First experiences with grading submissions

[jayshum]

Recently, I made my first grading submissions to PSA and SGC at The Philly Show in December. Having read many threads about grading experience, I thought I would provide how it's been for me.

I took advantage of a discount offer I received from PSA to submit a T206 Mathewson Portrait for grading during Thanksgiving weekend. I created the submission at Regular level which indicated a 10 business day turnaround time, but then decided I would wait to drop it off at The Philly Show instead of mailing it in. On Friday, December 13th, I waited in line for about 20 minutes to submit the card and paperwork. The order didn't show up as arrived until December 19. On December 20, it moved to Order Prep then Research & ID where it is still located. The estimated completion date is January 6 which would be 10 business days (because of holidays) from when it was listed as arrived which was 6 days after I turned it in at the show.

My submission to SGC was a T205 Mathewson that I made at The Philly Show on Sunday, December 15. This was at the Standard level which indicated 5-10 days. The order showed as both Submitted and Received on December 15. It was graded on December 23, but the status showed as Post-Grading Processing so I couldn't see the grade yet. This morning (December 27), I received an email that it was being shipped back to me via USPS Priority mail. Now, the pictures of the card and grade were available to me. I will most likely be listing it in the B/S/T once I receive it back.

[Rounded Corners]

That’s a nice looking 1. Did you have any expectations for grades on your submissions?

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Rounded Corners

That’s a nice looking 1. Did you have any expectations for grades on your submissions?

I was expecting a 1 but hoping for a possible 1.5 on the T205 Mathewson. While the front has great eye appeal, the back has paper separating from the card which I guess resulted in the 1 even with the eye appeal of the front.

The T206 Mathewson Portrait has several creases but also is still a nice looking card. I would expect a 1 on it as well. I'll find out eventually.

[parkplace33]

That Christy is a beautiful one. Should sell quickly.

[jayshum]

Pretty funny that a few hours after I started this thread, I received an email from PSA that my submission was now in Grading.

[StraightRaceCards]

That Christy is beautiful.

I would be interested in it!

SGC has whipped cards around for me.

Just submitted my first PSA order for a single card on a promo.

Sent card on Nov 22, received 26th. Still in research stage as of Dec 27th.

I know it said 45 days, but still seems like a long time for a single card.

Not complaining though, submission was free and I am in zero rush, so as long as the card comes back in tact and safe, I’m a happy man!

[Rounded Corners]

How are y’all getting these grading promos?

I’ve been waiting for PSA to offer a special on T206s. Anybody know if they’ve done so before and what the terms were?

[jingram058]

I think the Mathewson t205 is his finest card. Yours is beautiful. Best of luck with it

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Rounded Corners

How are y’all getting these grading promos?

I’ve been waiting for PSA to offer a special on T206s. Anybody know if they’ve done so before and what the terms were?

Apparently, I had created a PSA account at some point years ago, but I have no idea when. I had never submitted anything for grading in all the time I had an account so for some reason, they sent me an offer for credit up to $75 for a grading submission during Thanksgiving. I had never received any offers from them before so not sure why I got the one this time, but I have been going through a large collection a friend acquired and happened to find a T206 Mathewson Portrait that I used the offer to submit for grading.

[jayshum]

As of tonight, the order is now in Assembly so didn't take long to go through Grading (from Friday to Monday). It would be nice if I can see the grade tomorrow instead of having to wait at least 2 more days because of New Years Day. How long does Assembly usually take?

[raulus]

Originally Posted by jayshum

As of tonight, the order is now in Assembly so didn't take long to go through Grading (from Friday to Monday). It would be nice if I can see the grade tomorrow instead of having to wait at least 2 more days because of New Years Day. How long does Assembly usually take?

It can vary pretty widely. I’ve had some fly right through in a day. Others take weeks. My advice is to pack your patience, guess that it will take a while, and if it happens to move quickly, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[Dave-Illini]

My first experience with grading submissions was in the early 90's, soon after grading started. I had several T206 cards which I thought were in very nice condition. I submitted them through a card shop to PSA. I had assumed on the 1-10 scale I would get 8's and 9's. When they came back with grades of 6's and 7's, I was very disappointed. Perspective is everything!

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by raulus

It can vary pretty widely. I’ve had some fly right through in a day. Others take weeks. My advice is to pack your patience, guess that it will take a while, and if it happens to move quickly, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Thanks for the info. I was surprised that Grading was as fast as it was since it was Friday to Monday. It would be nice if Assembly was just as fast.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Dave-Illini

My first experience with grading submissions was in the early 90's, soon after grading started. I had several T206 cards which I thought were in very nice condition. I submitted them through a card shop to PSA. I had assumed on the 1-10 scale I would get 8's and 9's. When they came back with grades of 6's and 7's, I was very disappointed. Perspective is everything!

And if you submitted them today, you might get 4s and 5s!

The good news is that even 6s and 7s are pretty nice grades for cards that are now over 100 years old.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by raulus

And if you submitted them today, you might get 4s and 5s!

The good news is that even 6s and 7s are pretty nice grades for cards that are now over 100 years old.

I was thinking along the same exact lines, but was going to say 3s and 4s.

[jayshum]

My PSA order moved from Assembly through Grades Ready and QA Checks today and is now in Completing. Initially I couldn't see the grade, but when I refreshed again, now I see pictures and the grade which is a 1. I also got an email receipt for the return shipping so looks like I should have it in a few days.

Overall, PSA took about a week longer than SGC to complete for orders that had similar estimated processing times, but both completed within the expected time frame. Now I just have to wait to receive the card back from PSA before being able to list it in the B/S/T.

[Beercan collector]

It’s ridiculous to grade them “poor” Considering what they look like ,
Least bump to 1.5 fair

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Beercan collector

It’s ridiculous to grade them “poor” Considering what they look like ,
Least bump to 1.5 fair

I was definitely hoping for at least a 1.5 from SGC for the T205 since there are no creases and the main issue is the paper separation on the back. The 1 from PSA for the T206 didn't surprise me since there are several creases even though it's still a nice looking card.