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Graded vs Raw

I was just at the Rosemont/Chicago show. I don't even look at raw cards these days because it is much easier and somewhat standardized to buy graded cards. The pricing on graded seems a little more transparent and stable. What suprised me is how many raw cards that were on display. I wonder if there are still some gems hiding in those binders and top loaders. I assume that if a card was really strong it would have already been sent in for grading. Are dealers still buying raw collections and sending them in for grading? It seems like a gamble. Can we assume as more cards are graded that the remaining raw cards will be of lesser quality? These are just my thoughts and opinions. Lets hear what you have to say.
Love those 70's - early 80's packs and boxes...send me a message if you are selling because I am buying

Comments

  • You might be surprised at how many people either don't know about grading or just don't want to deal with it. It has become both more attractive and challenging to find nice raw examples of vintage cards, and when it happens, the satisfaction far outweighs that of simply finding and buying an already graded example. I realize there's safety and comfort in knowing that you're receiving a presumably legitimate product in a slabbed gem, but it's kind of like having someone else hunt down the lion for you, and then you get to step forward and put your foot on its belly and smile for the photograph.
  • rexvosrexvos Posts: 3,306 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: Stewie
    You might be surprised at how many people either don't know about grading or just don't want to deal with it. It has become both more attractive and challenging to find nice raw examples of vintage cards, and when it happens, the satisfaction far outweighs that of simply finding and buying an already graded example. I realize there's safety and comfort in knowing that you're receiving a presumably legitimate product in a slabbed gem, but it's kind of like having someone else hunt down the lion for you, and then you get to step forward and put your foot on its belly and smile for the photograph.


    I find stuff all the time. If I can come to a reasonable deal on nice raw cards I buy. I just picked up a strong 72 Topps Ryan and 87 Fleer Jordan from a shop that should have graded the cards years ago, but instead just had them in a box behind the counter. It blows my mind that someone can own and run a hobby shop and not be grading everything that should be in a holder
    Looking for FB HOF Rookies
  • dberk12dberk12 Posts: 399 ✭✭
    I am always surprised to see how many people are against grading in general and take an "old school" approach with their collections. To each their own. My point is that you can absolutely find hidden gems in the raw card market. You just have to know what to look for.


    Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.





    -George F. Will
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    ...it's kind of like having someone else hunt down the lion for you, and then you get to step forward and put your foot on its belly and smile for the photograph.

    Too soon. image

  • maddux69maddux69 Posts: 2,150 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: bobsbbcards
    ...it's kind of like having someone else hunt down the lion for you, and then you get to step forward and put your foot on its belly and smile for the photograph.

    Too soon. image



    I take it you are not an Anthony Jeselnik fan?
  • PSASAPPSASAP Posts: 2,284 ✭✭✭
    Or it's like feeding a slot machine with no payoff, then you leave and the next guy puts in a buck and hits the jackpot.
  • After 25+ years of collecting, dealing, going to card shows, I still find that 90% of collectors don't buy graded cards.
  • For set collectors like me, I can't afford for everything to be graded. For example, I am finishing up my 1958 Topps baseball set. When it is all finished, I'll have about $2k into it. How could I do that graded? I recently bought a nice Ex condition 1971 set for $575. I couldn't buy half the cards in the set graded for that. I just completed a graded 1973 Topps basketball set. It is #6 on the registry. But, I have almost $2k into a set that I could buy raw for $250. So, I am collecting some PSA sets, but 90% of my collection will have to be raw.
    Successful dealings with shootybabitt, LarryP, Doctor K, thedutymon, billsgridirongreats, fattymacs, shagrotn77, pclpads, JMDVM, gumbyfan, itzagoner, rexvos, al032184, gregm13, californiacards3, mccardguy1, BigDaddyBowman, bigreddog, bobbyw8469, burke23, detroitfan2, drewsef, jeff8877, markmac, Goldlabels, swartz1, blee1, EarlsWorld, gseaman25, kcballboy, jimrad, leadoff4, weinhold, Mphilking, milbroco, msassin, meteoriteguy, rbeaton and gameusedhoop.
  • rexvosrexvos Posts: 3,306 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: PowderedH2O
    For set collectors like me, I can't afford for everything to be graded. For example, I am finishing up my 1958 Topps baseball set. When it is all finished, I'll have about $2k into it. How could I do that graded? I recently bought a nice Ex condition 1971 set for $575. I couldn't buy half the cards in the set graded for that. I just completed a graded 1973 Topps basketball set. It is #6 on the registry. But, I have almost $2k into a set that I could buy raw for $250. So, I am collecting some PSA sets, but 90% of my collection will have to be raw.


    I agree building base sets slabbed is a losing proposition unless you have tons of expendable income, which I don't. I built a 1969 Topps Fb set in PSA 8 and higher just to break it up and turn the $$$ into key rookie cards I would rather own. I still collect sets as well but all base sets will remain raw. I would only grade commons to resell
    Looking for FB HOF Rookies
  • I believe your comments are generally correct. Seems to make sense that as more raw cards are graded, all that is left are the miscuts, trimmed etc. I don't understand a $50 to $100 raw card being sold on eBay. I guess it could turn into a $400 graded card but why risk it? I generally wait for a reasonably priced graded version. I always feel bad selling my junk cards on eBay. While I label them as miscut, minisize etc., there is nothing to stop buyer from re-selling with a different description. And my cards seem to sell fairly well. As Joe O. proclaims -- "Only buy graded cards."



    I would add that PSA's recent change in the grading structure. 'Pop tops?', whatever that is, is not a real good sign. There is some demand in the extreme quality category but drops off real quick. I still collect mid-70s full sets. I can often (not always, but often) buy a PSA 8 at 10% the price of a PSA 9. The difference in price does not accurately represent the difference in quality.









    Originally posted by: jsanz

    I was just at the Rosemont/Chicago show. I don't even look at raw cards these days because it is much easier and somewhat standardized to buy graded cards. The pricing on graded seems a little more transparent and stable. What suprised me is how many raw cards that were on display. I wonder if there are still some gems hiding in those binders and top loaders. I assume that if a card was really strong it would have already been sent in for grading. Are dealers still buying raw collections and sending them in for grading? It seems like a gamble. Can we assume as more cards are graded that the remaining raw cards will be of lesser quality? These are just my thoughts and opinions. Lets hear what you have to say.




  • Don't believe it. I just graded my first cards ever a few years ago. I know of many people with VERY nice cards that are not in holders. I'm 50, and a lot of guys my age and older collected cards for years and put them in boxes and plastic sheets. Many of those guys aren't going to pay to have them graded. They also aren't going to mess up the symmetry of the binders and sheets for a bunch of slabs. PSA certainly hopes that there are still many nice raw cards out there, otherwise the business will slow down considerably.
    Successful dealings with shootybabitt, LarryP, Doctor K, thedutymon, billsgridirongreats, fattymacs, shagrotn77, pclpads, JMDVM, gumbyfan, itzagoner, rexvos, al032184, gregm13, californiacards3, mccardguy1, BigDaddyBowman, bigreddog, bobbyw8469, burke23, detroitfan2, drewsef, jeff8877, markmac, Goldlabels, swartz1, blee1, EarlsWorld, gseaman25, kcballboy, jimrad, leadoff4, weinhold, Mphilking, milbroco, msassin, meteoriteguy, rbeaton and gameusedhoop.
  • jsanzjsanz Posts: 250 ✭✭
    Ah, I forgot about set builders. I am sure complete slabbed sets can get very pricey. I have seen many sets where the star cards are graded and rest are raw.



    What if you want say a few high dollar "iconic cards". Would you go for a really nice raw copy or go graded?
    Love those 70's - early 80's packs and boxes...send me a message if you are selling because I am buying
  • I've had much success buying raw sets over the years, grading the nicer stars, selling those and buying raw replacements to lower the total 'cost' of the set considerably ~ Yet, still have a nice NM set to be proud of that stores quite well in sheets and binder. Sweet!! image
  • seebelowseebelow Posts: 1,643 ✭✭✭
    I started and finished my '65 set raw....lately added slabbed Mantle, Carlton rook and a couple others....anymore I would never buy raw stars but i bet there is money to be made buying them and then subbing...just need to find the time..



    The raw set was pre internet days...putting together a slabbed set...ugh...lets not go down that road..just so cost prohibitive...but i can see the attraction, tried a couple times.



    That reminds me....i think i have a raw carlton rookie somewhere...heres wishing me luck boys
    Interested in higher grade vintage cards. Aren't we all. image
  • Unfortunately, I just don't trust the raw that is out there. I learned the hard way.
  • SdubSdub Posts: 736 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: thebaseballcardkid

    Unfortunately, I just don't trust the raw that is out there. I learned the hard way.




    ++ I'm finding it hard to believe dealers who have been in business for years and whom have raw cards...then sell these raw cards cheaper than they would be if graded...Huh?



    I see that exact opposite. Dealers with raw cards 99% of the time want NM pricing for EX card quality.
    Collecting PSA 9's from 1970-1977. Raw 9's from 72-77. Raw 10's from '78-'83.
    Collecting Unopened from '72-'83; mostly BBCE certified boxes/cases/racks.
    Prefer to buy in bulk.
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