Posted By:
Jeff O"Since it is well know by anybody who has been in this hobby at least 20 years that all of these high grade 8's, 9's and 10s, didn't exist 15 or 20 years ago"
Let's assume we're not talking about PRO graded cards, or any of the other "fringe" grading companies for a minute. I think that statement is an overly broad generalization - great condition cards have been around. The big difference is that they used to stay in private collections, but now with the effect that grading has had on the market a lot of these hidden gems are making it into the marketplace. I'd sell too if I had stuff of this quality and could sell it for the stupid prices that 9's and 10's get... and replace those cards with lower grade, but still visually appealing examples and have plenty of cash left over.
I'm not naive enough to think that there isn't as much or more trimming going on now than there ever was, but trust me - there have always been plenty of nice cards in the hobby.
Jeff