Thoughts on GAI

I'm new, and not sure exactly where to put this, but I'm wondering everyone's opinion on purchasing pre-war cards graded by Global Authenticators Inc? Has anyone ever had trouble crossing over from GAI to PSA or SGC? I'm not so concerned about the grade crossing over laterally, more about GAI potentially assigning grades to cards that may not be originals or may potentially be altered? Any insight is appreciated

[ethicsprof]

in its early years, I liked it quite a bit---always thought it to be in the
top 3 and even remembering considering it better than psa at times.
out of nowhere, it seemed, the company folded and we were all frantic
because some of our cards were still with them.
This passed but many of us remain quite cautious---unless it is from the
ancient days of gai. I guess in this case, it's more 'buy the card, not the holder'.

all the best,
barry

[CMIZ5290]

Barry's right. I remember when they first came out, their cards were selling for more than comparable PSA grades. I also remember the very same thing with Beckett. Both did not last very long as far as that goes. Bottomline, PSA is the best avenue especially for return on investment, especially higher graded vintage cards....

[lharri3600]

Originally Posted by CMIZ5290

Barry's right. I remember when they first came out, their cards were selling for more than comparable PSA grades. I also remember the very same thing with Beckett. Bottomline, in my opinion, PSA is the best avenue especially for return on investment....

i agree

Thanks gentlemen. Assuming the card passes the eye test, would you all feel comfortable bidding on a card graded by GAI with the short-term plan of crossing it over? I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any horror stories or if I should feel fairly confident in GAI's ability to authenticate true originals and pick up on any potential alterations? Can I post a link to the ebay auction? Is that allowed or should that be done in another thread?

[CMIZ5290]

No confidence in bidding on GAI cards, for what that's worth. If you are looking to buy some cheaply and cross them, I think you will find that to be a rough ride....I would have more confidence in Beckett graded cards, just my opinion

[CMIZ5290]

I will add this, I have a couple of high grade T206 HOFers that were graded in the early stages of GAI. I am convinced that they are unaltered....

[Sean1125]

Memorabilia/authentication is horrible... early holders okay beware of trimmed cards some are legit.

[the 'stache]

Sean et all, I would ask how one would differentiate between a card graded by GAI a long time ago, and one graded not long before they went out of business. I know that PSA's flips have gone through many incarnations, for example. Did GAI's flips change over time as well?

I don't plan on buying any GAI-graded cards, but you never know when the knowledge could come in handy.

Thanks!

[Fred]

I didn't think GAI authenticated "fake" cards however I'm sure they graded a few trimmed cards. Bid at your own risk.

[joeadcock]

Here is a GAI 8.5. I sent it to SGC one month ago.
Result is SGC 50.

Originally Posted by joeadcock

Here is a GAI 8.5. I sent it to SGC one month ago.
Result is SGC 50.

Yeah I assume the card I'm interested in is overgraded. It is housed in a GAI 5 slab but looks more like a SGC/PSA 4 to me, which I'd be thrilled with frankly

[ScottFandango]

I think psa has a company policy to NEVER grade a GAI crossover....

Only chance to get it in a PSA holder is crack it out and hope its not trimmed....

Surprised SGC would do it, albeit at a much lower grade....

For a year or so there, during GAI's demise, there seemed to be a mad rush to cross these over....so whatever is left in these GAI slabs, I deem uncrossable and a high risk of it being trimmed IMHO

[joeadcock]

Originally Posted by joeadcock

Here is a GAI 8.5. I sent it to SGC one month ago.
Result is SGC 50.

Sorry, unable to upload pic of original GAI card.

It was not a crossover. I broke it out of the GAI and then submitted it to SGC. Never tried to cross over GAI to SGC.