Graded vintage cards will appeal to people for the foreseeable future. It provides a double-check from someone (other than the seller) that the card is authentic and unaltered...or at least, that's the idea.
With all the alterations (and occasional fakes) that slip past third party graders, it is by no means a perfect system. Add to that the instances in which fake or compromised TPG holders enter the marketplace, and we're probably no better off than we were back in the 80s.
The best route to take is the same as it has always been. Learn the set(s) you collect. Study commons to learn the paper stock, print techniques, and other details which allow you to identify genuine, unaltered cards. Buy a loupe, blacklight, and ruler. Use these to help pick up on fine details which may elude the unaided eye.
In the end, you just may find yourself enjoying the cards quite a bit more than all this damn plastic.
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Eric Perry
Currently collecting:
T206 (132/524)
1956 Topps Baseball (189/342)
"You can observe a lot by just watching."
- Yogi Berra
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