consistency among TPGs - a semi scientific randomized experiment -warning a lot of scans
cpettimd
Posts: 1,050 ✭✭✭
Hypothesis:
Is there any consistency among TPG companies with regards to grading ( PSA vs other companies) ?
Experiment:
Over the last year I have purchased a handful of graded cards from other companies (not PSA) mostly for my personal collection. I want consistency in my collection (as well as participate in the registries (Aaron Clemente) ), so all of my cards now reside in PSA holders.
I removed the cards from their respective holders and submitted them to PSA on different occasions, at different service levels, and they were graded by different graders. Results and comments below. There is some bias in the fact that I only purchased cards that were centered and appeared to have strong eye appeal. I find it difficult to see corners through the BVG slabs, very thick plastic and inner sleeve.
Also these cards were all post war (1950's - 70's) HOF, mostly Aaron and Clemente, with a price rance from $10 - $300- so their is some bias there. I did not take a chance with any big money cards.
Conclusion:
There is some consistency among PSA and other TPG. I think SGC is the most consistent (when you take out the centering). BVG has more variability- up to 1 to 1.5 grades different in either direction-and I would not trust them with out the card in hand. GAI some consistency - with some misses, I am lucky no EOT on any of my purchases here.
Results and Comments:
victims
1977 Munson PSA 9 - was BVG 8- with subs of 9 except for surface which was 8- ? due to small line on right edge? undergraded
1967 Clemente PSA 8 was GAI 8.5 was worried about bottom rough cut- but turned out well
1964 Aaron Mays PSA 7.5 was BVG 7.5 - spot on the grade could have been a 7
1959 aaron AS PSA 6.5 -was BVG 7 - knew all the corners had friction but wanted in a psa holder - nice eye appeal though
1963 Buc blasters PSA 7 was SCD 8- too much PD for a PSA 8
1963 Buc Blasters PSA 5 was GAI 7.5 badly damaged holder - small wrinkle missed by GAI -I saw it.
1959 Aaron mathews PSA 6.5 was BVG 7.5 - suspected it was a possible PSA 7-but I wanted in a PSA holder
1964 Aaron stand up PSA 7 - was SGC 84 - appropriate
1964 Clemente stand up PSA 7 was SCG 86 7.5- this was the only crossover - I think they flipped the lower right corner while taking it out
1971 Topps Clemente PSA 7.5 - this was a BVG 7.5
1958 WS Foes PSA 7 was blue label SCD 8- edge impression on top from gasket probably lowered grade
1961 Mays All Star PSA 8 was SGC 88
1971 Rose PSA 7 was SCD old 7
1971 Topps Bench PSA 7 - this was a BVG 6.5
1968 NL #1 PSA 8 - was some krap company gem ?10 --$10 card- looked like NM/ MT
1980 Henderson- now a PSA 8
1964 Topps Aaron PSA 7 - was GAI 7.5
1963 Aaron Mays PSA 8 was BVG 7 - thought it was way undergraded
Collecting Clemente master (#6) and basic PSA registry sets, Hank Aaron master and basic sets, Mantle oddball issues, 1970's mega decade HOFs, 1967 Topps pin ups, and high grade Topps Clemente and Aaron. Numerous transactions with over 100 board members.
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Comments
Bosox1976
It seems between the 3 major companies on any given day a half or even full grade can go either way. Some consistency for the most part with SGC.
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