How do grades compare between graders?

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Posted By: Chris

I'm relatively new to purchasing graded cards, and without the knowledge that only time will bring, I thought I'd ask my question to all of you. I searched through posts here and found some different opinions thoughout different threads, but I'd like to see some consolidated, straight-up comparisons. If I'm looking only at SGC, BVG, PSA and GAI, how does grading match up on vintage cards? Is a BVG 5 comparable to a PSA 5, GAI 5 and a SGC 60? Obviously I'm interested in grades across the whole range... 5's are just an example.

I appreciate any comments. If there is a thread that specifically elaborates on this topic, please accept my apologies.

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Posted By: Frank B

Although the numerical grades may differ, the description
(Fair, VG, EX) is somewhat universal so if you use that to
match up graders you should be pretty accurate in your conversion.

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Posted By: Eric Brehm

I think it's true that the grading companies' grading standards are pretty comparable across the traditional grades, at least on paper. There has been some debate however about which companies apply the standards most strictly, and this may vary for different aspects of card condition -- e.g. maybe one company tends to be tougher than another on corners, but more liberal on centering. Or one company gives less emphasis to the condition of the reverse of the card in assigning a grade.

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Posted By: Marty Ogelvie

For lower grade collector's like myself presentation is much more important than numerical grade. When you get into 1s, 2s and 3s, cards can look significantly different even though they might have the same numerical grade.  The higher the grade, the more consistancy you will see from different graders across the board.  8s look like 8s, 7s look like 7s from all your major graders.

Here is a 2 (good) from SGC and GAI... I'll like the SGC card more because of presentation.

 

martyOgelvie
nyyankeecards.com