I have been involved with grading for many years, since soon after PSA even started.
Recently I had a '69 Aaron, looked a lock for an 8 and closer to a 9 than a 7. Near perfect centering, no tilt, very nice color focus & gloss, super clean back, 4 corners sharp front & back. Came back a 7. Very disappointed.
And I just picked up a 1973/4 Cassius Clay SGC 7. Compared it up against my PSA 8. Holy cow! The SGC 7 appears honest to goodness MINT 9. If it were in a 9 holder I wouldn't bat an eye - yes, most deservedly so, and would have been very happy with the card even knowing I paid a 9 price.
Then there is always the I didn't see something the graders caught.
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