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

[bryanshaw]

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?

[vintagetoppsguy]

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

[bryanshaw]

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?

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by bryanshaw

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!

[bryanshaw]

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

[vintagetoppsguy]

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.

[Bridwell]

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.