Graded or raw?

[homerunhitter]

As mentioned above I like raw cards but I think for future resale value slabs are the way to go especially with all the fake vintage cards starting to pop up in the hobby!

[jingram058]

Who gives a good hoot about value and future resale? Talk to a card investment broker. They are all over this forum. I am in the minority. I am a collector, and I just like having the cards. If my cards are fake, so be it, I like them anyway. But I seriously do no think they are.

[brianp-beme]

Raw, because if graded, my ability to write an insult on the card is instantly lost.

Brian (Meusel is nothing but a old flat lunch...in case you were wondering)

[swarmee]

I think it says "flat head".

[ullmandds]

it really depends for me. I prefer my higher dollar cards to be graded so they are ready to sell if I decide to. It bugs me a little when I peruse my babe ruth/ty cobb collection and 95% of them are graded and fit all nice in their storage box...then there are some raw cards that either noone will grade or I havent bothered/wanted to pay the price...and sometimes the top loaders stick to the slabs and i freak out thinking I lost them!!

Then I have binders full of cards from early 20th c-present that I prefer being able to handle and would likely never get sold or would be sold raw.

thats my preference

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I think it says "flat head".

You might be correct...but my stomach is still holding out for 'flat lunch'.

Brian

[jpat]

This response was posted in error (oops). Sorry.

[jpat]

This response was posted in error (oops). Sorry.

[StraightRaceCards]

Like others said, raw is great to learn from.

My first 40-50 t206’s commons I bought were raw so I could understand the intricacies of the cards…pull out a loupe and study them.

Now that I have a little better of an understanding (still learning), I feel much more comfortable with the set and would feel better buying raw or graded

I do like graded, because the uniformity of my SGC slabs in all the cards/sets I have pleases me, plus the protection.

Don’t care as much for investment, but it certainly is something to consider for more expensive cards.

Collect how you like, and be confident in your choice.

One of my favorite things to do is buy raw and then grade the card knowing I got a better deal buying the raw than buying a slabbed version in the same grade.

People often forget, it’s a hobby. Enjoy your hobby!

[Leon]

Nice notes on those backs!

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Raw, because if graded, my ability to write an insult on the card is instantly lost.

Brian (Meusel is nothing but a old flat lunch...in case you were wondering)

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by jingram058

Who gives a good hoot about value and future resale? Talk to a card investment broker. They are all over this forum. I am in the minority. I am a collector, and I just like having the cards. If my cards are fake, so be it, I like them anyway. But I seriously do no think they are.

Bump

[Leon]

Some cards, especially some lower grade ones, tell stories. ....similar to Brian's above...

I think this back is much better than a blank one. I see absolutely no reason to get it graded.

[jbsports33]

I really like having a selection of both, at the shows raw cards do much better as the price is less and you can really look at the cards. Online it's really mixed and do better with graded depending on the card. There seems to be a switch with a lot of dealers having raw cards which is a good option for everyone!

Good luck finding stuff everyone this summer!

Jimmy

[Vintagedeputy]

I have both raw and graded, but I prefer graded (SGC). The card in the slab with the black insert just looks cooler to me.

[MuncieNolePAZ]

I prefer graded cards for a few reasons. I like the protection it provides. I enjoy trading cards and typically it is easier to trade and determine value when the card is graded. The last reason is that when I pass away, I think having graded cards makes it easier on my loved ones.

Chad

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by Leon

Some cards, especially some lower grade ones, tell stories. ....similar to Brian's above...

I think this back is much better than a blank one. I see absolutely no reason to get it graded.

The nicest Ty Corn Cobb I've ever seen.