Question for set builders...

[con40]

I might give the 7 a try and then go for the re-grade so I can net a bit more profit from the card. If I had to pay for an 8, I'd wait on a copy with better eye appeal. Of course, this assumes that I'd be paying around VCP averages for any of these cards.

[ALR-bishop]

No help here David. I am solely a set builder but also soley a collector and one who prefers all cards in their natural state. So I'd pick the best looking of the two, free it from the slab, and put it in a binder with the rest of the set. I admit that if one is part investor and part collector, my method does not work well and would go with Keith's approach

[Matthew80]

I'd get whatever I thought I would be able to sell for more later, likely the 8, I'd think.

[Leon]

Well, it can also be applied to type collecting when there is a choice between 2 for a series. Most, but not all of us, will eventually sell our cards. Since it was a weak 8 and strong 7, I would go for the 7 and hope for the upgrade, Because I am a collector of cards first, and I like nicer looking ones. If it was solely for resale, as some of mine are, then that could change my decision.

[3-2-count]

Without question I'd choose the 7. I place more value in what I think about a card than what some inconsistent schnook does at a third party authenticator.
I've always wanted to use "schnook" in a sentence and finally got my chance!!

[savedfrommyspokes]

Since I am CONSTANTLY upgrading my sets, I would take a weak 8 over a strong 7 as I would still be on the look out for a nice 9. My theory is that the weak 8 is just holding a nice 9's spot until I find it(at a good price, of course). A weak 8 is likely to sell for more than a strong 7 when it comes time to sell the original 7/8 card that I upgraded to a 9 card.

[bosoxfan]

I'll go with much better eye appeal and nicer card.

That said, I'm not much of a registry guy.

[sox1903wschamp]

What Al said.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by bosoxfan

I'll go with much better eye appeal and nicer card.

That said, I'm not much of a registry guy.

Yeah, that's pretty much me too.