Grading companies

[Snapolit1]

I realize this is a broad, highly subjective question, but as a relatively recent collector of vintage cards, I've strictly limited my major purchases to PSA or SGC graded cards. I don't particularly like the way other company's card holders look, and am just generally hesitant to buy a higher value card without PSA or SGC, Love the way SGC cards look, but realize PSA is the market leader. Looking at a rare card now that is graded by another co. Am I being stupid shying away from these other graders? Let me have it if I am. Just trying to learn. Thanks.

[Sean1125]

You need to be more specific.

What card?
What company?

You don't give half the story and expect an accurate answer.

It may be overgraded, it may be altered - you need to judge each piece as it is. Even companies like "GMA" will get the occasional original, unaltered cards from an collector with little/no knowledge of the current hobby.

[Fred]

I don't think you're being too cautious. I'd also include Beckett as an acceptable TPG but those holders are very stout.

If you see a card in a GAI holder it's probably authentic but there's a greater chance that it could be a card that was altered and placed into a holder with a numerical grade (more so than the other TPGs).

No problem with being cautious.

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by Fred

I don't think you're being too cautious. I'd also include Beckett as an acceptable TPG but those holders are very stout.

If you see a card in a GAI holder it's probably authentic but there's a greater chance that it could be a card that was altered and placed into a holder with a numerical grade (more so than the other TPGs).

No problem with being cautious.

I would agree with that assessment. I have stuck to PSA or SGC, but wouldn't have too much hesitation to go with Beckett for a rare card when that's what comes up. Early GAI's were very reliable, IMHO, but got less so over time.

Best to all,

Larry

[Bruinsfan94]

IMO Bvg is fine too. Just the holder is very ugly. GIA I wouldn't trust on a higher grade/end card. If you have a card graded GIA 8 there is literally no reason not to just send it to PSA/SGC if its unaltered because they sell for so much more.

[Touch'EmAll]

A bunch of years ago I bought a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays RC BVG 7. Then off to SGC via crossover service, came back trimmed. Then off to PSA, same result - trimmed.

[Snapolit1]

... thanks. . realize my question was a little incomplete.

I'm not trying to crap on another company, and I'm not trying to suggest that these other companies are incompetent or a bunch of crooks. I'm just trying to consider how they are viewed in the marketplace. For example, I know BGS and BVG have been around and are (as far as I know) respected and solid companies. But what does it mean when a vintage card is graded 8 by BGS? Is that a PSA 8? Or viewed as something else. Frankly if I had a valuable asset I would get it graded by the market leader, and not a small player. But maybe I'm missing the point.

[Peter_Spaeth]

IMHO if a card isn't in PSA or SGC (unless it's modern in which case BGS is OK), there is probably a reason.

[Snapolit1]

Thanks. Always been my gut feeling too. I know all the realtors in my town. When a house goes on the market and its a real estate company from 5 towns away that doesn't typically sell in my town I always wonder what's up. Just doesn't seem like a good sign . . . .

[glynparson]

I agree with what Peter said.

[chipperhank44]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

IMHO if a card isn't in PSA or SGC (unless it's modern in which case BGS is OK), there is probably a reason.

Keep in mind that some of us actually care more about our cards than the holder they are in. So yes, the "reason" I grade with BVG is superior PROTECTION rather than a superior registry.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

... thanks. . realize my question was a little incomplete.

I'm not trying to crap on another company, and I'm not trying to suggest that these other companies are incompetent or a bunch of crooks. I'm just trying to consider how they are viewed in the marketplace. For example, I know BGS and BVG have been around and are (as far as I know) respected and solid companies. But what does it mean when a vintage card is graded 8 by BGS? Is that a PSA 8? Or viewed as something else. Frankly if I had a valuable asset I would get it graded by the market leader, and not a small player. But maybe I'm missing the point.

From what I have seen, a BVG 8 will typically sell for slightly more than a PSA 7. Maybe about 10-20% of the difference between the value of a PSA 7 vs a PSA 8. I would expect a similar result for other grades.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

... thanks. . realize my question was a little incomplete.

I'm not trying to crap on another company, and I'm not trying to suggest that these other companies are incompetent or a bunch of crooks. I'm just trying to consider how they are viewed in the marketplace. For example, I know BGS and BVG have been around and are (as far as I know) respected and solid companies. But what does it mean when a vintage card is graded 8 by BGS? Is that a PSA 8? Or viewed as something else. Frankly if I had a valuable asset I would get it graded by the market leader, and not a small player. But maybe I'm missing the point.

From what I have seen, a BVG 8 will typically sell for slightly more than a PSA 7. Maybe about 10-20% of the difference between the value of a PSA 7 vs a PSA 8. I would expect a similar result for other grades.