PSA vs GAI- why the lack of confidence

Mickey71

I wanted to hear some opinions on this. If the head guys from PSA went to GAI-then why do a percentage of collectors get nervous buying GAI cards even when they are bought in person. I only buy the card (not the grade) to eliminate this dilemma. I've seen 8.5's that were awesome and some that stunk.

ToppsCo1lector

GAI sells autographs. That's a clear conflict of interest.

tdfitz

Speaking as the person who has the #1 Nolan Ryan PSA Master set, I have seen two blantantly forged Ryan autographed cards which were both slabbed "Authentic" by GAI. These signatures were not even close. Laughable I would venture to say.

My 2 cents on the subject.

Wabittwax

<< <i>I wanted to hear some opinions on this. If the head guys from PSA went to GAI-then why do a percentage of collectors get nervous buying GAI cards even when they are bought in person. I only buy the card (not the grade) to eliminate this dilemma. I've seen 8.5's that were awesome and some that stunk. >>



Obviously you haven't been around the graded market long enough to know the stories of the old regime. Do some research and talk to some dealers and you'll get your answers.

Morgoth

THe short answer is that the "old guard" at PSA were thought by many to give lenient grades out to certain dealers or collectors. Some collectors actively avoid any cards in holders from the first couple of years PSA was in buisness due to this.

mikeschmidt

In short, GAI has lost market credibility

Griffins

<< <i>In short, GAI has lost market credibility >>



Sad but true. No one ever had so many advantages at the outset and squandered them so badly.

Wabittwax

They should be back on top by Monday though.

Mickey71

This is the main reason that I buy the card and not the holder. If the regime went hand in hand with the dealers then what does this say about the dealers? Also, how many millions of cards were graded while these people were there? There is potentially quite a bit of junk in holders out there. THANKS for the responses guys.

cmoking

Another big problem with GAI cards is the fact that many of the cards that were in GAI holders that did not have problems (i.e. fairly graded or undergraded, and not altered or trimmed), have already been crossed to PSA/SGC or cracked out and submitted. So the cards still in GAI holders are more likely to have problems because they werent' cracked or crossed. This is probably a bigger problem for GAI 7 and higher cards, and less of a problem for GAI 4 cards.

Morgoth

I agree with cmoking on that. Stay away from those GAI 8.5's, they all have wrinkles

RipublicaninMass

<< <i>I agree with cmoking on that. Stay away from those GAI 8.5's, they all have wrinkles >>



So do I, but the Mrs. don't complain