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Posted By: Peter Thomas

I agree that GAI cards a generally at least 1/2 Grade higher than PSA and often a grade higher than SGC. I have never had a card graded by GAI, but have purchased many cards in their holders that I needed. I think there is little risk of geting lower grades if you cross over to GAI, but there is significant risk that once in the GAI holders the cards will be damaged - certainly with thin vintage cards maybe not so much with thicker 50's cards. Fully half of the vintage cards that I have purchased in GAI holders are loose in the holder and could be easily damaged. PSA holders that fit issues such as T206 are ok, but the condoms in the e-cards also can cause damage. PSA will also use the condom for cards that they do have holders for when they are out of those holders and that is just wrong. I get all of the GAI cards out of their holders and into SGC or PSA depending on issue. I am in the midst of crossing my PSA e-card condom holders to SGC, but that is going to be a long process. Another lessen that I have learned in purchasing cards that are in GAI holders is that if a back scan is not included be carefull as, they are much more tolerant of back damage than PSA or SGC.