eTopps Grading

dytch2220

How would PSA handle a Topps factory encased card like this? Would they grade the card, case intact or would the card be removed from its holder?

detroitlion20

I believe they remove the factory case. i have seen some of the In The Game Ultimate hockey cards graded and they were removed from the case as well.

CNote

I don't think they'll take it out of the case- those things aren't easy like a CS1.

dytch2220

I guess I'll send them an e-mail to inquire. So, then my question is: Would the card be worth more in the Topps factory sealed holder, or PSA graded if they do remove it? I'm thinking they do remove because when I search eBay, all eTopps cards are no longer in the factory holder.

epatmythes

PSA will not accept eTopps cards in their originally sealed holder... you must remove them before sending and put them in Card Savers. Additionally, and you will find them in regular PSA holders (IE. PSA graded them pre-2010)... but for all eTopps cards 2000-2003, that contain the aluminum eTopps medallion... PSA considers those to now be thick/memorabilia cards and will holder them in pack holders.

Conversely, BGS will accept eTopps cards in their original holders. You can also declare a minimum grade with BGS so that they do not break the eTopps seal and holder the card if it does not meet your minimum grade.

Personally, I don't like BGS... but they are way more favorable to the eTopps collector/grader. Back when eTopps was still something to be involved in, I solely submitted to BGS with minimum grade requirements of 9.5... I'd say it was probably 50-60% of eTopps cards would grade out 9.5 or 10.

Since I've become a loyal PSA collector, I haven't subbed many eTopps cards... but I certainly can say, it's been a major disappointment every time I evaluated as best I could, cracked the card out and it came back a 9. With the exception of a handful of eTopps cards, out of the thousands produced... a PSA 9 is hardly worth the $$$ to have in a PSA holder versus the original factory encased eTopps tomb.

dytch2220

This is a 2008 with a yellow medallion. Would this make it into the regular PSA holder?

CNote

Their consistency of year grading and slabs must be new. I sent in same year cards that came back in different sized slabs. Same thing happened with some Topps Tribute stuff.

bigdogparty

Its been about a year since I have submitted etopps cards but I always sent then in the original case. PSA never said I couldn't so I let them crack them out. Not sure if the policy changed. I know they have made changes like what epatmythes said. They used to also allow etopps auto cards to be submitted under red flips but now they only accept them as blue flip subs.

dytch2220

Here is the official response from PSA:

"PSA will not remove this item from the seal. You will have to remove this prior to sending it in to us, as we cannot encapsulate it in a PSA holder as-is. Please let us know if you have any other questions."