Tag Archives: unopened

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1984 UNOPENED BOX OF 760

Leave a reply

The 1984 Topps Baseball Card set holds a special place in the history of the hobby as one of the last true “junk wax” era issues before the market began recognizing the long term collectibility and investment potential of sealed wax packs and boxes. The 1984 set contains 760 individual cards featuring all 26 Major League teams from that season. Each full unopened factory sealed wax box contains 12 sealed wax packs with a total of 72 cards. Finding a complete unopened box today in pristine condition is an extremely rare occurrence that for serious collectors represents both a prized piece of nostalgia as well as a potential long term collectible investment vessel.

Topps had been the exclusive license holder for Major League Baseball player cards since 1953 and enjoyed over 30 years of almost zero competition during the height of the “junk wax” era of the 1980s. With no significant competitors, Topps greatly overproduced sets during this time to capitalize on the peak popularity of collecting cards of current players. The 1984 set had an astronomical print run estimated by industry experts to be around 3.5 billion individual cards. This immense overproduction available on the retail market enabled virtually anyone to easily find 1984 packs and boxes for many years afterward.

As was typical for the early 1980s, the 1984 Topps design was relatively simple and unremarkable compared to the elaborate photographs, action shots, and horizontal card formats that became more prevalent in later years. Each vertical card features a solid color team banner at the top with the team name in semi-gloss font. Below is a thin black line separating the primary image area which contains a smaller standard vertical player mugshot photograph. At the bottom appears the player’s name, position, and vital statistics in white text against the solid color banner. The backs of all cards contain the same basic paper stock design with player stats and a write-up unique to each player.

While not particularly artistic or innovative by later standards, this simple cookie-cutter approach allowed Topps to mass produce cards as quickly and inexpensively as possible to meet the unprecedented demand. With distribution deals at supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, sport card shops, and other outlets, 1984 packs saturated the retail market for many years after the season ended. Aside from a small subset of star rookie cards and Hall of Famers, most of the 760 individual players captured in the 1984 set do not hold much inherent seasonal significance or nostalgia compared to pre and post “junk wax” era issues.

Nevertheless, finding a sealed 1984 wax box pack today in pristine condition represents a true time capsule from the peak of the “junk wax” era. The rigid folding cardboard window box design with colorful graphics remains immediately recognizable to anyone who collected cards during the early 1980s. Each wax box would have originally contained 12 factory sealed green and yellow wax packs. Opening any single wax wrapper today after nearly 40 years closed would be a genuine thrill of surprise for those hoping to relive memories of their childhood when cards were a top collectible for kids.

Inside each individual wax wrapper are the standard 5 regular issue cards as well as 3 supplemental “traditional” style team cards sandwiched in by cardboard backing pieces. The set includes a total of 50 cards not found in the regular issue numbering, including league leaders, playoff statistics, All-Star, and team cards. Every pack also contains either a “prizm-cut” jersey parallel card or “shiny card” inserted randomly. While not particularly scarce inserts by modern hobby standards, finding a pristine preserved example today encased in wax still maintains importance to some collectors.

The overall condition and completeness of any unopened 1984 Topps wax boxes located today makes them extremely prized possessions for those seeking preserved relics from the peak era of baseball cards as a mass consumer phenomena. Even boxes that spent nearly 40 years sealed away in attics, basements, or storage units inevitably show some degree of benign aging or distortion to the packaging over time. Miniscule cracks, creases, discoloration or other minor cosmetic flaws become exponentially more noticeable on such an iconic collectible when slabbed and professionally graded. Truly pristine specimens scoring gem mint or near mint on independent third party grading scales are statistically as rare as any other highly conditioned vintage wax product.

While the 1984 Topps regular issue base cards hold relatively little inherent scarcity or high dollar modern demand on the secondary market, finding a factory sealed full wax box today represents an entirely different proposition for collectors and investors. In an era saturated with mass produced cards, sealed 1984 wax persevered intact as a genuine surviving time capsule. For those seeking to capture a glimpse of the apex era when baseball cards were a dominating cultural force, an unopened 1984 Topps box maintains an importance reflecting how vastly larger the entire hobby once was. With the continuing growth in popularity of sealed vintage wax as long term collectibles, pristine graded examples command premium prices several thousand dollars or more at major auction houses.

As one of the true Holy Grails for those reconnecting with childhood memories of summers ripping packs with friends, an unwaxed unopened 1984 Topps box in top condition holds immense nostalgic appeal. As a product approaching nearly 40 years old yet still sealed in its original packaging and shrouded in mystery representing a potential discovery of cards that have never seen the light of day, it also captivates the adventurous spirit of discovery still alive in the modern collecting hobby. For dedicated vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts, a 1984 sealed wax box in top condition remains one of the hobby’s most revered finds from the absolute peak era when cards were everywhere but have now become an endangered species of undiscovered relics from another age.

UNOPENED 1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990 Score baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors. For those who consider themselves “childhood collectors,” the 1990 Score set was likely one of the first mainstream baseball card releases they collected. Released at the peak of the modern baseball card boom period in the late 1980s/early 1990s, 1990 Score cards represented a pinnacle of the hobby.

For collectors today, vintage 1990 Score cards that remain in their original unopened packaging hold tremendous nostalgia and value. The set had an enormous print run of over 880 million cards but finding sealed wax packs or factory sets from that year nearly 30 years later is quite rare. For collectors seeking to add a true “vintage” component to their collections from the golden era of the hobby, a factory sealed box or factory set of 1990 Score is extremely coveted.

Background on the 1990 Score Baseball Card Set

The 1990 Topps flagship set is often cited as the most widely produced baseball card set ever with a print run estimated between 1.8 and 2 billion cards. The 1990 Score set was Topps’ closest competition that year for mainstream distribution and had the second largest print run of any modern-era set to that point.

Score was the hottest brand in the late 80s, known for innovative design and photography. Their 1990 set marked the 10th anniversary of the Score brand and featured 792 total cards including variations. Beyond the base set, Score inserted autographed cards, record breaker cards, and traded/update subsets to chase throughout the year. Stars of the era like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Mark McGwire, and Cal Ripken Jr. were featured prominently.

The massive print run and widespread distribution meant 1990 Score cards could be found just about anywhere – in stores, vending machines, and even cereal boxes. While supply was immense, demand was through the roof as well during the peak of the collector bubble. Sports card shops and card shows popped up everywhere to cater to the booming hobby.

Scarcity of Unopened 1990 Score Product Today

Almost 30 years after their original release, finding 1990 Score cards still sealed in their original packaging is quite rare. Here are a few key points regarding the scarcity of unopened 1990 Score wax packs, boxes, and factory sets today:

Individual wax packs have the lowest survival rate of any Score packaging format from 1990. Very few have survived intact since packs were primarily impulse purchases easily opened on spot.

Loose wax boxes containing 12 packs each have a slightly better survival percentage but are still quite scarce to find sealed. Most retail stores would have sold individual packs directly from the master boxes.

Factory sets – These contained the base 792-card set pre-sorted and could be found at major retailers. Surviving unopened factory sets are among the most valuable 1990 Score items. Only a small percentage were never opened by impatient collectors.

Factory sealed team/hobby shop boxes – These large boxes containing either 36 or 144 wax packs were distributed to card shops. Their survival rate is higher than retail items but still uncommon to find sealed. Most shops sold individual packs right away.

Unopened supplies sent directly to Score distributors – On extremely rare occasions, completely intact and sealed supply cartons have surfaced. These were essentially time capsules holding product never introduced to the wider market.

Due to this combination of immense initial print run sizes but also immense excitement and bust that followed, it’s estimated well over 99% of all 1990 Score cards have since entered the collector marketplace in some opened form since their original packaging destruction nearly 30 years ago.

Investment Potential of Unopened 1990 Score Items

For patient collectors willing to hunt for years, acquiring genuine factory sealed 1990 Score product can serve as a premier long-term vintage investment holding. Consider these points on their rising value:

Population reporting services like PSA and BGS have verified only a tiny handful of pristine sealed 1990 Score items still exist today out of the entire original print run. Extreme rarity drives prices up.

Nostalgia for childhood collecting eras of the 1980s-90s ensures annual price increases as collectors age and seek items from their formative years with more disposable income.

Condition sensitive hobby where even slight external flaws can reduce value to nothing for sealed items being preserved long-term. High-grade examples command top dollar.

Steady market demand from set builders requires sealed wax packs, boxes or factory sets to round out complete unopened set registry collections.

No possibility of new supply entering the collecting marketplace ever again due to the finite production windows of card releases decades ago. Only upward price pressures remain long-term.

Auction prices in recent years have seen individual unopened 1990 Score wax packs sell for upwards of $500 each. Intact factory sets have topped $10,000. A sealed factory team box even reached $20,000. For condition sensitive vintage cardboard with population reports showing extremely scarce survivorship, unopened 1990 Score items have proven to be sought-after trophies for collection portfolios.

The 1990 Score baseball card set represented a high water mark during the boom period of modern sports cards during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Because of its massive initial print run coupled with immense excitement at the time of release, almost all cards from the set have since entered the collecting marketplace in some opened form. Examples that remain sealed in their original packaging from the true “vintage” production years represent the rarest of the rare for dedicated collectors today. Factory sealed 1990 Score items are considered premier condition-sensitive trophies for patient investors seeking true scarce survivors from the heyday of the entire hobby.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED

Leave a reply

Finding old unopened baseball card packs from the 1950s and earlier can be like finding buried treasure for collectors. Inside those aged packs could be valuable rookie cards, hall of famers, or other notable players waiting to be discovered. Tracking down untouched packets from baseball’s early decades and authenticating their contents and condition presents numerous challenges.

The baseball card boom of the late 1980s and 1990s drove intense interest in the hobby. Suddenly, collectors were willing to pay top dollar for rare vintage cards in pristine condition. This heightened attention uncovered just how scarce untouched packs had become after over 50 years. While full wax boxes might surface, individual packs were exceptionally rare. The pandemic of 2020 further ignited collector mania, driving up prices across the board.

In the early decades of the 20th century before widescale professionalized sports, companies like American Caramel, E90, and Tolsti issued regional baseball cards as premiums or incentives. Distribution was limited and cards faced constant wear and tear in kids’ hands. Few if any of these primitive packs remained sealed heading into the 1950s.

Bowman, Topps, and other pioneering national brands dominated the post-WWII scene. Their inventive bubblegum-backed cardboard cards kept young fans engaged all summer. Still, pack-searching or impulse-opening was the norm. Mothers might disapprove of kids playing with “dirty” cards, hastening rips and creases. Natural environmental factors like heat, humidity, and rodents eliminated many survivors.

Bowman started things off in 1948 as the true modern pioneer. Their inaugural 82-card set launched legends like Jackie Robinson and Stan Musial into the national consciousness. While individual cards still pop up, finding a sealed pack from that lofty first set would be like discovering the Holy Grail. Any extant packs were surely snapped up long ago by canny dealers.

Topps hit their stride after outbidding Bowman for rights in 1954 and beyond. Their innovative cellophane wrapper helped keep some early packs in pristine shape, miraculously avoiding inquisitive young hands. Amazingly, a few 1956 Topps packs have surfaced in antique shops or attics over the decades. One such unsearched pack auctioned on eBay in 2016 for a staggering $96,000!

Grading services like PSA and BGS provide authentication and technical analysis of unopened vintage packs. Unlike individual cards that could be doctored, packs are exponentially more difficult to cogently reseal or fake. Experts scrutinize pack construction details, glue seals, card stock variations, wrappers, and gum residues under high-powered magnification. Only specimens strongly matching production archives receive full unsearched pack designation.

So in summary – finding unsearched packs from the earliest decades takes enormous luck, as natural attrition and playing kids winnowed the odds over generations. Even common late 1950s Topps packs in pristine condition command 4 figures today. Their rare discovery thrills collectors while preserving a fragile link to baseball’s earliest card era awaiting new discoveries within. For patient vintage hunters, the enduring appeal of opening a true time capsule from 70+ years ago makes the quest worthwhile, no matter the odds.

UNOPENED VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Vintage baseball cards provide a unique window into the history of America’s favorite pastime. Collecting unopened packs and boxes of cards from the early 20th century allows fans to preserve artifacts that capture moments in time. As the popularity of card collecting has grown exponentially over the decades, unopened vintage products have taken on immense value.

The golden age of baseball cards is widely considered to be the years surrounding World War 2 from the late 1930s through the 1950s. During this period, production and distribution of cards skyrocketed as the gum and candy companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer flooded the marketplace with affordable wax packs and boxes. Kids across the country eagerly bought these multipacks hoping to collect full sets of their favorite players and teams.

As fanaticism for accumulating cards grew stronger through the 1950s, many fortunate collectors had the foresight to save unopened packs rather than tearing into them immediately. This preserved the crisp packaging and unsullied gum pieces or other included items inside undisturbed for over 50 years. Unopened vintage wax packs today sell for thousands to even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the precise year, brand, and condition.

One of the most coveted years for sealed wax boxes is 1952 Topps. Only an estimated 100 such unopened boxes are thought to still exist globally. Inside are 36 wax-paper wrapped packs with pink slick gum. Each pack contained 16 cards depicting that year’s Topps set. If factory sealed, a 1952 Topps box in gem mint condition could potentially realize well over $1 million at auction. Even single unopened packs routinely bring in 5 figures.

Bowman Chewing Gum released the inaugural complete set of baseball cards in 1948. Only a small number of the original boxes containing 24 loose packs survived sealed over the decades. Every year from 1948-1955 is desirable, but the preferred sets are generally considered 1948, 1949, and 1951 Bowman in factory sealed condition. Extremely rare unopened boxes can sell for $750,000+ today.

Perhaps the single most valuable unopened pack ever sold was a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner pack that went for $2.8 million in 2016. While Wagner is famously the rarest individual card, unsealed packs are even more scarce considering how long ago the early 20th century issues were printed. Other pre-WWI tobacco era brands such as 1909-11 M101-7, 1912-14 Napoleons, and 1914 Cracker Jack also bring top dollar reaching over $500,000 per pack depending on centering and gum condition.

In addition to wax packs and boxes, unopened promotional items given away by brands also retain high worth. An example is 1956 Topps Rack Packs – multi-pocket racks containing cellophane wrapped penny packs. Only a handful of complete unopened examples persist today. Another highly sought novelty piece is unopened 1947 Topps Salesman’s Sample Kit featuring hundreds of wax-paper wrapped cards. Fewer than 10 of these representative sample kits survive in pristine condition.

Whether a product contains the biggest stars of a specific year, rare unissued trial designs, or represents a soon-to-be-discontinued brand, sealed vintage cards capture history at a fixed moment that can never be recreated. They rank among the most exclusive investments in the collecting realm. While finding such untouched relics today requires copious time, patience and sheer luck, their long-term value seems poised only to increase further as passion for the nostalgic artifacts of baseball’s past only deepens with time. For serious vintage card collectors and investors, cherry unopened packs and boxes might just be the holy grail.

1992 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED BOX

Leave a reply

The 1992 Fleer baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors. This was the final year that Fleer produced baseball cards under its license before losing the MLB rights to Topps starting in 1993. As a result, 1992 Fleer cards have taken on greater significance as the “last of their kind” from the brand that was the competitor to Topps throughout the 1980s and early 90s.

1992 Fleer cards are particularly sought after still in their unopened wax packing. Finding a full, sealed box of 1992 Fleer packs from this final Fleer year is a true treasure that any collector would be fortunate to obtain. The factors that make an unopened box of 1992 Fleer baseball so desirable and valuable include:

Limited Production – Fleer’s license with MLB was coming to an end after 1992. As a result, they did not produce as large of a print run compared to previous years. Fewer unopened boxes surviving in pristine condition nearly 30 years later means they have become quite scarce.

Nostalgia Factor – Many collectors who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s have fond childhood memories of opening Fleer packs. Finding an unopened box is like transporting yourself back to that era before Topps monopolized the card market.

Condition Matters – As an unopened box, the packs and wrappers are protected from damage over time. Sun fading, creases, signed are nonexistent keeping the cards in as nice of condition as the day they were packaged.

Investment Potential – With rarity, nostalgia, and condition all factors, the value of a sealed 1992 Fleer box steadily increases each year. Like a fine wine, they can be held as part of a collection or investment portfolio.

Notable Rosters – The 1992 Fleer set featured many legendary players, both future Hall of Famers and young stars. Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Ken Griffey Jr., Larry Walker were featured amongst many others. Finding their rookie cards in pristine condition adds to the allure.

Completeness – An unopened box contains the original factory sealed packaging with wax packs inside including all of the different promotional items and inserts from 1992. This allows for a completely sealed and authenticexperience from when the box was first assembled and shipped.

An unopened box of 1992 Fleer baseball cards truly represents the end of an era. They are a tangible remnant of the Fleer/Topps baseball card competition at its peak. With rarity, condition, nostalgia and investment factors considered, their value continues to grow alongside their legacy as one of the hobby’s most coveted unopened product finds from the early 1990s era.

For those fortunate enough find one still intact in a collection or come across one for sale, they are acquiring a true piece of baseball card history. They may be kept indefinitely to preserve this final year of Fleer or be passed down to the next generation of collectors to admire. Regardless, the 1992 Fleer unopened boxes stand as some of the crown jewels within the expansive world of vintage baseball memorabilia collecting. They perfectly blend significance, condition and opportunity in a single, factory sealed product.

UNOPENED BASEBALL CARDS 1970s

Leave a reply

The 1970s were a seminal time for the baseball card collecting hobby. During this decade, many of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards of all time were produced and distributed. While many collectors today focus on pursuing individual premium cards like the iconic Mike Trout rookie cards, the 1970s saw many sets released still sealed in wax packs that have maintained remarkable value in pristine unopened condition decades later.

Topps dominated the baseball card market in the 1970s just as they had in previous eras. Some of their most notable releases include the 1975, 1976, and 1978 issues. The 1975 set saw rookie cards printed for several future Hall of Famers like Jim Rice and Dave Parker. In mint unopened wax pack condition, a complete 1975 Topps set can sell for thousands. The iconic set design featured on the 1976 Topps cards, which showcased player portraits against beautiful stadium backdrop photos, has made sealed cases of that year’s packs very collectible. Meanwhile, the 1978 Topps release had rookie cards for Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith that have only increased in value over time. Sealed wax boxes of ’78 Topps in excellent condition can approach five figures.

While Topps was the major player, other brands also put out notable baseball card sets through the 1970s as competition emerged. The Fleer company began issuing their own annual releases in 1981. Their earlier test sets from the late 1960s and 1970s have also gained popularity, such as the colorful 1969 Fleer issue that was one of the non-Topps brands’ earliest modern ventures back into the baseball card market. Another competitor was the Kellogg’s cereal company. In 1971 and 1972, Kellogg’s partnered with Topps to produce exclusivevariations of that year’s mainstream Topps release exclusively available through cereal box promotions. Sealed promotional factory set containers of these scarce Kellogg’s issues can sell for over $10,000.

As the decade progressed, the collecting market evolved as speculators and investors sought to profit from the appreciating values of vintage sealed and graded wax packs, boxes, and factory sets. The growth of the hobby led to an increase in opportunities for preservations of sealed 1970s materials in pristine gradedcondition. Companies like the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services began authenticating and assigning quality designations like “Mint” to unopened collectibles. This standardization allowed for easier pricing comparisons and boosted resale prices of top-graded 1970s sealed materials. Today, a PSA GEM MT 10-graded sealed 1970 Topps wax box in collectible condition could exceed $15,000. Meanwhile pristine sealed cases of 1976 Topps are currently valued over $30,000 when top-graded.

In the 1970s, youths tore eagerly into packs at the local drugstore, grocery, or card shop unaware the items they considered fleeting recreations would take on monumental significance decades later. Today’s collectors appreciate the time capsule aspect of 1970s sealed materials. They offer a direct connection and window back to thatbygone era when iconic cards were first distributed. As each passing year further distances us from that seminal period in hobby history, 1970s unopened materials only increase in prestige and price tag. Serious vintage collectors continue seeking out the highest quality sealed 1970s materials to preserve these important artifacts of baseball card history.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED BOX VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors, as it was the year rookie cards were issued for players like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Mark McGwire. With so many future Hall of Famers featured, it’s no surprise that unopened wax boxes of 1986 Topps cards retain significant value, even over 30 years later. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these vintage boxes appealing to collectors and what they could potentially be worth.

The 1986 Topps set itself included 792 total cards and had the familiar design format Topps used throughout much of the 1980s. Some key differences from previous years included the addition of player photos on the back of many cards rather than just stats and the inclusion of stickers and posters as promotional inserts. This was the last Topps set without Licensing Corporation certification on the back, giving it more of a classic, vintage baseball card aesthetic.

Of course, one of the biggest draws of 1986 Topps are the aforementioned rookie cards. Not only do you have future Hall of Famers like Clemens, Bonds, and Maddux, but Mike Harkey, John Kruk, and Randy Myers also had their rookie issues in this set. Even lesser known players like Bret Saberhagen, Wally Joyner, and Bryn Smith had rookie cards that year that spark nostalgia for fans of the era. Obtaining a complete, unsearched wax box gives collectors the thrill of the hunt to potentially find gems like a Clemens or Bonds rookie in pristine condition.

In terms of tracking their value over the years, unsearched 1986 Topps wax boxes in good condition have fluctuated in a range from $800-$1,500 depending on factors like recent eBay sales and the wider baseball card market. There are a few key things that can significantly boost the price:

Factory Sealed with Wax Packs Intact: If the original factory shrink wrapping remains intact and seal unbroken with the wax packs never searched, this can double or even triple the value compared to an opened box. Sets this prizes are extremely rare to find after 35+ years.

Case or Partial Case With Sealed Boxes: Occasionally full case lots containing 12 original wax boxes or partial cases of 6 boxes will come up for auction. Having multiple sealed units preserved together drives collector demand and competition, pushing prices up substantially. A sealed case could realize $10,000+ depending on overall conditions and bids.

Graded Gem Mint Box: There is a small number of 1986 Topps wax boxes that have been professionally graded by services like PSA due to their superb preservation over decades. An unsearched box earning a PSA or BGS Grade of GM/M 10 could achieve an auction price above $5,000.

A few other factors that collectors look for include sharpness of printing/colors on the box image, quality of original shrinkwrap/tape used, and whether distribution stickers are still intact. Common flaws that could dampen value are things like crushed corners, tears, stains or discoloration to the box wrapping. The overall popularity and future trajectory of the vintage baseball card market will also influence how 1986 Topps wax boxes hold their worth.

For avid collectors looking to potentially discover a Clemens, Bonds or other huge rookie, an original 1986 Topps wax box offers a thrilling chance at history. Even for those without ambitions of searching, maintaining an unsearched sealed box as a long-term collectible investment has proven wise. With condition, completeness and provenance taken into account, $800-$5,000+ valuations reflect the allure these classic wax packs hold for fans and investors of the beloved 1980s Topps baseball card era.

UNOPENED BOXES OF BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON EBAY

Leave a reply

Buying unopened boxes of baseball cards on eBay can be an intriguing way to build a collection or discover valuable vintage cards. It also carries risks that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing. Let’s take a deeper look at what buyers may encounter and need to consider when shopping for sealed wax boxes of baseball cards on the popular auction and retail website.

When browsing eBay for unopened boxes of baseball cards, buyers will find listings spanning many different baseball card brands, sets, years and conditions. Some of the most commonly found boxes for sale include:

Topps wax boxes from the 1950s-1980s ranging in price from hundreds to tens of thousands depending on the exact year and scarcity of the included set. Boxes from the early vintage years like 1952, 1956 and 1957 usually fetch the highest prices due to the ultra-rare Hall of Fame cards they may contain like Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron rookies.

Fleer wax boxes from the 1980s, usually several hundred to a few thousand depending on condition and year. Rarer Fleer boxes may contain sought-after stars like Roger Clemen’s rookie card.

Donruss and Upper Deck wax boxes spanning the late 1980s through 1990s, priced generally between $50-$500 depending on the specific year and player checklist popularity. These boxes could harbor rookies of Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr.

Modern wax boxes from the 21st century featuring current stars like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. Prices range greatly based on year but generally under $100.

So whether a buyer is seeking vintage or modern treasures, eBay offers appealing unopened baseball card box options. There are important factors one must consider before bidding or buying to avoid disappointment or wasted money.

One major risk is the authenticity and condition of vintage boxes being sold. While raw cardboard from 50+ years ago may look untouched, internal tampering or resealing is possible. Savvy scammers have been known to carefully crack vintage wax packs, remove any valuable hits, then reseal the box skillfully to later profit off unsuspecting buyers. There is no easy way to verify contents without opening.

Modern boxes carry less authenticity concern but condition issues still apply. Over time, sticky residue or moisture inside plastic wrapping can damage fragile cardboard and loosen factory seals. Sun-fading of colors on boxes is also common. Photos may not fully represent true condition.

Another consideration is the box filling. While factory-sealed, distributors occasionally shorted wax packs inside or substituted commons for chase hits as quality control slipped. Empty spaces or resealed packs could be hiding in an otherwise pristine looking box. Without knowing exact fill counts, value is uncertain until opened.

Potential shipping damages must also be accounted for with fragile cardboard boxes. Even with careful packaging, rough carrier handling during transit potentially leaves boxes crushed or wax liquefied inside heat-softened plastic. “As-is” return policies then leave buyers empty-handed.

Beware of inflated estimates on box expected value returns. Hype around vintage rookie cards drives unrealistic projections for unopened box profits, but dumb luck still rules card pack odds. Even guaranteed hits provide no assurance of grading gem mint specimens worth thousands. Most boxes yield far less in practical sellable cards.

While unopened baseball card boxes on eBay present intriguing discovery potential, many risks exist that require cautious inspection and realistic expectations. Authenticity, condition concerns, fill counts and shipping damages all threaten value. Do thorough research, scrutinize listings closely and understand return policies before bidding to avoid disappointment down the road. With care and luck, hidden treasure still may emerge from decades-old cardboard to spark a collection. But for each success story, many other boxes likely only bore common cards worth pennies. Let the buyer beware remains wise advice in this speculative category.

UNOPENED TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. With 712 total cards in the base set and additional rookie cards, stars, and Hall of Famers, unopened 1987 Topps wax packs and boxes hold significant nostalgia and investment potential for savvy collectors if kept in pristine condition. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these 35 year old cards so desirable today when left factory sealed.

Topps had been the lone license holder for major league baseball cards since returning to the industry in the late 1950s. Through the 1970s and early 80s, they established themselves as the premier brand for the modern collecting era. By 1987, the popularity of sports cards was at an all-time high. Kids and adults alike were snatching up packs at record rates, driving astronomical print runs into the millions per issue by Topps. Despite the high print quantities, the 1987s hold perceived value due to capturing a pivotal time in the hobby before the late 80s/early 90s crash that nearly destroyed the entire business.

Part of the mystique around 1987 Topps unopened is that the era represents the final “junk wax” period before scarcity became more prevalent. Still, for an unopened wax pack or factory sealed box to survive in pristine condition for over three decades is quite rare. The packaging materials were fairly low quality and not intended to withstand the test of time. Any hint of creasing, discoloration or breaks in the cellophane shrink wrapping detracts significantly from the perceived freshness and investment grade designation. Hence, examples rated gem mint are extremely hard to find and command big premiums from collectors.

Inside these 1987 packs lie 61 familiar cardboard rectangles that shaped an entire generation of fans. The designs were classic 1980s Topps with team logo borders wrapping compelling action photos. Some considered the images a step below the highly photorealistic photography of prior years, but the nostalgia effect cannot be denied. Rosters included future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith as well as huge stars like Dwight Gooden, Kirby Puckett, and Dave Winfield. The coveted #1 Mickey Mantle and #713 Don Mattingly rookie cards added even more luster.

While scarcity wasn’t as paramount in 1987, the packs still hold a magic element for collectors who rip them open in search of stars, rookie gems or oddball variations. Perhaps they’ll discover an elusive error card only found in one per every several thousand packs. The gamble and surprise keeps the allure alive much like it did for children in the 80s. Regarding investing long term, sealed packs and boxes avoid risks of damage or tampering that can diminish potential returns versus raw singles over time. Condition sensitive issues like 1987s are best preserved fresh to preserve and ideally enhance financial value.

Flash forward to today and there is no doubt the vintage hobby is red hot. Prices across the board for unopened wax from the junk wax era into the 1990s have skyrocketed the past few years. The 1980s held a stranglehold on nostalgia which is now firmly transferred to the spending power of aging Gen X collectors with money to spend. 1987 Topps in sealed form can easily fetch hundreds and often thousands of dollars depending on quantity and condition grade from leading authenticators. The rarest gem mint factory sealed cases have crossed the $10,000 threshold.

All in all, those blue, red, and white labeled packs of 1987 ToppsCards still sing their Siren song to collectors young and old. They represent a familiar feeling of mystery, childlike wonder and connection to baseball’s biggest stars of the 1980s. With scarcity, condition sensitivity and monetary investment potential, there’s no denying their staying power and rightful place among the treasures of the vintage wax era. For 35 years after production, they remain a proven commodity able to bring both joy and profit to those who preserved them in their original untainted state.

UNOPENED BOX OF 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

An unopened box of 1991 Topps baseball cards is a treasure trove waiting to be rediscovered by baseball card collectors. The 1991 Topps set was hotly anticipated at the time of its release in early 1991 as collectors were hoping for rookie cards of rising stars like Dennis Martínez,Tom Glavine, and Jim Abbott. While the box itself may not contain superstars, hidden inside are plenty of memories from baseball’s past and potential gems waiting to be unearthed.

The 1991 Topps design featured a clean look with a gradient blue background fading from dark to light. Player names were featured prominently in white text with the team logo underneath. The backing featured fun baseball factoids and stats about the player. Topps introduced parallel sets starting in 1991 called Stadium Club and their premier set. While the base rookie cards may not command top dollar today, uncovering a parallel short print or error card could make a box well worth the search.

Inside a typical wax box of 1991 Topps are 20 factory sealed wax packs with 11 cards each for a total of 220 total cards. Each pack originally retailed for $1 but in today’s market an unopened box can fetch over $100 depending on condition. Some key things to look for that indicate a box is still sealed and unsearched include intact cardboard and no stray cards visible through the shrink wrap. The condition of the cardboard and lack of dings or creases will also impact the value for collectors.

While the box itself promises baseball nostalgia, inside are cards featuring players, teams and moments from baseball in 1990. Rosters would include rookie seasons for future Hall of Famers like Jeff Bagwell, Chuck Knoblauch, and Tim Raines. Other notable rookies include Eddie Murray’s son Dale Murray and Bret Saberhagen’s brother Drew Saberhagen. With the baseball strike in 1994-95, it was one of the last years that veterans like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan appeared on cards in major league uniforms.

Fan favorites like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett graced the 1991 Topps set in the primes of their careers. The card designs focused on action shots more than headshots. With the rise of sports cards as investments in the 1990s, Topps introduced new parallels, refractors and autographed options. The base full color paper cards from 1991 hold their own nostalgia and provide a flashback to a simpler time for the hobby. As each pack is opened, the anticipation grows to see what memory or potential treasure awaits within.

While stars of that era like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens receive most attention today, hidden in the 1991 Topps base set are future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, and Juan González in the early days of their impressive careers. Sporting impressive mustaches, players like Dennis Eckersley, Tony Fernandez, and Bip Roberts populate the box as well. No one knew the impact they would eventually have, but their cardboard representations still invoke fond memories for fans of the day.

As each pack is cracked, the collector can reminisce on the past or hunt for potential overlooked gems. Star rookies like Terry Mulholland, J.T. Snow, and Scott Cooper could hold greater value today, especially in higher grades. Even commons from the set hold memories whether it’s Vince Coleman in a Cardinals uniform or Darren Daulton leading the Phillies staff. With the baseball strike that year, the 1991 season was significantly shortened which adds more intrigue to each cardboard player discovered between the wax.

While pack-fresh mint rookies are always exciting to pull, the overall nostalgia and history captured within a full wax box of 1991 Topps makes it a true time capsule worthy of discovery. Even if no big hit cards are pulled, reliving a season from baseball’s past and seeing familiar faces from the late 80s and early 90s brings joy to any collector. The excitement of not knowing exactly what memories and potential gems await discovery is half the fun. An unsearched box of 1991 Topps is full of baseball memories waiting to be rekindled and hidden treasures from the past ready to be pulled from the pack.