OT: 3.5 Million Dollar Scam - Pokemon Cards Certified by BBCE

[vintagetoppsguy]

To me, whether he knew or not, is irrelevant. I'm just trying to put myself in Steve's shoes and, if I were him, I would want to be there as the case was opened just to make sure the BBCE shrink-wrap had been tampered with since it was authenticated.

[swarmee]

Just went back to check, I bumped the BBCX thread on 1/1. So it was 1/8 when Steve reviewed the case, a full week later.

[bigfanNY]

I followed this thread and a number of related threads because thanks to my daughter I became a pokemon card collector over 20 years ago. She was a member of a pokemon league at our Local Toys R Us. And being in ment that we could purchase a box of each new series introduced. Jungle and Fossill, Team Rocket etc. First edition boxes as well as regular booster boxes. I am happy to say my Daughter still has her binders full of sets and near sets. Now on to the case.
The case in question was advertised as a First edtion Base series unopened case. Someone earlier mentioned that no other cases are known. There is a known case to referance. It has the stop tape cut and one flap opened so that the owner could identify the first edition stamp on the top boxes. He did this because the outside case is identical to a normal (not first edition case) so opening the case was the only way to know for sure.
I agree that Steve Hart rightly so took a blow to his reputation. He authenticated a sealed case of GI joe cards with a fake label as a Very valuable Pokemon case. Now he has stated he will no longer authenticate pokemon. I think this was wrong of him to do. He has already authenticated a large number of pokemon packs and boxes. So what happens to them? Are they worth more now that you cannot get any more slabbed? Or will PSA and BBCE refund all the grading fees and postage fees to folks that sent them in? (Tough to write that last sentance witout laughing). If the reason Steve made a mistake was his lack of knowledge then why not learn? Admit it was a mistake and really learn from it so that it doesn't happen again. Offer a free review to those with current slabs / Wrapped boxes. For him to just walk away with his pockets full is not cool.