AFA Grading

[Sinnertwin]

Well with tape sealed ones you know someone hasn't swapped parts out at some stage, they look great on display, the UV cases means you can almost display them anywhere with worry of someone doing damage (unless the drop it lol), the box art looks super shiny and you have something that is over 25 years in its original condition and giving the best chance to last another 25 years.

I collect both MIB and MISB figures - display wise there is no comparison.

While it's clear we won't agree on the subject, it's been interesting reading your opinions & that of others & the reasoning behind your choices.

[jazzcomp]

The original question was for re-issues. It's more acceptable to have this for original G1.

[Megatron]

So first world explotation? There is no conspiracy, just market forces.

Well I never said it was conspiratorial; doesn't have to be. But first world exploitation.. yep, I'd have to agree with that.

I just did a quick search for AFA 85 and AFA 90 MISB or MOSC vintage items less than 100 over many toy lines, hardly saturation. Something at saturation would be a G1 encore hoist or ironhide. Can hardly give those things away.

Of course... the market isn't fully saturated - yet. Hopefully, it will never reach that point. But the option of buying certain ungraded rare toys is becoming more and more difficult, as they receive the AFA treatment, one by one. Whilst I understand that this may not be an issue for many collectors, it is to me.

[Skullcruncher]

Of course... the market isn't fully saturated - yet. Hopefully, it will never reach that point. But the option of buying certain ungraded rare toys is becoming more and more difficult, as they receive the AFA treatment, one by one. Whilst I understand that this may not be an issue for many collectors, it is to me.

Indeed - the option of buying certain rare toys is becoming more and more difficult

The original question was for re-issues. It's more acceptable to have this for original G1.

I've long forgotten how this even started

[Megatron]

Indeed - the option of buying certain rare toys is becoming more and more difficult

That... goes without saying.

[Jetfire in the sky]

This topic heated up quickly, and to be honest it's a good one to talk about. I stand by my intial post, but to be honest if I had an AFA graded G1 Optimus MISB I'd be bloody stoked, they do display great in the acrylic case there's no doubt about it.
It's fair that AFA items are higher in price than non AFA mainly due to the expense of getting the item to and from tha AFA, the cost of "grading" and the cost of mounting the item in the case. I think I looked into it once and I just thought what a rip off, so perhaps someone can give us an idea of total cost involved in getting something graded. (Sorry if this has been mentioned, I scimmed a few posts after a while)

Anyway this has ignited some passion which I love to see, two threads in a week, first Bidoof's what to do with an MISB present one and now this, it was definitley a full moon week

[1orion2many]

AFA grading is completely lost on me as I open everything I get (Sooner or later ) and display it. This also includes any G1 items. I must admit I just haven't had the heart to open my Ramhorn & Eject packet which I bought about 12 or more years ago for $30.00. AFA grading re-release items seems even more pointless than G1's but each to their own and who knows 15-20 years down the track if your looking at making money out of your collection this may be the way to go.

[Jetfire in the sky]

And thats the thing, in 20 years time, those case fresh reissues that have been sealed all those years might be worth 1000% more than what the person paid today.

[Skullcruncher]

I'll find an old invoice this weekend and post it up.

Long term there would be no point in hanging onto(as an investment) the graded items as there will be less people who would want to buy at todays prices. There is a huge jump from an 80 to and 85 and then again to an 90.

For example 90 Megatron - 15K+, 85 would be 5-10K while an 80 would be around 2K. These are the current 'going rates' there will always be sellers who try and sell for more.

Or maybe Hoist 90 ($1000) 85 ($750) and 80 ($500). So how desirable the toy is makes a big difference.

[Trent]

I'll find an old invoice this weekend and post it up.

Long term there would be no point in hanging onto(as an investment) the graded items as there will be less people who would want to buy at todays prices. There is a huge jump from an 80 to and 85 and then again to an 90.

For example 90 Megatron - 15K+, 85 would be 5-10K while an 80 would be around 2K. These are the current 'going rates' there will always be sellers who try and sell for more.

Or maybe Hoist 90 ($1000) 85 ($750) and 80 ($500). So how desirable the toy is makes a big difference.

$15K for a toy is ridiculous. I put it in the same boat as paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a Phase 3 GTHO. Yeah sure it was a nice car in its day, but what are you going to do with it?

Glad to see that these are problems I'll never have. I don't even keep the boxes