[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by 53toppscollector

Downgrading in terms of condition is definitely a good strategy, it all depends what you are willing to live with in terms of defects or issues with a card. There are plenty of PSA 1s out there with slight paper loss along the edge or back of the card, where the rest of the card presents as a 5 or 6. If you can live with that, the difference in price is massive.

If you are putting together a binder set, you can also find trimmed/altered versions of cards that present like a 4-5 mid grade card, but they might be 1/16 of an inch short. If its going in a binder and you aren't concerned about it being trimmed, you can save $$$ of money.

There have been lots of posts here in the last year of cards that are graded between a 1 and 3 that have excellent eye appeal. You can be discerning and find great deals. I always secure the new card (in the lower condition) before I sell my existing card, but your mileage may vary on how important that is to you.

I've heard this from other hobby friends too... pick up the replacement first. It does become a bit of a cash float issue but maybe only to start