Gottlieb system 80 boards all had the serial number on them, but it was just a sticker. They didn't bother with things like the coin door or legs, probably just stuff that might have been warrantied/etc

And from what i understand, they might not all have the same number even when they were brand new.

I bought a NIB TSPP and had an issue with the power driver board right out of the box. Stern sent me a new board with a different sticker and I had to send the old board back. I don't think it devalued the game at all.

I might have only a handful of games where everything matches. I don't think having non numbers matching stuff is a concern.

TL;DR: No.

Having asked very similar questions to many other pinball folks, here's a summary of what I've been told.

Contrary to what I assumed, playfield condition is A1 when folks want games. Generally speaking: the PF is the most difficult to replace and repair. Next are every other cosmetic item that is difficult to fix or replace. Toys, cab art, translite, etc are all very important. Custom parts and ramps are also high up the list. Original, good condition is great, NOS is great, restored is pretty good, aftermarket is usually fine, original crappy shape is far down the list.

All the generic mechs like pop bumpers and coils don't seem to matter as long as the game shoots well. Each game seems to have it's "thing" that goes wrong and finding one without that thing wrong is important. If it's been fixed, then the next buyer feels good that it doesn't need to be fixed in the future.

Another way of thinking about this is a pristine game that doesn't work is (usually) worth more than a working game with worn out cosmetics. Most pinball folks can fix / replace a stock part, but replacing art is rough.

I think its neat when i get a pin with all its original boards and no hacks ......it usually means it wasn't played alot and was well cared for for. All my b/w pins have all original stuff and are in awesome condition so they seem to go hand and hand in most cases. In general condition is king and is all i will pay extra for

From a restoration aspect, a lot of the original number labels may be either damaged or peeling so in that case it is easier to just reprint them with new repros rather than leaving a half ruined decal in place for the sake of originality.

When I tear down a machine for a complete restoration I just make a note (photograph) of all the board serial numbers and the country of origin decal before removal and redo them to match the originals.

Obviously the primary concern is the condition of a machine, in particular the aspects that BrewinBombers mentioned, but if you are bringing a machine back to factory fresh or better then it makes sense to put the effort into the finishing touches of a restoration that will differentiate them from those who restore machines with the sole purpose of keeping their resale profit margin at the forefront.

I use to think that going through a machine and seeing all the serial number stickers have matching numbers from the cabinet rear to the inside of the cabinet to each and every board was great. However matching stickers can be easily replicated, and it is done by some sellers, so the matching numbers doesn't mean shit. I've even got fooled.

Cld be but unless its a restore i dont see many people going threw the trouble since it really dont add value.

I have a few games with matching serial numbers on the boards and displays, which is kind of neat. Otherwise, I don't really care if the serial numbers match--just as long as the boards were original and not after-market.

Other than user-submitted serial numbers at ipsnd.net, not really.

Correct me if I'm wrong but on high end auto restores serial numbers are filed off and restamped. I thought that had become even somewhat acceptable it was so common.

Two old games just out of the boxes, clean as new boards. Matching numbers would go for the same or more.

Wouldn't it be exciting to post clean matching backbox pics here?

Well, I'll start. Here's a super-clean, HUO, all-original Pinbot I picked up a couple years ago. All boards matching and like new, only change I had to make was clipping the battery holder. Same with the DE Simpsons below it.

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My Gottlieb Spirit has all matching numbers on the boards and displays

I believe the "I" on the serial is meaning international so reimport. Domestics will have no "I" in the front of the number. At least this has been the case on the machines I've owned.

The other is on top right of most all B/W back boxes of the DMD era I believe. You can get it from those that offer restoration sticker sets.

Flashinstinct sells them in his sets:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/all-decals-on-sale-for-3-days-only-25-off#post-3356585

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