mintcollector

I seriously still have yet to understand why this is such a big deal; when applied solely to the 'pressing' of comic books. I honestly do not think I ever will, as NGC (also owned the Certified Collector's Group) owns NCS (see the link below). Coin collectors are not 'up in arms' and this company has been around for years. The conservation of coins is accepted if done right; though 'dipping' remains high controversial, as does unnatural 'toning.' http://www.ncscoin.com (link to a coin conservation company owned by the same company who own NGC; i.e. the Certified Collectibles Group). Being active and knowledgeable in all aspects in the antiques and collectibles fields, I can assure you that what goes on in other collecting fields is a lot worse. If the forum would like, I will gladly name some of these issues to compare. Someone earlier on in this thread asked if auction houses are directly involved in both conservation and restoration. Knowing some well respected people in the antiques field I will NOT state direct names or companies. That being said, I can say with certainty that what goes on in those fields is ten times worse. You are aware we can now manufacture a two hundred year old chair (worth close to $100,000); from parts bought at your local Home Depot; age it and 'possibly vet' the item through a major auction house and no one says a word. I use the term 'possibly' only to give the auction company or the consignor the benefit of the doubt. Take an original comic book and 'press' out a corner ding; and part of the forum is ready and waiting with pitch forks drawn. Allow a grading company to further its own interests and investment; and conspiracy theories about the collapse of graded comic books unite. This will have almost ZERO (if any) impact on the market as a whole. I have been through something to this affect in a multitude of other collecting fileds and all are still going strong; many I invested in at times of doubt and I have made a significant amount of money in return. Very few markets truly died, unless it was due to actual fakes being reproduced and brought to market, and most of these markets only just 'slowed down' only to flourish again as new ways to detect those 'fakes' (i.e. repos) were discovered. While I understand that this seems to be a 'hot button' issue; at the end of the day if I thought about everything that went on in the antiques and collectibles market that everyone diisagreed with, there would not be a market left. In conclusion, it is my exposure to the full view of the antiques and collectibles market that allows me to have this view. While I do not know that many other highly knowledgeable antique collectors and dealers on this forum, I would like to hear their view. I would also like to hear the views of some of those active (much like myself) in the coin collecting fields as well. I also encourage (and have been advocating this for some time) that my fellow comic book collectors take a broader view of the collecting market and read the book 'Killer Stuff and Tons of Money.' This book not only talks about the comic book collecting field, but it also showcases what happens in both the broader view of the antiques/collectibles markets, and the auction circuit as well. This will help answer a lot of questions and also help most of my fellow collectors understand that to me; this is just another Friday! Just my opinion... Respectfully yours, 'mint'

I had to see it to believe it at that price. Definitely seeing an uptick on in-demand Star Wars toys in the last month. The 3-pack on the right that includes the Bespin Luke is a 17-20K piece on its own. SHHH! You are not supposed to tell anyone! I am making a lot of cash in this market right now! The three packs are especially hard to find. I love AFA graded vintage Star Wars figures! Respectfully, 'mint' Do you have any 3-packs? One set, and I am looking for more. I tend to stick with the 12, 20 and 21 back figures, but these; along with the Blue Snaggletooth and the obvious rare and prototype figures are on my list as well. I collect 85 and over, so it takes a bit longer for me to find items I like up for sale. I even require all sub grades of 85 in most cases. This is why I have very few AFA graded Transformers. They are very hard to find in this condition. Morphy Auctions (near where I live) had an incredible sale of AFA graded toys and Japanese imports, but I missed it as I was in the hospital at the time. Kind Regards, 'mint'

I had to see it to believe it at that price. Definitely seeing an uptick on in-demand Star Wars toys in the last month. The 3-pack on the right that includes the Bespin Luke is a 17-20K piece on its own. SHHH! You are not supposed to tell anyone! I am making a lot of cash in this market right now! The three packs are especially hard to find. I love AFA graded vintage Star Wars figures! Respectfully, 'mint'

I'll assume part of your statement is 'tongue and cheek' so I won't bother to comment on that. Besides, all the talk of an apocalypse is over done. Not only were the Mayans wrong, but so were most extreme political groups and religionists. That being said, I cannot discuss that on this forum. It is funny to comment on though. The problem with a 'speculative bubble' is that generally those operating and collectively in agreement as to what is happening in the 'bubble' cannot be convinced otherwise (just read my signature line and follow up on the article for proof). I don't think anyone here is suggesting that a Walking Dead #1 in CGC 9.8 will ever be 'worthless.' I most certainly am not. What we are saying is that right now the issue (and related 'key' issues) have seen explosive growth due to the popularity of the television show. Therefore, it is probably not a good time to be buying this issue regardless of what it does SHORT TERM. I am more worried about long term results. When I buy an item for INVESTMENT and not for 'flipping', I think in terms of five years or more; to decades, but definately not in single years (that is flipping; NOT investing). Heck, on some items I think in terms of centuries. It is those people who think in terms of years that worry me the most. Unless of course they are flippimng for profit. Right now is not a good time to be buying Iron Man #55 either, but people are doing it. Part of collecting is understanding when to best buy something. Even if it is not for investment, do you really want to overpay for something? I have said this before in another thread, looking at the differences between how collectors of most pop culture items collect and buy items and comparing these individuals to that of even coin collectors or collectors of antiques is astounding. Some poeple are driven by the 'got to have it now' motivational factor. I never could understand this. Why not wait until the price is much more stable to buy something and save some cash in the interim? Now, if you want to have the item and do not care about how much it costs, then by all means buy it. If you also truly believe that the item will still be going strong say two to five years or more after the show is canceled, then buy it. I would not be buying this item right now regardless of any perceived short term gains. This is just my opinion. In conclusion, any one should be able to conclude that this book, even while being a true 'key' modern comic book; is extremely speculative right now. If you cannot, well then there really is nothing else I can say. When I look and analyze items for the long term, one thing I look for is growth over the LONG term; not over the short term. Look how fast Walking Dead #1 shot up in value. This is very scary in my opinion and should send off warning bells to those keeping this issue for decades or more. Respectfully, 'mint'

I agree. As much as I think The Walking Dead is way overvalued; comparing it to early Valiants is not a valid comparison for reasons already stated. 'mint'

I dislike that show, but I sometimes worry that is where I am headed-! Most of my items are ironically, kept in storage. This is actually interesting as I don't even live with most of my collections. I collect way too much stuff, but I love it all. My problem is that I like antiques and collectibles; and multiple sub-categories of each. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Okay, stop bring back memories of my youth. I used to love He-Man. Of course it was behind Star Wars and G.I Joe, but I loved it! I also just got back into high grade AFA Transformers collecting! Thanks, Morphy Auctions! 'mint'

A better bet is Mario`s true first appearance. This in the future will be far more sought after then Mario`s comic book. I would find this to be incorrect. Video game collecting; is a niche market. In the video game world few collectors refer to games as 'first appearances, etc.' The same principles popular in comic book collecting do not apply. They also never will; in my opinion as (someone who has been active in the hobby since day one). That being said, an arcade machine is much harder to sell. I know because I collect them as well. Most people want something simple and portable to collect. This is why no accuate price guide for full sized arcade machines exists. You could buy Donkey Kong for $1,000 (original and near mint) and sell it for $1,500 or vice versa. Or more; or even lesss. It is the 'Wild West' of collecting. It depends who is in the market at the time you are selling. A major issue with full fledged video games is the fact that most collectors will only buy an original game (or one restored to full original condition) from a well known dealer who offers a service plan. This overall; makes these games a horrible investment because the buyer is left trying to sell an item with no warrantry, should he sell it later on. Now if you happen to know how to restore these games, 'rock on.' Keep in mind though that finding original parts (heck, even original side art) can be very hard. Restoring these to original condition is also very hard and time consuming. At that point, you mine as well become a full fledged seller; rather than just a hobbyist. I bought an old Star Wars arcade game at auction. I spent $500 for the game and $1000 on restoration. In the end, it sometimes is just not worth the effort unless you are a true collector of these machines. Due to emulation, very few of the 'younger generation' (what I refer to as 18-24) are into owning actual home video game classics (meaning NES, etc.) and actual arcade machines. Like my nephew says, 'Why would I pay XXX of dollars for something I can download on my Wii for $5?' He will however, buy a used NES at a garage sale if he sees one. He does this either to resell it or get a cheap game he doesn't have or just wants to play. This is leaving most of these items as one generation collectibles. Some will have some value, some will not, but most will never even come close to their original resale price. ***RANT:Just an observation from someone who just received an angry email from someone I sold a factory sealed video game to; all because the person took a large loss on the item when they resold it! How is this my responsibility? If I buy a comic book from a dealer on this site and try to sell it for more, but can't; is the dealer at fault? I don't think so. Especially if six months have gone by since the sale!***END OF RANT! Respectfully, 'mint' PS: I do NOT think anyone wants the 'Walking Dead' bubble to burst. We just like to comment on it. It is a 'speculative bubble' in my opinion; and a unique success story!

Less than $100. It is a niche market to be honest, as the Walking Dead (due to the television show) has a current larger audience base. Not too many video gamers know about the Valiant Nintendo comics and are prepared to pay 'big bucks' for them. I bought my Zelda #1 (Valiant CGC 9.8) for $90 on eBay and the seller was amazed I offered him so muich (his words, not mine). I could flip it for more (I'd say between $125-$150) at a video game convention, but this one's mine. 'mint'

I normally sell this game for around $40 in mint condition (cart only). That being said, the game has sold for $60 very recently. It depends on the market. This is one of those games that seems to go up and down; but not by much. It should also be stated that I normally wholesale a lot of the video games I sell. I see no need to hold an item I paid $1 for to get a few dollars more in profit. If someone buys it from me for $40 and tries to flip it for $60; good luck to them. You should get between $50-$60 on average for this game. Good score! 'mint'

You can 'shill' a BUY IT NOW sale price. I also know of very reputable dealers both in the collectibles and antiques business that will negotiate a price on their website and sell the item. They then mark the item as 'sold' but do not state at which price. This leaves the viewer to believe the item sold at the listed 'insane' price of whatever was originally shown. It is unfair to say the least, but it happens all the time...

That may be true, but the samples of books graded in the last couple of years were a far cry of grading standards I observed in the 2003-2006 era. Granted it's a statistically insignificant sampling I've observed, but I've seen enough over the last decade to know that grading "trends" at CGC have indeed emerged, even if it's only in my head Here are a few reasons why the strictness varies IMO, sometimes to noticeable levels. 1. What are CGC grading criteria standards, that they strictly adhere to? This one is rhetorical 2. Grading is subjective. 3. People are unique and different people are constantly grading different books. So not only is grading subjective, but the individuals applying grades are also imbuing their own interpretation of criteria that is does not have the ability to be subject to peer review outside of a small subset. Now all of that said I think CGC does an admirable job A) Creating a basis for the application of a subjective exercise. We have the ability to assess their grading from book to book over a very large sample size. B) Retention of their grading staff, which is obviously important for consistency. So I think they do a good job, but anyone along a long enough timeline will show variance in the subjective application of grading a comic. CGC has the timeline and volume to allow those variances to show up and be observed by a wider audience. But this is NOT something that goes in 'cycles' based on your analysis. For instance, human variance and deviation is not a predictable event. This is my point. There would have to be an 'event' that would allow grading to be cyclical and predictable; not just 'human nature.' I can understand this under instances of a lot of submissions, training new employees, and convention season. That being said, by the time you catch on and realize that submissions are either 'strict' or lenient; the turnaround times would make any kind of guessing; just a guess...unless you pay for a same day submission based on just a 'hunch.' Just another view... Kind Regards, 'mint'

I was 'picking' in Adamstown today. Hit all my usual spots and of course I had to stop in Morphy's Auction Gallery to see all the cool AFA graded Transformers! I should have snapped a 'pic.' They just had a cool auction and had lots of great stuff! Sincerely, 'mint'

I get between $30-$40 for these with battery covers, in good working condition. 'mint'

Hello DiceX. I do NOT carry these as I don't repair systems. eBay would be your best bet. These are not at all hard to find, but ironically for me, it is actually cheaper to part non-working systems out, then spend the time and possible expense to fix them. Sorry I could not be of any more assistance in this regard. Kind Regards, 'mint' I repaired mine and it was incredibly easy and not expensive at all. If you deal with them a lot you might want to look into it. After replacing the connector it went from blinking red light to working like brand new. No more blowing on games Hello, I am a video game dealer and off of eBay. It does not pay for me to fix or repair these. Usually I sell the working systems complete with games for only $29.95. Every other NES system I get that does not work with a cleaning, gets parted out. I then wholesale the consoles to fellow dealers who fix them as part of their business plan; or I hate to admit this, throw out the consoles and sell the parts. This has been very profitable and non-time consuming for me. Let me explain. I normally sell a NES system with all hook ups, two controllers, the light gun, and two to three games for $29.95 + shipping and handling. I can part one out for the following prices: Original AC power supply: $10 Original RF Unit: $5-$6 Two Controller $6-$7 Zapper light gun (I usually include a Zapper game): $5 I only get $29.95 for the systems complete! It is usually not worth the hassle. Parts are where I make my money on these. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Hello DiceX. I do NOT carry these as I don't repair systems. eBay would be your best bet. These are not at all hard to find, but ironically for me, it is actually cheaper to part non-working systems out, then spend the time and possible expense to fix them. Sorry I could not be of any more assistance in this regard. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Resubmitting or pressing and submitting? I have several books in Matt Nelson's possession awaiting processing. In my opinion, I don't think there are time frames when CGC is more strict or more lax; it just depends on how they graded your particular book that an individual (meaning you or anyone) may not particularly agree with. By stating they have tightened up again in grading suggests that their grading standards are constantly changing. I do not believe this to be the case at all. I think they are fairly accurate in abiding by the standards they set forth. Individual results may vary. Certain situations may also affect grading; i.e. convention season, large amount of submissions, training new employees, etc. Kind Regards, 'mint' Mint, there have been numerous threads about this over time. Grading goes in cycles, which is why it is key to buy the book and not the label. (thumbs u But there is a root cause. In my original statement I listed several very likely reasons: "convention season, large amount of submissions, training new employees..." Sometimes this forum makes it seem like CGC doesn't have strict standards. I do not buy into the principle that someone can base their submission time frame on the results of other submitters. By that logic, and due to turnaround times alone; by the time your books would go through the grading process, the standards would have shifted again. Just an observation. 'mint'

Resubmitting or pressing and submitting? I have several books in Matt Nelson's possession awaiting processing. In my opinion, I don't think there are time frames when CGC is more strict or more lax; it just depends on how they graded your particular book that an individual (meaning you or anyone) may not particularly agree with. By stating they have tightened up again in grading suggests that their grading standards are constantly changing. I do not believe this to be the case at all. I think they are fairly accurate in abiding by the standards they set forth. Individual results may vary. Certain situations may also affect grading; i.e. convention season, large amount of submissions, training new employees, etc. Kind Regards, 'mint'

Be very careful going with a 9.6 in the current market. Prices are very volatile in the 9.6/9.8 range. I would gladly take a good solid 9.2/9.4 over that 9.6 and put the extra cash into something else. Just some words of caution. Kind Regards, 'mint'

By market correction I assume you mean short term? This is a book I see having little long term potential (as I have stated in this thread). It is a good 'flip.' That being said, has anyone ever thought of this scenerio: The television show lasts a few seasons more and then gets 'cut' (for whatever reason; budget, loss of interest, runs its course)... But then a few years later a Walking Dead movie is released. This would cause new interest in the book. Obviously, it may not be sustained as movie 'hype' only lasts for so long (as folks now buying IM #55 will learn). Just one of the many possibilities if 'Hollywood' still has an interest in 'comic book' movies at that point in time. There is no reason to assume they would not, as zombies are a universal theme. I just doubt the long term potential of this book (meaning decades; NOT just a few years). Kind Regards, 'mint' So why would a movie get made if the TV show can't do well enough to sustain interest in your scenario? Re: See Firefly Star Trek X-Files I'm sure there are more, but those come immediately to mind. The last X-Files movie which is residing in most bargain store $3 bins from remainder stock. You are correct. Howver, I believe the question was; 'Why would a movie get made?' The questions was NOT, 'Would the movie overtly succeed in the memories of fandom?" 'mint'

By market correction I assume you mean short term? This is a book I see having little long term potential (as I have stated in this thread). It is a good 'flip.' That being said, has anyone ever thought of this scenerio: The television show lasts a few seasons more and then gets 'cut' (for whatever reason; budget, loss of interest, runs its course)... But then a few years later a Walking Dead movie is released. This would cause new interest in the book. Obviously, it may not be sustained as movie 'hype' only lasts for so long (as folks now buying IM #55 will learn). Just one of the many possibilities if 'Hollywood' still has an interest in 'comic book' movies at that point in time. There is no reason to assume they would not, as zombies are a universal theme. I just doubt the long term potential of this book (meaning decades; NOT just a few years). Kind Regards, 'mint' So why would a movie get made if the TV show can't do well enough to sustain interest in your scenario? The same reason we have Superman, Batman, and other movies based on popular culture. I am talking years out, not months. You are also ASSUMING the television show was not sustainable due to a lack of interest. Eventually, all good things end... Budgets get cut, actors want raises, fans want conclusions... This does NOT mean a movie would not get made. Think of all the movies that were released on all ill fated ideas. At the very least, The Walking Dead is entertaining. 'mint'

By market correction I assume you mean short term? This is a book I see having little long term potential (as I have stated in this thread). It is a good 'flip.' That being said, has anyone ever thought of this scenerio: The television show lasts a few seasons more and then gets 'cut' (for whatever reason; budget, loss of interest, runs its course)... But then a few years later a Walking Dead movie is released. This would cause new interest in the book. Obviously, it may not be sustained as movie 'hype' only lasts for so long (as folks now buying IM #55 will learn). Just one of the many possibilities if 'Hollywood' still has an interest in 'comic book' movies at that point in time. There is no reason to assume they would not, as zombies are a universal theme. I just doubt the long term potential of this book (meaning decades; NOT just a few years). Kind Regards, 'mint'

If you are buying these for resale, please PM me before buying these kind of items. I can offer you some advice if you interested. It is solely up to you. If you bought these for yourself, it is good that you saved on ebay shipping. Respectfully, 'mint' No worries man, I've recently started buying retro gaming stuff from my youth, so these are for me. The price was right, and now I have an extra. If I try to mod it and screw up, I always have another. I'm too lazy to be a merchant anyhow It's cool. Just offering to help! PM me any time! Kind Regards, 'mint'

Hello, I am NOT responsible for any damage done to the system by taking this advice. You do this under your own free will. If you don't have the original RF switch, get a pair of AV cables. The side of these units do accept AV inputs. Clean the games with a solution of rubbing alcohol and very little water (depending on the percentage of alcohol used). Use a q-tip and and dip it in the solution and clean the contacts on the cartridges the best you can. To clean the system: I will assume you do not have a cleaning kit handy, so we will compromise. That SMB/Duck Hunt cartridge is worth less than a dollar and this may not hurt it. Use the q-tip covered in rubbing alcohol and put it on the contacts of the cart. You do NOT want it dripping wet, but you do want it moist. Insert the cartidge and press down usually half way until it hits the system's contacts. Keeping pushing it back and forth in the system; stopping to clean the cartridge's contacts again and again. Repeat this process. The system may or may not work properly after this. Do NOT test the system while the games and system are wet from the cleaning. This is way you clean NES systems with common items. Kind Regards, 'mint' PS: If this doesn't work and the system does not work, assuming it powers on, we know the power cord is good. Those are worth about $7-$10 on the open market on a good day. These (systems) can be repaired (assuming it powers on, by replacing the system's PIN connector. The cost is usually not worth the effort. Like I said, I sell these systems wholesale with games for $29.95 and yes, that does include the light gun!

I sell them for $29.95 all day long. They are really not worth much. By the way, if you get the wrong buyer who does not know how to clean the system and games; expect returns. I tend to avoid NES systems altogether and just focus on the games. I part out the systems to other dealers and still make the same amount of money usually. Kind Regards, 'mint' PS: I am a video game dealer on eBay and beyond! Hi Mint, I dont want to derail this thread, but I'd like an expert opinion (since I know NOTHING about video games) and maybe other people can find the information helpfull. This is what I have. It's in very good shape, just a bit of dust but nothing a little cleaning cant fix. Hello, Does it work? My guess is without a very good cleaning you got either a 'blank blue screen' or 'flashing screen' when you turned it on. Also, the SMB/Duck Hunt cart is the Spanish version. It may not work on that system, but I believe it should still be NTSC format. Let me know if it works. Also, if I may ask, how much did you pay and why did you buy if you know nothing about video games? NES systems are very common and I wholesale them for $29.95 with games. Kind Regards, 'mint' PS: Please let me know the names of all the games you got with it. I do see Ghostbusters II; anything else? I am happy to help. EDIT: Noticed after the fact. Did you get an RF unit with this?