They’ve been sealed away for over 55 years but on Friday at 10 AM, cards from a 1961-62 Fleer basketball pack will emerge as part of a PSA promotion.
The pack, which has a Wilt Chamberlain rookie card showing through the back of the wrapper, will be opened on the Mike Berkus Main Stage at the National Sports Collectors Convention.
The owner will open the pack onstage and then submit the cards for PSA grading. PSA President Joe Orlando will then return to the stage at 3 PM CST and reveal the grades.
The pack opening comes during a continuing surge in prices and interest for vintage unopened packs. A 1961-62 Fleer pack with a Chamberlain showing sold for $6,435 in 2015. Complete 24-pack boxes of ’61-62 Fleer are currently valued at around $70,000.
There has also been a rapid rise in value for Chamberlain’s rookie card in recent months. A PSA 9 example of the card sold for $45,000 in May of this year. Only three examples of the card have reached PSA 10.
In the years since the release of the 1961 Fleer Basketball, the issue has grown increasingly popular. The 66-card set also boasts the rookie cards of Hall of Famers Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. High-grade examples are rare because of centering that is often poor.
During the pack opening, PSA is giving away one-year Collectors Club Gold memberships to two audience members.
The company is also giving away three game-used bats and conducting other promotions during the show, which takes place Wednesday, July 26-Sunday, July 30 at the Stephens Convention Center
Related Stories:
Opening a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball Pack
Notes: Contenders Part II; ’61 Fleer Wax; Tim Carroll; Stolen Jerseys: JPL Collector
Mantle Jersey Sells for $575,912 at Auction
Bird-Magic, Wilt Rookie Cards Sell for Record Prices
Topps National Convention Wrapper Redemption Info and Checklist
Topps Reveals National Baseball Card Day Info; NSCC VIP Cards
Notes: NSCC Live Auction; Instagram for GU Bats; New OYO Products
ARod Joins HOFers on 2017 NSCC Autograph Signers List
