Posted By:
Scott ForrestI've had it go both ways - purchased an ungraded NM t206 Joss portrait on ebay and took a bath when SGC slabbed it as EX+. I've also purchased cards slabbed as NM that had undisclosed paper loss/scratches on the back.
And most of us have purchased ungraded vintage cards on ebay that ended up being spectacular bargains - ask Jay about his Mint t206 Keeler.
It really depends on what you feel comfortable with and how much research you want to do before making the deal. I was serious when I suggested that, based on your post, you personally should only buy high-grade cards in slabs. Reduce stress whenever possible.