Non Big Three Grading Companies in 2024

[parkplace33]

In the last few years, I have read a lot about new grading companies starting and getting into the game. These are all non big three (PSA, SGC, Beckett) companies.

Specifically for prewar/post war cards, have any of companies made inroads into vintage? From my eye, no, but I want other members take. I haven’t seen any online, in auctions, eBay, or at card shows.

I would love another option for grading, especially maybe one with using AI. Maybe some trends will change in 2024.

[Johnny630]

I think PWCC is getting some done by that guy who puts those little diamond stickers on Cards to say whether raw cards are authentic or not.

I wonder if any other auction houses will come up with their grading services?

[ClementeFanOh]

Drew- I just bought an HGA (Hybrid Grade Approach) graded 1977 Topps
Paul Molitor rookie at a show last week. A dealer there other than the one
I bought the Molitor from, had for sale approximately 30 HGA graded cards
as well. I like the Molitor and think they got it exactly right at 7.5. This
company may be the droid you are seeking

I have also owned a couple CSG graded cards and transacted them with
other collectors, and I agreed with the grades on those cards. Speaking
exclusively about grading accuracy, the sample size I've seen is no worse
than PSA's accuracy, and is likely better (although that's not a high bar
to climb).

These are the only 2 I've experimented with in the past year. They clearly
lack the popularity of the Big 3 up to this point; however, I think the same
logic with their cards applies to that of dealing with the Big 3- buy the card,
not the holder.

Trent King

[raulus]

Definitely see plenty of vintage CSG out there. Although admittedly it tends to be postwar midgrade stuff. I suspect that most submitters haven’t really warmed up to the idea of high grade and high value pieces in CSG holders, aside from that one time a 311 Mantle was graded by CSG, and even then there was a whole lot of guessing that it might have been the CSG owners who were trying to promote their brand.

[notfast]

Id 100% rather have CSG vintage than BVG/BGS at this point. I think this year we see CSG pass Beckett into the top 3.

[Svabinsky78]

CSG does have the nicest slabs and the vintage cards in CSG slabs I do own, I feel have been properly graded. CSG though (now CGC) has mainly a niche in Pokemon and comic cards. For sports cards, I've mostly seen CSG,CGC associated with modern,/ultra modern, not so much vintage.

I do personally like BVG, but I know that I am in the minority. The BVG slabbed cards I own are properly graded, in some cases undergraded IMO, and I like the feel of the slabs. For some reasons beyond my comprehension, Beckett has turned into a leper.

[toledo_mudhen]

Originally Posted by notfast

Id 100% rather have CSG vintage than BVG/BGS at this point. I think this year we see CSG pass Beckett into the top 3.

Yep - Totally Agree

[Vintagedeputy]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Drew- I just bought an HGA (Hybrid Grade Approach) graded 1977 Topps
Paul Molitor rookie at a show last week.

A 1977 Topps Molitor rookie? Now that I'd like to see!

[Snowman]

I'm a big fan of CGC holders for my PC. I'd probably send them everything if I never cared about resale value. I hope they continue to make more inroads into the vintage space (or just sports cards in general).

Although if SGC were to ever come out with a new holder that is similar to the CGC one, in addition to their current holder, giving collectors a choice, then I would probably never send another card to any other TPG ever again.

[Snowman]

As far as any "AI" grading options making its way to the vintage sector, I see that as highly unlikely. I work in AI, I'm a data scientist, and I'll spare you the details but grading vintage cards accurately through any sort of automation or "AI" process is much more difficult than grading ultra modern cards. I'm not convinced that "AI" will ever outperform human grading in this hobby. But I've been wrong before.

[FromVAtoLA]

Why would you love another option? Cost? A service that other three aren't offering? Something else? Interested to know.

Originally Posted by parkplace33

I would love another option for grading, especially maybe one with using AI.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by FromVAtoLA

Why would you love another option? Cost? A service that other three aren't offering? Something else? Interested to know.

I like competition, especially in this part of card collecting. I also think that AI can be used moreso than it is now.

Exciting to see what may come out this year.

[Flintboy]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

In the last few years, I have read a lot about new grading companies starting and getting into the game. These are all non big three (PSA, SGC, Beckett) companies.

Specifically for prewar/post war cards, have any of companies made inroads into vintage? From my eye, no, but I want other members take. I haven’t seen any online, in auctions, eBay, or at card shows.

I would love another option for grading, especially maybe one with using AI. Maybe some trends will change in 2024.

We need another grading company like we need another auction house.