PSA Grading of Packs: Broken Gum Questions

[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?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.

[Steve_NY]

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