To grade, or not to grade

DirtyHarry

I sent some cards in to be graded and puked when I got the results.
Should I bust my vintage BB cards graded 5-7 and sell them as ungraded singles? Also, these were beauties. Am I being paranoid in thinking that I can't get an 8 because I am a small beans submittor?

Aknot

Grading (unless you have the "eye") from what I can tell is a crap shoot. I would always be afraid no matter HOW gentle I was being would make a 5 a 2 with a slip. BUT others say it may be worth it. That really didnt answer your question did it...im just a little on edge and "babbling" tonight waiting for an auction to end that will probably mean my wife will become a murderer if I win.....

WinPitcher

u say "vintage" do you mean cards from the 50z? and if so are they stars? if stars i see nothing wrong with 5 and 7

the problem is u r trying to maximise profit (and that isn't a bad thing) but when you bought these cards I assumed you bought them for the love of the hobby? and if that is so any money you get back is bonus. invest? invest in bonds etc, collect? collect cards , stamps etc and have fun.


edited to say:
I don't think the grader nose who submitted cards when he see's em.

DirtyHarry

These were 67-68 Topps baseball stars. Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Yaz...Thought I had a good handle on my expectations.

Knopfler

Welcome to the world of vintage card grading. I've submitted about 50 beautiful T206's (1909 tobacco cards if you're not familiar with the set). I only submit them if I believe they are PSA 6 quality (which is very good for a T206). I have received many back as PSA 5 and PSA 6's. I have also received plenty back as PSA 4's and even PSA 3's (check out my aucitons link below on the T206 Willie Keeler for an example!). On the other side, I have only received on PSA 7 out of all the T206's I have submitted. Good luck in the future, but never get your expectations too high!

NickM

At the Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Yaz level, the card will sell better as a PSA 5 or above than in raw condition. The top HOFers sell well graded in off-grade condition (and Mantle sells well even in very low PSA grades).

Now if you were talking about Marichal, Niekro, Mazeroski, Wilhelm, Aparicio, or a similarly less popular HOFer, I'd suggest cracking out PSA 5s and maybe PSA 6s.

Nick