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Wacky Packages Discussion => General Wacky Packages Discussion => Original Series => Topic started by: JailOJohn on July 14, 2022, 11:52:12 AM

Title: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on July 14, 2022, 11:52:12 AM
I did a search here and only found the odd post, no full thread on the OS posters. There is some basic information on Greg’s site about the posters. I am wondering how many of you collect the posters and how rare they are. My only clue as to market value is that individual blue sealed packs seem to go for around $30 on Flea-bay and a box for $750-900…..
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Lavirus on July 14, 2022, 12:26:50 PM
I've got a full set of both test posters (slightly larger) and the 1974 official release, stored in those large artwork binders. I've got a full box, multiples of Cheapios, Weakies and Toadal. Definitely one of my favorite Wacky side projects ever!

Note that there's unfolded posters out there that Topps offered on eBay years ago. I have an unfolded Toadal with a slight rip.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on July 14, 2022, 12:39:17 PM
I have a full set of the 74s and the three rare ones from the 73 test set.  I store mine in the large artwork binder too.  It's a 13" x 19" art preservation book with 24 pages. 

I bought the 74s in the mid-late 80s when they were about $5-10 each.  I don't think they've gone up much in price since then. I also bought a full blue box for $175 in the late 80s.  The $30 for a pack and $750-900 for a box is probably close to the value these days.  The packs don't stay sealed well, so a lot of them get opened.

The three rare 73s I picked up within the last 10-15 years and paid about $100 for each.  I bought one of the yellow test packs back in the 80s at either the Philly or Parsippany show.  I think I paid maybe $25 for it, but I rarely see those anymore.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 14, 2022, 01:07:32 PM
Only in unopened form…

(https://i.postimg.cc/PxTYXN3n/FBBCBAEF-5112-4210-8-C41-EEDDD51171-C3.jpg)
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: RawGoo on July 15, 2022, 04:52:34 AM
You have three sealed packs???  If you ever want to sell one, LMK.

I have a complete set of the posters, mixed between the 73 and 74 sets, plus the three rare titles.  And, I have them stored in the art portfolio mentioned here.

Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 15, 2022, 06:33:32 AM
You have three sealed packs???  If you ever want to sell one, LMK.

I have a complete set of the posters, mixed between the 73 and 74 sets, plus the three rare titles.  And, I have them stored in the art portfolio mentioned here.

I have all the ad variations for all packs. Keeping for now, but if I decide to thin the herd I will let you know. 👍
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on July 15, 2022, 08:22:47 AM
I have a complete set of the posters including the three rare titles.  I have them stored in the art portfolio mentioned previously. Also have a yellow unopened pack, a blue pack or two...and the salesman sleeve.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: MoldRush on July 15, 2022, 10:36:16 AM
What’s the going rate these days on the yellow wrapper alone?  I think that plus the rare Weakies box are the high points of the Posters.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: mikecho on July 15, 2022, 10:48:02 AM
So the 1973 series was a test set and the 1974 one (minus the three cereals) was official?
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 15, 2022, 10:58:55 AM
So the 1973 series was a test set and the 1974 one (minus the three cereals) was offcial?

I don’t think “test set” is the right term for it. A true test set has a test style wrapper and a wrapper code starting with T, like the 1979 test set.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: RawGoo on July 15, 2022, 10:59:24 AM
About half of my set, including two of the cereal titles, are from my childhood.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on July 15, 2022, 11:34:04 AM
About half of my set, including two of the cereal titles, are from my childhood.

I never saw them growing up.  I purchased all of mine after Mr. Gore was kind enough to take the initiative in creating the Internet.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on July 15, 2022, 11:50:18 AM
... the rare Weakies box ...
Oh, yeah...have both display boxes, too.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: vahsurfer on July 17, 2022, 06:14:29 PM
I never thought about combining the 73 and 74 together - a Hybrid Set!?!?!?

Richard
#StayWacky
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 18, 2022, 04:01:11 PM
I never thought about combining the 73 and 74 together - a Hybrid Set!?!?!?

Richard
#StayWacky
Aren't almost all sets that include the big 3 hybrid sets ie the commons are the "short version" and the big 3 are the long version?  I never had any interest in collecting each version because anything I need a micrometer to see the difference isn't worth collecting.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Lavirus on July 19, 2022, 09:05:27 AM
I bought my test set from you, Ernie, so I sure hope it's not a hybrid!
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 19, 2022, 06:58:31 PM
I bought my test set from you, Ernie, so I sure hope it's not a hybrid!
LOL, well you would have noticed right away since the 3 premium titles would have been larger than the others.  I had complete set of the large and small and sold them all including some non folded ones I obtained outside of Toppsvault.  I guess you got my large set.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on July 20, 2022, 07:53:48 AM
Did the unfolded ones fetch a super premium price? There was an unfolded Glutton poster on e-bay i really wanted, certified from Topps, but is listed at $400. Too rich for my blood…
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 20, 2022, 12:18:02 PM
Did the unfolded ones fetch a super premium price? There was an unfolded Glutton poster on e-bay i really wanted, certified from Topps, but is listed at $400. Too rich for my blood…
Yes i think most have sold for in the hundreds.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on July 20, 2022, 12:47:05 PM
There's a yellow wrapper on eBay currently with a BIN for $150.  It's one that I need, but I won't pay that price for it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234609565957
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: MoldRush on July 20, 2022, 09:08:20 PM
There's a yellow wrapper on eBay currently with a BIN for $150.  It's one that I need, but I won't pay that price for it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234609565957
I saw that too, when I put it in Watched Items I got a seller offer of $140, but agree it seems very steep for just a wrapper.  Also can’t count on just one solitary auction as a reliable indicator of a price point.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on July 21, 2022, 07:17:47 AM
That sounds mighty steep. I know the posters are somewhat rare, i guess even fewer people saved wrappers…..
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on July 21, 2022, 09:53:39 AM
I don't have just a yellow wrapper, but I do have an unopened pack. They go for $200-$300 in good shape. I would agree that $150 for just the wrapper is a bit high, but I wouldn't call it "steep". Maybe $75-$100? Dave?
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 21, 2022, 10:02:51 AM
I had very little trouble finding all three ad variations of yellow poster wrappers in high grade 15-20 years ago. I think what we’re seeing here is a hobby that has lost a lot of steam from its heyday. It’s sad to admit that, but very few fresh collections of vintage material surface anymore, and the overall level of energy — from both sellers and buyers — is way off from peaks of the past.

Another factor - eBay has become a lot less useful in general due to years of sellers overpricing items, watching them sit, and everyone losing interest as a result.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 21, 2022, 10:04:10 AM
I don't have just a yellow wrapper, but I do have an unopened pack. They go for $200-$300 in good shape. I would agree that $150 for just the wrapper is a bit high, but I wouldn't call it "steep". Maybe $75-$100? Dave?

My pricing knowledge is all way out of date. But I would have thought they were worth $75-100 in 2005.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 21, 2022, 10:14:15 AM
The Gallery has them at around half the value of a die cut wrapper. So I think $75-100 is pretty accurate if that ratio holds.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: MoldRush on July 21, 2022, 07:15:10 PM
Another factor - eBay has become a lot less useful in general due to years of sellers overpricing items, watching them sit, and everyone losing interest as a result.
That’s an excellent point, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen items, listed at grossly inflated prices, that just stagnate.  Price never comes down, no one ever buys it or bids on it if an auction, and it just stays there, sometimes for years.  Not even talking about Wackys; I see this in many different types of collectibles.  Then there’s the sellers who include a Best Offer option and you find out there’s like 50 cents of leeway in what they’ll accept.  Don’t get me started...
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 22, 2022, 03:45:31 AM
There's a yellow wrapper on eBay currently with a BIN for $150.  It's one that I need, but I won't pay that price for it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234609565957
For the hell of it  i offered $75 and it was devlined, he didnt even counter offer back.  I inly have one yellow wrapper version as chasing the ad variations at inflated prices was never of interest to me.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on July 22, 2022, 08:11:46 AM
Then there’s the sellers who include a Best Offer option and you find out there’s like 50 cents of leeway in what they’ll accept.

I agree with that.  A collectible - especially a one of a kind - is really only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  It has no true "comparable" item for its value.  I've seen a few things I would like to have on eBay and have been sitting for years with only me watching them.  In my opinion, they're way overpriced, and when I made what I thought was a fair offer (albeit around 40% of asking price), I was declined.  One seller wrote me an entire diatribe about how he would give it away before selling to me at that price but made no counter offer in the process.  Obviously it had special meaning to him, and he really never intends to sell it.  So I politely wrote back that his description made it sound more like he'd picked it up at a yard sale rather than its being a prized item from his personal collection.  So I figured he got it at a price much lower than I was offering and was merely flipping it.  That only offended him more and he responded with another harangue about his being an experienced negotiator, etc. - albeit one who never made a counter offer to me!  I guess we often fail to see ourselves in someone else's description of us.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on July 22, 2022, 11:22:12 AM
For the hell of it  i offered $75 and it was devlined, he didnt even counter offer back.  I inly have one yellow wrapper version as chasing the ad variations at inflated prices was never of interest to me.

And the one currently on eBay has a major tear, so I don’t think it’s even worth $75. Maybe more like $40….
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on July 22, 2022, 12:43:01 PM
And the one currently on eBay has a major tear, so I don’t think it’s even worth $75. Maybe more like $40….
Quote from: bigtomi
I would agree that $150 for just the wrapper is a bit high, but I wouldn't call it "steep".
OK, I didn't notice the tear. $150 is steep.  :)
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 22, 2022, 12:57:31 PM
And the one currently on eBay has a major tear, so I don’t think it’s even worth $75. Maybe more like $40….
Crap, I didnt even know the tear, glad he declined me!
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 22, 2022, 12:58:31 PM
I agree with that.  A collectible - especially a one of a kind - is really only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  It has no true "comparable" item for its value.  I've seen a few things I would like to have on eBay and have been sitting for years with only me watching them.  In my opinion, they're way overpriced, and when I made what I thought was a fair offer (albeit around 40% of asking price), I was declined.  One seller wrote me an entire diatribe about how he would give it away before selling to me at that price but made no counter offer in the process.  Obviously it had special meaning to him, and he really never intends to sell it.  So I politely wrote back that his description made it sound more like he'd picked it up at a yard sale rather than its being a prized item from his personal collection.  So I figured he got it at a price much lower than I was offering and was merely flipping it.  That only offended him more and he responded with another harangue about his being an experienced negotiator, etc. - albeit one who never made a counter offer to me!  I guess we often fail to see ourselves in someone else's description of us.
Sounds like the guy who has been systematically raising his asking price for a mail in poster that has been listed for years.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: MoldRush on July 22, 2022, 04:39:38 PM
I agree with that.  A collectible - especially a one of a kind - is really only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  It has no true "comparable" item for its value.  I've seen a few things I would like to have on eBay and have been sitting for years with only me watching them.  In my opinion, they're way overpriced, and when I made what I thought was a fair offer (albeit around 40% of asking price), I was declined.  One seller wrote me an entire diatribe about how he would give it away before selling to me at that price but made no counter offer in the process.  Obviously it had special meaning to him, and he really never intends to sell it.  So I politely wrote back that his description made it sound more like he'd picked it up at a yard sale rather than its being a prized item from his personal collection.  So I figured he got it at a price much lower than I was offering and was merely flipping it.  That only offended him more and he responded with another harangue about his being an experienced negotiator, etc. - albeit one who never made a counter offer to me!  I guess we often fail to see ourselves in someone else's description of us.
I’ve had experiences like that too.  They would much rather never see it sell than relent on their asking price.  Sometimes I’m left wondering if some of these sellers are hoping for offers ABOVE the BIN price, even though a buyer would need to have a major brain fart to make a mistake like that.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 23, 2022, 05:23:04 AM
I’ve had experiences like that too.  They would much rather never see it sell than relent on their asking price.  Sometimes I’m left wondering if some of these sellers are hoping for offers ABOVE the BIN price, even though a buyer would need to have a major brain fart to make a mistake like that.
I do high BIN with offers hoping to do off ebay deals.  I just sold a pile of ans unopened boxes that way. 
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: MoldRush on July 23, 2022, 06:17:04 AM
I do high BIN with offers hoping to do off ebay deals.  I just sold a pile of ans unopened boxes that way.
Are you able to exchange contact info with a prospective buyer using the eBay messaging system?  I found several years back that eBay’s Big Brother police had ways of detecting the sharing of email addresses, maybe even blocking those communications, can’t remember for sure.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bandaches on July 23, 2022, 08:29:31 AM
Are you able to exchange contact info with a prospective buyer using the eBay messaging system?  I found several years back that eBay’s Big Brother police had ways of detecting the sharing of email addresses, maybe even blocking those communications, can’t remember for sure.
You have to be very careful and very slick about it But often it's folks known to me so eBay is a good advertising system.  Recently I ran the auction for ANS boxes as qty 4, he made offer on one hence i got his contact info, found his cell via basic internet search.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: 70s_Kid on July 24, 2022, 02:37:46 PM
I picked up a full box of Wacky posters back in the early 90's at a flea market in Florida for I think $30.  I wish I did not sell it, but I was about to ship off to Korea (I was in the Army) and sold most of my collectibles to have extra money in transition... I am glad I held on to my 1-16 with all var's and rares, wrappers and puzzles
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on December 07, 2022, 10:45:18 AM
Does anyone have any info/experience on collation of these? Does a box of 36 packs contain a full set if 24? Referring to the 1974 boxes….Or am i crazy for considering buying packs or boxes only to open and assemble a set?
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on December 07, 2022, 12:35:52 PM
Does anyone have any info/experience on collation of these? Does a box of 36 packs contain a full set if 24? Referring to the 1974 boxes….Or am i crazy for considering buying packs or boxes only to open and assemble a set?

I bought a full box in the late '90s for $175 but sold off a few of the packs, so I think I only have 30 left.  I'm not going to open them, and because they are folded, there's no way to tell what poster is in which pack.  The only full boxes I've seen lately are in the $700 ~ $900 range.  I think you could probably find the posters individually for less if you really shopped around.  However, it seems like both the supply and demand for those is really low right now, so it's difficult to gauge a price.  There appear to be more unopened packs on eBay right now than the posters themselves, and with the box itself probably selling for ~$100, unopened packs would be the way to go if you're going to open them.

This auction has 17 packs with popped seals (common problem on these) for $189, which is a terrific price.  There's nothing rare in these, so I doubt they were searched.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/115587061513
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on December 07, 2022, 03:11:05 PM
Yeah, i agree thats a fair price. Id hate to open 17 packs and get 11 of the same title, but life is a gamble….
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: drono on December 07, 2022, 08:34:07 PM
Yeah, i agree thats a fair price. Id hate to open 17 packs and get 11 of the same title, but life isca gamble….

The same seller also has 18 packs without popped seals at $25 each.  That's 35 total, so they may have come from the same box, which would give you a better chance of a more random distribution.  Why not just ask the seller if they all came from the same box?  If the answer is yes, and you open them to find 11 of the same title, you'd be pretty sure they were lying.  Telling them that you intend to open them might ensure they'll be honest.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on December 08, 2022, 08:53:24 AM
I understand that no seller can guarantee what titles are in unopened packs, and that the glue popping open is common for the posters…It is probably doubtful that a person opened the packs and re-folded posters. I guess since there are no “rare” titles in the 1974 series, the only danger is lots of duplicates…
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: faustxxx on December 09, 2022, 04:05:45 AM
     I'm curious about the glue, I was unaware there was any. Aren't these 74' packs all wax packs?
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on December 09, 2022, 06:13:09 AM
     I'm curious about the glue, I was unaware there was any. Aren't these 74' packs all wax packs?
I concur, there's no glue to pop. They're wax packs, heat sealed.
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: JailOJohn on December 09, 2022, 08:04:44 AM
My mistake to use the word “glue.” Seller’s language was that the seals are popped. He has clarified that the 17 packs with popped seals came from the same box as the 18 sealed packs. No word on what happened to the 36th pack… 
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: 70s_Kid on December 09, 2022, 10:45:53 AM
I had an unopened box of 73 posters back in the mid 90s....  I wish I didn't sell it...  :(
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: bigtomi on December 09, 2022, 01:03:39 PM
I had an unopened box of 73 posters back in the mid 90s....  I wish I didn't sell it...  :(
<in my best Little Rascals voice> "We heard ya the first time!"   :P
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: RunTony on March 09, 2023, 05:48:14 AM
I have about a half-dozen of the 1974 ones still in the blue wrapper.  Pristine condition, or as near to that as you can call a folded up poster.  Are they worth much?
Title: Re: Who collects the 1973/1974 posters?
Post by: Paul_Maul on March 09, 2023, 06:19:52 AM
I have about a half-dozen of the 1974 ones still in the blue wrapper.  Pristine condition, or as near to that as you can call a folded up poster.  Are they worth much?

Not really. There was a find of blue unopened material at some point in the last ten years, so that full boxes in the $600 range appear regularly on eBay.