SGC v. PSA

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Posted By: Jeffrey Lichtman

You all seem to know a lot about the grading companies, so I would appreciate if you could offer me some advice. I have a near complete 1956 Topps set in NM condition. I doubt I'll ever sell a single card but due to the value of the cards and the money I have spent to assemble the set, I feel that it makes sense to have the cards graded and protected. Because I assume that PSA is the leader in the field - and the cards seem to get the highest resale value
- I'm leaning towards sending the whole set there. However, everyone out here seems to think that SGC is better and that PSA is the devil. I'm wondering what you all think. While I don't plan on selling the cards, I would love to leave them to my (unborn) son someday and would want him to have the cards in the best version possible.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can give me.

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Posted By: Ben

Jeffrey, an identical topic was brought up several moths ago, and a board wide debate quickly ensued, and it got kinda ugly. Many if not most of the arguments reflected on personal experiences with either company. The sketchy thing about it is that for the most part, these sorts of debates usually degenerate into an exchange of personal agendas and biases- and while in some cases, these biases were legitimate and well-founded, I'm sure this isn't the sort of thing you wanted to get into in the first place.

Truth is that with the '56 topps issue, PSA and SGC are both safe bets. There is very little margin for error as this is a well known and widely collected issue. Although the resale on PSA is higher, you have already stated that you intend to Keep the cards. So, I guess it comes down to simple aesthetics- many people like the black background of the SGC holder. Anyways, good luck with whatever you choose!

Ben


ps. I'M SICK OF THIS DEBATE!

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Posted By: runscott

tiresome topic.

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Posted By: Todd

It's true this topic gets plenty of play, but since the search capabilities of this site either do not exist or escape my limited talents, I'll spend my two cents.

If you truly do not plan on selling your cards anytime soon (or ever), the resale value should not be a consideration. For all we (at least I) know, graded cards may go the way of the dinosaur in 10-15 years, or the landscape may be so different that its nothing more than a crapshoot to slab now for future dollars.

I believe you should consider the holder that you find most visually appealing and sturdy, and use a grading company that you believe will not damage your cards in the process. No sense "protecting" them in a slab if some fool dings the corners on the way into the slab. If you've read this board for any length of time you've already seen some strong opinions, probably in favor of SGC more than PSA, with some proponents of GAI and even a few Beckett stragglers (I think). My take is that you should read them all with a grain of salt, but remember that customer service is something you will greatly appreciate, or at least sorely miss when you don't get it. My vote is SGC, as I have the same objective as you--no sales contemplated on the good stuff for years.

Still, if you truly don't care about selling, then why not keep them in a penny sleeve tucked inside a rigid holder and taped/seled shut? Save the grading for another day, since having that '56 set graded by anyone is going to cost you what, about $1700 on up.

I've used up my two cents.

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Posted By: Mrc32

Yes, I agree, this topic has been beaten to death on this board. Mostly PSA bashing. Some I view as bashing that is deserved for stupid mistakes. Other is just petty.

As for your question- if you have NO plans to ever sell your cards and are just looking for something to protect your cards, then choose the company that whose holder you like the best.

If you are looking to sell your set, the PSA is the way to go as many Set registry participants will pay huge sums for Low Pop commons.

But I would recommend that you just keep your cards in a penny sleeves and in a binder. Much easier and vastly cheaper storage solution.

Good luck with what you choose.

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Posted By: Anonymous

I'll agree with all the above, and add this- you are really happy that you have a nice set. Grading may (falsely or not) expose flaws in those cards that you might have overlooked. Tiny wrinkles, a touch on a corner, etc not to mention the fact that some of those flaws might occur in handling the cards, either by you, the grading company, or the delivery service. You'll then be faced with upgrading just to get the holders all at the same level, as well as the grading fees.
In the end by the time the set goes to your child the grading company you chose may be as relevant as one like ASA. If you want a nice presentation and protection for your set why not invest in a really nice binder/slipcase combo like mjroop makes? It'll be a whole lot easier to sit your child on your lap and share it and discuss them than handling a huge pile of slabs.

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

I know that MJRoop and others have suggested putting cards into sleeves before putting them into the Ultra Pro pages; however, for the larger 56 set, the sleeves are too small. Are there larger penny sleeves for the larger 56 Topps cards?

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Posted By: Brian C Daniels

cards!