1981 Topps Football Box (Open or Not)

[invest]

Hi Everyone,

So I am not a big unopened box collector, but I just happened to win the 1981 Topps Football unopened box at the latest REA auction. So I thought I would solicit opinions via a poll on what I should do with it. Personally, I have no preference one way or the other.

I am not trying to sell it or anything like that but curious if I should just go wild and start ripping packs and look for the Montana RC. Thats what my wife and kids want to do, lol. They also want to look at 38 year old bubble gum so not too sure they care about the cards.

The options I see are

Keep it as is (BBCE certified)
Start ripping packs and chewing gum
Authenticate the individual packs in the box
Rip some packs/Authenticate the remaining packs (Combo)

Just curious what the board would do.

Thanks for your input.

Troy

[VintageVinnie]

I would keep it as is. As fun as it would be to rip packs, you will likely end up with maybe 2 Montana rookies (likely off centered) and a TON of 81 commons. The mystery of what's inside far outweighs the likely reality.

[Yastrzemski Sports]

It sounds like it would be a family thing to open it - so if that’s what makes you happy. If you just want to have fun with old packs you could buy 1983 football packs for a fraction of the cost.

There is the potential card grading upside. A 10 Montana sells for $10k if you get really lucky and get one centered. A Payton 10 or Montana 9 can go for decent money too. Of course that’s a gamble. You may not get either of them or they may be off center.

I wouldn’t get into pack grading. It’s expensive and takes a long time to come back.

There is very little you can get in the box to make up the cost and most of the cards are going to be off center. Personally if I had the box I would sell it or keep it intact.

[invest]

I appreciate the advice!!!


Troy

[JollyElm]

I would absolutely have to open the packs. That would be really cool!! (Just don't film a video of the break, trying to be all witty and whatnot. ) It's a big set, though, right? 528 cards or something? You may come up empty, but it seems to be a relatively worthless group of cards, except if you run across a nice Montana or two, so I say let the gum fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bmattioli]

I would do what ever makes you happy. You bought it for a reason so fulfill it..