Posted By:
JoannI like the concept of 3P grading to the extent that it really has made internet collecting much less subjective and risky. As a practical matter, the holders do protect the card, make it easier to play show and tell, etc.
I wish the three companies would standardize holders, but until they do I will heavily favor SGC for reasons of vintage experience, size/solidity of holders, and that the black surround for vintage cards really helps them display. I am even considering adding a kind of whimsical little side collection of predominantly red cards in SGC holders. Don't know what I'd do with them exactly, but if I got enough I bet it could turn into a pretty dramatic display.
The downside of grading is that it removes the card from the owner. I don't think you can truly appreciate why (or even that) E95's and E103's are so condition sensitive if you have never actually had one in your hand.
My goal is to have most of my collection in SGC holders at some point. But I will try to keep at least one sample from each set (probably a lower end card) in raw state as a "touch and feel" example. I really like showing people my cards, and although they think the holders are cool, the ones they spend time on are those they hold raw in hand. And with many of my raw cards lower end, I have no hesitation at all about handing one to someone else - even a kid.
J