Posted By:
Gilbert MainesI agree with Chris and others. Slabbing is of value now, and as the definition of grading becomes more refined, it could allow for simpler trading.
Specifically, if a card's grade accurately represented its condition, sight unseen trading could be feasible. That is: a PSA 8.45 Mantle, if adequately and accurately defined, could be exchanged as a commodity.
Following this path, it is comprehensible to purchase "Mantle Futures", "Options" and other forms of baseball card gambling.
I do not think that grading companies can ever get their act together sufficiently to accomplish this, so for now, I consider the possibility of sight unseen trading of baseball cards less likely than many other science fiction possibilities.