This is the problem with grading...

[peterose4hof]

I've had the pleasure of speaking with one of the biggest "registry" collectors on many occasions and I can tell you matter-of-factly that he gets the same kid on Christmas morning feeling that the rest of us get when he adds something to his collection.

What's the first thing most collectors will suggest when someone new comes into the hobby? Collect what you like and spend what you can afford.

I marvel at the amounts of money these folks spend, but I would never fault them for spending their money however they see fit. As an added bonus, the big money purchases often bring media attention to our hobby which can only be a good thing in my opinion as it often brings new collectors into the hobby.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by peterose4hof

I've had the pleasure of speaking with one of the biggest "registry" collectors on many occasions and I can tell you matter-of-factly that he gets the same kid on Christmas morning feeling that the rest of us get when he adds something to his collection.

It could also be that buying a bunch of cards of various conditions (and eye appeal) encased in uniform, brand-new slabs, gives them more of a 'new card' appearance - sort of like pulling brand new cards out of a pack as a kid. You're getting old stuff that in a way looks like new stuff. I can see that.

[drc]

Condition of of course is important to everyone in some shape or form, but I was one of those collectors who didn't care if my card was perfect. I didn't and don't comprehend why someone would would pay 3x more for a Mint card over a Nrmt-Mt card. In fact, the obsessive search for 10s sounds like the symptom of a psychological condition to me. I'd like to see a professional psychological profile of people who do this. Maybe something happened to them as children. Maybe a medication could help.

On the other hand, this board is primarily about Pre-War cards where Mints or Near Mints often don't exist for an issue. A different outlook than if you were trying to finish a 1984 Topps set.

Though I have to admit way back when when someone said he was going to try and finish an entirely graded SGC 1977 Topps set, my first thought was "Are you insane?"

And the first time I heard someone use the term 'Gem Mint' I thought he was trying to be funny.