Posted By:
Marc S.Runscott....my recollection is that the grading companies came about in the late 1980's/early 1990's specifically because many high $$$ collectors were purchasing Mantle/Ruth/Cobb, etc. cards that had been trimmed/altered, etc. and they wanted another professional opinion before spending serious $$$ on cards.
I do agree that it seems to be a vicious circle in some ways, though...
