Question about Topps Factory Sets

[julycoaron]

I recently opened my 1999 Topps Sealed Factory baseball card set, which I've had in my possession for twenty years. To my dismay, I found that most of the cards were stuck together. I have been able to separate most of them, but there are a few which won't come apart. Also, when I separated a couple of the stubborn cards, they became worthless when part of the photo stuck to the back of the card before it.

Is this a common problem of factory sets of the era? If so, why would anyone buy them? I am now convinced that the only way to go is to put sets together by hand, or buy hand-collated sets from a trusted seller.

Brian

 

[cmcjr99]

very common for any cards that have the uv coating ...it applies not only to factory sets but also unopened packs and even opened material that has been stored in boxes for long periods

 

[julycoaron]

very common for any cards that have the uv coating ...it applies not only to factory sets but also unopened packs and even opened material that has been stored in boxes for long periods

So, if your goal is to have a set of mint cards, would you recommend not buying a factory set from those years? And what years have these problems?

 

[David K.]

You can buy a factory set and then take them out and place them in plastic sleeves or into binders....I usually place my more expensive cards into plastic sleeves and then into top loaders. Best regards, David PS less expensive cards into plastic sleeves then those boxes that can hold up to 1,000 cards. Best regards, David PS: Cardboard boxes that u can normally get at hobby stores....

 

[julycoaron]

I learn something new every day. I always believed that Factory Sets were more valuable if they were left unopened.

Thanks, Everyone!

 

[David K.]

I learn something new every day. I always believed that Factory Sets were more valuable if they were left unopened.

Thanks, Everyone!

They are........But its buyer beware if u buy them. Best regards, David

 

[cmcjr99]

So, if your goal is to have a set of mint cards, would you recommend not buying a factory set from those years? And what years have these problems?

if youre never going to open it the factory set is still generally considered mint and does hold more value...that said , as soon as the seal is broken it all comes down to the condition of the individual cards...if you are a collector who likes to see the cards then hand collated is likely your best bet...

the uv coatings began in earnest with 1992 ultra and is still widely used ...about 3 years ago i acquired a bulk lot with lots of mid-90's factory sets and wax in it...i think close to 90% of the sealed sets were bricked and at least 75% of the packs with the worst of the bunch being 1995 through 2000 topps factory sets , 1894 and 1995 collectors choice sets , and virtually all upper deck , ultra , and stadium club packs from 1993 through 1997...

 

[julycoaron]

In other words, you have a "Schrodinger Set." (My philosophy friends will appreciate this.) Before it is opened, it is both a mint set and a ruined set. Why would anyone want a Factory Set from those years, knowing what we know now?

 

[cmcjr99]

In other words, you have a "Schrodinger Set." (My philosophy friends will appreciate this.) Before it is opened, it is both a mint set and a ruined set. Why would anyone want a Factory Set from those years, knowing what we know now?

sort of , but in the hobby world , only the positive possibility is really considered...but as soon as it's opened the luster is gone...

one other thing i found in a bulk lot some years back and ran across a couple of them again a few weeks ago...in a big batch of 1991 or MAYBE 1992 upper deck football , i found an entire box that featured what i reer to as accordion cards...throughout the entire box , the cards were stuck together in groups anywhere from 10 or 12 cards up to few that contained 30-40 cards...the back left of one card would be stuck to the front left of the next card...then the back right of that one was stuck to the front right of the next...then back to the left side , right side , ...on and on and the cards did not separate...oddly , these did not appear to be stuck together but more like they were cut and packaged this way...once i finish my move i will try to dig them out and post a pic of them...

 

[julycoaron]

It seems like the more people who learn that cards in Factory Boxes often come out damaged, the demand for Factory Sets will dry up.