1990 Marvel Universe - $500+ per box!?!?

[Gambit C10]

Anyone have an idea on why these boxes have boomed in value???? I remember these were fairly cheap for a long time. I know 90s sealed boxes are being sold at twice or more of their historic prices, but this particular set seems crazy high!

Makes we wish I'd bought a bunch of sealed a few years back of this and other products. Should have horded 93 marvel masterpiece for $20 and 94 Marvel Masterpiece for $30-$40.

[nabzy28]

I just noticed something similar on another site this morning. I think it was the series 2 box for $129/box, or something close. Was instantly like, what!? I remember holograms in there and thought they were worth about $2 each, now. Something else hiding in those? Did the graders start chasing Wolverine PSA 10's?

[GUCD231]

Pretty crazy stuff going on with these. The only chase cards in any of the first 3 series are hologram cards. A box usually yields 4 of 5, but never a complete set. I'm thinking the sealed cellophane wrapped boxes are what's being prized, not so much what's inside.

I've noticed the sealed Marvel Universe tins from these 3 series have also had a huge price increase. Those all have a complete set including holograms.

[DynaEtch]

I noticed this as well, specifically with 1990 Marvel Universe 1. It seems to be skyrocketing in price. Kicking myself because I sold an unopened box for like $100 a year ago.

Clearly most of the value is in the unopened box, as the base set can be had in the 30-50 range, and complete 5 card holo set in the 50-75ish range, even at the current high prices.

My guess is because this particular set is the set that started it all, regarding the 90s Marvel card wave. Yes, there were obscure marvel sets from the late 80s, and from Comic Images etc, but this Marvel Universe 1 is considered the inaugural major set and was a classic. It does seem to be a rarer box to come by compared to MU 2,3,4,5 by a significant amount.

Something else going for it is the cards don’t stick in the packs like they do with the glossy cards (Marvel Masterpieces releases, Fleer Ultra X-Men releases, Flair, Marvel Universe 5, etc), so they can be opened successfully in the far future unlike those releases- not that this necessarily means much for the value, just check boxes of 95 MM.

But yea it’s crazy what these are going for, seems to be rapidly rising.

[HiltonL]

early 90s sealed Marvel product has gone through the roof. Guy on a FB group I'm in, is selling a 92 Masterpieces (Jusko) box for $375

[Rictor]

Well, a lot of these were printed, but they sold out at stores within a few months of coming out in the 90s. Unlike some of the later 90s Marvel sets, which they printed so many of that you could buy them for years later at $5/box sealed.

A lot of these Skybox sets, you could tell which packs had the holograms, by the way. The seal on the pack was wider on the hologram packs.

[Stat Monsters]

I wonder if there's one or a few "Key Cards" that are making the unopened boxes go up. It shouldn't be the cards themselves, as folks here mentioned, base card sets are near worthless as are singles, and they were printed high quality and maintained in the careful collecting era of the post-80's where everybody took care of their cards, so finding them in mint high grade should't be that hard where I know that's the lure for vintage wax, to pull gem mint / pristine cards.

[Gambit C10]

Thanks for the input folks. The lack of sticking seems like a strong selling point. The last 90s products I opened were in 2019 and there was insane amounts of sticking for the 94 Fleer Ultra x-men. Each pack maybe at 2 or 3 clean looking cards at the most. Also opened some 94 Marvel universe jumbo packs and almost no sticking. Not sure of the odds, but in 10 packs, landed 3 wolverine holos. Was looking for more of these and noticed the 1990 price. Crazy times.

[mc1]

I wonder if there's one or a few "Key Cards" that are making the unopened boxes go up. It shouldn't be the cards themselves, as folks here mentioned, base card sets are near worthless as are singles, and they were printed high quality and maintained in the careful collecting era of the post-80's where everybody took care of their cards, so finding them in mint high grade should't be that hard where I know that's the lure for vintage wax, to pull gem mint / pristine cards.

:cry:

Nobody told me this back when I started buying 1990 Fleer and Pro Set FB or Marvel Series 2 at the Pharmacy.

[DynaEtch]

Thanks for the input folks. The lack of sticking seems like a strong selling point. The last 90s products I opened were in 2019 and there was insane amounts of sticking for the 94 Fleer Ultra x-men. Each pack maybe at 2 or 3 clean looking cards at the most. Also opened some 94 Marvel universe jumbo packs and almost no sticking. Not sure of the odds, but in 10 packs, landed 3 wolverine holos. Was looking for more of these and noticed the 1990 price. Crazy times.


Yeah I open 1993 Marvel Masterpieces boxes here and there, and I would say there’s about a 70% or so chance of sticking at this point (I imagine this number will only get higher as the years go on). I just opened a jumbo pack of 1995 Marvel Masterpieces and every card was severely stuck that they all had to be trashed, with one exception of the Emotion card (which were made slightly different, a heavier material, and it was also on top). It probably has to do with storage conditions, but in the long term, I envision almost all those types of sets being stuck in sealed packs, which makes me nervous about the future value of some of those boxes (although oddly it may not affect them if people are just collecting the box itself and not what’s inside them).

I do like how early Marvel Universe won’t stick.

[nabzy28]

:cry:

Nobody told me this back when I started buying 1990 Fleer and Pro Set FB or Marvel Series 2 at the Pharmacy.

Right!? I remember throwing them in piles on the floor, mixing stacks of them and battling friends by using the stats on the backs.

[Biohazarddfl]

Right!? I remember throwing them in piles on the floor, mixing stacks of them and battling friends by using the stats on the backs.

For those of you shocked by the price, do you have any sealed product that you'd like to sell?:)

[jumbojohnny]

This is the set that got me into card collecting initially. I opened a lot of this way back when...including a box in the summer of 2018. I am now sifting through that box this morning.

[Gambit C10]

For those of you shocked by the price, do you have any sealed product that you'd like to sell?:)

All I got is a half box of unopened mini boxes of 94 Marvel flair, but not for sale. Saving them for prizes for my kiddo when she's old enough and trade each other for needs.

Stopped opening once I realized the base set dupes were too high, making it impossible to get a near complete set with one box.

[dd316]

For those of you shocked by the price, do you have any sealed product that you'd like to sell?:)

Only if I want to get banned by Blowout. :eek:

[Biohazarddfl]

Only if I want to get banned by Blowout. :eek:

Sorry, wasn't trying to compromise anyone, just pointing out that there are more buyers than sellers right now. I think those prices still have 3x in the upcoming decade.

[DynaEtch]

90 marvel universe is getting out of hand lol.

An ungraded Wolverine holo recently sold for $80? For just the one holo? This was a $5-10 card a few months ago


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Biohazarddfl]

90 marvel universe is getting out of hand lol.

An ungraded Wolverine holo recently sold for $80? For just the one holo? This was a $5-10 card a few months ago


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I try to compare it to star wars or maybe 89 upper deck. I would argue that it was not as mass produced and the product has mostly been opened and not well cared for. When you look at the pop reports, I think it is really worth speculating on. Further, I would also argue that in the last 30 years, Marvel has massively outpaced star wars or baseball in popularity(i love baseball and star wars, don't shoot the messenger). I think there is a lot of runway here. Really interested to hear from those who disagree with me here. Look at these pop reports, they are hard to believe.

[jdandns]

The rising tide seemingly raising the value all collectibles is only part the story with this. The mentions of 1989 Upper Deck baseball related to this set are most appropriate, as the 1990 Impel Marvel Universe I set was a similar game-changer in that its upgrade in quality enabled it to dwarf all sets that came before it in that way. The 1989 UD baseball and 90 Impel Marvel sets were both catalysts for 3+ decades of a nearly uninterrupted increase in the popularity of sports and super-hero cards, respectively.

The manufacturer Comic Images had been regularly issuing Marvel cards since 1986, but they all featured art re-used from comics (often hideously re-colored) on cheap card stock, often miscut and sometimes printed off-register. 1990 Impel featured newly commissioned art printed on white card stock under improved quality control along with the added benefit of the first super-hero insert chase cards in the form of the holograms.

I still remember being wowed by those 4 card uncut sheets that were issued in the Diamond Previews pre-order catalog a couple of months before the 1990 Impel set was issued. Those cards hit like a bomb and inarguably launched the Golden Age of Super-Hero cards which lasted until 1998.

I'm a big fan of many sets issued since that 1990 set, but in my opinion, no comic book related set has ever surpassed it. 1990 Impel Marvel Universe is the king of them all, a simply beautiful thing. It's nice to see its value increasing accordingly.

[natbornkiller]

feel bad for those that open and get off centered holos

[Biohazarddfl]

The rising tide seemingly raising the value all collectibles is only part the story with this. The mentions of 1989 Upper Deck baseball related to this set are most appropriate, as the 1990 Impel Marvel Universe I set was a similar game-changer in that its upgrade in quality enabled it to dwarf all sets that came before it in that way. The 1989 UD baseball and 90 Impel Marvel sets were both catalysts for 3+ decades of a nearly uninterrupted increase in the popularity of sports and super-hero cards, respectively.

The manufacturer Comic Images had been regularly issuing Marvel cards since 1986, but they all featured art re-used from comics (often hideously re-colored) on cheap card stock, often miscut and sometimes printed off-register. 1990 Impel featured newly commissioned art printed on white card stock under improved quality control along with the added benefit of the first super-hero insert chase cards in the form of the holograms.

I still remember being wowed by those 4 card uncut sheets that were issued in the Diamond Previews pre-order catalog a couple of months before the 1990 Impel set was issued. Those cards hit like a bomb and inarguably launched the Golden Age of Super-Hero cards which lasted until 1998.

I'm a big fan of many sets issued since that 1990 set, but in my opinion, no comic book related set has ever surpassed it. 1990 Impel Marvel Universe is the king of them all, a simply beautiful thing. It's nice to see its value increasing accordingly.

Well said. Also to the next poster, it seems like all of these holos are OC, but man does that make it all the sweeter if you ever get one that is mint or better. That will be an absolute grail in the years to come.

[skurtis]

These 1990 boxes came out when I was 10 or 11. My friend and I built an invention to check if the packs had the holograms or not. I used it on a bunch of these packs and the upper deck barry sanders and emmitt smith hologram cards. We used to go into the store and dump out the boxes and sit on the floor and check them. Nobody cared back then.

I was 10. I was ahead of the curve, using my mind and solving problems. If i did it now when I was 40, I would be dirty. Brings back memories and,probably a precursor to my high school ticket scalping days.

[Mahomie]

it seems like all of these holos are OC

Yeah, pretty much all of the holos I kept from back then are OC. I was definitely more concerned with keeping the corners sharp at that time, and I didn't even do that job well lol.

These 1990 boxes came out when I was 10 or 11. My friend and I built an invention to check if the packs had the holograms or not.

What was the invention?

[skurtis]

Yeah, pretty much all of the holos I kept from back then are OC. I was definitely more concerned with keeping the corners sharp at that time, and I didn't even do that job well lol.



What was the invention?

I cant tell you because it still works obviously. Was like 98% effective. Like we were convinced it was a card defect if we didnt get a hologram which happened maybe 3 total times and I have about 100. It consisted of 1 household item, some glue, and some US currency. Took about 1 second per pack.

I have a 1990 marvel black box in my closet and it is 100% searched

[jdandns]

Household item, eh?

I'll say tape measure.

No, too easy.

Toaster!

[DynaEtch]

A bit skeptical of the different claims in here about ways to find the holos.

I wonder how much this 1990 MU craze will spill over to the later MU sets. 1991 MU boxes already going for $200+. Seems to be a pretty big influx of people into the 90s Marvel card scene right now.

[stewbacca]

Household item, eh?

I'll say tape measure.

No, too easy.

Toaster!

People used to being in an actual scale for Star Wars finest to pack search..

[aces]

Household item, eh?

I'll say tape measure.

No, too easy.

Toaster!
https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-09-2014/O2NTKq.gif

[alphaomegas]

Well 1991 marvel just exploded how many boxes you think is left of 1991? They crewed up 1990 now those approaching $800+

[skurtis]

https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-09-2014/O2NTKq.gif

Haha. We were pretty smart, I must say.

I just googled....assuming glue costs 1c, adjusting for current price deflation back 30 years, I think we spent about 15c to build each “tester” as we called them back then.

Look, all I would say is that I would never buy one of these boxes without the Marvel-specific shrink wrap on them. If my 10 year-old friend and I could do it for under a quarter, surely people are doing it now. I wouldn’t touch a 1991’Upper Deck football box if you were searching for holograms without shrink wrap, either.

I have to check my closet. The second series holograms were never worth much, so I think I have an unopened box in my closet. Maybe I should do a Youtube video explaining the tester. It would make me laugh thinking of a bunch of middle aged men pulling out the Elmers glue. Haha

[skurtis]

A bit skeptical of the different claims in here about ways to find the holos.

Wanna buy a sealed box together, give me 3 minutes to tell you which 4 packs I want, you pay for 32 packs, I will pay you for 4?

From what I recall on there, it’s 4 holograms to a box, 5 in the set.

[DynaEtch]

Wanna buy a sealed box together, give me 3 minutes to tell you which 4 packs I want, you pay for 32 packs, I will pay you for 4?

From what I recall on there, it’s 4 holograms to a box, 5 in the set.

glue...err ok lol. I think I'll stand by my statement until some actual evidence is provided. If it is...great...but until then, not much use going on about.

It would be silly of me to go for that kind of proposition, as mentioned a sealed 1990 MU box goes for a lot more than its contents- around 850 right now. Even if by the contents we mean the 36 sealed packs contained within.

[alphaomegas]

People in this thread needs to stop talking about thieving and cheating. As today police reports can be filed. Especially if you sell on eBay and it’s sealed and no holograms are in it. Your talking about serious money. Soon people may go to jail if prices on sealed products keeps rising as the card collecting boom continues. I know I’ll be videoing all my box openings and if not in seeking full refund and possible charges.
People who searched are scum of the planet and to witness people actually talking about it on this forum is awful.

[skurtis]

glue...err ok lol. I think I'll stand by my statement until some actual evidence is provided. If it is...great...but until then, not much use going on about.

It would be silly of me to go for that kind of proposition, as mentioned a sealed 1990 MU box goes for a lot more than its contents- around 850 right now. Even if by the contents we mean the 36 sealed packs contained within.

Just please be careful. Do not buy that black Marvel box without the shrink wrap. That’s my only advice. Under no circumstances.

[skurtis]

People in this thread needs to stop talking about thieving and cheating. As today police reports can be filed. Especially if you sell on eBay and it’s sealed and no holograms are in it. Your talking about serious money. Soon people may go to jail if prices on sealed products keeps rising as the card collecting boom continues. I know I’ll be videoing all my box openings and if not in seeking full refund and possible charges.
People who searched are scum of the planet and to witness people actually talking about it on this forum is awful.

Agreed. I was a 10 year-old kid. If that's the worst thing I did in my budding criminal enterprise, I'm happy to report to the judge I've reformed my life over the next 30+ years. It's more just to warn that if you go hologram chasing, only do it on a sealed box. if the system can be defeated by two 10-year olds for under a quarter, it certainly can be defeated now. I didn't even know Algebra at the time.

[DynaEtch]

People in this thread needs to stop talking about thieving and cheating. As today police reports can be filed. Especially if you sell on eBay and it’s sealed and no holograms are in it. Your talking about serious money. Soon people may go to jail if prices on sealed products keeps rising as the card collecting boom continues. I know I’ll be videoing all my box openings and if not in seeking full refund and possible charges.
People who searched are scum of the planet and to witness people actually talking about it on this forum is awful.


I think you are misunderstanding the above. It’s got nothing to do with trying to cheat someone, rather it’s helpful to know if sealed packs that you, or I, would be buying can be so trivially searched. Not that Im usually buying loose marvel packs (who does really- actually I would definitely stay away from one or a group of any UV coated- set packs not sold as a sealed box, since these could be bricked after the opener of a box opened one or two packs, but this doesn’t apply to 1990 MU). Even with loose Marvel universe packs sold individually on eBay, I would just assume some possible trickery is afoot, and know that if I really wanted to go chasing holograms (why not just buy them? Makes no sense to open packs for them- the contents aren’t worth as much as the packs), then I would go with a sealed box. This being said, I’m not buying this dudes story about the glue etc anyway.

[GUCD231]

Just please be careful. Do not buy that black Marvel box without the shrink wrap. That’s my only advice. Under no circumstances.

Hard to believe that the reason for $700+ sale prices on these MU Ser 1 boxes are due to holograms! Then again I'm clueless to any reason why it's happened. I will say it's cool to see cards being revived that once sparked my childhood collecting.

[skurtis]

Hard to believe that the reason for $700+ sale prices on these MU Ser 1 boxes are due to holograms! Then again I'm clueless to any reason why it's happened. I will say it's cool to see cards being revived that once sparked my childhood collecting.

I hope you're right -- because i have 32 packs with no holograms (well 4 in my binder)!!! haha. I have no idea, but I'm definitely curious now and watching. It was really the 1991 Upper Deck football that was in every Publix and Eckerds that I have them coming out of my ears.

[GUCD231]

I hope you're right -- because i have 32 packs with no holograms (well 4 in my binder)!!! haha. I have no idea, but I'm definitely curious now and watching. It was really the 1991 Upper Deck football that was in every Publix and Eckerds that I have them coming out of my ears.

Sales of the Ser 1 hologram sets are definitely up, which may be in part of others speculating that these are the "money" cards. I know the tin set did come with all 5 hologram cards. The tins are still not as high priced as the boxes though.

[skurtis]

Sales of the Ser 1 hologram sets are definitely up, which may be in part of others speculating that these are the "money" cards. I know the tin set did come with all 5 hologram cards. The tins are still not as high priced as the boxes though.

That would be awesome -- I have to check my parents house, but I think I have a set in an old 9 card binder of this as well. I honestly had basically forgotten about it entirely until I saw this thread.

[DynaEtch]

Hard to believe that the reason for $700+ sale prices on these MU Ser 1 boxes are due to holograms! Then again I'm clueless to any reason why it's happened. I will say it's cool to see cards being revived that once sparked my childhood collecting.


Yea it’s definitely not. If anything the rising prices of the holos is chasing (i.e. because of) the soaring price of the unopened box (and tin).

If I had to guess it’s the speculators getting involved. They are primarily buying the sealed wax as a single unit to invest in/sell again later. If you could buy something for $300 a month ago and sell it for $800 now, it’s no surprise the item has garnered interest, doesn’t even matter what the item itself is really, some just see it as a vehicle of increasing value at the moment. It does make me wonder if a bubble will arise with some of this (1990 MU in particular was not a limited production set by any means), but in general sealed wax doesn’t tend to go down in the long run. It’ll be interesting to watch how it plays out....I have no skin in the game since I sold my sole sealed box of 1990 MU like a year ago (cheaply, sigh). I agree about it being nice to see these great 90s Marvel cards getting the attention.


I hope you're right -- because i have 32 packs with no holograms (well 4 in my binder)!!! haha. I have no idea, but I'm definitely curious now and watching. It was really the 1991 Upper Deck football that was in every Publix and Eckerds that I have them coming out of my ears.

Huh, what a coincidence with this thread and all, and having exactly that many packs in a box stored away. Not to be that guy, but happen to have a pic of the 32 packs next to the 4 holos?

[skurtis]

Yea it’s definitely not. If anything the rising prices of the holos is chasing (i.e. because of) the soaring price of the unopened box (and tin).

If I had to guess it’s the speculators getting involved. They are primarily buying the sealed wax as a single unit to invest in/sell again later. If you could buy something for $300 a month ago and sell it for $800 now, it’s no surprise the item has garnered interest, doesn’t even matter what the item itself is really, some just see it as a vehicle of increasing value at the moment. It does make me wonder if a bubble will arise with some of this (1990 MU in particular was not a limited production set by any means), but in general sealed wax doesn’t tend to go down in the long run. It’ll be interesting to watch how it plays out....I have no skin in the game since I sold my sole sealed box of 1990 MU like a year ago (cheaply, sigh). I agree about it being nice to see these great 90s Marvel cards getting the attention.




Huh, what a coincidence with this thread and all, and having exactly that many packs in a box stored away. Not to be that guy, but happen to have a pic of the 32 packs next to the 4 holos?

Valid question -- and given what I've learned about this industry, you should be that guy. I haven't really looked it over in about 25 years is my best guess, but it sits next to a bunch of other junk stuff that this is.... I will have a look. I have shared this hologram searching story a few years before -- I may have even detailed how I did it in that post. I can't remember -- it didn't mean much because all this stuff was "junk" -- now suddenly it has value.

Also, just to be clear, my integrity and my conscience is worth a heckuva lot more than $500. It was more just sharing a memory I had as a kid, and then warning to you all -- this board has really been great to me overall -- to beware that these were easily hologram searched. I know nothing about card sequencing etc....just how to pull the holograms.

[DynaEtch]

Valid question -- and given what I've learned about this industry, you should be that guy. I haven't really looked it over in about 25 years is my best guess, but it sits next to a bunch of other junk stuff that this is.... I will have a look. I have shared this hologram searching story a few years before -- I may have even detailed how I did it in that post. I can't remember -- it didn't mean much because all this stuff was "junk" -- now suddenly it has value.

Also, just to be clear, my integrity and my conscience is worth a heckuva lot more than $500. It was more just sharing a memory I had as a kid, and then warning to you all -- this board has really been great to me overall -- to beware that these were easily hologram searched. I know nothing about card sequencing etc....just how to pull the holograms.


Hmm, so from saying you have 32 packs and 4 holos in a binder (seems to be a fairly precise statement, pretty clearly an artifact of the thread discussion as well) to it’s something stored away and hasn’t been looked at in decades.....with no pics, well I think people can draw their own conclusions. Nothing here so far has changed my initial opinion on the subject.

But this is an unnecessary tangent to the thread anyway, so no use going on about it.

[GUCD231]

Yea it’s definitely not. If anything the rising prices of the holos is chasing (i.e. because of) the soaring price of the unopened box (and tin).

If I had to guess it’s the speculators getting involved. They are primarily buying the sealed wax as a single unit to invest in/sell again later. If you could buy something for $300 a month ago and sell it for $800 now, it’s no surprise the item has garnered interest, doesn’t even matter what the item itself is really, some just see it as a vehicle of increasing value at the moment. It does make me wonder if a bubble will arise with some of this (1990 MU in particular was not a limited production set by any means), but in general sealed wax doesn’t tend to go down in the long run. It’ll be interesting to watch how it plays out....I have no skin in the game since I sold my sole sealed box of 1990 MU like a year ago (cheaply, sigh). I agree about it being nice to see these great 90s Marvel cards getting the attention.

It's a fair assumption. There has to be some driving force behind it. What would compel someone to pay almost 3x the price for an item a month or two later. There's no golden ticket in that box.....it's a $60 box of cards. It makes me wonder if people actually realize what their purchasing. I'm just as nostalgic as the next collector, but at these prices I would have to come terms with the fact that I've missed out! Like you suggest I can see complete sets being a consolation for those who want to reminisce and still pay their bills for the month.

[skurtis]

Hmm, so from saying you have 32 packs and 4 holos in a binder (seems to be a fairly precise statement, pretty clearly an artifact of the thread discussion as well) to it’s something stored away and hasn’t been looked at in decades.....with no pics, well I think people can draw their own conclusions. Nothing here so far has changed my initial opinion on the subject.

But this is an unnecessary tangent to the thread anyway, so no use going on about it.


You are right in that i have an “oddly” specific memory. I literally just drove to my parents house and opened up the closet and no boxes of either of these. Makes sense — only non sport I ever collected was GPK which I love. My beat friend at the time was into comic cards and pulled me into these.

What i did do was go through some of my pages. Looks like from that era hologram susceptible boxes are both Marvels, upoer deck football, some sort of upper deck hockey and the Looney Tunes cards!!! I totally forgot about those. Some sort of DC comic cards as well. And some sort of basketball set. No idea. But I have some pics below of some of the holograms. Tapatalk too onerous to post all.

God forbid 1990-1991 holograms become hot, don’t buy unsealed. That’s literally my only point.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/799a6dfa398af9faa1f28803f8f24cc8.jpg
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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/d8c02fadee784c68e2c2836cf4448441.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Biohazarddfl]

I tried to explain the rationale for the speculation in a previous post but ill get to quickly do it again

This was a highly collectable and mostly opened product of the 90s. Since it hit the market, Marvel has probably done a 30x in popularity. Compare that to star wars and upper deck 89. This product was not nearly taken care of to the level of 89 upper deck for example. Lastly, look at the psa population reports. My jaw hit the floor at how few psa 9 and 10 cards there are of this product. Based on print run and popularity, these should outpace 77 star wars series 1 over the next 30 years.

[skurtis]

I tried to explain the rationale for the speculation in a previous post but ill get to quickly do it again

This was a highly collectable and mostly opened product of the 90s. Since it hit the market, Marvel has probably done a 30x in popularity. Compare that to star wars and upper deck 89. This product was not nearly taken care of to the level of 89 upper deck for example. Lastly, look at the psa population reports. My jaw hit the floor at how few psa 9 and 10 cards there are of this product. Based on print run and popularity, these should outpace 77 star wars series 1 over the next 30 years.

Do you think it's because they had no value, but people are sitting on them? I literally hadn't thought about these in 20 years until I saw the thread -- people must have thought they weren't worth grading?

[Biohazarddfl]

Do you think it's because they had no value, but people are sitting on them? I literally hadn't thought about these in 20 years until I saw the thread -- people must have thought they weren't worth grading?

100% agree with you. No one was even thinking to grade them or didn't see the return until now. But I'd also be willing to bet that all those cards in binders from our early years aren't in the condition we wish they were.

[GUCD231]

I tried to explain the rationale for the speculation in a previous post but ill get to quickly do it again

This was a highly collectable and mostly opened product of the 90s. Since it hit the market, Marvel has probably done a 30x in popularity. Compare that to star wars and upper deck 89. This product was not nearly taken care of to the level of 89 upper deck for example. Lastly, look at the psa population reports. My jaw hit the floor at how few psa 9 and 10 cards there are of this product. Based on print run and popularity, these should outpace 77 star wars series 1 over the next 30 years.

These cards have been readily available in all forms for the last 30+years. It still begs the question why now at skyrocket prices?

[Dewman]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/799a6dfa398af9faa1f28803f8f24cc8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/229dcdd7b56eee3e774e7f92e0b0b3f0.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/e275d95b8358d47301fef30b76fcf74a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/d8c02fadee784c68e2c2836cf4448441.jpg


Wow, that brings back memories. I bought every one of those products, and more, back then chasing holograms. The great early 90's hologram hunt! Marvel Universe, X-Men, DC, all Upper Deck sports and Comic Ball, Star Trek. Did I miss any?

[skurtis]

Wow, that brings back memories. I bought every one of those products, and more, back then chasing holograms. The great early 90's hologram hunt! Marvel Universe, X-Men, DC, all Upper Deck sports and Comic Ball, Star Trek. Did I miss any?


Not from that pic. But have some sort of hockey and basketball ones here. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/d984e5321545833a5c053d4bd053b079.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/69c13378a56aa53aba58027f29341578.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/628e6230fbfc60c7165c14b3471e179d.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dewman]

I don't remember a few of those specific hockey ones. I had the trophy ones but not the others. I did have the basketball. Everyone wanted the Jordans out of that.

[Biohazarddfl]

These cards have been readily available in all forms for the last 30+years. It still begs the question why now at skyrocket prices?

Because speculators see the long term opportunity in the nostalgia. The same argument could have been made over the past 50 years for 50s topps, Pokémon, star wars etc. Not saying you have to agree, just guessing that's it

[jumbojohnny]

Given the craze, I wanted to find the boxes I got last year at the flea market. So far I have found one of the two...

I really love this set! So much nostalgia. Sifting through this one box gave me more enjoyment than any of my sports collecting for the last few years combined.

Here are the cards I am thinking of sending to PSA next week. I welcome your thoughts on centering. No cards have issues with corners, surface, edge, or discoloration. I have many others that would likely get a nine for centering, and I was thinking of building a PSA 9 set for PC.

https://i.imgur.com/k8WIzcz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PGzOHY0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EeRQWN3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DAj0Uko.jpg



The holograms rare not worth grading based on the centering alone and the Silver Survey has a rip on the left edge surface.

https://i.imgur.com/tSzAXMn.jpg

[DynaEtch]

Something else to consider, the Stan Lee (“Mr. Marvel”) #161 card in the set seems to be attracting interest and higher prices at the moment (much more than a typical base in the set). I can see graded versions of this card in any decently high grade doing very well.

[jdandns]

https://i.imgur.com/lq1a6vf.jpg
The Stan Lee card is terrific, but along with the "Marvel's Most Valuable Comics" subset, it's actually one of the few cards from the 1990 set not to feature newly commissioned art as that image was originally(?) published as the cover of Foom #17, a 1970's Marvel Comics fan magazine. I'll bet that issue likewise holds an increased value these days.

As for the searching for Marvel holograms in the packs, I will say that at least Impel didn't always seed the packs containing them in the exact same spot in every box as was the case with their original DC Comics cards from that era, DC Cosmic Cards which they issued in 1991. No special gadget was needed to determine which packs had the holos. One only needed to have opened a single box for themselves to know from then on which packs had the holograms.

[flipsi]

I always loved this set!! This set, along with my brothers influence, started me into collecting. I remember saving up to buy a few boxes when they first came out. I was able to make 2 complete sets with holograms. In fact, the last time Stan the Man came to a comic con here in Dallas, I was able to get both of the Mr. Marvel cards signed by him! Needless to say I was in awe standing in front of him as I handed both cards to him. Definitely an experience I won’t forget.
https://i.imgur.com/fDTdz0Vl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s86JczJl.jpg

[Mahomie]

^^^Whoa...that's awesome.

[flipsi]

^^^Whoa...that's awesome.


Thanks!! I remember when I found out he was coming here, I didn’t even hesitate to think what I wanted to get autographed by him!! I was thinking about possibly slabbing both in PSA holders just to keep them encapsulated, but I’m still not sure. Right now i have both sets in a 500 count box with the base set in sleeves and each of the holograms and the autos in same small 2-piece holders. I might instead put them in magnetics...thoughts??


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jdandns]

Well, one set should be in 9 pocket pages in a binder for easy lookin' at.

The Stan Lees are terrific, congrats, and what a memory!
If Stan didn't have the 1998 Marvel Silver age autograph card (or something like it by around the year 2000), I would've definitely got the #161 signed in person. I even took one with me to about 10 SDCCs in a row, but it never happened even though I met Stan twice in that span.

[Mahomie]

Thanks!! I remember when I found out he was coming here, I didn’t even hesitate to think what I wanted to get autographed by him!! I was thinking about possibly slabbing both in PSA holders just to keep them encapsulated, but I’m still not sure. Right now i have both sets in a 500 count box with the base set in sleeves and each of the holograms and the autos in same small 2-piece holders. I might instead put them in magnetics...thoughts??

If it were me, I would definitely send the autos in for slabbing and auto authenticating.

I actually just put my entire Series 2 base set in sleeves/toploaders the other day. It took awhile (and ate up a lot of my supply stash) but it's worth knowing they're well-protected.

[flipsi]

Well, one set should be in 9 pocket pages in a binder for easy lookin' at.

The Stan Lees are terrific, congrats, and what a memory!
If Stan didn't have the 1998 Marvel Silver age autograph card (or something like it by around the year 2000), I would've definitely got the #161 signed in person. I even took one with me to about 10 SDCCs in a row, but it never happened even though I met Stan twice in that span.

That’s a good idea. I honestly never thought about putting 1 of my sets in a binder, haha! That’s awesome getting to meet him in person. He was super nice to everyone that was there.

If it were me, I would definitely send the autos in for slabbing and auto authenticating.

I actually just put my entire Series 2 base set in sleeves/toploaders the other day. It took awhile (and ate up a lot of my supply stash) but it's worth knowing they're well-protected.

Yeah, it would definitely give a little more peace of mind just to get them slabbed.

I might do that to my 2nd set after putting the 1st one in a binder. You can never protect these too well.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BipolarBear]

I always loved this set!! This set, along with my brothers influence, started me into collecting. I remember saving up to buy a few boxes when they first came out. I was able to make 2 complete sets with holograms. In fact, the last time Stan the Man came to a comic con here in Dallas, I was able to get both of the Mr. Marvel cards signed by him! Needless to say I was in awe standing in front of him as I handed both cards to him. Definitely an experience I won’t forget.
https://i.imgur.com/fDTdz0Vl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s86JczJl.jpg

Holey shirt, I want this card!!!!!

[BipolarBear]

I absolutely do not get this spike in various 90s Marvel sets in the past year, but the sudden 1990 Impel price jump is one of the strangest.

I've probably sold that holo set a dozen times over the years for $20-$25.

[alphaomegas]

People forgetting there’s 330 million people in America and only one eBay. So it doesn’t take much for a product to sky rocket when maybe only a thousand people or so wants it. Covid brought people back to the hobby as kids etc. people hoarding possessions is real so right now it’s supply demand issues and also flippers investors as they seen Pokémon sky rocket.
1990 marvel and 1991 I see 4K a box soon

[sambruin98]

Definitely worth sending all of those base cards to PSA. Maybe send the bigger ones (Spiderman, Stan Lee, Wolverine, Iron Man, Hulk, Thanos, etc) via express so you can get them back quickly and on the market and all the other clean ones via an economy sub.

If you're interested in selling the non Silver surfer holograms, I'd love to have a chance to buy them off of you. LMK!

Given the craze, I wanted to find the boxes I got last year at the flea market. So far I have found one of the two...

I really love this set! So much nostalgia. Sifting through this one box gave me more enjoyment than any of my sports collecting for the last few years combined.

Here are the cards I am thinking of sending to PSA next week. I welcome your thoughts on centering. No cards have issues with corners, surface, edge, or discoloration. I have many others that would likely get a nine for centering, and I was thinking of building a PSA 9 set for PC.

https://i.imgur.com/k8WIzcz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PGzOHY0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EeRQWN3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DAj0Uko.jpg



The holograms rare not worth grading based on the centering alone and the Silver Survey has a rip on the left edge surface.

https://i.imgur.com/tSzAXMn.jpg

[NEOSportscards]

This stuff keeps getting crazier in prices new highs every day.

https://youtu.be/zXH1FSDo6CA

[Biohazarddfl]

This stuff keeps getting crazier in prices new highs every day.

https://youtu.be/zXH1FSDo6CA

I have about 10 posts in this thread where I tried to explain it to folks. 5k a box is where this settles, IMO. Just need 30 people who want gems to run this up. If you end up with 100 heavy collectors, you have a shortage. 1000, an absolute frenzy.

[GUCD231]

This stuff keeps getting crazier in prices new highs every day.

https://youtu.be/zXH1FSDo6CA


I beg to differ regarding the notoriously "beat to hell" cards found in tin sets. It's my experience from personally opening the tins sets that these are packed pretty well and not just "thrown" in. MU Series 1 tin for example has an extremely delicate shrink wrap which is prone to tears especially on the bottom side where the tin is recessed. I would suggest not purchasing a dented tin or one that's missing the wrap if your grade chasing. MU Series 2 and 3 tin sets are even more secure having the cards wrapped in two separate blocks lying flat encased in cardboard and foam. Looking at the condition of some these carboard boxes some may prefer a tin set. In any case the card condition and gradeability is going to be a gamble no matter where it's yielded from after it's 30yr slumber.

[Biohazarddfl]

Agreed, I've been very happy with the condition of cards in tins. Anyone saying otherwise may be pushing boxes for their benefit

[skurtis]

I found my searched box somewhere else in the house, listed it as such and I got a $500 bid in under 10 minutes. These things are hot right now.

Not sure what to do.

[alphaomegas]

I found my searched box somewhere else in the house, listed it as such and I got a $500 bid in under 10 minutes. These things are hot right now.

Not sure what to do.

my two cents take to off till market becomes stable?

[skurtis]

my two cents take to off till market becomes stable?

And then I think that I have been sitting on all this worthless stuff for 30 years, time to unload it and maybe build a new bathroom or kitchen in the house. I mean, thats why we saved these right?

[alphaomegas]

And then I think that I have been sitting on all this worthless stuff for 30 years, time to unload it and maybe build a new bathroom or kitchen in the house. I mean, thats why we saved these right?

Profit is profit but if one knows the future they be rich...After reviewing whats going in the world I still think theirs room to grow.

[44gwilson]

Profit is profit but if one knows the future they be rich...After reviewing whats going in the world I still think theirs room to grow.

Yeah I reckon these are gonna be $5k a box in no time

[skurtis]

Yeah I reckon these are gonna be $5k a box in no time

Wow. Shoot. Interesting. I also have a set of them in a binder that I looked over today. That will be my hedge

[alphaomegas]

Yeah I reckon these are gonna be $5k a box in no time

I agree at least the first two years 1990 and 1991

I would also keep eye on dc first two sets to which I think is dc cosmic and dc cosmic team. Even though dc isn't as popular but all it takes is a revamp of the dc franchise to set it off.

[Gambit C10]

Sealed packs of 94 marvel annual are creeping up too. Ive been watching these since i probably have a half a box worth of sealed. I estimate they are worth $100 now after paying $70ish for a beat up box (eBay photos didn't show how bad the box was) years ago.

Anyone buying loose packs of 94 Fleer Ultra X-Men should be cautious. Those are probably bricked.

Also am seeing random old Rittenhouse products up for a little over $100 a box. Can't believe the sample boxes with no sketches are fetching as much as they are. Those used to be like $10-$15.

[One more set]

Lots of stuff bricked out there fetching 2,3,$400. It’s a shame. I just opened a box of 1996 Spider-Man premium eternal evil and every card was smoked except the canvas cards and the 1st card in the pack, damn shame. I think the 1994 Marvel Masterpieces are bad too.

[44gwilson]

What’s wrong with 94 masterpieces? I’ve just cracked two boxes and they are awesome cards in great nick. I’ve sent a few off for grading.

[One more set]

Sorry, I meant 93 marvel Masterpieces. I watched a YouTube video where the packs were bricked and my buddy opened a bricked box 6 months ago.

[ToppsFB]

Raw sets topping out at $450 in ebay auctions.

Sealed box crossed over the $2100 barrier today.

[ddilts399]

Gonna be some serious buyers remorse on this stuff. Been 200 boxes sold the past few months. It was printed by the truck load. This is when comics were selling a million copies for a new issue and speculators were buying in abundance. Why are PSA numbers so low, because who sends in a .20 card to get graded. Check those numbers a year from now.

[alphaomegas]

Gonna be some serious buyers remorse on this stuff. Been 200 boxes sold the past few months. It was printed by the truck load. This is when comics were selling a million copies for a new issue and speculators were buying in abundance. Why are PSA numbers so low, because who sends in a .20 card to get graded. Check those numbers a year from now.


I have a feeling those box's are just being resold as flippers. Like I said earlier look at pop report from the junk wax era of sports cards PSA10 still sells for alot.
Tough to tell in this market and to me I think its going to the moon. They can't reprint 1990's marvel product so limited supply but yet popularity is insane.

People realize collecting humans are just as popular as collecting non humans aka marvel, fortnite, MTG, pokemon, etc

Start buying DC cause that's next

PSA be lucky to even get to these cards in a year. Give it 2-3 years till PSA catches up.

[nabzy28]

PSA be lucky to even get to these cards in a year. Give it 2-3 years till PSA catches up.

I'd love to know what a daily delivery looks like at PSA these days. One semi-trailer worth of packages or two?

[here2havefun]

I beg to differ regarding the notoriously "beat to hell" cards found in tin sets. It's my experience from personally opening the tins sets that these are packed pretty well and not just "thrown" in. MU Series 1 tin for example has an extremely delicate shrink wrap which is prone to tears especially on the bottom side where the tin is recessed. I would suggest not purchasing a dented tin or one that's missing the wrap if your grade chasing. MU Series 2 and 3 tin sets are even more secure having the cards wrapped in two separate blocks lying flat encased in cardboard and foam. Looking at the condition of some these carboard boxes some may prefer a tin set. In any case the card condition and gradeability is going to be a gamble no matter where it's yielded from after it's 30yr slumber.

Just wanted to drop in to share my own experience with the tins, I opened a Series 1 tin and a Series 2 tin yesterday, that I got from a local comic shop. I don't dabble much in non-sports, but I collect/buy/sell/grade baseball.

Series 1 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 2
9 with outside shot at 10: 14

Series 1 holos (got lucky with these):
7/8: 2
8/9: 2
9: 1

Series 2 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 5
9 with outside shot at 10: 7

Series 2 holos:
All are SUPER beat up. Bad centering issues, bad print lines, terrible corners, etc.

On the Series 2 tin, the cards are wrapped in cello, and it's a very very tight cello wrap. 90% of the cards had corner issues.

[alphaomegas]

Just wanted to drop in to share my own experience with the tins, I opened a Series 1 tin and a Series 2 tin yesterday, that I got from a local comic shop. I don't dabble much in non-sports, but I collect/buy/sell/grade baseball.

Series 1 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 2
9 with outside shot at 10: 14

Series 1 holos (got lucky with these):
7/8: 2
8/9: 2
9: 1

Series 2 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 5
9 with outside shot at 10: 7

Series 2 holos:
All are SUPER beat up. Bad centering issues, bad print lines, terrible corners, etc.

On the Series 2 tin, the cards are wrapped in cello, and it's a very very tight cello wrap. 90% of the cards had corner issues.


So your saying is buy psa 10 now gotcha

[here2havefun]

So your saying is buy psa 10 now gotcha

I wouldn't be buying tins to bust and grade at current market prices.

I was lucky and got both tins at very stale prices, $150 for the S1, and $60 for the S2. So I'll end up doing great just on the S1 holos alone. The rest of the base that I'm grading will be icing on the cake. And then the ungradable base will be going into a fun binder :)!

[GUCD231]

Just wanted to drop in to share my own experience with the tins, I opened a Series 1 tin and a Series 2 tin yesterday, that I got from a local comic shop. I don't dabble much in non-sports, but I collect/buy/sell/grade baseball.

Series 1 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 2
9 with outside shot at 10: 14

Series 1 holos (got lucky with these):
7/8: 2
8/9: 2
9: 1


Series 2 base cards:
10: 1
9/10: 5
9 with outside shot at 10: 7

Series 2 holos:
All are SUPER beat up. Bad centering issues, bad print lines, terrible corners, etc.

On the Series 2 tin, the cards are wrapped in cello, and it's a very very tight cello wrap. 90% of the cards had corner issues.

I appreciate the info and you sharing your experience with the tins. I’m sure conditions will vary depending on how these things were handled over the years. I’m glad you were able to get some value out of them based on what you paid. Just curious how was the plastic wrapping on them?

[here2havefun]

I appreciate the info and you sharing your experience with the tins. I’m sure conditions will vary depending on how these things were handled over the years. I’m glad you were able to get some value out of them based on what you paid. Just curious how was the plastic wrapping on them?

The outer wrap on the S1 tin was starting to come apart on the bottom, kinda disintegrating. The outer wrap on the S2 tin had a small tear along one of the seams. Didn't feel like trying to flip either cause of this, plus ripping is fun.

The inner cello on the S2, on the two bricks of cards, was in-tact. Like I mentioned though, it was super tightly wrapped, and the corners showed it, especially the cards at the top and bottom of each brick. Unfortunately, the holos were on the bottom of one of the bricks :(

[ToppsFB]

I just sold a raw Stan Lee for $129 tonight.

They may have printed these by the truck load back in 90, but these were some of the most handled cards of the era and they are very condition sensitive. I'm starting to think we are just seeing the beginning of the rise in these. Sky's the limit!

[44gwilson]

Series 1 boxes moving in excess of $3k a box now, s2 within reach of 1k per

[alphaomegas]

Series 1 boxes moving in excess of $3k a box now, s2 within reach of 1k per

My o my if they printed by the truck load where are all these cards and boxes lol

I see 10k boxes and dc will fetch 5k soon too.

[Gambit C10]

My o my if they printed by the truck load where are all these cards and boxes lol

I see 10k boxes and dc will fetch 5k soon too.

The boxes have been selling steady for years. I jumped back in the hobby in 2014 and for many years after these boxes have been easy to find at cheap prices. Whereas other recent marvel products are hard to find, most 90s set are fairly easy.

This is what people are talking about. You compare recent marvel products to this and the print run is not even close.

When I jumped back in the hobby the expensive 90s products were Wal-Mart exclusives and most stuff produced after 1994. The items I had a hard time finding were Marvel Metal, Fleer Ultra Spider-Man, and Marvel Onslaught. Ive only seen marvel onslaught once at a decent price. Looks like these are $300+ now which makes sense. Always loved those cards.

95 Fleer Ultra x-men and 95 flair were the most common at the time that I saw steady rising prices.

The sets mentioned had some of the most iconic 90s era inserts and frankly these boxes should be the most valuable.

[GUCD231]

The outer wrap on the S1 tin was starting to come apart on the bottom, kinda disintegrating. The outer wrap on the S2 tin had a small tear along one of the seams. Didn't feel like trying to flip either cause of this, plus ripping is fun.

The inner cello on the S2, on the two bricks of cards, was in-tact. Like I mentioned though, it was super tightly wrapped, and the corners showed it, especially the cards at the top and bottom of each brick. Unfortunately, the holos were on the bottom of one of the bricks :(


Yeah, the shrink wrap has not fared well over time on the Ser 1 tin. My concern would be the damaged base cards like you say you found in Ser 2. Any centering or print line line issues (base or hologram) would be the same gamble as a sealed box and are an issue throughout the product.

I could see the (4) cards which were the front and backs of the two shrink wrapped packs having issues in the Ser 2 & 3. The only one I've personally found damaged was Spider-Man on the very front in Ser 3. Luckily putting the checklist on the very back which has spared all of the Ser 3 holograms I've opened.

[here2havefun]

Yeah, the shrink wrap has not fared well over time on the Ser 1 tin. My concern would be the damaged base cards like you say you found in Ser 2. Any centering or print line line issues (base or hologram) would be the same gamble as a sealed box and are an issue throughout the product.

I could see the (4) cards which were the front and backs of the two shrink wrapped packs having issues in the Ser 2 & 3. The only one I've personally found damaged was Spider-Man on the very front in Ser 3. Luckily putting the checklist on the very back which has spared all of the Ser 3 holograms I've opened.

Hmm gotcha, interesting info on the S2 and S3 shrink wrap. Maybe I just got a bad S2 tin.

The local comic shop had at least 1-2 more S2 tins for $60, they also had some hand-collated complete sets of S3, with no holos, for I think $30. Wondering if I should go back and buy them all lol.

[GUCD231]

Hmm gotcha, interesting info on the S2 and S3 shrink wrap. Maybe I just got a bad S2 tin.

The local comic shop had at least 1-2 more S2 tins for $60, they also had some hand-collated complete sets of S3, with no holos, for I think $30. Wondering if I should go back and buy them all lol.

I'm guessing your shop has not caught up to the hype yet. Good luck if you decide to acquire the rest.:)!

[ToppsFB]

Box just sold for $6000!

[alphaomegas]

Box just sold for $6000!

I’m wondering if it’s fake sells to pump more

If people buying for grading you better off buy singles etc Then risk a whole box being off centered.

[DynaEtch]

If people buying for grading you better off buy singles etc Then risk a whole box being off centered.


Yea I definitely do not see any reason to be opening these boxes (or tins). The value of the box is largely in having it as an unopened unit. There are mint sets and lots to be found pretty easily for a lot less, that have grading potential.

[44gwilson]

I’m wondering if it’s fake sells to pump more

If people buying for grading you better off buy singles etc Then risk a whole box being off centered.


I just messaged the seller about this box and apparently the buyer paid immediately. All bidders have decent feedback too. Sale looks genuine to my eye. This is crazy. $10k here we come.

[alphaomegas]

I just messaged the seller about this box and apparently the buyer paid immediately. All bidders have decent feedback too. Sale looks genuine to my eye. This is crazy. $10k here we come.

i guess the issue with bidding you get stuck :( as there sealed boxes for 3k or so. These boxes wont surface till 20-30 yrs from now lol If boxes are going for this much holograms has to be selling 20k plus for psa 10?

[44gwilson]

i guess the issue with bidding you get stuck :( as there sealed boxes for 3k or so. These boxes wont surface till 20-30 yrs from now lol If boxes are going for this much holograms has to be selling 20k plus for psa 10?

Apparently some collector did a live stream on YouTube and someone just went and bought up all the boxes listed on eBay for between $3-4k. Check 130point, everything just got wiped, effectively resetting the market with $4k as the new floor. Absolutely crazy.

I haven’t seen any holos at psa 10 anywhere on eBay, but I imagine yes, it will get in that region. The psa 10 base card of black panther just went for close to $3k I think so when you consider that you’re likely getting the whole avengers team plus a few holos fresh out a sealed box, I can see why these box prices are sky rocketing.

[nowiamsad]

https://i.imgur.com/lq1a6vf.jpg
The Stan Lee card is terrific, but along with the "Marvel's Most Valuable Comics" subset, it's actually one of the few cards from the 1990 set not to feature newly commissioned art as that image was originally(?) published as the cover of Foom #17, a 1970's Marvel Comics fan magazine. I'll bet that issue likewise holds an increased value these days.

Great tip! Picked up a copy. One of my favorite pieces of art from my childhood. The cover looks a bit different too.

[Biohazarddfl]

Gonna be some serious buyers remorse on this stuff. Been 200 boxes sold the past few months. It was printed by the truck load. This is when comics were selling a million copies for a new issue and speculators were buying in abundance. Why are PSA numbers so low, because who sends in a .20 card to get graded. Check those numbers a year from now.

Strongly disagree. I was on record disagreeing with folks who were shocked by $500 a box. This is a legendary set that has not proven an easy gem. A lot of the boxes and tins that are selling are clearly flips. I am not seeing a ton of product out there. At 3k a box, you should see hundreds of these going up. Still not a single case has been up for sale since this thread started and there are clearly more buyers than sellers of gem mint cards. I have no doubt that pops will go from 10 per card to 200 per card, but I think the demand is going to be there to sustain these box prices.

[ToppsFB]

I’m wondering if it’s fake sells to pump more

If people buying for grading you better off buy singles etc Then risk a whole box being off centered.

This was an ebay sale. 90ish bids on it, Floated at 2500 for several days then boom 6 grand.

I don't get the sealed box desire. I mean there is going to be 1 set in there and then a partial second set missing about 20-30 cards plus 2 holograms. I have opened several of these of the last few years and it is pretty consistent. It's not like you can pull a Stan Lee Auto or something out this stuff. Sets are going for $400ish. You could buy a dozen or so of them for the 6 grand price and still have money left over for a bunch of holos that could grade high.

A year ago, PSW 10 Jordan RCs were going for $25K and now they are hitting $750K. Might these be the Jordan RCs of 2022?

[Biohazarddfl]

This was an ebay sale. 90ish bids on it, Floated at 2500 for several days then boom 6 grand.

I don't get the sealed box desire. I mean there is going to be 1 set in there and then a partial second set missing about 20-30 cards plus 2 holograms. I have opened several of these of the last few years and it is pretty consistent. It's not like you can pull a Stan Lee Auto or something out this stuff. Sets are going for $400ish. You could buy a dozen or so of them for the 6 grand price and still have money left over for a bunch of holos that could grade high.

A year ago, PSW 10 Jordan RCs were going for $25K and now they are hitting $750K. Might these be the Jordan RCs of 2022?

A lot of people on here will scoff at this, but it could be the future 86 Fleer set. While all of you have been in the hobby all this time, many are coming back and remember these cards as their 86 Fleer. As far as sealed boxes go, this is really the only shot at gem mint cards. Most of the loose cards out there were beat to heck by kids.

[DynaEtch]

This was an ebay sale. 90ish bids on it, Floated at 2500 for several days then boom 6 grand.

I don't get the sealed box desire. I mean there is going to be 1 set in there and then a partial second set missing about 20-30 cards plus 2 holograms. I have opened several of these of the last few years and it is pretty consistent. It's not like you can pull a Stan Lee Auto or something out this stuff. Sets are going for $400ish. You could buy a dozen or so of them for the 6 grand price and still have money left over for a bunch of holos that could grade high.

A year ago, PSW 10 Jordan RCs were going for $25K and now they are hitting $750K. Might these be the Jordan RCs of 2022?


Talked about upthread a bit, but it’s not even necessarily what’s in the sealed box, the sealed box is being bought and invested in as a single unit (and possibly resold later for a lot more based on how things are going). As you said, there isn’t $2000 worth of cards in a 1990 marvel universe box (minus grading at least), but the person who bought it at 2000 is making a lot of money if they are selling in the 6k range just a day or two later.

I imagine sealed boxes are attractive to the investor/flipper for a few reasons. One, they can increase in price quickly. Two, there is a lot less supply compared to opened cards and sets than can flood the market. But another reason is the ease of dealing with them. When you are selling a set of cards, say 1990 marvel universe, you have to worry about the condition of the various base cards, are there scratches on the holos, centering, and those kinds of nuances and possible buyer complaints. Whereas a sealed box is essentially just that- a sealed box, doesn’t get too complicated. Easier to determine exactly what you have.

And goes without saying, but the new/sealed factor is huge, people value this much more than a used item. Compare even a sealed box to an unsealed box but with all the unopened packs, and the price difference there (even though contents-wise, these should contain about the same thing, if the packs can’t be searched).

[alphaomegas]

If you think this is bad now wait till government sends out another dang 2 trillion dollar $$ free money. Collectibles are cheap now everything will jump 10 x times. We’re at dark days anyways this box be going for like Pokémon first edition is now after the free government money.

Or What tells me the boxes are overpriced is that no one is buying psa holograms and with papal monthly payment plans these boxes are FOMO and flippers for easy money.

So I gave two sides and I’ll sit on the sidelines and just keep buying nice sets.

[GUCD231]

Yea I definitely do not see any reason to be opening these boxes (or tins). The value of the box is largely in having it as an unopened unit. There are mint sets and lots to be found pretty easily for a lot less, that have grading potential.

I agree with your sentiment on sealed value. Despite what's inside or it's condition, the value appreciates as whole. Even before the boom a box or tin with torn cellophane fetched a bit less than one that was intact. I'm now wondering if these sealed items are really being ripped into or are they just being kept and resold over again? Maybe there's a bigger investment going on here in sealed product and keeping it sealed. Like yourself and others have mentioned seems silly to purchase a $2,000 box today and rip it praying for a gem when you can hold it and double your money in under a week. I'm willing to bet most of these boxes never get opened.

[ToppsFB]

Good points on the sealed stuff. I bought two boxes two years ago for $50 a piece and gave them to my son who was 8 at the time. We opened every pack and made a nice reference book of Marvel cards to read about characters when watching the movies. Should of kept them sealed. Oh well it wad fun!

[Biohazarddfl]

I bought some sealed stuff recently and paid a pretty penny of $700 a box for 4 boxes. I sold two just this week at about 2300 per (regrettably) and I'm likely going to hold the others for a very long time and can live with it if they depreciate. The sealed boxes and tins are really cool collectors items IMO. The tins don't get enough love, but the fact that they are serial numbered makes them so great.

How many sealed tins do you all think still exist??
0-100?
100-500?
500-1000?
1000+?

[mc1]

If you think this is bad now wait till government sends out another dang 2 trillion dollar $$ free money. Collectibles are cheap now everything will jump 10 x times. We’re at dark days anyways this box be going for like Pokémon first edition is now after the free government money.

Or What tells me the boxes are overpriced is that no one is buying psa holograms and with papal monthly payment plans these boxes are FOMO and flippers for easy money.

So I gave two sides and I’ll sit on the sidelines and just keep buying nice sets.

Sure, I always spend all my money on cards instead of worrying about monthly bills, food or utilities.

[skurtis]

Sure, I always spend all my money on cards instead of worrying about monthly bills, food or utilities.

Not to get academic, but there is something in economics called the "money multiplier" -- which based on your response, is exactly what would happen to the money supply, and thus why central banks increase or decrease overall money supply to control asset prices and inflation. The people who need the stimulus in order to survive month-to-month, as you noted, receive that $2 trillion, and immediately spend a large portion of it on consumer staples to make ends meet, and inject, say, $1.6 trillion into the pockets of other people who sell those goods. Those people then spend it, so forth and so on, generating something way more more than $2 trillion in "new money" into the economy, and thus raising asset prices.

Definition:
The Money Multiplier refers to how an initial deposit can lead to a bigger final increase in the total money supply. For example, if the commercial banks gain deposits of £1 million and this leads to a final money supply of £10 million. The money multiplier is 10.

[alphaomegas]

Not to get academic, but there is something in economics called the "money multiplier" -- which based on your response, is exactly what would happen to the money supply, and thus why central banks increase or decrease overall money supply to control asset prices and inflation. The people who need the stimulus in order to survive month-to-month, as you noted, receive that $2 trillion, and immediately spend a large portion of it on consumer staples to make ends meet, and inject, say, $1.6 trillion into the pockets of other people who sell those goods. Those people then spend it, so forth and so on, generating something way more more than $2 trillion in "new money" into the economy, and thus raising asset prices.

Definition:
The Money Multiplier refers to how an initial deposit can lead to a bigger final increase in the total money supply. For example, if the commercial banks gain deposits of £1 million and this leads to a final money supply of £10 million. The money multiplier is 10.

Awesome some who actually knows economy. Of course poor people will pay for there basic needs. After that money doesn’t leave economy lol it just goes to someone else then so forth and finally reaches the rich who will buy stocks, assets, and collectibles.

[MRSPORTSCARD]

What`s the Wolverine hologram going for? My brother has one.

[MRSPORTSCARD]

Not to get academic, but there is something in economics called the "money multiplier" -- which based on your response, is exactly what would happen to the money supply, and thus why central banks increase or decrease overall money supply to control asset prices and inflation. The people who need the stimulus in order to survive month-to-month, as you noted, receive that $2 trillion, and immediately spend a large portion of it on consumer staples to make ends meet, and inject, say, $1.6 trillion into the pockets of other people who sell those goods. Those people then spend it, so forth and so on, generating something way more more than $2 trillion in "new money" into the economy, and thus raising asset prices.

Definition:
The Money Multiplier refers to how an initial deposit can lead to a bigger final increase in the total money supply. For example, if the commercial banks gain deposits of £1 million and this leads to a final money supply of £10 million. The money multiplier is 10.
Good points.

[GUCD231]

What`s the Wolverine hologram going for? My brother has one.

Series 1 Hologram has been selling in the $60-$100 range based on completed auctions.

[MRSPORTSCARD]

Series 1 Hologram has been selling in the $60-$100 range based on completed auctions.
thanks. I will tell him.

[insanepjc]

A good hunk of mine that are well centered have some surface scratching, not terrible but noticeable. Should I try for 9s or put them back in the box to collect some more dust?

[sambruin98]

A good hunk of mine that are well centered have some surface scratching, not terrible but noticeable. Should I try for 9s or put them back in the box to collect some more dust?

9s on key cards are still a hugely positive ROI.

[alphaomegas]

A good hunk of mine that are well centered have some surface scratching, not terrible but noticeable. Should I try for 9s or put them back in the box to collect some more dust?

for me psa its only 12$ a card in bulk of course...and if you can get a 9 of a great character I think it be worth it.

[mc1]

Awesome some who actually knows economy. Of course poor people will pay for there basic needs. After that money doesn’t leave economy lol it just goes to someone else then so forth and finally reaches the rich who will buy stocks, assets, and collectibles.

So, hyperinflation?

[BobCollects]

Boxes were selling for $500 less than a month ago when this thread was started. Now they're selling in the thousands. If it wasn't happening, I wouldn't believe it. Is it the same few dozen speculators rotating the same few boxes back and forth at increasingly higher prices?

[PurplesaurusRex]

I saw a Series 1 Frank Miller Wolverine cover card go for $80 bucks on Ebay, insane. I bought a bunch of sealed Marvel boxes last summer to open, now I'm kicking myself...

[skurtis]

So, hyperinflation?

I mean, that’s the extreme and hard to have occur in large, liquid assets. However, it can happen in pockets — take the WWF box I bought in April for $300 that someone sold for $9100 today or these Marvel boxes which were $50 9-months ago. That is hyperinflation, but I dont think the fed cares about that, but it could be a canary in the coal mine.

You have to remember that inflation is great for debtors — hello US and state governments— because on a nominal basis you can reflate your way out of debt. This goes for state pensions, pensions in general—- we are in an economy where like 80% + want prices to go higher For various reasons. It just has to be within expectations, otherwise chaos ensues. If food or housing inflates like Marvel or WWE, then we are in trouble.

[DynaEtch]

I think it is worth noting that prices rising for certain goods is not necessarily connected to actual inflation/hyperinflation, terms being thrown around a lot in this thread. Prices can also change for other reasons, particularly changes in the level of supply and demand for a good. Inflation is more about the value of the currency itself, and a general increase in price level (not of just a certain segment or type of good due to changing supply/demand factors).

There is no question something like 1990 Marvel Universe has experienced a large increase in demand- people being attracted to this important inaugural set and the classic looking cards in it, the overall increase in interest in sports and non-sports cards, and also increased demand because of the investors realizing this set has been been the particular hot ticket item to increase fast. There will be more demand for a item if during the last couple weeks it has been rapidly increasing like every couple days- everyone's looking to get one, versus if the price was just hovering around $100 for months and years (as 1990 Marvel Universe boxes were doing before all this). Supply/demand changes for a restricted segment are not the same thing as inflation (in general price level) in the economy.

[Biohazarddfl]

Boxes were selling for $500 less than a month ago when this thread was started. Now they're selling in the thousands. If it wasn't happening, I wouldn't believe it. Is it the same few dozen speculators rotating the same few boxes back and forth at increasingly higher prices?

I bought 4 boxes at 500 and sold two of them in the 2000s recently. All 4 were purchased from unique sellers and the two were sold to uniquely different sellers. Hopefully that is a good sign. I do see some folks pulling down boxes and re-listing and doing all sorts of weird stuff, but it does appear that there is a legitimate market in the $2000s for this right now. I am going to hold the other 2 for a long, long time.

[Andr3000]

Not going anywhere near the boxes at these prices, but I still think there are deals to be had on base sets/lots on ebay.

[BobCollects]

I bought 4 boxes at 500 and sold two of them in the 2000s recently. All 4 were purchased from unique sellers and the two were sold to uniquely different sellers. Hopefully that is a good sign. I do see some folks pulling down boxes and re-listing and doing all sorts of weird stuff, but it does appear that there is a legitimate market in the $2000s for this right now. I am going to hold the other 2 for a long, long time.

It could be a legitimate market or a group of speculators working together to drive up prices. There's just no way to know. Good call hedging your bets by selling half your supply while prices are skyrocketing.

[Wolf8MeVillie]

I don't get how a box of 1991 Marvel Universe sells for any where over $200... A set can be bought for $35-100, the holograms aren't that expensive, but boxes sell for $500+. I think people are just getting worked up and spending like mad. It reminds of the Panini World Cup craze, where $5 to $10 cards started selling for $150 and up for no reason except that people were willing pay for em. I don't see there ever being a shortage of these cards.

Just check on some of Panini soccer I sold, seems they came back down to a reasonable price.

[Sirwin30]

Hopefully it keeps up. They’re some really cool looking cards.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DynaEtch]

The value of a sealed box is not the same as the value of its contents, these are fundamentally different items. I notice this point has come up often.

A sealed copy of Mario 3 for the NES is also not the same thing as just a loose cart of Mario 3.....I mean anyone can go buy this cart for like $5-$10 right? And yet people pay multiple thousands for a sealed Mario 3.

[alphaomegas]

People needs to just stop questioning the markets. Why is stock market at all time high yet economy is in the dumps. Collectibles cards jump 10x in value throughout the market just because people went into closets and found old stuff as they were laid off or working from home. Short answer government freeeeeee money. Long as government prints freeeeee money our market is safe.

Just accept it and move along with and stop questioning why cause you are going to miss out on great deals as the 1991 bought for $50 each making a fortun now.

[nabzy28]

Just saw that BBCE just put out a letter to people sending in boxes for authentication, basically intended to stop the vast majority of stuff coming in so they have time to catch up. Only going to authenticate boxes over a certain value, etc., so people stop sending in boxes of Alf trading cards. (I didn't make up the Alf part, it's in the letter, lol!)

[dd316]

People needs to just stop questioning the markets. Why is stock market at all time high yet economy is in the dumps. Collectibles cards jump 10x in value throughout the market just because people went into closets and found old stuff as they were laid off or working from home. Short answer government freeeeeee money. Long as government prints freeeeee money our market is safe.

Just accept it and move along with and stop questioning why cause you are going to miss out on great deals as the 1991 bought for $50 each making a fortun now.

I don't know how people finding old cards in their closets correlates to a 10x jump in value?

Also, I don't understand what you're talking about with questioning the market because you're missing great deals? :confused:

[GUCD231]

Just saw that BBCE just put out a letter to people sending in boxes for authentication, basically intended to stop the vast majority of stuff coming in so they have time to catch up. Only going to authenticate boxes over a certain value, etc., so people stop sending in boxes of Alf trading cards. (I didn't make up the Alf part, it's in the letter, lol!)


Lol! But you can still submit ANYTHING you want as "RUSH" and pay double :)! I'm digging out my ALF boxes now!

[nabzy28]

Lol! But you can still submit ANYTHING you want as "RUSH" and pay double :)! I'm digging out my ALF boxes now!

I don't remember if it was this thread or one of the others, but I was not kidding when I kinda joked about "what does a delivery at PSA look like" these days. If he's getting truckloads of junk wax on a daily basis, PSA's daily delivery must require forklifts to unload pallets, too. This is insane. This is why I don't think it's "popping" or ending anytime soon. There's just an absolute crap ton of stuff in the system at this point and who knows what it is. It'll all just start hitting weeks and months down the line once stuff finally starts getting back to people. The vids on YouTube are correct where, now, you've got to approach this as 'what will the market be like 6-10 months from now', because that's when you'll be getting things back, unless you're laying out hundreds to get stuff back in a week or two. This will be interesting because of the timing he's shutting this down. I'd imagine this is early in the game for the low-end, non sports stuff getting sent in large quantities. If that's cut off for months, whatever beat the cut off is going to dry up fast as interest spreads to other franchises. I would estimate that the stuff authenticated by BBCE will run at a premium, of course, so the discontinuation of reasonably priced service(s) on low end, non sports will be interesting. Sellers will start pricing in authentication costs on this stuff, so it'll proverbial rising tides raise all boats.

[GUCD231]

I don't remember if it was this thread or one of the others, but I was not kidding when I kinda joked about "what does a delivery at PSA look like" these days. If he's getting truckloads of junk wax on a daily basis, PSA's daily delivery must require forklifts to unload pallets, too. This is insane. This is why I don't think it's "popping" or ending anytime soon. There's just an absolute crap ton of stuff in the system at this point and who knows what it is. It'll all just start hitting weeks and months down the line once stuff finally starts getting back to people. The vids on YouTube are correct where, now, you've got to approach this as 'what will the market be like 6-10 months from now', because that's when you'll be getting things back, unless you're laying out hundreds to get stuff back in a week or two. This will be interesting because of the timing he's shutting this down. I'd imagine this is early in the game for the low-end, non sports stuff getting sent in large quantities. If that's cut off for months, whatever beat the cut off is going to dry up fast as interest spreads to other franchises. I would estimate that the stuff authenticated by BBCE will run at a premium, of course, so the discontinuation of reasonably priced service(s) on low end, non sports will be interesting. Sellers will start pricing in authentication costs on this stuff, so it'll proverbial rising tides raise all boats.

The thing is there is no cut off point here as long as your willing to pay a premium. His rule #3 states he will accept any and all orders as long as the customer is willing to send it "RUSH" and pay additional 7%. It's meant to boost his return on some of the "crap" that's being sent in bulk which has no value. He's addressing the fact that he and employees cannot keep up with the tremendous volume.... at the previous rate.

[nabzy28]

Right, that's why I'm saying sellers will start pricing in the authentication costs. $1k boxes of graded/authenticated: Alf, He-Man, TMNT, etc., here we come! What a time. I believe the saying now is - enjoy the ride!

[GUCD231]

Right, that's why I'm saying sellers will start pricing in the authentication costs. $1k boxes of graded/authenticated: Alf, He-Man, TMNT, etc., here we come! What a time. I believe the saying now is - enjoy the ride!

I absolutely agree this will have a universal impact in pricing and value. It's definitely interesting to sit back and follow what's going on right now.

[PurplesaurusRex]

If you're looking for cards with white borders, your best option is to open brand new packs. Compare them side-by-side and you'll notice the yellowing on older cards in boxes and binders.

[BobCollects]

Packs are selling for $50 apiece on eBay.


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[alphaomegas]

If you're looking for cards with white borders, your best option is to open brand new packs. Compare them side-by-side and you'll notice the yellowing on older cards in boxes and binders.

i disagree found many great sets at great prices b4 marvel blew up.

[PurplesaurusRex]

i disagree found many great sets at great prices b4 marvel blew up.


You'll find some nice sets, but remember most of these cards weren't kept in cases or sleeves. Lots of people on Ebay are pulling their cards out of zip lock bags.

[A Levine]

You'll find some nice sets, but remember most of these cards weren't kept in cases or sleeves. Lots of people on Ebay are pulling their cards out of zip lock bags.

I was just talking to someone about this.

At first, my gut feeling was this was a sudden bubble that would eventually burst. But the more I think about it, and the more I see, the more it reminds me of the late 80s when the wider audience (beyond comic book collectors) suddenly discovered that 60's comics were valuable.

Overnight everyone and their grandmother was digging up their 60s and 70s comics and trying to sell them to their LCS. Everyone started hoarding new comics. Everyone was on the "bag and board" wagon.

At the time, even just HAVING an early issue of Spider-Man or X-Men was a big deal, even if it wasn't in mint condition.

But now, it's about a race to get the nicest looking card.

Even though the early Marvel sets were abundant, they were never worth anything because of that, and over the years many collectors simply de-valued them, and didn't take care of them. Casual collectors may have tossed them. Even myself, I had 4-5 copies of the 1990 set, and as recently as 2018 gave away a copy to my nephew. I had sold off my holograms 20 years ago in the early eBay days.

Upon digging up my collection this week, I discovered probably one complete set in NM/EX+ because it had been in a case and buried, but the other 3 sets in binders were missing some singles, and not all in the best shape. Cards 1/2/3, 10/11/12, 19/20/21 and so on often had yellowed edges from being at the top of binder pages and sitting under a lamp or in the sun (hey, I grew up in Florida).

Given that this was the first comprehensive Marvel card set, the first to have nice bio's and stats, that it's a REALLY nice set, and fondly remembered by almost anyone who grew up in the late 80s; given the overwhelming and enduring popularity of Marvel (particularly after Endgame, when it became clear that Marvel is only getting bigger) it's actually no wonder the set is now gaining in value.

It might settle a bit lower, it might stabilize where it is, or like early 60s comics, it may just keep going up.

[Andr3000]

I was just talking to someone about this.

At first, my gut feeling was this was a sudden bubble that would eventually burst. But the more I think about it, and the more I see, the more it reminds me of the late 80s when the wider audience (beyond comic book collectors) suddenly discovered that 60's comics were valuable.

Overnight everyone and their grandmother was digging up their 60s and 70s comics and trying to sell them to their LCS. Everyone started hoarding new comics. Everyone was on the "bag and board" wagon.

At the time, even just HAVING an early issue of Spider-Man or X-Men was a big deal, even if it wasn't in mint condition.

But now, it's about a race to get the nicest looking card.

Even though the early Marvel sets were abundant, they were never worth anything because of that, and over the years many collectors simply de-valued them, and didn't take care of them. Casual collectors may have tossed them. Even myself, I had 4-5 copies of the 1990 set, and as recently as 2018 gave away a copy to my nephew. I had sold off my holograms 20 years ago in the early eBay days.

Upon digging up my collection this week, I discovered probably one complete set in NM/EX+ because it had been in a case and buried, but the other 3 sets in binders were missing some singles, and not all in the best shape. Cards 1/2/3, 10/11/12, 19/20/21 and so on often had yellowed edges from being at the top of binder pages and sitting under a lamp or in the sun (hey, I grew up in Florida).

Given that this was the first comprehensive Marvel card set, the first to have nice bio's and stats, that it's a REALLY nice set, and fondly remembered by almost anyone who grew up in the late 80s; given the overwhelming and enduring popularity of Marvel (particularly after Endgame, when it became clear that Marvel is only getting bigger) it's actually no wonder the set is now gaining in value.

It might settle a bit lower, it might stabilize where it is, or like early 60s comics, it may just keep going up.

It looks like some of the prices might be leveling off or coming down a touch from the crazy levels. I think those that paid $2000-3000 for a box might have a rough time with that, but the $200 base sets that are in decent shape are still a pretty good buy - whether you are holding or selling singles. I'm not a grader, but that's obviously a big appeal for a lot of people - if you can pluck even a handful of 9's or 10's out of a set, that is well worth your $200.

[Mahomie]

Given that this was the first comprehensive Marvel card set, the first to have nice bio's and stats, that it's a REALLY nice set, and fondly remembered by almost anyone who grew up in the late 80s; given the overwhelming and enduring popularity of Marvel (particularly after Endgame, when it became clear that Marvel is only getting bigger) it's actually no wonder the set is now gaining in value.

Excellent points.

[A Levine]

It looks like some of the prices might be leveling off or coming down a touch from the crazy levels. I think those that paid $2000-3000 for a box might have a rough time with that, but the $200 base sets that are in decent shape are still a pretty good buy - whether you are holding or selling singles. I'm not a grader, but that's obviously a big appeal for a lot of people - if you can pluck even a handful of 9's or 10's out of a set, that is well worth your $200.

I don't know if too many people will regret spending a ton. If you've got that kind of expendable income, a few hundred dollars difference probably isn't going to sweat you.

If you're in it to have a sealed box in your collection, the value is priceless. If you're in it for the value, you can always break it and get the singles graded, and sell them. Remember, a 1990 Impel box had over 400 cards in it. Even ungraded, you can easily make your money back even if prices never go up. Get a bunch of PSA 10's? You'll do well.

[BobCollects]

It was bound to happen. Someone pulled a sealed 20-box case out of storage. Got $74,999.99 lying around? https://www.ebay.com/itm/333894256475


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[alphaomegas]

It was bound to happen. Someone pulled a sealed 20-box case out of storage. Got $74,999.99 lying around? https://www.ebay.com/itm/333894256475


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s schrödinger's cat it’s both fake boxes aka donruss and 90 marvel universe boxes at same time till you open

[DynaEtch]

^^^haha

[webjon]

It might settle a bit lower, it might stabilize where it is, or like early 60s comics, it may just keep going up.

I like the comparison to comic books, as entertainment card collectors typically are more like comic book collectors than sports card collectors.

One significant difference I see though, is that virtually all card collectors who have any interest in Marvel have this set -- many people have multiple copies. In the late 80s no comic collector I know was sitting on a single key silver age comic, let alone multiple copies of it. In the 80s/90s we all still wanted ASM1 and AF15, but no one had them -- they were even rare to see at a comic show -- like there might be 1 or 2 copies of those issues at a big show.

Another significant difference is that despite how much people say that these cards weren't cared for that's just not true. Most of these cards were sleeved, or put in cases or binders as evidenced by all the people who are 'finding' sets in great shape.

60s comics weren't typically kept in good condition, bags and boards didn't even exist then, collectibility wasn't even considered -- in the 90s every one was collecting everything -- I probably still have a short box of Superman 75 still in the original bags around here somewhere.

[A Levine]

I like the comparison to comic books, as entertainment card collectors typically are more like comic book collectors than sports card collectors.

One significant difference I see though, is that virtually all card collectors who have any interest in Marvel have this set -- many people have multiple copies.



This is true, but there are a couple of reasons why this might not have as big an impact as you might think.

1) the diehard card collecting audience in 2021 who kept these cards and collects these cards is significantly smaller than the diehard comic book collecting audience in 1988 who collected and kept, so while there were many more cards that were kept over the years, it's not quite the mountain that it was if this had happened say, 20 years ago (which is one reason it didn't).

2) The nature of comics is single issues: investors, fans, and collectors want the issue with the debut appearance of a big character, a key issue where major event occurs, a landmark first issue, etc. For cards, while some may want singles of their favorite characters, most collectors are going to want full sets, which will be a new kind of challenge to assemble in NM condition across the board.

As such... 3) the fight now is not going to be about just owning one like it was with comics, but owning a mint/near mint set. In the late 80s, the condition of old comics was less important, because it was (and still is) almost impossible to find a NM copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, for example. Now, the battle is going to be over who can get the best condition set, and that goes not just for diehard collectors, but even for less serious collectors.


Another significant difference is that despite how much people say that these cards weren't cared for that's just not true. Most of these cards were sleeved, or put in cases or binders as evidenced by all the people who are 'finding' sets in great shape.

And one significant difference between the 80s and today is the existence of official grading systems like PSA and CGC. We've seen how particular those systems can be. Even cards kept in cases or binders are often not perfect, especially from the 80s and 90s, when the plastics were often cheaper and more meant for display than protection. Many cards will have wear from handling (my set has little nicks at the top edges wwhere I would take them out and put them back), or yellowing at the edges from sitting on a shelf with light hitting the tops of the pages. Even in cases, the corners can easily get dinged when moving about, and that can bring a 10.0 to a 9.8.

It's true that cards from the 1990 set are not hard to find in good shape, and to your point, that's one reason they'll never be million dollar collectibles like Action Comics #1. But the difficulty in amassing a complete set of high grade cards could help make them highly collectible and thus, valuable.

60s comics weren't typically kept in good condition, bags and boards didn't even exist then, collectibility wasn't even considered -- in the 90s every one was collecting everything -- I probably still have a short box of Superman 75 still in the original bags around here somewhere.

Which is why old comics in high grade HAVE become million dollar collectibles. So the comparison is apt, but it's just a COMPARISON, meaning the differences are key. While a CGC 9.0 copy of Action Comics #1 fetched $3.2M in 2014, a sealed box of 1990 Impel might hold its value into the several thousand range.

A complete graded mint set? I can see that holding value quite well too, once the first one comes up for sale...

[webjon]

1) the diehard card collecting audience in 2021 who kept these cards and collects these cards is significantly smaller than the diehard comic book collecting audience in 1988


Definitely true, and while the smaller market is easier to manipulate I don't believe that most of the people who are buying these cards today are interested in the hobby -- they are speculators. Long term I don't see the speculators sticking around. They didn't in the 90s, and they probably won't now.


2) The nature of comics is single issues: investors, fans, and collectors want the issue with the debut appearance of a big character, a key issue where major event occurs, a landmark first issue, etc. For cards, while some may want singles of their favorite characters, most collectors are going to want full sets, which will be a new kind of challenge to assemble in NM condition across the board.


Also true, but the speculators are targeting specific cards -- they are trying to label cards rookies, etc. I don't see the speculators going after full sets. I could turn out to be wrong on that, but so far that seems to be the case.


As such... 3) the fight now is not going to be about just owning one like it was with comics, but owning a mint/near mint set. In the late 80s, the condition of old comics was less important, because it was (and still is) almost impossible to find a NM copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, for example. Now, the battle is going to be over who can get the best condition set, and that goes not just for diehard collectors, but even for less serious collectors.


This might be the fight among speculators, but modern entertainment card collectors have repeatedly rejected grading -- probably at least partially due to the previous point about collecting full sets vs individual cards.

The long term question here is going to be if speculators are going to stick around long enough to basically build their own segment of the hobby. I don't see existing modern entertainment card collectors caring about grading.

Vintage collectors are a different story, but vintage cards have far fewer copies in nice condition -- think AF1 vs Web of Spider-Man 1.



Which is why old comics in high grade HAVE become million dollar collectibles. So the comparison is apt, but it's just a COMPARISON, meaning the differences are key. While a CGC 9.0 copy of Action Comics #1 fetched $3.2M in 2014, a sealed box of 1990 Impel might hold its value into the several thousand range.



A better comparison for MU1 is to Web of Spider-Man. Web #1 came out in the mid 1980s, when preserving comics was less a concern than it was 5 years later, but there are still tons of high quality copies available, and comics are much more condition sensitive than cards are. Grading has been prevalent in comics for a long time too.

Another reason comics from the 60s are so collected is because they are the first and early appearances of these characters -- there are decades of entertainment cards that were produced before the MU1 set came out -- just like there are decades of Spider-Man comics that were produced before Web.

There are differences of course, there are fewer card sets produced between the 60s and 90s than there were Spider-Man comics.

Bottom line for me is that the people driving up prices now are speculators. I don't see existing entertainment card collectors embracing grading, except perhaps to sell to speculators. History tells me that speculators will move on from entertainment cards. Despite sports cards and entertainment cards physically being similar the collectors are very different -- which is why I would rarely find entertainment cards at The National, and I would rarely find sports cards at comic conventions.

[nowiamsad]

History tells me that speculators will move on from entertainment cards. Despite sports cards and entertainment cards physically being similar the collectors are very different -- which is why I would rarely find entertainment cards at The National, and I would rarely find sports cards at comic conventions.

As a person returning to non sports cards the same way I returned to sports cards, I’m not sure I agree. This could also be the beginning. 1990 Marvel Universe blew up but I’ve been able to track down some really cool #@#@#@#@ that cost me a mere fraction of what it costs to acquire sports cards these days.

I wouldn’t count out what’s happening in sports cards right now, as much of it is very affordable....until it isn’t.

[A Levine]

Also true, but the speculators are targeting specific cards -- they are trying to label cards rookies, etc. I don't see the speculators going after full sets. I could turn out to be wrong on that, but so far that seems to be the case.

I'm not sure this is entirely true. While there will always be those chasing key singles, some are doing so to complete their sets, and full sets are selling consistently for $250-300 when just 2 months ago they could be had for as little as $15.


This might be the fight among speculators, but modern entertainment card collectors have repeatedly rejected grading -- probably at least partially due to the previous point about collecting full sets vs individual cards.

That also is just not true. When it comes to vintage cards, high grades from PSA are a big deal among collectors of all stripes.

The long term question here is going to be if speculators are going to stick around long enough to basically build their own segment of the hobby. I don't see existing modern entertainment card collectors caring about grading.

No, the question is will either 1) enough speculators stick around to keep prices where they are (or higher) -- OR-- 2) will enough new collectors join the hobby because of the craze to keep the audience robust.

Because that's what happened in the late 80s. Speculators came in, and some stayed to invest, and others got legitimately turned on to comics. Yes, that bubble eventually did burst, but it lasted a good 10-15 years. And vintage comics that started it only continued to rise.

Will contemporary cards see a boost? Probably. Will they go up in price in the short term? Possibly. But what is possible is that when this bubble does burst, the vintage cards (and I do consider the 1990 set vintage at this point*) will hold their bubble values, while the later stuff will fall, just like the comics.


A better comparison for MU1 is to Web of Spider-Man.

I don't know how you can make that comparison. Web of Spider-Man was contemporary.

Another reason comics from the 60s are so collected is because they are the first and early appearances of these characters -- there are decades of entertainment cards that were produced before the MU1 set came out -- just like there are decades of Spider-Man comics that were produced before Web.

As I stated in a previous comment, MU1 is getting the attention because while there were earlier cards, the 1990 set was the first comprehensive series with cards for all the big characters, nice clean artwork, bios, etc. Comics to cards is never going to be a 1:1 comparison, but for whatever the reason is, collectors and investors agree that MU1 is THE quintessential Marvel series to own, and fans of Marvel who grew up with it, and those who grew up after it, are all tracking it down at the same time, and investors are pumping it even further.

Bottom line for me is that the people driving up prices now are speculators.

Yes, that's usually how values skyrocket in nearly every market. That's how it happened in comics in the late 80s. There were plenty of reprints of Action Comics #1, but when one copy sold for a small fortune, it got the speculator market moving, and it never slowed.

Look, i'm not arguing these cards will ever be worth tons and tons of money like vintage comics, just that I'm not yet convinced this is a bubble that will burst, and that prices will plummet again back to last year's levels. They might. I think at this point it's 50/50. But i've seen enough evidence to suggest it's not a fluke: that new fans, old fans, collectors, speculators, Marvel geeks, sports fans looking for something new-- they've all converged onto that 1990 set, and so as a result, prices are rising. When prices reach levels that are out of reach of the more casual buyers, and when most people who want it get it, prices will stabilize.


*It's interesting to note that the 1990 Impel set is 31 years old. Older than Amazing Fantasy #15 was in 1990.

[webjon]

That also is just not true. When it comes to vintage cards, high grades from PSA are a big deal among collectors of all stripes.


I specifically said modern entertainment card collectors have rejected grading. Modern non-sport cards are widely regarded as anything produced in the 'insert' era. -- i.e. late 80s early 90s. Vintage cards are cards that were produced post-war to the 'modern' era.






I don't know how you can make that comparison. Web of Spider-Man was contemporary.



Marvel Universe I is also contemporary produced several years after Web of Spider-man.



As I stated in a previous comment, MU1 is getting the attention because while there were earlier cards, the 1990 set was the first comprehensive series with cards for all the big characters, nice clean artwork, bios, etc.


I don't know why people are flocking to MU1, but I suspect it has a lot more to do with people pumping the set up than anything else. There are dozens of Marvel sets produced before MU1.

Significantly comics and sports cards rely on continuity -- the older releases maintain their importance. In Star Wars and GPK cards that seems to be the case too. . . Not sure why this is different.

For example the Comic Images Marvel Universe I from 1987 is a comprehensive set with all the big characters, nice clean artwork, bios, etc.

[alphaomegas]

For example the Comic Images Marvel Universe I from 1987 is a comprehensive set with all the big characters, nice clean artwork, bios, etc.

Well how many listings you see of them on ebay? Thought so barely any...You need supply to create demand.

[Malavon]

Well how many listings you see of them on ebay? Thought so barely any...You need supply to create demand.

That's not true at all... You do not need supply to create demand. Plenty of items with high demand and low supply, and vice versa. Demand greater than supply is what causes increases in prices.

[Mahomie]

Quoted from a different thread, but these are some good points.
I'm not saying I'm right at all, but I did make this post/picture for people to see why all the fuss with 1990MU.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLCpWJVhZ8Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://i.imgur.com/iyMraLx.jpg

[A Levine]

I specifically said modern entertainment card collectors have rejected grading. Modern non-sport cards are widely regarded as anything produced in the 'insert' era. -- i.e. late 80s early 90s. Vintage cards are cards that were produced post-war to the 'modern' era.

We are specifically talking about vintage cards, not modern cards. You said modern card COLLECTORS, not modern cards. I took that to mean collectors in 2021, who collect vintage cards.


Marvel Universe I is also contemporary produced several years after Web of Spider-man.


Maybe i'm just not seeing your point with WOS. Again, my comparison is vintage cards (1990 Impel) in 2021, to vintage comics (1960s) in the late 80s. I am seeing comparable trends here, and extrapolating out its cause and meaning.



I don't know why people are flocking to MU1, but I suspect it has a lot more to do with people pumping the set up than anything else. There are dozens of Marvel sets produced before MU1.

I think, frankly, that's incredibly naive, and more wishful thinking than anything. Because you don't see the appeal and importance of 1990 Impel, you can't understand why everyone else sees it.

Not sure why this is different. For example the Comic Images Marvel Universe I from 1987 is a comprehensive set with all the big characters, nice clean artwork, bios, etc.

If you think that's the case, then the discussion is over because it has nowhere to go, as we are apparently arguing from different realities.

I equate 1990 Impel to 1952 Topps baseball. There had been other earlier sets, some of which yes are valuable now because of their sheer age, but 1952 Topps is forever seen as the gold standard and the first modern baseball card set.

1990 Marvel is seen as the first modern comic book card set.

[dd316]

Well how many listings you see of them on ebay? Thought so barely any...You need supply to create demand.

That's silly. Millions being spent on low-count cards recently shows plenty of demand.

[A Levine]

Another aspect to all this I find interesting and comparable to the vintage comics boom of the late 80s: back then was a time when books like the Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, and others were showing that comics weren't just for kids anymore. It became cool to collect comics.

Adults in their 30s and 40s were rediscovering comic books, and part of that boom-- which was sparked by investors and speculators-- was these adults going back and wanting to get the comics they had as a kid. The comics they'd "grown out of."

And I start to wonder if the boom right now is partly because companies like Super 7, Fright Rags, and others are out there making retro cards as cool adult collectibles for a wider audience, and adults in their 40s are now realizing that cards aren't just for kids anymore. So now they, along with investors and speculators, along with sports fans discovering a new hobby, and bored collectors in a pandemic, are looking to rediscover and re-acquire old favorites they had as kids.

Because let's face it: a boom like this is never the result of any one thing. It's always the confluence of myriad factors, and I think that could be one of them.

[alphaomegas]

That's not true at all... You do not need supply to create demand. Plenty of items with high demand and low supply, and vice versa. Demand greater than supply is what causes increases in prices.

This market isn't normal its all speculative and flippers

[A Levine]

This market isn't normal its all speculative and flippers

i'm a pretty cynical person but I just don't agree with this. The mentality i'm seeing seems a lot like parents who "don't get" their kid's music or interests.

Don't understand the appeal of something? Well, must be speculators or flippers! But the boom in any market almost always starts with genuine interest. Even with Gamestop, they didn't pick that stock at random: they chose it because they genuinely thought it was undervalued.

Back to comics for a second, the boom of the 90s was absolutely pumped up by speculators who thought that any new issue could become the next Action Comics #1, and were buying comics in quantity... but there were still TONS of kids and teens like myself who were buying and LOVING those comics.

With cards right now, I think there's a lot of genuine interest in old (and new) cards alike, and that's WHY the speculators are coming in. They see prices start to tick up, and take strategic bets that the trend will continue, and buy them up before they do.

That IS a normal market.

[webjon]

Maybe i'm just not seeing your point with WOS. Again, my comparison is vintage cards (1990 Impel) in 2021, to vintage comics (1960s) in the late 80s. I am seeing comparable trends here, and extrapolating out its cause and meaning.


My point is that WOS is more comparable to MU1 1990 than silver age comics are.

You are right that we are arguing from different areas. When you start comparing 1990 impel to AF1 and 1952 Topps I can see we won't find common ground.


Even with Gamestop, they didn't pick that stock at random: they chose it because they genuinely thought it was undervalued.



They 'picked' Gamestop because it was shorted at more than 100% of the available stock forcing a short squeeze.

It had nothing to do with being undervalued.

[alphaomegas]

i'm a pretty cynical person but I just don't agree with this. The mentality i'm seeing seems a lot like parents who "don't get" their kid's music or interests.

Don't understand the appeal of something? Well, must be speculators or flippers! But the boom in any market almost always starts with genuine interest. Even with Gamestop, they didn't pick that stock at random: they chose it because they genuinely thought it was undervalued.

Back to comics for a second, the boom of the 90s was absolutely pumped up by speculators who thought that any new issue could become the next Action Comics #1, and were buying comics in quantity... but there were still TONS of kids and teens like myself who were buying and LOVING those comics.

With cards right now, I think there's a lot of genuine interest in old (and new) cards alike, and that's WHY the speculators are coming in. They see prices start to tick up, and take strategic bets that the trend will continue, and buy them up before they do.

That IS a normal market.

back then you didn't have internet...grading companies...inflated economy by infinite amount of goverment money to spend. You can't compare what is in the pass with the future as no one knows.

[Kane1]

I always enjoy the Marvel Series Universe Cards. They were always the cheap option after the appearing of the Masterpieces.

The prices are getting crazy thanks to a bunch of speculators trying to get "gem mint" cards to grade.

My recommendation. If you have extra boxes in your collection. Sale any extra one and enjoy the moment. I saw that even open boxes are sealing out like crazy. :coffee:

I don't recommend buy the boxes to flip. Years ago, I buy multiple boxes from the different Marvel Universe to complete my collection. As far I can tell by experience for Marvel Universe Series 1 to 3. There is 1 of 3 boxes that can give you a great surprise with a lot of bends corners, off center, or damage cards from factory. Because it is factory damage even the best looking sealed box can give you the surprise. I open one with almost 75% with big damage. :rolleyes:

I was looking eBay. It looks like similar issue is happening to DC Cosmic Boxes. :coffee:

[natbornkiller]

Has anyone see the marvel metal box prices on ebay ?

[Kane1]

The Marvel Metal boxes are rare to see even before this boom. The boxes for years run from $50 to $300.

Right now, I was looking eBay. If I compare prices and knowing Marvel Metal had less print production (even when they have different size boxes), less market reached, and some collectors of the 90's don't even know them. If you can get it sell for $1300, congratulations. :coffee:

For buying boxes to flip to grade. Marvel Metal manufacturing quality (Fleer) is better than Impel/Skybox on Marvel Universe Series. From experience opening them is like 1 of 4 boxes can give you a big surprise. :rolleyes:

[A Levine]

back then you didn't have internet...grading companies...inflated economy by infinite amount of goverment money to spend. You can't compare what is in the pass with the future as no one knows.

Ok, you are officially not worth listening to if you are crediting this boom to "infinite government money to spend." While there are some outliers, some people getting some extra stimulus to spend freely, study after study has shown that the overwhelming majority of people receiving assistance are using it to pay for necessities, or at best, paying down credit, home improvements, overdue upgrades.

Stop with the nonsense. This has nothing to do with what i'm sure you see as "evil socialist Biden."

[Mahomie]

[wolvie facepalm gif removed as the offending post(s) have been moderated]

[cardrcomeback]

Tempted to just buy a raw set. I like some specific cards, but the premium for psa 9/10 is a little crazy.

[BobCollects]

The Marvel Metal boxes are rare to see even before this boom. The boxes for years run from $50 to $300.

Right now, I was looking eBay. If I compare prices and knowing Marvel Metal had less print production (even when they have different size boxes), less market reached, and some collectors of the 90's don't even know them. If you can get it sell for $1300, congratulations. :coffee:

For buying boxes to flip to grade. Marvel Metal manufacturing quality (Fleer) is better than Impel/Skybox on Marvel Universe Series. From experience opening them is like 1 of 4 boxes can give you a big surprise. :rolleyes:

I wish I'd bought boxes of Marvel Metal last year when they were around $300. It's crazy to seem them selling for over a grand now.

[jumbojohnny]

Black Panther PSA 10 ended at $6,700 & Capt America at $4,000 tonight - is this legit???

Wax prices should see an uptick somewhat.

[Biohazarddfl]

Black Panther PSA 10 ended at $6,700 & Capt America at $4,000 tonight - is this legit???

Wax prices should see an uptick somewhat.

Thor did pretty well tonight. The wax is doing well in my opinion, the supply really stepped up to meet the demand. Once that wave of supply dries up, prices should rise. Still haven't seen any cases for sale.

[ToppsFB]

Still haven't seen any cases for sale.

There was a case a few days back on ebay for $75k from the KC area. Got pulled after a day or two so I don't think it sold on ebay.

[alphaomegas]

I would like to know how many people are expressing there marvel cards now or super express these cards. I just can’t see demand staying around that price.

I agree if everyone is selling then who is buying?

[BobCollects]

There has to be a limit to what people are willing to pay for a box, right?

A handful of sealed 1996 Marvel Masterpieces boxes have sold for around $5,000 since last December, so I guess there's still plenty of room for 1990 Marvel Universe boxes to grow.

[PurplesaurusRex]

I bought a few packs last summer and found these 3. The centering looks ok-


502689

[BipolarBear]

There has to be a limit to what people are willing to pay for a box, right?

A handful of sealed 1996 Marvel Masterpieces boxes have sold for around $5,000 since last December, so I guess there's still plenty of room for 1990 Marvel Universe boxes to grow.

The idea that a box of 1990 Marvel Universe could fetch the same price that a box of 1996 Marvel Masterpieces did six months ago is mind-boggling.

[BobCollects]

Yesterday someone paid over $7,000 for seven open boxes of 1990 Marvel Universe, each with 36 sealed packs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174650686139

I don’t totally understand folks shelling out big bucks for sealed boxes but at least a sealed box is sealed. These open boxes? Maybe if you rip all the packs and luck out on condition and get a ton of cards graded gem mint you can make your money back eventually.

Selling the packs off individually might be easier if prices for a single pack stay high enough.

And didn’t someone in this thread or maybe a different one say these packs are searchable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[skurtis]

Yesterday someone paid over $7,000 for seven open boxes of 1990 Marvel Universe, each with 36 sealed packs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174650686139

I don’t totally understand folks shelling out big bucks for sealed boxes but at least a sealed box is sealed. These open boxes? Maybe if you rip all the packs and luck out on condition and get a ton of cards graded gem mint you can make your money back eventually.

Selling the packs off individually might be easier if prices for a single pack stay high enough.

And didn’t someone in this thread or maybe a different one say these packs are searchable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


That was me and they are. I sold my box labeled searched for like $1100 or something. I saw one in an auction with 31 packs the other day and I had to laugh. I literally only had a box because my best friend in middle school liked comic cards. It was never my thing so was happy to sell them

[iam12fear]

Yesterday someone paid over $7,000 for seven open boxes of 1990 Marvel Universe, each with 36 sealed packs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174650686139

I don’t totally understand folks shelling out big bucks for sealed boxes but at least a sealed box is sealed. These open boxes? Maybe if you rip all the packs and luck out on condition and get a ton of cards graded gem mint you can make your money back eventually.

Selling the packs off individually might be easier if prices for a single pack stay high enough.

And didn’t someone in this thread or maybe a different one say these packs are searchable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They are very easy to search. The hologram is an extra card in the pack, so it is easily found by feel. No special tools needed.

[Kane1]

The Holograms in the Marvel Universe Series aren't always an extra card. The extra card can be found with even regular cards.

I opened boxes from Series 1 to 3. Neither they have a ratio by pack or box like other series. You can find 1 to 4 holograms depending the box. You can find 2 holograms by box and maybe is the same twice. You can find a great condition hologram with a lot of damage manufactured set cards or vice versa. In the Series 3, I found one that was damage during packing.

One more time, some boxes don't have the full regular set. Impel/Skybox created many of their Non-Sport Card Series with the idea to make people buying more.

[ToppsFB]

I broke two boxes recently of series1, ended up with 2 complete sets and 8 cards short on the 3rd set. I think 5 holos total double magnetos, no cosmic.

I notice there must be a machine in the packing process that puts a tiny ding on the edges in about the same place when the ding is present. It's very small. My guess is when they are inserted into packs or right after the sheets were cut. That ding ruins alot of Gem 10 chances along witj centering problems. Even with that though, I would say a good 10% would be PSA10 worthy, probably 20% PSA9.

[skurtis]

I broke two boxes recently of series1, ended up with 2 complete sets and 8 cards short on the 3rd set. I think 5 holos total double magnetos, no cosmic.

I notice there must be a machine in the packing process that puts a tiny ding on the edges in about the same place when the ding is present. It's very small. My guess is when they are inserted into packs or right after the sheets were cut. That ding ruins alot of Gem 10 chances along witj centering problems. Even with that though, I would say a good 10% would be PSA10 worthy, probably 20% PSA9.

Just out of curiosity, were those 2 boxes sealed? You should have gotten 8 holograms off memory.

[ToppsFB]

1 box was sealed with a plastic shrink wrap, the other was not but it was pretty obvious it had never been opened before plus they both had holos in them. 4 of 5 minus Cosmic plus a few doubles.

These were both purchased years ago when no one really cared. I can't imagine people put effort into searching them and then deceptively putting them back together back then. I saved them to open with my kid and make a Marvel dictionary to trick him into reading. Worked pretty well. Great reference book once in the Ultra Pro pages!

[ToppsFB]

Well, I thought the craze may have been cooling a bit but someone just pulled the trigger on a complete set plus 3 holos for $529.

I thought once PSA announced their price hike, it may cut into sales of raw but I am not so sure that is happening.

I am out of complete sets that I'm willing to sell now from my recent box breaks but I guess I'll push some singles out there and see how those do.

Still wondering if I should sell now or hold off and let the value climb more and hope for long term sustained values.

[ATP]

So I have been watching the Wolverine #23 card. In part because I was fascinated that I had a mostly complete set as a kid and had no idea this card existed, I always wanted one of him in the yellow and blue and for the life of me couldn't figure out why they never made one, well they did just myself nor my friends ever had one. The last couple in PSA 10 sold for around $1700, the one that ended the other day sold for $621. Thats quite a difference.

[ToppsFB]

Yeah the prices have been fluctuating for sure. PSAd ones are becoming more rare it seems. I think most sold. Now we are waiting for stuff to be posted that came back since people rediscovered this set.

[ATP]

So I have been watching the Wolverine #23 card. In part because I was fascinated that I had a mostly complete set as a kid and had no idea this card existed, I always wanted one of him in the yellow and blue and for the life of me couldn't figure out why they never made one, well they did just myself nor my friends ever had one. The last couple in PSA 10 sold for around $1700, the one that ended the other day sold for $621. Thats quite a difference.

Just to clarify because I said it in kind of a confusing way, the PSA 10s that sold last month were around $1700 on that card. The most recent sale from two days ago was $621. So a $1000 decrease in price

[A Levine]

Just to clarify because I said it in kind of a confusing way, the PSA 10s that sold last month were around $1700 on that card. The most recent sale from two days ago was $621. So a $1000 decrease in price

In any market one must look for trends, not singular outliers. While certainly a useful indicator, let's see how the next few do.

I would like to think we've hit the peak, though. Mind boggling to imagine it continuing to go higher right now.

Or maybe this is a market that is just self-correcting from 10 years of neglect, I don't know. I mean, when you think about it, the vintage Marvel card market should have started to tick up in 2010-2012, when the MCU was starting to get real mainstream attention, and continued to slowly rise over the last decade.

Not a theory I necessarily believe, but a theory nonetheless.

[Wolf8MeVillie]

I have sold well over 2500 singles, and prices and demand has dipped. I think for about a month I couldn't keep anything in stock, had to reload my listing as soon as I got new stock in. It's been a few weeks and I still have a decent amount. I also noticed a drop in prices. Not that I care, I get em for pennies, but there definitely has been a drop off to reality. I mean there are sets and collections going up for sale daily, I don't see there ever being a shortage. It's like any other 1980s and early 1990s wax, there is plenty of it, and I don't see many kids interested, so once we die off, more become available.

[ToppsFB]

One thing I have noticed in trying to complete a set that was from a fresh box break that was missing 8 cards... I purchased those 8 singles off of ebay all advertised as NM. Every single one of them has a slight yellow tint when compared to my freshly ripped set. Hard to notice at first but when added to the stack, they easily stand out.

I really dont think most of the stuff advertised on ebay can come close to getting a grade of 10 or even a 9. The fresh stuff yes, good chance if centered but I just don't think these cards have aged well with your average collector's storage techniques.

[Wolf8MeVillie]

Well and placing them in binders, I find 75% of collections I buy have the dust dirt across the top 3 cards on each page, so that actually should make those 3 cards a lot harder to find in a 9 to 10 grade range, unless grading doesn't count dust.

[BipolarBear]

I have sold well over 2500 singles, and prices and demand has dipped. I think for about a month I couldn't keep anything in stock, had to reload my listing as soon as I got new stock in. It's been a few weeks and I still have a decent amount. I also noticed a drop in prices. Not that I care, I get em for pennies, but there definitely has been a drop off to reality. I mean there are sets and collections going up for sale daily, I don't see there ever being a shortage. It's like any other 1980s and early 1990s wax, there is plenty of it, and I don't see many kids interested, so once we die off, more become available.

This was to be expected. The print run on this set was enormous, and contrary to what people on here are claiming, there is a massive quantity in very good condition.

Yeah, there were a ton of kids who were rough on these, but we're not talking about cards from the 1960s here, where no one fathomed they might be worth something some day. The collectors boom was in full force by 1990.

[DynaEtch]

Perhaps a slight dip with 1990 Marvel Universe- I think this is the natural progression: people want to have the hot set, then they get the set, then they have no need to buy more of it (if they are just collectors) and demand takes a dip. However I agree a new baseline will occur and it'll be much higher than previous levels a year ago.

Something interesting I noticed is Marvel past 1990 is continuing to experience a significant surge. People are paying upwards of $100 for a base set of 1992 Marvel Masterpieces, more than that for 1994 Flair, anything 1995 Metal is way up in sales price, 1994 MM bronze/gold holofoils getting lots of attention, etc. Also going along the lines of another thread, 1987 Marvel Universe continues to do very well- it doesnt have that supply fatigue you see with 1990 MU.

If I had to guess, there is a good amount more people collecting 90s Marvel than a year ago due to the new exposure (not just short term speculators, but actual collectors), and this means prices will continue to be up from previous baseline for the long term.

[A Levine]

Perhaps a slight dip with 1990 Marvel Universe- I think this is the natural progression: people want to have the hot set, then they get the set, then they have no need to buy more of it (if they are just collectors) and demand takes a dip. However I agree a new baseline will occur and it'll be much higher than previous levels a year ago.

Something interesting I noticed is Marvel past 1990 is continuing to experience a significant surge. People are paying upwards of $100 for a base set of 1992 Marvel Masterpieces, more than that for 1994 Flair, anything 1995 Metal is way up in sales price, 1994 MM bronze/gold holofoils getting lots of attention, etc. Also going along the lines of another thread, 1987 Marvel Universe continues to do very well- it doesnt have that supply fatigue you see with 1990 MU.

If I had to guess, there is a good amount more people collecting 90s Marvel than a year ago due to the new exposure (not just short term speculators, but actual collectors), and this means prices will continue to be up from previous baseline for the long term.

This is almost precisely what I thought would occur. A fall from the peak, but a new baseline well above what we saw before. And contrary to some, I feel like we are seeing many new collectors.

And we need them: we need need new, younger fans and collectors, but they don't have to be KIDS. A new, large group of collectors in their mid 30s would help revive the market for the next 20 years.

[A Levine]

One thing I have noticed in trying to complete a set that was from a fresh box break that was missing 8 cards... I purchased those 8 singles off of ebay all advertised as NM. Every single one of them has a slight yellow tint when compared to my freshly ripped set. Hard to notice at first but when added to the stack, they easily stand out.

I really dont think most of the stuff advertised on ebay can come close to getting a grade of 10 or even a 9. The fresh stuff yes, good chance if centered but I just don't think these cards have aged well with your average collector's storage techniques.

100% agreed. Everyone was saying "there's tons of this stuff" and there is, but how much is truly near mint, I mean truly 9.8+? Not much. Storage methods in the 80s/90s weren't great. Plastic binder pages were cheap, and kids kept their collections in the sun, in the wrong temps, or in smoke-filled households.

My personal collection tends to have little micro nicks at the top of each card from pulling the cards out of the binder repeatedly-- for fun and trading-- as a kid. Other cards have micro dings in the bottom corners from sliding them back into the pages.

Remember, there was no grading in those days, if something looked crisp and white and unbent to us in 1990, we figured it was mint... I mean, I was ten. What did I know?

[ToppsFB]

Yeah, that is the thing with these, there are tons out there but probably 90% would get grades from PSA at less than 7. If you have stuff that would get 8s and above, there ia a very large premium being paid for it. I think the PSA price increase for grading is taking those prices down a notch but the truly Nm-mt and above will command a premium from now and going forward. There just is not a lot of high grade stuff out there and I don't think too many people are going to be willing to break open too many packs and boxes at this point any more.

[PurplesaurusRex]

One thing I have noticed in trying to complete a set that was from a fresh box break that was missing 8 cards... I purchased those 8 singles off of ebay all advertised as NM. Every single one of them has a slight yellow tint when compared to my freshly ripped set. Hard to notice at first but when added to the stack, they easily stand out.

I really dont think most of the stuff advertised on ebay can come close to getting a grade of 10 or even a 9. The fresh stuff yes, good chance if centered but I just don't think these cards have aged well with your average collector's storage techniques.


I thought my old set was in good shape, but when I compared it to a few packs I ripped last summer, it was like night and day! Hard to see the yellowing when you don't have anything to compare it to.

[jjcan]

I thought my old set was in good shape, but when I compared it to a few packs I ripped last summer, it was like night and day! Hard to see the yellowing when you don't have anything to compare it to.

I agree , normal laying around not in sealed packs or sets hard to grade, my tally in searching my storage was 10 1990 marvel universe sets, hand made, in binders and plastic cubes and also 1 5000ct box only MU series

I found 100 main character cards to send to PSA (slow value train). Alot were discolored or off centered to be 8s maybe.

I do have another 100 cards set aside, that have a shot at a 9 primarily. Of the 10 sets and 5k cards only 7 Stan Lees looked ok to send in on the first round.

I sold 3 sets for around 190-250 each no holos. And I sold some miscut holos individually. Just to get some money out of it before the floor reaches below $100.

[Browns1981]

I have a partial series 1 set and full sets of 2-4 and 94 Flair and Fleer Ultra, as well as partial Masterpiece sets. I'm looking into of any are worth submitting but I am not sure how to best judge these. Series 1 holos are a Wolverine in rough shape and Silver Surfer that looks pretty nice. What key cards from each set should I focus on? I could post some pics if anyone is interested.

I also have Spiderman sets from this time period and a bunch of the DC/Superman/Batman sets that don't appear to be of much value.

[DynaEtch]

I have a partial series 1 set and full sets of 2-4 and 94 Flair and Fleer Ultra, as well as partial Masterpiece sets. I'm looking into of any are worth submitting but I am not sure how to best judge these. Series 1 holos are a Wolverine in rough shape and Silver Surfer that looks pretty nice. What key cards from each set should I focus on? I could post some pics if anyone is interested.

I also have Spiderman sets from this time period and a bunch of the DC/Superman/Batman sets that don't appear to be of much value.


Key base cards in Marvel tend to be the major characters Spiderman, Wolverine, Venom, Deadpool, as well as a few others (especially top female characters like Black Cat, Psylocke, etc).

A key base card in 1990 Marvel Universe series 1 is the #161 Stan Lee Mr Marvel.

Sometimes the nice art itself makes a difference- for example I imagine the Magneto in 1994 Fleer Ultra X-Men, superbly painted by Bob Larkin, is one of the key cards of the set, even though Magneto isn’t typically one of the “top tier” characters.

However, 90s Marvel isn’t really about the key cards in general, as you find in sports where there are key rookies in a set. Non-sports also hasn’t been about grading as much as sports, and a lot of these sets were made in large quantities. I haven’t been following the graded market with these cards much, and I’m sure others know it more.

Edit: Inserts of course are also the keys of each set. What has been particularly hot lately is the jumbo/retail only versions of inserts in the various 1994 sets. For example, 1994 Amazing Spiderman Gold Web, 1994 Fleer Ultra Silver X-Overs/Team Triptych/Greatest Battles, 1994 Marvel Universe Gold Power Blast, 1994 Marvel Masterpieces Gold and Bronze Holofoils. It’s somewhat less likely that somebody looking through their old Marvel collections from when they were a kid will have these, as not everyone was buying Marvel packs at Walmart back then and they are more rare. While they have always been in demand, throughout this current boom in Marvel cards these are the insert sets I’m paying closest attention to- they are doing well.

[cdm49er]

I agree , normal laying around not in sealed packs or sets hard to grade, my tally in searching my storage was 10 1990 marvel universe sets, hand made, in binders and plastic cubes and also 1 5000ct box only MU series

I found 100 main character cards to send to PSA (slow value train). Alot were discolored or off centered to be 8s maybe.

I do have another 100 cards set aside, that have a shot at a 9 primarily. Of the 10 sets and 5k cards only 7 Stan Lees looked ok to send in on the first round.

I sold 3 sets for around 190-250 each no holos. And I sold some miscut holos individually. Just to get some money out of it before the floor reaches below $100.

Have you had good luck grading with PSA in the past? I have a bunch of the series 1 cards that are pack fresh and look great to the naked eye but when I look under a magnifying glass I can see microchipping along the edges on the back. Will that kill the grade? I have a ton I want to send in.

[jjcan]

Have you had good luck grading with PSA in the past? I have a bunch of the series 1 cards that are pack fresh and look great to the naked eye but when I look under a magnifying glass I can see microchipping along the edges on the back. Will that kill the grade? I have a ton I want to send in.

I received back 1,100 sports cards and Pokemon from last year to now. But not a lot of Non Sports cards. I have about 400 Non sports at PSA that I reviewed.

I use a desk magnifying with light for my cards, but the big issue with the 1990 marvel cards is some of the browning on the edges. If the cards are pack fresh and centered, even with edges (being a white border set) You could have a 9 possible 10. IMO

The inserts, being shiny holos style, I believe these will be tougher to grade similar to Pokemon hologram scratches.

With the cards with a lot of color, edgewear will probably be seen pretty easy if the cards are just in 3200 or 5000 count boxes and not sleeved or put in a binder back in the 1990s.

I will say, of the 400 non sport i sent in. I am expecting a 35-50% gem rate,

My modern gem rate for sports cards/TCG is not great ranging as low as 22%-65%, my ultra modern gem rate is better 55%-82%.

But overall MINT rate Gem PSA 10 and Mint PSA 9, is around 93% which to me is fine for the cost vs sell value.

[BlowoutBuzz]

Centering, centering, centering on holograms ... and then add edges and corners on base with that soft chippy stock.

I found about eight of these boxes about 6-7 years ago for $10 each and ripped all of 'em. Pulled the main characters I liked and gave the rest away ... boxes were 50-70 at the time.

Now I just have to figure out where I put them. (I got rid of all my holos since none were centered at all ... not even close.)

[cdm49er]

Centering, centering, centering on holograms ... and then add edges and corners on base with that soft chippy stock.

I found about eight of these boxes about 6-7 years ago for $10 each and ripped all of 'em. Pulled the main characters I liked and gave the rest away ... boxes were 50-70 at the time.

Now I just have to figure out where I put them. (I got rid of all my holos since none were centered at all ... not even close.)

Recently bought 2 boxes of series 1 and broke 1...3 cosmic spiderman holos all w/ issues. A lot of the cards were OC too or had a weird wave in them that was only really only noticeable under a good light. Then of course under a magnifying glass most have rough edges not visible to the naked eye. I've read that PSA takes the cuts into consideration on these older cards it won't prevent a 10. I'm gonna send a bunch in, so in a year I guess I'll find out!

[xbignick]

$350 a box back in December, group buys them all up, sends out buy order to the leftovers in the group to buy the rest with probably likely some manipulation along the way. From $350 a box spikes to $3,000+ in February. Last one as of this post sold for $888.00 but sure next few will be a little more from people 'buying the dip,' and collectors who may actually want a box.

https://i.imgur.com/fw6GnyH.png

Thing is, where does it go from here? Boxes don't have to return where they were. Illusions like these can last until they actually become a reality especially with all the speculators that have joined the collectible industry in the last year. These pumps have a huge effect on singles which in turn keep boxes up longer. Who loses? People in the group who bought late. The heads of the group sells to them. Who else loses? Average collector.

It's not a coincidence the highest priced sold boxes were around the day of the tweet.

https://i.imgur.com/JFldsuB.png

Never trust rocket ship emojis.

[xbignick]

Again, not saying these will crash, just to be careful. We saw something similar in PSA 10 Tiger Woods RC last March looking back on it. Hype group bought them all up from $80 to $250 the very next day. We saw plenty of leveling out but then a lot of "hey he is kind of undervalued" and "he's the GOAT" that led to a spike of some selling over $2,000. Last couple sold around $800 but hard to gauge with the interest after the car accident.

[PurplesaurusRex]

Interesting. The most frustrating thing is I had just gotten back into the Hobby early last year. Started opening X-Men boxes and moved on to Marvel Universe just when prices started to skyrocket. I still want to get a box of Universe series 3 and 5, but I'll have to wait a bit.

[BobCollects]

Wow. I never expected to see proof there's some manipulation going on with these boxes. I thought for sure there had to be given the meteoric rise in prices.

Love the MS Paint chart.

[alphaomegas]

It’s simple if psa prices drops on 10 and 9 so does the box. People are buying boxes to grade that’s it. Maybe cheaper like under 300 then could be people collecting. If your collecting only you can buy sets way cheaper. I give it 3-4 months these be back to under 300 or so as there’s going to be influx of graded cards

[xbignick]

Wow. I never expected to see proof there's some manipulation going on with these boxes. I thought for sure there had to be given the meteoric rise in prices.

Love the MS Paint chart.

My ultra-specific, detailed work of art. :coffee:

[DynaEtch]

It’s simple if psa prices drops on 10 and 9 so does the box. People are buying boxes to grade that’s it. Maybe cheaper like under 300 then could be people collecting. If your collecting only you can buy sets way cheaper. I give it 3-4 months these be back to under 300 or so as there’s going to be influx of graded cards


I dont think people are buying boxes to grade and that’s it, end of story. Some (I would guess many) are buying to keep sealed, as a collectible unit in itself. Possibly to resell down the line.

I think it would be cheaper, if someone was that intent on grading these, to buy raw in the form of sets and lots- there are a lot of sets in very nice condition out there, despite what some on this board were saying earlier.

[jdandns]

Joining the various books re-presenting Marvel Masterpieces and Jim Lee's Skybox "X-Men" cards is one collecting the five "Marvel Universe" sets made by Impel/Skybox/Fleer between 1990 and 1994. As with those others mentioned, these also featured all-new art and are certainly bookshelf worthy.

https://www.comicsbeat.com/exclusive-dark-horse-marvel-team-up-for-90s-trading-card-gallery-book/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQN1LJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJGdFZTekRNSkFvYklQZUM3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlX2293-UTOJ8ekO7iOneuJ6E_TjwMFOa4bNsW0XbX5TeLtvpmag9GmHQY3y_aem_zSdBY5i-cR0oWhK8pU_0bw

[DynaEtch]

Joining the various books re-presenting Marvel Masterpieces and Jim Lee's Skybox "X-Men" cards is one collecting the five "Marvel Universe" sets made by Impel/Skybox/Fleer between 1990 and 1994. As with those others mentioned, these also featured all-new art and are certainly bookshelf worthy.

https://www.comicsbeat.com/exclusive-dark-horse-marvel-team-up-for-90s-trading-card-gallery-book/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQN1LJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJGdFZTekRNSkFvYklQZUM3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlX2293-UTOJ8ekO7iOneuJ6E_TjwMFOa4bNsW0XbX5TeLtvpmag9GmHQY3y_aem_zSdBY5i-cR0oWhK8pU_0bw

Wow awesome find. I will gladly be buying this.

Always thought it would be cool to have a bookshelf of the marvel card line…and it’s slowly becoming a reality. This knocking out a whopping 5 sets.

So far I believe we have the following books:

1990-1994 Marvel Universe
1992 Jim Lee X-Men
1992 MM (kickstarter FPG book)
1994 MM
1996 MM
2016 MM
2018 MM
2022 MM (current Kickstarter project)

It’s MM dominant and we are missing some big sets like the 90s Fleer Ultras (would love a book on 94 FUXM). Also maybe 95 Marvel Metal. But wouldnt be surprised if those are coming.

The best books are the ones that include a lot of the history/background/collecting aspect of the set and not just the images and thats it (like 2018MM Bianchi book). The Jim Lee book did a wonderful job on the background. Hoping for that here too.

[PurplesaurusRex]

Would love to see some larger scans of the artwork. It's being produced by IDW so hopefully we get some pencil-only art as well.

[fabiani12333]

Joining the various books re-presenting Marvel Masterpieces and Jim Lee's Skybox "X-Men" cards is one collecting the five "Marvel Universe" sets made by Impel/Skybox/Fleer between 1990 and 1994. As with those others mentioned, these also featured all-new art and are certainly bookshelf worthy.

https://www.comicsbeat.com/exclusive-dark-horse-marvel-team-up-for-90s-trading-card-gallery-book/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQN1LJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJGdFZTekRNSkFvYklQZUM3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlX2293-UTOJ8ekO7iOneuJ6E_TjwMFOa4bNsW0XbX5TeLtvpmag9GmHQY3y_aem_zSdBY5i-cR0oWhK8pU_0bw

That looks great -- it's being written by Bob Budiansky, the original editor of MU. I hope they get commentary from the different artists involved in the sets -- I know some of them are not with us anymore, though, unfortunately.

[jdandns]

Wow awesome find. I will gladly be buying this.

Always thought it would be cool to have a bookshelf of the marvel card line…and it’s slowly becoming a reality. This knocking out a whopping 5 sets.

So far I believe we have the following books:

1990-1994 Marvel Universe
1992 Jim Lee X-Men
1992 MM (kickstarter FPG book)
1994 MM
1996 MM
2016 MM
2018 MM
2022 MM (current Kickstarter project)

It’s MM dominant and we are missing some big sets like the 90s Fleer Ultras (would love a book on 94 FUXM). Also maybe 95 Marvel Metal. But wouldnt be surprised if those are coming.

The best books are the ones that include a lot of the history/background/collecting aspect of the set and not just the images and thats it (like 2018MM Bianchi book). The Jim Lee book did a wonderful job on the background. Hoping for that here too.

Yeah, it's already a nice selection, and hopefully this one will sell well enough to keep the line going. A Spider-Man volume could include the four major Spidey sets ('94 Fleer, '96 Premium, '95 & '97 Ultra) while another X-Men book could include the Ultra and All-Chromium sets plus '97 Timelines. A third book could collect DC Vs. Marvel, Amalgam, Onslaught, QFX, Marvel Vs. Wildstorm and maybe another stray or two I'm forgetting.