Unopened Packs_need advice
 

Was wondering if I may get some advice on purchasing unopened packs from the early to mid 70's era. Thought this may be a good stocking stuffer x-mas present, but I don't want to get duped. Any advice and/or dealer referrals is much appreciated. Also, when a pack is PSA graded, does that guarantee that the pack has never been opened or is that just for condition grading? Thanks
Mark

I would go after packs that are PSA Graded only. GAI has been grading some fraudulent cello packs, and I wouldn't trust anything anymore with them, to be on the safe side.

Steve Hart of the Baseball card exchange is the recognized expert in authentic packs. Keep in mind tho, that not all "ungraded" packs are fake. If you are risking that route, go w somone w good feedback in packs, and satisfied customers.

The grades to my knowledge are for condition and the pack having the original untampered seal.

I used to collect them years back, a lot of fun, but for expensive ones, just don't get like me and HAVE TO OPEN SOMETHING UP..to satisfy a fix..haha.

thanks Scott. Yeah, I'm looking to buy maybe a half dozen or so mid 70's packs. Just didn't want someone to open a pack a find a bunch of Star Wars cards inside. thanks- mark

I'm going to be dating myself here .... but I remember a guy named "the baseball kid" aka mark murphy used to specialize in unopened material ... and his stuff was always genuine. But that was a decade ago....not sure if he's still in the biz.

-S

I remember him too. Apparently he is still in business. If you go to www.bbckid.com it says copyright 2010 at the bottom.

Mark Murphy had his entire inventory either burned or water damaged several years back. I forget which one. But he lost his entire inventory. He had lots of old wax packs, including a few boxes of unopened 1952 Topps. I bought 1960's packs from him. They were always nice. I don't think he has any of those left after his incident

Mark is a very good guy to work with and he is very knowledgeable. I believe he has a little booklet on how to determine if a pack has been opened.

Cy

Yes, I thought of Mark too, but hadn't heard much about him. Yes, he has an unopened pack price guide/guidebook , which is probably for sale on his website.

Either way, there is nothing like the thrill of opening up a mid 70s pack, and pulling out a star all these years later. Hope you find what you are looking for.

This thread might be better served if it were moved to the Postwar Cards section since there is no item being bought, sold or traded here.

thanks everybody!

your safest bet is to order from Steve Hart at BBCardExchange. He's the most reputable source for packs and a really good guy to deal with.
http://www.bbcexchange.com/