Posted By:
Gilbert MainesWhen still Mint, some cards look better than others because their color, contrast, gloss, or other characteristics are superior. As their state of preservation deteriorates through use, these cards retain their superior qualities until they become very well used.
The grading philosophies currently employed do not address this consideration. Similarly, overemphasis is placed by the available services on factors including centering, toning and damage to blank backs.
In my opinion, in addition to rarity and demand for a card, both its degree of preservation and its original quality should be computed to establish value.
Since third party grading services employ techniques which factor in a skewed value system, the grade which they label a card with does not always reflect the card's value to a collector, as shown in these graded examples of attractive OJs. Therefore, the assigned grade does not always provide useful information in the determination of a card's value.