Questions from a returning collector...Pls help

balco757

I am back into collecting for the first time since 1985. Appreciate comments from the veterans.....

1. Why does is a PSA 9 (OC) get treated like it's a PSA 7? I understand that it's OC, but it would seem that the value be somewhere between PSA 8 and 9? I am a bit surprised that the qualifyers drop the value by that much. Is this just me?

2. Is there any market for the 1982 Spot-Bilt Brett cards? I have over a hundred and I see there is a pop report......Any ideas on their worth?

3. Is it a good idea to get early 1980's star cards graded if you expect to get mostly 9's? I am speaking about cards like: 81 Ozzie Smith, 82/85 Ryan, Ryan Highlights, etc

I appreciate any education.

Thanks,

Steve

helionaut

Welcome back. You're in for a ride.

1) The 2-grade drop is pretty much just for the registry. This was just an arbitrary decision, but pretty generally accepted. When talking about buying or selling, qualifiers can have widely varying effects on prices depending on the type of qualifier and the exact severity of the flaw. For common cards, prices will be depressed, but the effect is more one of being able to sell it at all. For really tough cards, a qualifier can seem to have a tremendously adverse effect, but usually it's because a straight high grade goes for an amount way out of line.

2) Spot-bilts and other regional or oddball cards have their market for hardcore player collectors, but it's limited.

3) Star player 9s are always good. Even among HOFers, though, there are tiers. Ryan is evergreen, but he is on an elite level. Guys like Smith have their fans, of course, but overall, you should be sure you're getting a 9-10. Cards from the 80s and later in 8 are pretty much duds, and even 9s can be touhg sells. Also, regular player cards are best. Highlights and other subset cards are much less desirable. If you're getting cards graded to sell, try out the service with only your very best cards in the highest grades to see how good your eye is versus the graders.

calleocho

welcome!

cards with qualifiers vary in prices due to the fact that the registry has a two grade downgrade for GPA purposes, however since the severety of the qualifier varies, a card with good eye appeal ( top to bottom centering problems but perfect gloss and registration) does often sell over a regular 7 and a few times over an 8. On certain issues centering or even print defects are not a major concern and the cards sell well regardless.

certain cards however are lucky to have the qualifier since without it they would actually drop several grades, especially cards that have four sharp corners, good colors etc , but have 10 - 90 centering.

the other questions i really dont collect modern that much.

i guess you could make some money if you get 10's on superstars...but 10's are pretty rare.

good luck!

P.S funny name

milbroco

Hi and welcome,
FYI - The Brett Spot Built card, I had on ebay twice in the last two years with a minimum bid of $5.00 and no bids. $5.00 is the current book price.
Good Luck,
Bob

MRyanF

<< <i>Hi and welcome,
FYI - The Brett Spot Built card, I had on ebay twice in the last two years with a minimum bid of $5.00 and no bids. $5.00 is the current book price.
Good Luck,
Bob >>



Not much of a bargin if you start the "auction" at full book, now is it? No wonder you didnt get any bids.

Stone193

Welcome Steve!
It is a pleasure to meet you. On the OC thing - this has been discussed before and for pricing purposes vs. registry - it could be confusing - how off-center can make a difference - e.g. if the card were centered
90/10 on the front and you asked them to grade the card with "No qualifiers", the highest grade they could assign to the card would be a 3 IMO. For value purposes, I would be glad to sell a 9 OC for the price of a 7. Just something to think about.

Stick around, just about anything you can think about will be discussed and if you like just use the search button with a topic idea and you may find other discussions on an item. I entered "centering" into the search category above and found this thread among others.

your friend
Mike