Sealed-collectible guide

Handling an Inherited Sealed Collection

Preserve packaging, provenance and groups before selling or opening.

Factory-sealed collecting rewards careful identification and restraint. The same visual sign can be normal on one product and suspicious on another, so category-specific comparison matters more than generic “reseal tricks.”

1. Photograph as found

Photograph as found should be evaluated against the exact category, era, package format and documented factory variation. Preserve evidence, photograph before handling and avoid turning one visual clue into a definitive authenticity claim.

2. Do not peel labels

Do not peel labels should be evaluated against the exact category, era, package format and documented factory variation. Preserve evidence, photograph before handling and avoid turning one visual clue into a definitive authenticity claim.

3. Inventory cartons

Inventory cartons should be evaluated against the exact category, era, package format and documented factory variation. Preserve evidence, photograph before handling and avoid turning one visual clue into a definitive authenticity claim.

4. Flag high-value categories

Flag high-value categories should be evaluated against the exact category, era, package format and documented factory variation. Preserve evidence, photograph before handling and avoid turning one visual clue into a definitive authenticity claim.

5. Compare offers

Compare offers should be evaluated against the exact category, era, package format and documented factory variation. Preserve evidence, photograph before handling and avoid turning one visual clue into a definitive authenticity claim.

Preservation rule: Do not open, peel, puncture, heat, rewrap, flatten or chemically treat packaging to test authenticity or improve appearance.

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