Question for unopened pack collectors: Removal from GAI slab
 

I recently picked up a pack from the '70s sealed in a GAI slab and would like to cross it over to PSA -- but not sure I want to risk the damage.

Does anyone have any experience in opening these and any advice?

I’ve sent them into PSA while still in the GAI holder. Some cross, some don’t.

So, Jeffrey, you're saying it isn't necessary to crack them out -- you can send as is and they'll do the work?

Unopened Packs Experience
 

I am not saying this is the case here but based on my experience, please be aware of these two issues.

1) Some GAI slabs can have extra space in them. They were designed for the thicker packs and I have seen one-cent packs now opened because of the way they were handled or from shipping.

2) After many years that gum becomes hard. Very hard. Again, when packs are casually handled or sent in the mail, that gum can shift and because it has become so hard the corners of the gum can easily tear a little hole in the wax paper. This is why sometimes you will see a high grade pack with a small hole in it.

It's easy for people to say it was mis-graded but that may not have been the case.

Much appreciated, Peter -- definitely not looking for 50-year-old gum to mess up a great front -- might just stick with the GAI to avert possible damage.

Brent,

I collect more vintage unopened than anything else. PSA changed their policy 8-12 months ago and now all packs have to be submitted raw for grading, no more crossovers. If you send it to them in the GAI holder they will return it to you in the GAI holder.

As far as removing the pack, I've cut 75+ packs out of the GAI holders and it's simple. Get a pair of new or really sharp scissors. Cut straight across the top first, removing the top. Then cut down from the top of the pack on each side in the smooth/flat area of the holder, stopping about where the bottom of the pack is. The pack then slides out easily.

IMO the soft GAI holders do a much better job of protecting the wrappers from gum damage; but if you're looking to sell PSA will get the top dollar because of the registry. GAI also gets a bad rap for fraudulent packs but my experience is that the vast majority of the early silver flip packs starting with a 100 or 101 serial number are good.

Thanks, Paul -- that's a fantastic how-to.

I used shearing scissors to open them in the past when they were doing a lot of packs. Just have to go slow.

Agreed!
 

I agree with Paul, GAI is by far the easiest slab to open without damage. Scissors is all you need.