But what I'm not really liking is the black-white OC or not OC when there are varying degrees. Take this card for example. I think we'd all agree much better centering than the '72 Schaal card above. Maybe 60/40 at worst 65/35. If it is a 9 (OC) to me that indicates other than centering the card would have been a 9 based on corners, color, overall wear.
What I don't get is that the PSA grading standards for an 8 say centering must be 65/35 to 70/30 on front and 90/10 or better on the back.
It seems to me that these cards should sell for between an 8 and a 9 then. Without a qualifier it would have been an 8 based on their own centering standards but instead usually sell for 2 grades or more lower.
Full disclose - I bought this card yesterday cause I thought it was overall a beautiful card for $185. A true PSA 9 goes for $1800-2500, PSA 8 for $250-300 and PSA 7 for $150-160. The "adjusted value" of this card in my mind should be more like $500-1000 based on what the grading truly means but the market doesn't bear that out. People just seemed so freaked out by that qualifier.
Look I know people may cringe at the dollars talk and should be for the love of the hobby, etc. Believe me it is - but no one can deny the drive to collect something that may best retain or appreciate in value for the next generation and I'm still working out what that balance is for me.
Am I beating a dead horse here?
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