Some Reflefctions on an August Afternoon

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Posted By: identify7

Honus: I forsee the same eventuality which you do, specifically computer grading of sports cards. However, my forcast is a strengthening in the credibility of grading once this is accomplished; resulting in baseball cards being more attractive to investors, since they then can trade as a commodity.

As far cards not having any true (intrinsic) value: what is the price of diamonds, gold, and some other commodities based on? Certainly not their rarity nor their utilitarian characteristics. They trade based on a buyers perception only.

While it is true that 100% computer grading will invalidate all that has preceeded it, I do not think that it will have a negative impact on card trading. PSA, SGC & GAI graded cards will represent the same risk currently viewed by many as applicable to today's raw cards. Over time, most cards will be computer graded (probably by PSA, SGC, GAI and others). Then cards can be listed with options, futures and other purchase oriented gambling choices.

But to some of us, if a difference in grade requires a computer to see it - is there really a difference? Heck, some of us currently think that if a collector feels that he has to look at his card under magnification to be happy with it, he has already lost some of the fun of collecting.

The above is my opinion only.