PSA Grading of Packs: Broken Gum Questions
 

My question has been answered before in the past, but I wonder if PSA continues to refuse to grade packs where the gum is not fused to the top card or the gum is broken.

Most of my unopened raw packs have gum that is intact so not broken. That is definitely the case with my 1940s to 1970s packs, but most of my 1930s packs have broken gum. Those packs are 85 to 90 years old so its understandable that they have issues but I would want to know for certain whether they can be graded or not.

Thanks as always for the advice. Come see my packs on display at the National in Cleveland at Booth 800, 8 booths directly in the main entrance.

Steve_NY

I just had grades pop today on a few 1979 Topps hockey packs. They graded 6 and I think the gum is loose.
Bob

As of a few years ago, they redesigned the pack holders so they no longer require the gum to be stuck to the cards. Recommend you contact PSA by phone to see what their requirements are, rather than getting secondhand information here when it comes to the rarity and value of your unopened stash.

From my experience for some reason it's the broken gum...not the non fused to pack/card issue that will get them non authenticated...maybe email Steve Hart.

This is all new information to me as I have never thought of grading a sealed pack.

Could someone please explain the reasoning behind requiring the gum to have fused and ruined cards in order to grade it? It seems that would lower the grade in my book and just show improper storage was used.

I just can't wrap my head around this logic (whether it currently is, or previously was a requirement) to only grade what I would call a damaged pack. Genuinely interested here in the TPGs line of thought.

Just a guess but maybe it's because of liability over time that the gum might pierce the pack while it's held in place by the holder?

Steve, are you thinking about grading some of your older packs?

Yes, if the gum wasn't originally adhered to the card, it was likely to slide around in old packs and tear through the wrappers.

Yes, I am thinking of grading some packs to jump into that part of the hobby, but in the interim, I now have a 4-month return policy on all packs and I am having a 20 percent off sale now and at the National ( and I also just lowered my for sale price on some of the packs.) I am also talking with one of the auction houses to auction them off after I or they grade them.

I really have not publicized how many packs I have sold over the past 7-10 years, but its been enough to keep me happy -- I continue to watch auctions and sales and I have NOT sold the most boxes of wax packs, but I would bet that I have sold more individual wax packs (that precede 1970) than anyone else in the hobby, and if not, I would be in the Top 3. BUT I do NOT count wax boxes, and I do NOT count cello packs -- 99% of my unopened sales have been wax packs.

If you want my latest packs for sale list -- email me at dynamictwo@aol.com or call me on 914-522-3853 or stop by at Booth 800 at this year's National.

Thanks--

Steve