Collecting vintage toys is an exciting and rewarding hobby that allows you to take a unique glimpse into the past as you search for, discover, and find nostalgic relics from your childhood.
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, feeling, and phenomenon — and vintage toy collecting can trigger nostalgia within you that releases endorphins proven to reduce physical, mental, and emotional anguish.
Read More: The Nostalgia Behind Toy Collecting
As you embark on this nostalgic journey of toy collecting, understanding the terminology is crucial, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out. With that in mind, here are seven essential terms every vintage toy collector should know.
7 Essential Vintage Toy Collecting Terms
1. Loose and Incomplete
Loose and incomplete toys have been taken out of their original packaging and are missing some parts or accessories. These toys may show signs of wear and tear, having likely been played with over the years, or having been exposed to the elements over time.
Despite their incomplete status, they can still hold significant value, especially if they are rare or have a huge fanbase.
Collectors start with loose and incomplete toys as they can be more affordable entry points into the world of vintage toy collecting. Finding missing parts or accessories can become a fun and challenging treasure hunt as well.
2. Loose and Complete
Loose and complete toys have been removed from their packaging but still retain all their original parts and accessories. These toys may not always be in mint condition, but having all their components intact makes them a desirable commodity.
The condition of loose and complete toys can vary, but they offer a sweet balance between affordability and collectability.
For most, completing a loose toy with all its original pieces is a rewarding experience. The display aspect of a complete loose figure or vehicle is amazing, and the pride you feel in having a complete piece is immeasurable.
3. MISB (Mint in Sealed Box)
MISB stands for Mint in Sealed Box, representing the most pristine condition a toy can be found in. This means the toy is untouched inside an unopened box, sealed with the original factory tape, with all its contents encased in their factory baggies.
Finding toys in MISB condition is exceedingly rare, and these items command significantly higher prices. Even if the sealed box is less than perfect — having some wear or damage — the toy inside is still considered mint condition.
However, remember that the price will reflect the condition of the box as well. Collectors often use the Action Figure Authority (AFA) to grade these items, with top grades fetching premium prices.
4. MIB (Mint in Box)
Mint in Box (MIB) refers to toys that are in mint condition but have been opened from their original packaging. Although the box is not sealed, the toy and its accessories and pieces are in mint condition. This category still holds significant value, especially if the box and its contents have been well-preserved. MIB items provide a glimpse into the toy's original presentation while allowing collectors the chance to inspect and appreciate the toy's details without compromising its overall condition.
5. MOC (Mint on Card) or MOSC (Mint on Sealed Card)
Mint on Card (MOC) or Mint on Sealed Card (MOSC) refers to action figures still sealed on their original cards. These figures are untouched and preserved in their original state, making them highly desirable.
An unpunched card — which means the peg hole tab has not been removed — adds even more value as it indicates the figure has never been hung on a retail peg. If the card has any damage, such as bends, water damage, or dents in the bubble, it can no longer be considered MOC, and the price should be adjusted accordingly.
6. MLC (Mint Loose and Complete)
Mint Loose and Complete (MLC) refers to toys that are in mint condition and come with all their original pieces and accessories — but without the original packaging. To qualify as MLC, the toy must be pristine and include every piece it originally came with. Any missing parts or damage to the toy disqualifies it from being considered MLC. This category is popular among collectors who want to display their toys without the need for packaging while still maintaining the toy's completeness and quality.
Mint toys can have no sign of wear and tear, scratches, paint fade, scuff marks, etc.
7. MISBaggie (Mint in Sealed Baggie)
Some exclusive mail-away toys were shipped in plastic baggies rather than on cards or in boxes. Mint in Sealed Baggie (MISBaggie) refers to these types of toys still sealed in their original factory baggies. These items can be really difficult to find because they were not available in traditional retail settings. Collectors value MISBaggie items for their unique packaging and the assurance that the toy inside is untouched and in factory-fresh condition.
Some of these seven terms can be intertwined. You can have Mint in Unsealed Box, which represents items that have been opened but are still in mint condition with the packaging.
You can also have Non-Mint Condition items in Unsealed Boxes, which means that figures, vehicles, or playsets that aren’t in mint condition are being sold with their original packaging. These types of items can still be highly collectible and valuable.
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the world of vintage toy collecting with confidence. Whether you’re hunting for a mint condition piece or completing a loose toy with missing parts, each term reflects a unique aspect of this fascinating hobby. Embrace the adventure and start building your collection today!