mintcollector

I spot a TON of this stuff at yard sales and flea markets. I have yet to research the value of it, so I never buy it. I was not that big of a fan when they were originally released, but now they do seem cool.

You guys need to come to Adamstown, PA. Lot of great places to 'pick, lurk, and buy.' Most of my incredible finds come from this area. The region is commonly called the 'antiques capital of the world.' Respectfully, 'mint'

The 'spidey' #1 white variant is a great find! 'mint'

Toys are a 'whole other animal' and unlike MOST comic books, certain toys are quite hard to find in near mint to complete and new condition. Vintage Star Wars toys (especially carded) will always have a following. Edited to include clarification: Toys are distinct from comic books; as they generally come with individual parts and are packaged. This makes collecting them much more diverse; and older carded and new toys can be very hard to find.

Check my posts throughout this thread. I am a major dealer. I went to a video game auction at a person's house over the weekend and dropped about $600 on various rare games. If you have any direct questions PM me. I am always happy to help and will not make an offer on your items, as I consider it unethical; especially if someone is asking about advice. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Okay, I was going to start a new thread on this, but I went to a video game auction today. Yes, you read that right; near Adamstown, PA; a local auctioneer was auctioning off a video game collection. That being said, this was one of the best video game auctions I have ever attended. Several people knew me, so it was nice to see some familiar faces. Dropped $550.00 on all that is listed below. Here is what I bought: (feel free to comment): (all are MINT and COMPLETE unless noted): Sega Saturn-all US versions: Panzer Dragoon Saga (paid $135 for this alone!) Shining Wisdom House of the Dead Burning Rangers Shining Force III Sining in the Holy Ark Albert Odyssey Dragon Force Virtual Hydlide Legend of Oasis Sega CD: Dark Wizard Sega Genesis: Shining Force II Sega Dreamcast: Shenmue Sega Bass Fishing 2 Record of Lodoss War Soul Calibur Sega Smash Pack Sonic Adventure Vectrex: (yes, MINT in boxes): Web Wars Spinball Atari 2600: (yes, MINT in boxes) Obelix Beamrider Laser Gates Large box lot (paid $10 for all ); turns out a complete Sega Saturn and a bunch of wires, contollers and more is on the bottom One Sega Stunner Incredible lot; well worth the price due to the condition alone. Only issue; Burning Rangers and one other game has a cracked case. Everything else is in excellent to mint condition... Kind Regards, 'mint'

Vintage Star Wars stuff is awesome. I enjoy the early stuff myself. That being said, I need to order the book on collecting GI Joe. It has been awhile since I studied the market. I was cautious of these as I keep hearing stories of the O-Rings coming apart on the figures, even while carded. If I am going to pay over thousand dollars for a figure in high grade, that scares me.

Great find. Do you happen to collect AFA graded carded figures? Looking to start collecting these, as I got a great collection of 12 and 20/21 back Star Wars figures I am assembling in high grade. Great job on the find! 'mint'

I arrive at 5AM for a 7 AM flea market. Always two hours early is my rule. By the time my competition arrives I usually already have the good stuff. Of course other experienced 'pickers' do this to. The trick is knowing when to leave to go to the next one, or when to stay to get access to the late sellers. It is more of an art than a science and it comes with experience. 'mint'

Well yesterday wrapped-up this years haul from the annual 4-day flea market. Thursday was the best day with the Hulk 181. There were a bunch of great things like a vintage upright gumball machine (about 5 ft with no key), an early copper fire extinguisher, a few old tin/friction toys. I passed on pretty much all of it - and the insane thing is that every time I passed on something, there was someone waiting right behind me to take it. A fight almost broke out with the Hulk 181. Here's how it went. I happened to pass by a vendors table and noticed a few comics lying atop an old wooden chest. The guy was still setting-up so I leaned over the table and asked if he had any other comics. He replied that he had a few "old" comics in his trailer and the hadn't gotten around to taking them out yet. When he comes out of the trailer, he had a short pile of about 80 comics. I start flipping through them and find the Hulk 181. I explain to the person that its a valuable book, go through it, assess the condition and make an offer. He took a bit of time to think the offer over, but he eventually accepted it. During the whole time I got the sense that someone was peering over my shoulder, but wasn't sure if he was interested in the books or something else at the table, and to not interrupt the conversation I was having with the seller I ignored it. So after doing the deal on the Hulk 181, I was talking to him about an old vintage Coke sled and out of nowhere this guy asks "is that book for sale?' I quickly reply "I'm taking it" and continue on with my conversation. The seller runs into the trailer to get something and comes out a few minutes later. Not content with my response, the same guy asks the seller "is that book is for sale?" I tell him a second time "I'm taking the comic." The seller then tells the guy what I paid and the guy quickly replies I'll offer more. If the gimp wasn't with his kid, I would have jumped over the table and told him, maybe even Get Shorty twice told. We bag on sellers a lot on these boards, but I had to share this story because this seller had the integrity to tell the guy a deal was done instead of opening up the deal to accept a higher offer. After I left, I quickly took a peek behind me and saw the same guy running from the table next door to see if there were any other books in his pile. That was an awesome find! It is unfortunate, but here in PA, I witness several fights a month at flea markets. Keep in mind that I am up really early and generally one of the first to arrive at various flea markets that I 'pick.' 'Newbies' or 'arm chair experts'; as we call them, thanks in part to all the reality collecting shows, will follow you, harass you, and attempt to buy an item for $5 more than what you paid because they assume you are still 'making money.' While I do not know if anyone has any similar stories to tell, I can tell you that the second hand market has gotten more than a little out of hand. This is one reason why I specifically don't look for comic books. I remember one weekend at 5 AM a seller was putting out several long boxes of comic books. I started looking through one box and immediately another 'picker' comes right up beside me and blocks three boxes and starts to look through three at a time. He then lights a cigarette and blows smoke in my face. Luckily, before I had a chance to act, the seller asked him to 'show some respect to the other buyers.' He walked away upset. These are not uncommon experiences. What I tell 'newbies' is to show respect, but at the same time if you see something you like make an offer. Just because you have it in your hand does not mean it was sold. When in doubt use the $5 rule. Any item under $5 that you think might be worth taking a chance on usually is! After all, the most you can be out is $5 and you can make that back in a heartbeat if you are any good at 'picking.' Kind Regards, 'mint' Nice find, ComicWiz!

You do NOT want to clean this or any antique for that matter, it will lose most of it's value! 'mint'

That is an awesome find. Most of the VINTAGE Star Wars items I find at flea markets are being sold at ebay prices or higher. Commend yourself on that lucky find. Here is to many more! Kind Regards, 'mint'

Awesome find! Vintage Lego Set. When I say vintage I mean vintage. It is in it's original box and is set number 725. It reads 'Lego System by Samsonite.' It is the Town Plan building set. Paid $4 for it! Kind Regards, 'mint' Happy 'picking!'

The last few issues of both G.I. Joe and Transformers appears to be high in demand. Don't know if the supply side is low, but the demand side is definately there. I look for these issues as well. I normally don't 'pick' comic books, as I go after video games and related items (other than antiques). However, I may start to go after more and more. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Today, I actually found some comic books and somewhat related items. Normally, I do not buy 'raw' comic books when 'picking' (you are welcome fellow PA collectors and 'pickers'-!); but this was a no-brainer in my opinion. I got the following four comic books for $6.00 (all for $6): Frankenstein #1 (Marvel) Dead of Night #1 Giant Size Chillers #1 Journey into Mystery #1 (vol. 2) They are not near mint, but are in fine/very fine condition; with a possible very fine+ thrown in the mix. Note I do not grade comic books regularly. Proving that some sellers do not have a clue as to what to price things at (those outside the hobby); I had to pay $1-$2 extra because they were 'first issues.' Had I have chosen to buy any other comic book (even from his run of Tales of Suspense comics and earlier; any issue other than the first is only $1. Go figure. I also found a sealed box of vintage 1980's trading cards for $5. Got two cases with 36 packs (12 cards a pack) in each one; both factory sealed. I doubt these are worth much more, as G.I. Joe trading cards were never in demand to my knowledge. I only bought a few video games this week, as I mostly concentrated on going after a vintage Apple computer game collection. I love those old EA RPG games from Interplay! I have a Wizardry for the Mac on eBay right now; this is the second copy of this game I found this season. I also found some Tomy Tutor games. Hard to find indeed. I won't mention the antiques; as a lot of people tell me to stick to comic books and pop culture items on this forum; unless I show pictures. I can understand as it is hard to describe most items in this realm. If anyone can help me on these comics (grade wise); let me know. I guess I finally may have to take the time to learn to post pictures/scans to the forums. Thanks for reading! Respectfully, 'mint'

I believe it was. These are sitting somewhere near the Nintendo Powers, so I have no way of knowing what I have, as I do not keep an active inventory of magazines. I stopped reading Nintendo Power about the time they started to allow third party advertisements. I still buy the early issues whenever I see them, as I like the older video game magazines like classic Game Pro and Video Games and Computer Entertainment (my fav). 'mint'

Sega Visions and Turbo Force () I also have a lot of. I kept these and always bought them cheap whenever I found them. Brings back memories...

Does CGC grade these? I have a TON of these buried in a storage unit, all high grade. If CGC would grade them it may be worth taking half the day to dig them out. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Laser Tag is a classic. Worlds of Wonder did an excellent job promoting the product and the commercials were like something out of a bad sic-fi movie. I consider that a good thing. I had Laser Tag growing up and I loved it. The problem was finding another use, as most other kids settled for 'Photon' because it was cheaper. It was also 'quite' generic in my opinion. Great find, especially in the box! Kind Regards, 'mint'

Sports games on that system are a dime a dozen. I don't even buy them (i.e. sports games) and at times; when in negotiations with a seller; I tell them I have no use for them. I even offer them back to the seller for a reduced cost. This generally works; as most sellers then realize that all those 'Madden' games they have been buying year after year; are worthless. The same is true for ALMOST all the EA Sports titles and most in general. The exception is a Nintendo game sports title which stars Nintendo characters. But even these have price limits. I would NOT buy GameCube versions of Mario Golf and Mario Tennis; unless they were around $2 each complete; maybe $3, if I had to. The N64 versions go for a little buit more. Keep in mind that the GameCube version of Mario Tennis was rereleased on the Wii and was quickly discounted. I have five to ten copies still factory sealed somewhere. Not everything Nintendo touches turns to 'gold.' Notable failures do exist. When looking at this lot; look for RPG's, any MAJOR Nintendo frachise based game, and any 'rarities' that you can identify. At $100; if they are in the box; you would make money; if you BOUGHT AND SOLD the lot CORRECTLY. Keep in mind this may include cleaning the games and system; and breaking up the lot and selling it individually. This can be a lot of work, but this is how I make my money in this business. I never buy a lot of items and sell the entire lot as a whole; unless if I want quick and easy cash. With video games it pays to know what you are doing and pull out the 'good' stuff and sell it separately. I find a lot of NES systems at flea markets with common games that are NOT in demand. I then hear sellers complain that these systems are NOT selling. This is because no one is going to pay between $60-$75 for a used NES system with common games; especially in horrid condition. I sell COMPLETE NES systems with three games (including one good one and two common games) for $29.95-$34.95 on eBay. I sell them very quickly at that price. Keep in mind that with video games we are talking tens of millions of items mass produced and released on the market. Almost nothing meets the true definition of 'rare.' Key word is almost; but most 'experts' agree (another controversial topic) that the definition of 'rare' is ten or less copies of one item. Keep in mind that this changes depending on the item in discussion. Even 'so called uncommon games' I sell cheap. I sold Panic Restaurant a few months back (an uncommon Taito NES game) for $70. I paid $1 for it. I have no desire to hold that kind of game waiting for the right buyer to come along. I am happy with my profil margins. Let someone else buy and hold the game if they want to. I'll find more, I always do. Bottom line is I think you are okay with the lot; but I would offer $75 and ensure they are not all sports games. If however, this is an email transaction only, you may want to pay the $100 and take the chance. If this is NOT a 'face to face' transaction; I would gladly pay the $100 and take the chance, but that is only my opinion. You have to do what you feel is right. I get $49.95 for complete in the box N64 systems. I have been told that I sell them 'cheap'; but I disagree; as I find these all the time. If the Zelda games are in the box and complete in near mint condition these can sell for well over $20 each; and more (that is a low end estimate). . My prices may sound low, but I encounter this stuff all the time and can afford to almost 'wholesale' it out. This is my opinion ONLY! I wish you the best of luck and welcome to the world of 'picking.' Don't worry there is plenty of this stuff to go around. Of that I am sure! Kind Regards, 'mint'

To answer your question about 1980, those in the business are still finding a TON of warehouse finds from this era. A lot of the stuff that is presumed to be 'in demand' or even hard to find 'factory sealed' is still showing up on the open market. Many times I have commented about finding many different video game warehouse finds from the NES, Super NES, and N64 eras. This does not include various Atari finds and the like, among other toys and games. While the 'benchmark' is always moving, 1980 is still relatively new and 'undefined' with very volatile prices on these kind of items. Kind Regards, 'mint'

As long as those aren't sports games, you should be fine. Try to get the price at $75. If not, as long as all the classic Nintendo franchise games are there, it is a steal! 'mint' PS if you don't want it, I'll buy it!

Actually I have been to several vintage toy and collectibles shows that set the cut off at 1979. Keep in mind guys that this is NOT a strict toy show. These kind of venues are actually like a mini antique and collectible show in one that focuses on vintage items. Vintage lunch boxes, comic books, board games, earlier action figures, and vintage coin op items take center stage. These shows are actually very popular and attract the people who are looking for a rare Mego action figure or a vintage slot machine. This is the kind of show that gets heavy promotion as well because it skirts the thin line between 'collectible and antique.' As for video games, I would not be able to sell video games at this show. This is unfortunate, should I decide to go this route (assuming this idea is chosen), but I have to also cater to the other dealers as well. It is true that I make a ton of money in video games and rightfully so, as that is my first 'love.' That being said, I also realize that most other collecting categories are much more popular (note I said collecting). For instance, I do collect and believe in vintage Star Wars action figures as a 'great' collectible. One however must understand that some experts consider the true definition of a collectible as an item made before 1980. This is one of those 'controversial topics' (much like the definition of an antique) that a lot of us in the business argue about. Sad to say. Respectfully, 'mint'

I like this idea personally, Vintage should not include a lot of the 80's mass produced 'junk' that some are still 'speculating' on. That being said, I am split on it as well. I wanted to get together with a few well respected dealers I know and start a vintage toy and collectibles show in my area; as collecting is huge here. That being said, I have been considering 1979 and earlier for the 'cut-off.' Still, I make a lot of money on some of the later stuff, as do some other dealers. The issue is Star Wars. Where do you draw the line? 12 backs? 20/21 backs? Nothing is 'cut and dry' and we are still in debate over this. Respectfully, 'mint'

Thsee are so mass produced, I know a dealer who wholesales them for $1 each. If you want to buy some let me know. If he is at the local flea market this weekend, I'll get his info for you. This is one of those speculation items that everyone had to have, thinking they would be able to retire on... Personally, I think $1 is too much...