[MattyC]

This is golden advice:

"A dealer I'm friendly with in another hobby once told me " If the item is a good one you can't pay too much, just too soon" Meaning that even spending a bit over what's typical for something really nice will usually payoff in the long run. Sure, you'll hardly ever be able to flip it right away, but if it's something you'll keep for a few years you'll do better than the person paying an average price for average stuff, or a low price for items with problems."

Could not agree more. For quick flippers, paying premiums for the best looking card in the grade is "overpaying." But for the collector who wants to enjoy a card for years and thus has a long investment horizon, it is the way to go 100% of the time. Not only do you get the pleasure of admiring and owning the better looking card, but you also will do better if you sell it several years down the line for whatever reason.