This is the problem with grading...

[barrysloate]

Let's suppose for a minute that the Art Shell is a 10, which it isn't, but let's just say that it is. What does that tell you about the grader who gave it an 8? What is his skill level if he can't get within two grades of the card's actual condition? That doesn't say much for the grader's ability, whatever its actual grade is, if he's that far off in either direction. Aren't they supposed to bring a little more accuracy than that to the table?

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Let's suppose for a minute that the Art Shell is a 10, which it isn't, but let's just say that it is. What does that tell you about the grader who gave it an 8? What is his skill level if he can't get within two grades of the card's actual condition? That doesn't say much for the grader's ability, whatever its actual grade is, if he's that far off in either direction. Aren't they supposed to bring a little more accuracy than that to the table?

Barry,

I'm a mechanical engineer by profession. When we design parts, the drawings call out dimensions with tolerance limits. Perhaps PSA should do the same. "This Art Shell card is a PSA 8, +2, -0".

[barrysloate]

I know Dan. I can see that an 8 and an 8.5 could be interchangeable, they are really just a hairline apart. But changing the 8 to a 10 made the card increase in value by 6700%. Don't you think the graders need to be a whole lot more responsible in their assessments?

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

...don't you think the graders need to be a whole lot more responsible in their assessments?

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I know Dan. I can see that an 8 and an 8.5 could be interchangeable, they are really just a hairline apart. But changing the 8 to a 10 made the card increase in value by 6700%. Don't you think the graders need to be a whole lot more responsible in their assessments?

Absolutely. If you look at PSA's video about the grading process, they claim at least 2 graders review the card and sometimes three if the first two graders can't agree. How did this Art Shell and others get by them?

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby

How did this Art Shell and others get by them?

How did this PSA 10 get by them with 3 touched corners and a fisheye?

[barrysloate]

I agree with you David that something is amiss here.

And I just saw the Ryan you posted- both of the bottom corners show touches of wear. Not a whole lot, but enough to knock the card down to the 8-8.5 range. What's going on here?

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I agree with you David that something is amiss here.

And I just saw the Ryan you posted- both of the bottom corners show touches of wear. Not a whole lot, but enough to knock the card down to the 8-8.5 range. What's going on here?

Agreed.

Good work again David.

[bn2cardz]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I agree with you David that something is amiss here.

And I just saw the Ryan you posted- both of the bottom corners show touches of wear. Not a whole lot, but enough to knock the card down to the 8-8.5 range. What's going on here?

There also seems to be a notch/touch on the right border at shoulder height.