems like a very reputable dealer, and his packs actually yield stars from time to time. Do Steve's packs tend to come from a full box or not? Perhaps the Schmidt rookie could have already been pulled from the 73 box this pack came from. Of course, these are the risks you take, but I'd rather deal with someone who gives me the best possible chance to pull a decent card.

CDsNuts · September 10, 2008 2:13AM

I'm not sure I understand- you would rather buy a pack with the sole goal of pulling a Schmidt, yet you can buy a PSA 8 Schmidt for the same price as the pack. This would be like paying $900 for a pack of 86-87 Fleer trying to pull a Jordan. I'm all for busting wax, but when you can buy the best card for the same price as the pack costs, why not just buy the card?

jrinck · September 10, 2008 2:21AM

<< I'm not sure I understand- you would rather buy a pack with the sole goal of pulling a Schmidt, yet you can buy a PSA 8 Schmidt for the same price as the pack. This would be like paying $900 for a pack of 86-87 Fleer trying to pull a Jordan. I'm all for busting wax, but when you can buy the best card for the same price as the pack costs, why not just buy the card? >>

There really isn't any other reason to buy that pack than to get a Schmidt. I agree--just buy the card.

Chances to pull a Schmidt: 8.3%

Chances that it would be in any sort of gradable condition (not on top or bottom): 80%

Chances that the grade would be higher than an 8: 50%

CHANCES OF PULLING AN "8-worthy" Schmidt: 3.32%

CHANCES OF GETTING A PSA 8 SCHMIDT WHEN PAYING FOR A PSA 8 SCHMIDT: 99%

thunderdan · September 10, 2008 2:25AM

Economically, you guys are both right. We all know pack ripping is an economic bust. Much of the value is in the thrill of the rip.

Every now and again I get that itch. This time I won't scratch it and simply buy the card graded. I am, however, looking for a PSA 9. They show up on eBay every so often. That and 75 Brett 9 and a 69 Topps Alcindor 9 if any of you know of anyone that has one that might be interested in selling.

julen23 · September 10, 2008 2:43AM

sense & sensibility.

WinPitcher · September 10, 2008 5:53AM

Rip the pack, don't let these guys talk you out of it.

You have a 50/50 chance of getting a Schmidt.

(you either get it or you don't)

Steve

BobaFett72 · September 10, 2008 7:35AM

Steve, I see your working for the Devil full time lol.

nam812 · September 10, 2008 7:49AM

<< I'm not sure I understand- you would rather buy a pack with the sole goal of pulling a Schmidt, yet you can buy a PSA 8 Schmidt for the same price as the pack. This would be like paying $900 for a pack of 86-87 Fleer trying to pull a Jordan. I'm all for busting wax, but when you can buy the best card for the same price as the pack costs, why not just buy the card? >>

Yes it's a very small possibility, but what if he pulls a Schmidt that's worthy of a grade higher than a PSA 8?

VitoCo1972 · September 10, 2008 8:34AM

<< Yes it's a very small possibility, but what if he pulls a Schmidt that's worthy of a grade higher than a PSA 8? >>

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." – Abraham Lincoln

j/k Nick

mickeymantle24 · September 10, 2008 8:34AM

Go for it!

nam812 · September 10, 2008 8:46AM

<< 

<< Yes it's a very small possibility, but what if he pulls a Schmidt that's worthy of a grade higher than a PSA 8? >>

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." – Abraham Lincoln

j/k Nick >>

If I wanted Boston fan to understand what I meant I'd have included pictures.

grote15 · September 10, 2008 10:34AM

Centering is also very tough on 1973s--if you pull a Schmidt it's also likely to be OC, too.

thehallmark · September 10, 2008 12:56PM

Identify what you really want. If you want a 9, buy a 9. If you want a thrill, buy a pack. Or do both! Just don't confuse your objectives. You won't get much of a thrill buying a 9 and you won't pull a 9 from a pack. So what is it? What do you want most of all?

By the way...I'm having the exact same problem you are, so this post and this thread is doubling as therapy for me. This morning I had the bright idea that I wanted two of every card on my wishlist - one graded in the best possible condition and the other pulled from a pack, by me. By lunchtime, I realized that I might be clinically insane.

Sometimes, you just can't have it all.

1973 Topps Series 5 Wax Pack from BBC

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