Good question to raise. Steve would be the best source obviously for an answer to that. Would be interesting to know. My guess is that he has picked up at least some of those items already graded, but again no way to know. Some 1970 Football vending boxes were recently auctioned in Mastro so he might have picked that up there. Perhaps he is still able to check authenticity through the holder but I would imagine that is not as accurate as checking the item raw. Either way, by carrying substantial GAI merchandise I believe that at least projects a confidence in their service if not an endorsement to the non-expert observer who visits his site.
<< <i>PSA press release said that Steve Hart was to be grading for them. >>
<< <i>will he carry PSA packs once he starts grading? >>
These are not exactly true or accurate statements. Steve Hart WILL NOT be grading packs. He will only be authenticating them. This eliminates the conflict of interest for the most part. As Steve put it to me once before, I trust his stuff now, why wouldn’t I trust him to authenticate once he’s doing it for PSA?
Let the unopened expert authenticate; let the expert graders grade.
Jeremy, true authenticate vs. grading is 100 different, but the company line at GAI has always been that their authenticators Rutter, Murphy, etc. dont grade either, however there has been much talk about a conflict when they sold packs. I'm just wondering if the same skepticism applies for anyone when the PSA authenticator (Steve or anyone that might hold that job) does the same. I think the bottom line here is trust, and it is clear that the character of the authenticator is just as important if not more than the slab a pack goes into. PSA is making a smart move going with someone who is trusted and liked in the hobby, it clearly gives them a step up on the competition.
I would think you have to make a decision. Either have your packs graded by someone who may be unqualified yet does not sell packs, or have them authenticated by someone who knows what they are doing and sells... Pack and autograph authentication is something that is learned with experience over time, and cannot be taught like grading can. When you buy from someone who knows his stuff, you are paying somewhat of a premium because you know it is good... What is the big difference if it is slabbed or not?... Also, i would think it would ber hard for somneone who already has his own successful business drop it all, to probably make less money grading for a company such as GAI...
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Comments
<< <i>PSA press release said that Steve Hart was to be grading for them. >>
<< <i>will he carry PSA packs once he starts grading? >>
These are not exactly true or accurate statements. Steve Hart WILL NOT be grading packs. He will only be authenticating them. This eliminates the conflict of interest for the most part. As Steve put it to me once before, I trust his stuff now, why wouldn’t I trust him to authenticate once he’s doing it for PSA?
Let the unopened expert authenticate; let the expert graders grade.
Good thread guys.
<< <i>Steve Hart WILL NOT be grading packs. He will only be authenticating them. This eliminates the conflict of interest for the most part. >>
Just because he doesn't assign a grade. You have got to be kidding. I don't see a difference. Good spin.
Specializing in Certified Autograph Cards, Rookies, Rare Inserts and other quality modern cards! Over 8000 Cards in stock now! Come visit our physical store located at 1210 Main St. Belmar ,NJ