SGC vs PSA

[MattyC]

In my opinion, PSA cards cost me more as a collector because their Registry has such a rabid user base; heated PSA Registry competition creates higher prices for those slabs and also creates greater demand for graded PSA commons, hence more of their slabs being sold.

The upshot of all this is that PSA cards wind up costing collectors more because this PSA Registry demand is priced into those slabs, to some extent.

As a buyer, where possible, I try not to pay a premium for a game I personally do not play. That said, when I am seeking a card I will find the card I want, and whatever of those major TPGs has slabbed it, is fine with me.

Of course, I can see sellers desiring PSA for these very same reasons, just being on the opposite side of the table. Though if any sea changes were to take place in the TPG landscape, selling would turn to whoever is the market leader in X-many years.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I disagree. I have seen many SGC 5s with corners that are too rounded to get a PSA 5, and higher grade cards that are too off center to get the corresponding PSA grade.

[CMIZ5290]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I disagree. I have seen many SGC 5s with corners that are too rounded to get a PSA 5, and higher grade cards that are too off center to get the corresponding PSA grade.

+1, and pertaining the higher graded, off centered SGC cards, I have many available for sale....

[1880nonsports]

by your off-centered cards - every collector gets to determine how to play the collecting game for themselves and align themselves to whichever company meets their expectations. I have some PSA 4's with back damage - perhaps we can trade. I am relatively happy with the job SGC does. I am not enamoured of the one that PSA does although if a card meets my standards I still buy their cards. I find SGC to be the most "professional" and their holder frames and protects my cards nicely. Of course I'm a 19th century guy - a minority voice..........

[midwaylandscaping]

I've got BGS/BVG/SGC/PSA cards in my collection. Each have their own quirks. No two grades are alike. Some PSA cards are better than some of the SGC's, some of the SGC's >>> PSA. Ditton for the BGS/BVG stuff. I'm not going to cast stones in either graders direction. There are good points and bad points about each TPG.

[freakhappy]

Honestly, I believe everyone's opinion is just that...their opinion. I think the cheerleading for either side is pointless unless you have valid points to bring to the table. I have gained experience from others on which TPG they prefer and why, but most importantly I only determined which I liked from purchasing and examining them myself.

PSA scares me A LOT when it comes to pre war...just a good amount of inconsistency. PSA 3's and some higher with paper loss or just plain overgraded cards. ..but I buy any slab...just depends on the card of course That being said, cards in lower grades can definitely vary within the same grade. I myself, prefer SGC, but do like PSA quite a bit for modern cards (high grade examples).

Golden Rule: Buy the card, not the holder!!!

[Iron Horse]

SGC is much more forgiving on corners where PSA is not. SGC will give you a half or even full grade bump if the eye appeal is of a card in a higher grade. I like the cards in SGC holders because they look as if they are framed mini art works. PSA gets you higher $$$ if you come to sell.
I buy both, if i like the card not the slab.

[thehoodedcoder]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I disagree. I have seen many SGC 5s with corners that are too rounded to get a PSA 5, and higher grade cards that are too off center to get the corresponding PSA grade.

exactly.