Posted By:
Gilbert MainesIf you need to rely on third party verification of authenticity: join the crowd. However, you can still learn about dot patterns without cracking the cards out.
But you can not appreciate the differences between the thickness, texture and other characteristics of a card unless you hold it.
So if you need the slab crutch, you certainly are not alone. But if you want to advance in your knowledge and appreciation of the cards - why isolate yourself from them?
If you are uncertain about grades, however, keep them slabbed until that uncertainty goes away. But do not dismiss the enjoyment of a raw card, without recognizing what you opt to isolate yourself from. i.e. once you have handled several 1914 + 1915 CJs, you know the differences. At that point leave 'em slabbed if you care about the further damage you will do to them. Well, this is my recommendation.
No spotted owls, inebreated finches nor other wildlife has been harmed in the generation of this post.
This is Gilbert Maines, and I approve this message.