Posted By:
PaulThere's an unbelievably wide range of cards that fall within each of the lower grades, and a very tiny range of variation in each of the higher grades. At one time, this may have reflected market realities, when investors dominated auctions. They had no use for lower grade cards, so they lumped cards with a tiny tear and major damage into the same grade.
But with true collectors making a comeback, especially in vintage issues, this just doesn't make sense anymore. Collectors draw a huge distinction between your Ward and that Cobb. I'd be very happy to own your Ward and have no interest in that Cobb (even though it's one of my favorite cards). I think the prices on ebay now reflect this distinction. Maybe the grading companies will someday recognize it too, and come up with a finer breakdown of grades at the lower end, just like they have very fine distinctions at the high end (who really can tell the difference between a 9 or 10 or the SCD/Spinal Tap 11?)