Does PSA 7 actually devalue a card

natetrook · October 25, 2009 6:55AM

Was trying to put together a nice 1961 Fleer Bkbl set.

I've noticed that raw card purchases, which are always overgraded are difficult to find in Nmt/Mt condition.
Either they are advertised as Mint, and sell for PSA-8 money, or advertised as Near mint or Nmt/Mt
and are actually EX - EX/Mt. These cards sell for less. The "Mint" cards are risky for trim or recolored.

The PSA 6 to PSA-7 grades are usually strong cards, and sell for less money. So I find myself buying
these cards and cracking them to fit into my raw set.

Anyone think that PSA-7 is an off grade, but actually leads to tremendous bargains???
Nate

perkdog · October 25, 2009 7:03AM

It depends. I collect Vintage ( 1950's ) PSA 7's are gorgeous cards in alot of cases and are cheap compared to 8+ grade.

If your talking 1970's through the 2000's then yes PSA 7 would be considered an "off grade"

gstarling · October 25, 2009 7:04AM

I've always heard PSA 7 was the "collector's grade". There isn't near the competition from the registry, and it seems like people would rather chance gambling on raw. I'm with you, I'd rather buy a 7 and crack it for a raw set than to take a shot on an ungraded card from the 60s or 70s.

daddymc · October 25, 2009 7:08AM

Even with the 70's issues, I will still purchase PSA 7's, especially for raw set crack outs. I will take a well centered 7 over an off-centered 8 everytime if it's for my personal collection. There is a lot of value in 7's IMO because it is considered an "off grade" but they can still be very nice cards visually.

If you are talking more from an investment perspective though, you would want to go with 8's or even higher.

vladguerrero · October 25, 2009 8:41AM

as perkdog said anything 1970+ I would say psa 7 is a downgrade...

RonBurgundy · October 25, 2009 9:42AM

Depends on the card. Some PSA 7's you can't give away even in the 50's and 60's.

Includes some stars too. 61 Mantle in 7 is about a $400 card but raw card dealers will sell NM examples for more than that.

I'm Ron Burgundy?

WinPitcher · October 25, 2009 9:47AM

Nate when I was building my 66 set it was cheaper for me to buy many high numbers in 5 or 6 then it was

for me to buy some raw that the seller claimed were nm/mnt etc.

Many times it is a wise choice to buy 6, 7 and even 8's and crack em.

Steve

Morgoth · October 25, 2009 9:48AM

If your a dealer centered PSA 6 and 7s offer great resell value. If you are in a set registry in the 60s or later they generally won't give you much value for that. If building raw sets from issues commonly trimmed or altered (lke 71 Topps BB) then they are a great deal.

leadoff4 · October 25, 2009 9:58AM

Shhhh... 7s are a good deal.

Nathaniel1960 · October 26, 2009 1:36AM

I just won this 62 Clemente PSA 7 Clemente

And I'm hoping its a bump candidate. Nice centering, great borders.....IMO 7's are the best bump candidates

However, the best deals are still hi end 5's with back wrinkles.

bigjaco · October 26, 2009 2:03AM

<< <i>I just won this 62 Clemente PSA 7 Clemente

And I'm hoping its a bump candidate. Nice centering, great borders.....IMO 7's are the best bump candidates

However, the best deals are still hi end 5's with back wrinkles. >>

Very nice looking Clemente.

itzagoner · October 26, 2009 2:45AM

agreed on bumpable 7's....buy enough and you'll potentially wind up with a few 8's.....then, you own some nice "collector grade" cards and have some substance with which to balance your budget.

DrJ · October 26, 2009 3:03AM

To echo the rest, a PSA 7 is a death kiss for anything in the 70's and later. Outside of Rookie cards, a PSA 8 is usually a death kiss as well on cards from the 80s on.

That being said, these are great cards for the money and wonderful additions for a collection. Just don't expect them to appreciate or even maintain value overtime as the population reports change.

digicat · October 26, 2009 3:40AM

<< <i>To echo the rest, a PSA 7 is a death kiss for anything in the 70's and later. Outside of Rookie cards, a PSA 8 is usually a death kiss as well on cards from the 80s on. >>

Agreed. However, I don't mind PSA 7 for some of the more condition sensitive 1971 cards. With Bert Blyleven, you can pay $25 for a nice PSA 7, or $200 for a PSA 8.

Nathaniel1960 · October 26, 2009 3:57AM

"Death Kiss" would make a great speed metal band name. Their first album could be entitled "Slip of the Tongue"

Does PSA 7 actually devalue a card

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