Graded or non graded cards

gtheilerjr

As collectors, do you prefer to buy graded or non graded cards and why ?
Thanks

bruin805

I buy mostly graded because when you can't examine a card yourself, at least you have the folks at PSA (or whatever grading company they use) saying the card is a 10, 9, 8, etc. I remember in the early days buying cards off AOL or the late 90s version of eBay, you kinda just had to trust someone that their card was "mint" if they said it was.

I do buy some cards purely for fun that are not valuable and I'll happily pick those up raw.

gtheilerjr

Thanks for your replies, I feel that the grading process will help cut down on the fakes, but not fully prevent. I'm about to send in a Montana, Rice and other rookie cards to be graded.

JoeBanzai

Welcome to the boards.

I like both, but would probably not buy an expensive card that was not graded.

I have bought raw cards on ebay and submitted them to PSA generally being obliterated by the grade, so I usually end up just buying a graded card if I am looking to upgrade my Killebrew set.

Good luck on your grades!

emar

Welcome.
Graded. I don't want trimmed cards or fakes. Gives me a peace of mind knowing a pro has authenticated them.
Good luck!

Dpeck100

I like to buy raw and be the one to grade them and capture the money.

Obviously graded cards can rise in value too but the big margins come from who grades the card.

Copyboy1

I only buy graded cards. I've been burned too many times with trimmed cards, and I consistently over-grade raw cards. So I end up paying too much for a raw card that doesn't grade out.

So much easier just to buy exactly what I want.

dictoresno

prefer graded, specifically PSA. I buy alot of raw for my PC that I monthly send to get graded for both resale and my own collection.

pab1969

Welcome. Show pictures of the Montana and Rice cards. There are many expert graders here that can give you an accurate assessment of your cards.

Panama Mutiny (Formerly lawyer05)

prefer graded unless its a 1 dollar card

DMasci

I like my personal collection to be graded cards. These days my struggle is the extreme mark up people are asking for a card that has been graded as opposed to buying a raw card and sending it in to be graded yourself. I guess for me the super slow turnaround that is currently going on with the grading companies is leading to some of this.

Chicago1976

Mostly graded. I collect vintage cards, so I like the impartial 3rd party opinion; it gives me a better idea of the card's true condition.