1980s Topps Boxes

[CamaroDMD]

I grew up collecting in the mid 1990s and as a result, collected a lot of late 1980s Topps because they were so affordable. This is mostly the 1988 and 89 sets. I got boxes of them growing up. Ultimately, I moved on and the cards were let go. Lots of memories though.

I'm starting to get back into the vintage cards and IMHO...that means 1989 and later. I would like to put together some 1980s sets at some point. I remember 1988 and 89 sets a lot...but 1987 was more hard to come by. I might start with that one first when I start an 80s set (got some other projects first). Anyway, I know these complete sets can be very easily and cheaply bought. No work (or fun) there. I am more excited about the hunt and the process of assembling a set rather than having a complete set. I know that buying old boxes and assembling from backs is a more expensive route...but is there any other reason not to do it this way. I think it would be more fun.

Now, if I wanted to do a 1981, 1984 or 1986 set...I think it is likely that many of the boxes I come across will have been searched and tampered with. But, for the more common sets (which in my head are any of the other years than those three)...are boxes fairly safe to not have been tampered with? Also, is there a better source for boxes online other than eBay?

[BrewCrew06]

I've thought about buying a box of 86 Topps for the set I'm slowly working on, but they are expensive, and I feel like they may have been messed with. It's a lot of fun to pick up a few here and there from COMC or here.

May want to check out dacardworld or blowout for boxes. Those are two off the top of my head.

[CamaroDMD]

Are these packs pretty easy to tamper with?

[Soundinvestor]

Let me know if you decided to do a 87 collection s I have plenty of doubles from that year.. I have an almost completed 87 set..

[stephenheger]

I have a bunch of commons and star cards from 1970 to 1986. Send me a list when you get to that point.

Try out sportlots.com for singles. I just finished putting together a 1994 set and was able to get all my commons from one guy, was able to reach his discount level AND also got free shipping due to volume.

As to the topic, I think anything from 1987 through the 90's up to when they started adding autographs to the product most likely won't be tampered with. There just isn't a reason to.

[CamaroDMD]

As to the topic, I think anything from 1987 through the 90's up to when they started adding autographs to the product most likely won't be tampered with. There just isn't a reason to.

That's kind of what I figured. The only years from the 80s I could think of that is a risk is 1981, 1984, and 1986. 1989 Score is possible I imagine, but I'll probably stick with Topps.

[ConnorHeaney]

i have almost the entire set of 1990 fleer premere editions, and 2 un-opened rack pack boxes (24 packs ea.) if you would be interested in those let me know

[scroungee69]

I got lucky and when I was a kid and purchased about 3 or 4 boxes of 84 Topps. I was able to put 3 full sets together and the rest I just organized. Later on when I was in college in the 90s I got back into collecting and had my dad ship me the cards. At that point a Marino rookie was going for at least $200 and so was Elway's. I had 3 of each in the full sets and turned out that I have 4 more Marino's and 3 more Eways in my doubles. I was pretty stoked. Sucks that they aren't worth anywhere close to that anymore. I know this doesn't answer your thread question but it did bring back some good collecting memories.

[marinocollector]

I think you won't have to worry about tampered with product outside of the 81, 84, 86. Those 3 are easy to notice if they've been tampered with though.

[CamaroDMD]

I think you won't have to worry about tampered with product outside of the 81, 84, 86. Those 3 are easy to notice if they've been tampered with though.

What do you look for when it comes to tampering?