1989 Upper Deck Factory sets

[Klrdds]

With the increase in the value of the Ken Griffey Jr rookie card in this set i was wondering about the sealed factory sets. I purchased 4 factory sets from my local card shop in 1989 when they were released and they were sealed with only a round clear cellophane sticker about 1 inch - 1 1/2 inches in diameter 1/2 way along the flap side of the box/set. In fact all the factory sets that I saw for that set were sealed that way at my local card shop and even at other card shops and at card shows as well. I recall being told at a card show by a representative that this seal was extra strong so that if removed part of the box labeling would be removed/torn also so that a buyer would be able to see that the set had been opened. Now I am seeing these sets for sale/auction sealed with a cellophane / plastic "shrink " wrap w/ no round seal mentioned or visible.
Was this factory set sealed in different ways from the factory :
1. with the round cellophane seal only
2. shrink wrapped only
and /or
3. shrink wrapped and with the round cellophane seal ?
Or have these shrink wrapped sets been opened looked at and then re-wrapped ?
Thanks

[ALR-bishop]

Mine has the round seal like yours. Also bought when issued. Never opened it. There are several know and recognized variations to the set, which I have accumulated over the years and put in card savers in a small box next to the set

[Tripredacus]

The ones I see on ebay are of these two types:
- has just the plastic circle seal
- has a plastic wrap but has no circle seal, including evidence that one even existed.

Is it possible that both are legit? Did a running change happen?
One problem is that since these are so far out, we don't know the answers. If these sets with the plastic wrap are not modern wrap-jobs, or if they are old wrap jobs. Is it possible the two different versions were from different distribution channels? Such as mass retail vs card shops?

[brewing]

Mine has a plastic wrap only. I didn't know they came any other way.

[insidethewrapper]

I was a full time dealer in 1989 and all my 1989 UD Factory sets were with the small circle seal. Seems like I only seen the shrink wrap years later. But I'm sure hobby dealers only got the "small circle seal" sets. Maybe retail got the shrink wrap. When I have taken the seal off to check inside it usually tears paper from the factory box. I should have left all of them sealed since most of the Griffey's were slightly off center and not worth grading. Hope this helps.

[vintagetoppsguy]

The ones with plastic shrink wrap were available at Wal-Mart (and probably other retailers too). The ones with round circle seals were made available to dealers. At least how that's how it was in my area.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

The ones with plastic shrink wrap were available at Wal-Mart (and probably other retailers too). The ones with round circle seals were made available to dealers. At least how that's how it was in my area.

As a dealer in 1989 I ordered a case direct from UD and it had the circle seal boxes.

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

The ones with plastic shrink wrap were available at Wal-Mart (and probably other retailers too). The ones with round circle seals were made available to dealers. At least how that's how it was in my area.

I bought several sets at Price Club (now Costco) when they came out, and they had plastic shrink wrap.

[philliesfan]

Just an FYI - The one with the small circle seal CAN be opened and resealed without detection.

Back then I would experiment with my own packs / sealed sets etc to see if anything can be resealed without detection so I would know what to look for or stay away from. I bought 2 sealed sets from a dealer but insisted I open them in front of him to make sure the Griffey's were there.......and they were. Both graded PSA 8. A third set from another dealer did not have the Griffey and I was not ale to detect any type of resealing. I got the refund.

Please note that I did this for my own protection to get a better grasp on resealing and that I have never sold any of these.

I just thought I would let everyone know.

Thanks,
Bob

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by GasHouseGang

I bought several sets at Price Club (now Costco) when they came out, and they had plastic shrink wrap.

I remember waiting in line at Price Club for Upper Deck in 1989. Like buying gold at a discount price. I think we bought 'wax' boxes though instead of sets. Sold/traded those long ago for much more than you could get for them now.

[chalupacollects]

I have both types, with circle sticker and shrink wrap. One shrink wrap has a KayBee Toys price tag on it... so i think retail was shrink wrapped and hobby was sticker...