PSA Grading of Packs: Broken Gum Questions

[Steve_NY]

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

[philliesfan]

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

[swarmee]

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.

[Johnny630]

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.

[JustinD]

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.

[packs]

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?

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by Steve_NY

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

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