Is the auto grade given by beckett a game changer for the newer issue cards?

olb31

Seems like for the last 10 or so years that a lot of auto cards are getting graded by Beckett. In fact a 9.5 card sells for what a psa 10 sells for. not like that for most issues older. Is it just the auto grade that makes this a distinguishing factor?

sbfinley

BGS has become the go-to TPG for modern issues. As it is, each of the three major TPG companies have entrenched themselves in a particular era of hobby issues. SGC in pre-war, PSA in vintage 1950's-1980's, and BGS with modern... say post 2001 (and in particular - modern certified auto issues).

In comparison, a BGS 9.5 Auto 10 card will out hammer a PSA 10 of the same card in the majority of instances. I've discovered the reason for this is two-fold. First, PSA seems to be far more lenient on the autos. A mint card with a bubbled, running, or streaked auto can still get a PSA 10 and there are instances of certain particular cards that are notoriously difficult to find with a solid auto (Bryce Harper's 2011 Bowman and Bowman Chrome autos for example) and mindful collectors will crack BGS 9.5/9's and sub to PSA to get a 10.

Secondly, modern auto collectors are no different than PSA registry collectors - the flip means a lot. There are several things Beckett does that causes me to shake my head (looking at you stupid-@$$ BCCG), but they nailed it with the flip design. Having a 9/10 or 9.5/9 card with a silver flip in the middle of a group 9.5/10's with the gold flip will cause many a collector to spend the coin necessary to upgrade. The new black labels on pristine cards take it to another level and I've seen some insane prices on base cards that feature the new flip.

olb31

Interesting. The auto grade means more than the grade. Typically a bgs 9.5, let's say John Elway rookie, will sell for 500-600, maybe higher if it's .5 away from a 10. But the pSA 10 is selling for $4,000 or more.

Move forward 25 years and Beckett 9.5 with 10 auto's are selling for more than a PSA 10. And in fact the newer cards are getting graded for more frequently by Becket also. So would you rather have a 2011 contender JJ watt in psa 10 or bgs 9.5 with a 10 auto?