To Open or Not to Open....that is the question - '58 Topps Rack Packs
 

I've just purchased 2 1958 Topps Christmas Rack Packs...so the question is, do I open them? Even if I get all commons, assuming they grade 7 or better I still make money...but it just feels like I'm destroying a piece of history.

Thoughts?

I mean no disrespect, but do you know these weren't produced by Topps, but several years later by a third party?

No worries, No I didn't, so are they not authentic Topps '58 cards or are you just saying that I won't be finding a Clemente or Mantle?

They're authentic '58 Topps cards, but you won't be finding any stars. If you'll do a search on the CU boards, there is a lot of information about these.

Here are 3 threads that I found quickly:

http://forums.collectors.com/message...%20rack%20pack

http://forums.collectors.com/message...%20rack%20pack

http://forums.collectors.com/message...%20rack%20pack

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it! Like I said, I'm planning on getting them graded, even if they are all commons and grade at least a 7 I'll still come out ahead. I did see one on Ebay that had a Mantle AS on the front...so maybe there's still a chance! =)

http://cgi.ebay.com/1958-Topps-Chris...item3cb544fe29

One other thing...
 

You're probably looking at ExMt cards. Even is you get NM cards, it going to cost you $5 to grade them. I don't know what a NM '58 Topps common goes for, but I will guess about $10. Does that sound right? So, you're only making $5 off each card = $60 (assuming you would be grading them for re-sale). I am guessing the racks cost you more than that. If I were you, I would try to get my money back. If not, re-list them on eBay. If you don't have a lot of money into them, it may be worth keeping them just because they make an interesting conversation piece. Good luck with whatever you do.

Edited to add: please post some scans if you decide to bust them open.

Rack packs
 

Keep in mind that some cards will get qualifiers from PSA. Some of those packs have a lot of off-center cards and gum stains, unfortunately. A common PSA 7oc isn't worth much.

Wow! How about pulling a gem mint maris rookie!

Nonchalant
 

You seem way too nonchalant about the fact that you have non-authentic packs and have been scammed, what gives?

With these re-packaged type items, much like the crap at kmart or giant eagle or wherever, what you see is pretty much the best of what you'll get. If you saw one with a mantle AS on top, it's because they wanted it there. That was probably the best of the bunch and used to get people to think that better cards would be found in the middle of other packs. Basically, "hey look, there's a mantle in that pack, maybe there's one in this one."...HAHA, right!!! Nothing better than strategically placed "RANDOM" cards.

Yeah, I'm not holding my breath that I'll find a Mantle inside, just hope that they will be good condition. From what I'm reading sounds like EX-MT is probably the best I will find. I definitely wouldn't have bought them if I had known the true history. I still may open one to see what the condition of the inside cards are, and if I'm not impressed then re-sell the other one. It is what it is. I got them at a great price so I'm not going to cry over a little spilt milk.

Rip em and show some scans. Ive always wondered how those cards look on the inside.

Depending on how good the outside cards look when I get them I might open one of the packs to see for myself. If they're that bad I'll return the other pack. If I do indeed go for it I'll certainly post some scans...should have them in a day or so.

I watched a dealer and customer at last year's National almost come to blows over these. The customer wouldn't back off asking how the dealer knew these are legit, and the dealer -- obviously annoyed -- kept giving him curt answers and dirty looks. It was fun to see the customer not back down. He continued to press, and the dealer continued to become more and more flustered. I really don't think he knew 100 percent what these are, but he apparently wasn't accustomed to someone taking "I see these being sold all the time as legitimate" for an answer.

Good stuff.

Another thread on Christmas racks on PSA boards tonight:

http://forums.collectors.com/message...hreadid=808349

Ok, so I got them today. They really weren't as bad as I was expecting after reading all the posts on various boards. 1-2 had dinged corners, but for the most part not too shabby....here are pics of 2 of the better examples. I only busted open 1 of the packs, I'm going to hold off on the 2nd until I get the grades from this set of cards.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59049787@N08/5500438379/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59049787@N08/5500439131

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59049787@N08/5500438379
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59049787@N08/5500439131

Please don't tell me that you're gonna wast your money grading those? The Shearer is obviously diamond cut and the Kindall is off center enough that it's probably not worth sending. If those are 2 of the better cards, I'd probably send the other pack back.

My thoughts exactly. I think you're looking at 6's at best and you will actually loose money if you grade those.

Have no fear-restorers are out there
 

Don't worry if you find decent cards with dings on corners.Now some of these are being restored.Just sold an immaculate 1958 Flood rookie PSA graded 6.I bought it raw on ebay.It was the most beautiful Flood rookie I've seen but had one dinged corner.Still I received a 6 grade.Buyer left feedback and indicated that the ding would not be there long.So what gives?Now dings can be fixed?