Test Your Skills, Win Cash! PSA World Series of Sports Card Grading

SportsModerator2 · May 17, 2004 1:51AM

For sports card collectors, the "World Series" won't start in October. It will be held in July, and offer the eventual champion a year of bragging rights and a $2,500 cash prize.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) will conduct the PSA World Series of Sports Card Grading©, a test of knowledge and skill about grading cards. Competition will be held at the PSA booth at National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday - Sunday, July 22 - 25, 2004.

"This is a winner-take-all competition to determine the top card grader at The National. The winner will receive $2,500 cash," said Joe Orlando, PSA President.

"Here's your chance to put your grading skills to the test and go up against the best among collectors and dealers. Who will be the top sports card grader? We'll find out."

Each contestant will have 15 minutes to examine 30 cards and determine their grades. The cards will be previously graded and encapsulated by PSA, and selected from the marketplace by Orlando and the grading staff. The test will cover cards from different eras and will range from pre-war era to modern issues.

The contestants will be scored on how many times their grades match those previously determined by PSA. In the event of a tie, there will be a tie-breaking round.

In the event that a contestant's grade does not match PSA's, the distance between the correct answer and the one entered by the contestant will count. For example, if the correct answer is, "Mint 9," but the contestant enters "Near Mint 7," a deduction of 2 points will be applied.

In addition, altered cards may be included on the test. An automatic deduction of 5 points will be applied if a contestant enters any grade for an altered card.

"Please keep in mind that the rules may change before the contest takes place. Check the PSA web site, psacard.com, for updates along the way," said Orlando.

Every contestant will receive a T-shirt commemorating the PSA World Series of Sports Card Grading.

The competition is open to anyone except current PSA employees. There is a $50 entry fee, and entrants must make a reservation to take the test at the National Sports Collectors Convention. Reservations will be accepted starting June 1, 2004 by contacting Evelyn Carrillo at PSA.

"I expect the reservation times will fill up very quickly. There will be only a limited number of time slots available on a first-come, first served basis. Anyone who wants to enter the competition should promptly make a reservation to avoid being shut out," advised Orlando.

qualitycards · May 17, 2004 1:56AM

Sounds Good! I can use $2500. I'm in!

...jay

koby · May 17, 2004 2:10AM

$50 entry?

AlanAllen · May 17, 2004 2:12AM

Cool! Might I reccomend though, that the prize money match the total entry fees? The hobby might look down upon an otherwise exciting event if it's viewed as just another way for PSA to make a few bucks.

Joe

Golfcollector · May 17, 2004 2:16AM

Yeah, what is up with the $50 entry.......would I be correct to guess there are 50 limited time spots open.......

koby · May 17, 2004 2:16AM

That sounds great. 200 participants = $10000

Higher stakes = more fun

Aknot · May 17, 2004 2:25AM

Yeah but if the graders get it wrong can they "crack out" resubmit and get a different grade?

sjeanblanc · May 17, 2004 2:28AM

Boy, nothing like a put up or shut up for all those whining about their misgraded cards.

Sounds like fun, wish I was going to the National, would definitely take part in this. Have to save my vaction time, just in case of an unexpected bout of unemployment happens later this year.

Scott Jeanblanc
jeanblanc@iconnect.net
Ebay UserId : sjeanblanc
--------------------------------------------------
Collecting Nolan Ryan cards (68-94)

EagleEyeKid · May 17, 2004 2:37AM

It does sound like fun. I'd do it if I were going to the National.
If it is the World Series of card grading, then the prize $ should match the number of entries;
otherwise that $50 entry sucks.

Basilone · May 17, 2004 2:38AM

<< Cool! Might I reccomend though, that the prize money match the total entry fees? The hobby might look down upon an otherwise exciting event if it's viewed as just another way for PSA to make a few bucks. >>

Agree.....not sure if it is legal anyways. What is the difference between the contest and a $50 buy in at a poker tournament?

aconte · May 17, 2004 2:40AM

What's wrong with Psa making a few bucks doing this? It costs money to run contests and a business.
Do you guys want everythingfor free? I think this was an awesome idea. I wish I was going
because I would of entered for sure. Sounds like a lot of fun too!

Carol,

Great job to whoever thought of it.

aconte

EagleEyeKid · May 17, 2004 2:50AM

Imagine how many people would enter due to the fact that it's a monster size show.
PSA is getting a ton of business anyways. $2,500 is a drop in a bucket to them.
That entry fee should be waived.....the contest alone would attract tons of people to their booth.
If it's a contest (look up the definition) then fine.......sounds more like a raffle.
Entry fee like the World Series of Poker....winner takes all. They are just promoting the name.

1420sports · May 17, 2004 2:58AM

What's wrong with Psa making a few bucks doing this?

Agreed 100%

PSA can do whatever they want with this contest. If the entry fee is waived, the contest would take weeks. This is a good way to see who is going to put their money where their mouth is.

PSA is getting a ton of business anyways

that is what companies strive for

uniship · May 17, 2004 3:00AM

Maybe they meant FIVE bucks

Basilone · May 17, 2004 3:01AM

I dont want to rain on the parade..but they should probably check out the Ohio law before running the event (just to make sure it is OK).

I am not 100% positive.....that for-profit organizations are allowed to make money (above and beyond costs directly associated with the event) on this type of contest....otherwise a portion of the profits need to go to a non-profit agency (church, charity, etc.).

For example...if I hold a $50 buy in poker tournament at my house...and I "rake" each pot to make some bucks (hence all the money going in is not totally distributed back to the players) then I can get busted by the cops...(unless a portion of the monies are going to a charity).

If I have a poker game at my house and we all buy in for $50.00 and I dont make any money off it (unless I win through playing the game)..then it is legal.

2323 · May 17, 2004 3:14AM

Well I think if the guy that wins is gonna be the the best, maybe you should give them a choice of $2,500 or a job with PSA. Kinda like the apprentice. Yeah, this just sounds like a way to make some more money to me!

Basilone · May 17, 2004 3:17AM

Now that is a cool idea......

(just dont tell the winner the cost of living in Newport Beach)

"YOUR'RE FIRED"

ejguru · May 17, 2004 3:28AM

What standards are we going by--the insane ones of the last 12-18 months or the days of the 0 serial number

aconte · May 17, 2004 3:33AM

If I entered and won I'd want to know where the best gentleman's club closest to the show would
be at. I'd also see if about 20 of you clowns would join the party with first couple rounds on me,
unless a 1099 would be part of the prize then we'd need to scale down to about 10-15.

aconte

Basilone · May 17, 2004 3:37AM

Mr. Baker should enter....

KallMaloneSay · May 17, 2004 3:50AM

Sounds like fun, I won't be there otherwise I'd be in. Some of you guys are pansies, let PSA make a few bucks if they feel so inclined. Their time isn't free, and you don't have to enter if you don't want to. Golf courses hold little best ball and shotgun tourneys in the same manner, heaven forbid if a business actually tried to make money, that would be terrible. Good luck to all who enter and most importantly have fun,
Jason

AlanAllen · May 17, 2004 3:51AM

<< If I entered and won I'd want to know where the best gentleman's club closest to the show would
be at. I'd also see if about 20 of you clowns would join the party with first couple rounds on me,
unless a 1099 would be part of the prize then we'd need to scale down to about 10-15.

aconte

>>

Brookpark Ave, just minutes from the IX. At least that was the red light district when i lived there, it might have been cleaned up since then.

Joe

Basilone · May 17, 2004 3:58AM

Joe-

They have cleaned it up a bit...but I think there are still a couple of places (real seedy). Your best bet is the Flats.

qualitycards · May 17, 2004 4:42AM

<< There will be only a limited number of time slots available on a first-come, first served basis >>

Based on my take of this statement. the time slots are limited, so perhaps 50 is all thats available, maybe even less. Its a moot point anyway, as I plan on winning

...jay

wolfbear · May 17, 2004 5:11AM

If you give people a chance to win $ 2,500,
WITHOUT a 50 dollar entry fee, you'll have a line 500 deep for the duration of the show.

He11, give people a chance at a FREE corn dog, and you'll have 500 free-loaders waiting in line for hours.

Jay - I hope they have a nice certificate, or SOMETHING for you in honor of your 2nd place finish

Basilone · May 17, 2004 5:15AM

Maybe the registry guys can hold their own corn-dog eating contest.

Basilone · May 17, 2004 5:19AM

<< Entry fee like the World Series of Poker....winner takes all. They are just promoting the name. >>

Actually that is incorrect...the WSOP makes a profit. Below are the breakdowns of their "rake".

Amount withheld from each buy-in:
Tournament Buy-in House Fee + Staff Toke Pool
$500 7% / 3%
$1,000 6% / 3%
$1,500 5% / 3%
$2,000 5% / 3%
$2,500 5% / 3%
$3,000 5% / 3%
$5,000 4% / 2%
$10,000 4% / 2%

jrinck · May 17, 2004 6:11AM

Let's say it's limited to 50 people. What's going to stop the first "grader" from purposely dinging the cards a bit so as to actually alter the condition? Say I'm first and I get a card that, unbeknownst to me of course, PSA graded a 9. I decide it's an 8, but to be safe, I chip the card a bit so that all the remaining 49 schmoes will give it a 5.

Say I do that to ALL the cards I grade. Suppose EVERYBODY does that! It'll be anarchy! I seriously hope PSA will be keeping close tabs on all the cards at all times!

And, even if it's totally honest, fifty people handling cards could legitimately alter the grades. This is great for the first person who grades, but the unlucky 50th guy will have to pour over 49 sets of fingerprints and associated wear and tear, and decide what was there from the beginning or what wear has accumulated during the competition.

qualitycards · May 17, 2004 6:16AM

JRINCK - Perhaps the cards are already slabbed w/ the grade covered over.
WOLFBEAR - I do worry about you, I have a feeling you'll look at the cards, pocket them & run

...jay

schr1st · May 17, 2004 6:33AM

I'd love to see who signs up for this. Hmm, I have an extra $50 laying around somewhere. I tend to undergrade though...

jrinck · May 17, 2004 6:41AM

<< JRINCK - Perhaps the cards are already slabbed w/ the grade covered over.
>>

So how accurate can the grader wannabe's be, then? Many times when someone posts a scan of a slabbed card and complains that the card was undergraded, many people opine as to how tough it is to accurately judge the grade of a card because there are fine details that can't be discerned under the slab. Or is that just hogwash?

Can an already slabbed card be accurately graded without taking it out of the slab?

A761506 · May 17, 2004 7:31AM

It is my understanding from reading the rules that the cards are already slabbed, which would only make sense to prevent damage, and the PSA given grade covered up.

Personally, I think PSA graders themselves should be the ones we watch in this contest, see how accurately they can come up with either the same grade they already gave a card once, or match up grades given with another grader. That would be more interesting than a bunch of dealers and collectors sitting around for a half hour at a time with a loupe grading cards.

I think it's like torture grading cards. Who the heck would want to do it on a regular basis, just sitting around looking almost constantly under 10x magnification at a bunch of cards that aren't even yours?

The funny thing about this is people would still be lined up even if there was no prize money. And they'd probably pay the $50 too.

qualitycards · May 17, 2004 7:38AM

<< So how accurate can the grader wannabe's be, then? Many times when someone posts a scan of a slabbed card and complains that the card was undergraded >>

JRINCK - I think its easier to grade a slabbed card then to see it via a scan. After all when we buy graded cards we are looking at it in the slab, and we must make the determination if its accurately graded and taht we'll take it or pass. Plus all the major card companies have a cross-over service while the card is slabbed. And for the reasons that you stated prior, you cannot hand 50 people ungraded cards as the grades can change via handling...jay

DirtyHarry · May 17, 2004 7:44AM

The fee would not bother me. I assume that you would have to "B.Y.O" equipment for magnification and measuring. 30 seconds per card though - I hope the PSA graders spend more time than that per card. Therein lies the real challenge IMO.

Aknot · May 17, 2004 8:17AM

I put something mean and deleted it....

jaxxr · May 17, 2004 10:52AM

Will there be a card or two which are almost OC, or whatever, and needs a qualifier ??

Does sound very interesting and probably much fun.

gemint · May 17, 2004 11:58AM

<< Will there be a card or two which are almost OC, or whatever, and needs a qualifier ??

Does sound very interesting and probably much fun.

>>

If so, hopefully they will tell the participants if the card is qualified or not. That would make a big difference in the grade. It sounds like fun. I may throw my hat into the ring.

EagleEyeKid · May 17, 2004 12:55PM

Whoever wants to participate better call the 800 number now and reserve your seat. Space is limited as per the article.

Vincecarder · May 17, 2004 1:52PM

Do actual PSA graders take on 30 seconds on a card (trying to put people in the same environment as real graders?) I don't think 30 seconds is long enough for a card...especially if your looking for something that is doctored. Condition wise (corners, centering, surface and edges) yes I could probably zip through them (only trouble I'd have is with some vintage that I haven't handled before)

They should have competitions for each decade. Most collectors specialize in a certain decade or few years. To go from a 52 Topps to a 98 SPX and grade them properly...well you would have to know everything about the issue (98's have more chipping etc) as well as what to look for with doctoring on the vintage. It would be interesting but at $50 entry fee? They should give the people entering some free grading with that cause I would rather spend the cash on cards or something else....

schr1st · May 17, 2004 3:22PM

Any chance we could have a contest at the National for PSA? "Order-logging time trials" could be fun.

envoy98 · May 18, 2004 1:13AM

<< I hope the PSA graders spend more time than that per card. Therein lies the real challenge IMO. >>

I had the opportunity to watch GAI grade some cards this weekend at the KC show. I will say I was very surprised at how quickly they grade them. I don't know how many of you have actually seen someone grade a card but it was a rather interesting experience. This was my first time. For those of you who haven't seen it, I'll give you a brief rundown of what went down.

Card in holder, under very bright desk light
Card in holder, using a centering loupe at or near each corner ( loupe has some hash marks in it that correspond to a chart (looks like a multiplication table) this identifies exact centering)
Card removed from holder
Spun around to look for "sheen" differences and surface condition (pits/wrinkles) (front and back)
Card is measured with a small metal ruler
Card back in holder
10x loupe at each corner and what appears to be a quick scan of the surface.
Card has grade written on the holder and it went in the stack.

Total time: About 2 minutes. I saw them toss about a dozen cards from one submission that were recolored. I asked to see one to know how to tell and it was a lot more obvious once they explained it to me and I saw what they were talking about.

I learned more about grading in 10 minutes talking with these 2 guys than I knew in 4+ years of submitting. If anyone ever gets a chance to do on-site and talk with the graders, it's a very interesting experience. You'd be surprised at what you'll learn.

EagleEyeKid · May 18, 2004 3:07AM

I agree 100%. Talked to Mike Baker of GAI (co-owner and head grader....formerly head grader of PSA) and watched him do pre-grading on site and it was fun and informative. It doesn't take that long to grade a card under their protocol or following the proper protocol. It takes about 20 seconds to grade a card. I spent about an hour chit chatting with him while he was working and he didn't mind as he was looking at my cards. That was about a year ago.....and I remember that submission......28 cards, only 7 9.5s and the rest were junk. It's gotten better. Just picked up my last submission this past Sunday. 58 cards total......20 got Perfect 10, 28 got Gem Mint 9.5, and the last 10 were 9s with 1 8.5.
$2500 in raw state...now $10,000 - $15,000 graded. It does not hurt to ask questions and at times you can become a pest. Deciphering a 9 from a 9.5 can be a minute speck of white on one corner.....a hair line scratch on surface, or a pin dot on the surface (dust that got stuck on the press plate and stamped which caused that little hole).

Eagle

envoy98 · May 18, 2004 3:31AM

I gave them 20 cards. Got 2 perfect 10's and 2 9.5's. The rest were 8.5 or 9. Some of them I knew would be 8.5 or so, but I wanted them graded/slabbed anyway. I ended up only sending away the 2 10's with them. I'll get those back sometime next week. I spoke with Steve Rocchi and Sean Drinkwater. Both were very nice guys, a lot of help and seemed genuinely interested in trying to inform those that asked questions.