Photo slabbing/authentication

[Lordstan]

Adam,
I am not an anti slabbing reactionary. I'm not a fan of the job the TPAs do with autographs, but only minor issues with the job done with photos.

To answer your questions:

1. I noticed in the Henry Yee auction that quite a few photos are in PSA slabs and quite a few others are loose but have PSA LOAs accompanying them. I understand why it is not possible to encapsulate an oversized item, but if the item fits in the slab is there a marketing reason to opt for an LOA rather than encapsulation?
I don't think either matters. Some people like the slabs some don't. I think the selling price will likely be dependent on the picture itself. I don't care for the slabs myself. I like to handle the photos when I want. BUT... being slabbed doesn't stop me from bidding aggressively on a photo I really want.

2. Does the PSA service add value to photos on resale?
Does PSA make the picture intrinsically more valuable? NO. Does it make the photos sell for more? Probably yes and no. On PSA and JSA's website, the first reason to use their service is increased value, so the increase in value is what they see as their main selling point. I'm sure those who have all their pictures certed will say that value is either preserved and/or increases. I don't think that is always the case. A "great picture" will sell for a lot of money regardless. For me, I get pics as I find them with or without certs. My bid/offer for a specific picture will not change just because it has a cert. I have never sent something in to be certed, so I don't know the process.

3. Is there any service other than PSA that will slab photos?
Beckett will. See Ben's other thread about some of the incorrect labeling. As you note later, CGC slabs photos, but I don't really know anything about their service, standards, or criteria for what is "vintage".


8. I have several photos that were encapsulated by CGC. All came from the same seller, J Parrino, and all were images from the Culver Archive. I really liked the product: it was flexible but about twice as thick as a card saver and could be stored in an oversized notebook because it had a three-hole notebook prepunch on the left margin [not shown below]. Anyone know the story on these?
I've had some of these, but never saw any hole punches. The three holes would seem to be pretty handy for binder storage.