mintcollector

Good Morning, I have time right now before I hit my next antique/collectible market to do a quick run down of yesterday's and todays finds; thus far. I will TRY to stick to pop culture items only; even though I think the 'other' stuff is just as 'cool.' First, I have to mention this; as vintage bottle collecting is bringing in more young collectors (i.e. under thirty) than a lot of other collecting fields combined. Between poison bottles, vintage and contemporary marbles, and art glass; glass is one area of collecting that I am thankful I am knowledgeable in. Especially poison bottles. Collecting these items is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. I see this only growing in popularity as more and more collectors enter this 'field.' Prices are rising... Saturday was a great day for me. Besides buying and selling tons of art glass, bottles, and some rare books; I picked up the following finds which will hit eBay soon: (keep in mind I do deal in video games, so a lot of this is video game related): Colecovision system with Atari expansion pack (all COMPLETE in boxes) + thirty games with manuals! Atari 7800 system with ten games Twenty GameCube games ten different wii games include Metroid Prime Trilogy A complete Super NES system with twenty games (at a yearly antique market) a multitude of Game Boy games and systems a cool collection of loose Star Wars figues that I sold to another 'picker' on site and some Masters of the Universe toys that I was also already able to sell for quick cash Funny stories: a lot of 'new pickers' are entering the market with no clue as to what they are doing. A lot of new sellers are entering the market to who have no clue what they are doing! Case in point: A Boba Fett life size helmet was offered to a dealer friend of mine for $10. This was a more expensive collectible Star Wars helmet (not the cheap toy kind). Ironically, the seller who sold it said the following: 'I have no use for a motorcycle or auto helmet I can't even use..." The buyer (my friend) thought he was kidding. The seller then said 'I can't believe I was dumb enough to try to wear that *** thing!' ! Talk about being clueless... By the way, what is an 'auto helmet?' Thanks to the television shows more 'newbies' are entering the field. A clueless picker was walking up to every seller with a box of comic books and says he is paying 'top dollar for Amazing Fantasy #15 and he will offer a '$100 reward' for the comic.' This is just some of the stuff I have to put up with every weekend. It appears thanks to all the collecting shows; this business is becoming quite entertaining for some of us.... If only getting a AF #15 was a s easy as offering a $100 cash reward! More to come; as it is only 9:30 on the East Coast. Respectfully, 'mint'

Got any that are AFA graded? I have been buying Star Wars 12 backs in straight AFA 85 or higher. Problem is, it is getting hard to locate some in straight '85'. Keep trying though... Those 'Joes' are cool. I was looking into completing my carded collection. Never got around to it... Respectfully, 'mint'

Yes, I am sorry guys. Didn't mean to excite anyone. I found (as noted in my 'bronze age' thread) Star Wars Treasury Editions. The Tomb of Dracula and Conan comic books were the first few issues each and I passed on them (standard size). I do apologize about any confusion. I was typing that 'post' on an iPad. I will be more clear next time. ComicWiz nice find! Keep them coming! Respectfully, 'mint'

I would agree. Some people misinterpret the word 'recommended.' I reholder because I like to get a nice and shiny new holder. The changing of the microchamber paper is an added 'bonus.' Kind Regards, 'mint'

This weekend the 'predicted' rain on Sunday is scaring a lot of sellers away in PA. I did manage to flip an awesome collection of vintage glassware for a nice profit (I know, no one probably cares too much about that). I will however stick to 'pop culture items' as promised; and 'ignore' the antique finds and treasures (for this 'report'). I passed on several Marvel Treasury Editions (could of had a lot of Star Wars treasury editions), but I really regret not buying the Tomb of Dracula and Conan Treasuries I came across. Like I said, I normally don't buy 'raw' comics. I may have to change my stance... That being said, I scored, once again as usual; on video games. Everything from the NES to the PS2 and Xbox 360. Bought a Nintendo DS Lite system for $10 and it works perfectly. Already 'flipped' it for easy cash. I kept two games; Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing DS. On a side note; a lot of sellers are now pricing most regular Nintendo systems out of the 'norm' thanks in part to the gneral 'concenus' that these items are 'rare' or 'in demand.' Case in point; a near complete NES Action Set was offered to me for $100 (I thought the seller was 'nuts' as I find these for around $20 usually). I still get offers to buy these on a regular basis at much better prices. Another funny story; a complete loose system was offered to me with ten games for $75. I passed. The seller took home both items even though I offered to buy them later in the day for what I consider a 'fair' price. His response, 'I will try again.' Current 'hot' items include antique glassware, military related items and weaponry, coins, vintage toys, and vintage slot/arcade machines. Lego is soaring. Every vintage collection I buy I get offers on before I am able to get it to my car. This may be the next 'hot' item! Cooling off: PEZ dispensers are finally cooling off and it is now a buyer's market. Vintage dispensers have been selling below their highs for some time now. Respectfully, 'mint'

This is a very 'fair' question. It is recommended that 'slabbed' comics be reholdered every seven years. Note the word 'recommended.' I do reholder a lot of my collectibles becuase I like having a 'nice, shiny' holder. I also have a 'touch of OCD.' That being said, keep in mind that CGC only started grading comics about ten years ago. Before that, all these great comics that we love so much were stored without the protection of a plastic slab; and judging by the census, many were taken care of and stood the test of time. As such, I don't think you have to worry about your beloved collection deteriorating any time soon; assuming you use common sense and store the items will proper care. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Thank you ComicWiz. As for obtaining Metal Slug (which someone mentioned); while I have it for the original home Neo Geo system and the Neo Geo CD system (both versions are 'rare'); it has been released as part of SNK Classics Volume 1 (in the US; there is NOT a volume 2). This game was available for the PS2, PSP, and Wii game systems. My first 'love' was always video games and I started to collect at the age of twelve. That being said, this 'middle of the road' stuff (like these bar top Neo Geo systems; I know very little about). I collect the home arcade games or the full fledged coin-op games. Thank you again. Respectfully, 'mint'

Sorry to double post. Let me reveal the price I paid and you can determine how well I did. Keep in mind that I know very little about the 'licensed' cabinets without the coin box option. While it is true I know an awful lot about home video games and full fledged arcade games (I collect and DEAL in both; as most people know); most everything in between is a mystery. I made a great contact in the process of obtaining this and I will be buying a lot more from this individual. I paid $40 for this item and while I don't expect it to be a home run, I was amazed at the fact that someone would bring this to a flea market to sell. Normally I find tons of home video games (and I buy them all), but nothing like this. Ironically, I got a lot of envious looks while I was carrying this to my car; and some 'weird' guy was following me around asking 'how much I paid for it and if I needed help.' Enough said about that. I also bought a Sega Genesis with twelve games for $7, ten Game Boy Advance games for $5, and two RARE Wizardry games complete in the box for the vintage Apple computers for $5; on this same day (yesterday). I also scored a vintage Lego collection for $20. It must have been 'pop culture central', because I was racking up the scores at this flea market. Sadly, no major hits; only small stuff that will need to be cleaned, sorted and sold. This is time consuming. 'mint'

Yes, The one on the left. It has no Taito games; as I am sure you are aware by the titles I listed. I guess I don't need pictures? What more can you tell me about it? Sincerely yours, 'mint'

Hello ComicWiz, Glad you replied. To answer your questions; this is a licensed unit. It does not have a 'coin slot' but has arcade joysticks, monitor, and a fully original looking cabinet. It is in very good/excellent condition with some modest wear. I have to clean it. I will attempt to get pictures up soon; at what time I will reveal the price I paid. Here are the games: Metal Slug 2, Samurai Shodown (spelled correctly-!), King of Fighters 94', League Bowling, Top Player's Golf, and King of the Monsters, You select the game once you power up the unit. It does have load times (minor) mainly in between changing games. This surprises me. I have not opened the unit up; but this makes me wonder it they used a CD based system to create these or if these are actual ROM chips? I own BOTH a home Neo Geo system and a Neo Geo CD system and I have never seen anything like this! Hopefully, 'pics' will help answer your questions. I thank you all for all your help and replying. I am still in the middle of one of my 'picking' expeditions. I had time to stop home and check the 'boards' so I thought I would quick reply. Respectfully yours, 'mint'

Hey Guys, I just got a table top Neo Geo 'arcade' machine (with built in arcade monitor and real joysticks) with about six built in games. I would love to show a picture, but I do not know how to upload pictures to this site. Can anyone advise? The machine looks pretty cool and was made for home use, as there is no 'coin' slot. I had an original Neo Geo Gold cartridge system as a kid (still have it); so when I spotted this item while 'picking' I just had to buy it. It does work and is pretty cool. I didn't know SNK made these, as it is marked SNK Playmore Neo Geo. This tells me it is later model; as the original home Neo Geo systems (and arcade systems) were made by SNK. Then the company ran into some financial trouble and they became SNK Playmore. Still, I think it is a cool item and the price was way below market value ( if I told you how much I paid you would NOT believe me). Anyway, if anyone could help me learn how to upload pictures, I would like to show off some of my 'picking' finds. Keep in mind I do this every weekend so I find lots of cool stuff! Respectfully, 'mint'

Keep in mind that higher grade comics usually rise in value faster than mid-grade or low-grade comic books. I personally, have a problem buying a comic book in anything less than 9.2. This is only my preference. I am also considered to be a 'high grade snob' by some. I would not argue this 'title.' Therefore, this is only my opinion. Still, you should know that I am active in the antiques and collectibles trade. I do find that some beginning collectors have the mentality that vintage collectibles (and antiques) in low to mid grade condition have 'character.' The problem with this mentality, and someone said it best in a market report which was featured a few years back in the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide; is that 'there are a lot of great cars sitting in the junk yard with character.' The collectible market is based upon several factors, of which condition being paramount. That being said, I do think that collectors who chase top census copies are taking a major risk. In another post I have stated examples like a lot of 'bronze age' keys selling for half their value in CGC 9.8 (i.e. Tomb of Dracula #1 and Swamp Thing #1; among many others); compared to just a few years ago. Personally, I have a hard time believing that a 'bronze age' comic book worth $300 in 9.4 should be worth $3,000 (i.e. ten times more) in 9.8. This is why I do not buy top census copies. That is only my opinion. In conclusion, I do see what you are saying and hear this sentiment in all collecting fields. However, the truth of the matter is that most collectors will pay for a high quality item and condition is what a lot of collectors (and investors) look for. I personally would rather have one or two high quality collectibles; than multiple low quality items. Respectfully yours, 'mint'

I would worry more as to how these books are being cared for once they are in the possession of their new owners. Not all collectors store and care for these items like they should. One of the most overlooked aspects of any collecting hobby is storage and preservation of the items in question. Everyone wants to discuss value and history of the treasures they love and collect; but try talking about conservation, storage, and handling; and half the collecting community runs the other way. I have always felf that all collecting fields do a great disserve by focusing on price guides and historical information and ignoring this key aspect of the hobby. The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (or any other price guide and reference book) could easily add a section on preservation and proper storage. All that is ever told to the average comic book collector is to 'keep your books out of direct light and store them in a cool dry place.' Unfortunately, this advice leaves a lot to be desired, and even in other collecting fields, ignorance as to how to care and store for these items is the norm. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and my opinion means very little overall. Respectfully, 'mint'

One of the best transactions ever! Fast shipping well packed and at a great price! I really love my Strange Tales #135 CGC 9.2! Thanks again, Spider-Dan!

Flea markets and antique malls can be a good source of material. When the season starts again, I will have to start posting my finds this coming year. I always turn up some awesome vintage stuff; and to be honest, some of it I would rather offer it to my fellow 'boardies' at a discount then sell it all on eBay. Happy hunting guys; and this is a great thread!

Hello, Please check the 'ASK CGC' page and look five threads down; you will see a post called 'Important information about CGC comics and safes...' Please take this information to heart. A great and well know collector was willing to share this information with the comic collecting community. We owe this person a lot of gratitude. Again, I must state; for what a safe costs, you could easily get a climate controlled self storage unit (for a few years) or rent a safe deposit box for much less. I have seen people (even neighbors) spend $8,000+ on a safe only to have the WHOLE safe stolen (and no, size and weight do not matter). I am not like most people; as I don't have a need to have these items lying around my house, even if they are 'locked up' and I have a state of the art alarm system. It just is not worth the risk; to me. That being said, I fully understand the opposite point of view and highly respect that opinion for what it's worth. Please read the article. It may just save you down the road. Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck.

DavidMerryweather, Just got to the Ask CGC forum and read the thread five posts down. It starts with...'Important information...'

I can honestly say that as both a collector of coins and currency; and comic books, I have never had a problem with safe deposit box storage. I do want to remind anyone considering a home safe to read the important information provided on the 'ASK CGC' forum. I feel so sorry for the original poster and thank him so much for sharing his story. Just think of the amount of collections he has saved. Sincerely, 'mint'

While I can't speak for comics specifically, I can tell you that I store all my graded currency in bank safe deposit boxes and never had a problem. That being said, I did do some research on this and found that close to 90 to 95% of all banks have the same 'cookie cutter' design; when it comes safe deposit box vaults. I use two siilica gel packets in mine and change them out every 60 to 90 days. I have never had a problem. Most banks do not measure temperature or climate in these vaults. A lot of collectors store various collectibles in safe deposit boxes. While I have heard of damage occurring in home safes I have never heard of any issues in safe deposit boxes. I even asked PMG about this and they said it would be fine. That being said, maybe asking CGC what they recommend would be best, as comic books are somewhat more fragile than currency; and they contain staples which can corrode. Silica gel is also a good product to use. Any questions feel free to PM me and I can share additional information I have found out in my research. Thank you and good luck. Storing collectibles is just as an important issue as acquiring and enjoying them!

Hello, I am mintcollector and I just wanted to thank BronzeBruce13 for taking the time to post this and answer my questions. I sent him a private message after finding his unfortunate experience while 'lurking' on these forums. I am primarily a currency/paper money collector who happens to also collect high grade CGC graded comic books as well. I rent a safe deposit box for my graded paper money, but wanted to know what was best for my CGC graded comic books; in the way of home safes. I did not mean to 'open any old wounds,' and I really thank him for taking the time to answer this question for me. May God bless all of you! PS: I really like these forums, and when I get time I do 'lurk' here and love the fact that everyone here truly has a love for this hobby as well. I do buy here and there, and am currently getting ready to bid in the latest Comic Link auction. My main interest however, is with coins and currency. Thank you all for your time and help in this matter!