This is the problem with grading...

[Peter_Spaeth]

It really is bizarre in one sense that putting a different flip on the same card makes a $375 K difference. But there is a market for flips that is now just as strong as the market for cards, so that's how it goes. PS In my opinion there is no meaningful difference between a 9 and 10 other than the flip. But in a market for flips that is a meaningful difference.

[glchen]

Frankly, IMHO, this is the stupidity of buying 10's when there is often little if any difference with a 9 other than 10X the price tag.

[MattyC]

I'd even extend that to apply to all cards in adjacent grades. If you'd really like a 6, there's one hiding out in an elite 5 holder somewhere, etc. Buy the card.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It really is bizarre in one sense that putting a different flip on the same card makes a $375 K difference. But there is a market for flips that is now just as strong as the market for cards, so that's how it goes. PS In my opinion there is no meaningful difference between a 9 and 10 other than the flip. But in a market for flips that is a meaningful difference.

You know what they say....in the land of the blind a one-eyed man is king!!

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Leon

You know what they say....in the land of the blind a one-eyed man is king!!

And beauty is in the eye of the beholder of the holder.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

And beauty is in the eye of the beholder of the holder.

I had been thinking that beauty was on the flip of the holder, but your quote is much better.

[MattyC]

I do think folks can espouse different collecting philosophies without indirectly crapping on what 10-buyers like to do with their loot-- my earlier post about seeking the lower grade example is just how I do it. If someone loves a 10, be happy.

[Exhibitman]

Wow, that's some bump! I suppose if a seller has the stomach for repeatedly cracking out and sending back a multi-thousand dollar card, it is possible to get lucky. Doesn't make the result less random or subjective, though. It is still alchemy and I still think those who drink the PSA Kool-Aid are in for a rude awakening when the music stops playing.

[yanksfan09]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Wow, that's some bump! I suppose if a seller has the stomach for repeatedly cracking out and sending back a multi-thousand dollar card, it is possible to get lucky. Doesn't make the result less random or subjective, though. It is still alchemy and I still think those who drink the PSA Kool-Aid are in for a rude awakening when the music stops playing.

I like that, well said. It's just utter madness.

[japhi]

I don't follow that Ryan card, but it look top grade to me. Lots of talk about graders being greased and buyers buying flips...anyone have opinions on why that card is not one of the best graded?

[WhenItWasAHobby]

Originally Posted by japhi

I don't follow that Ryan card, but it look top grade to me. Lots of talk about graders being greased and buyers buying flips...anyone have opinions on why that card is not one of the best graded?

Well it's really hard to tell what is the best without seeing many of the other Ryan rookies that graded 9.

But for me personally there are several issues that are bothersome. First, the subjectivity of grading in itself that could change the value of the card by $375,000 is disturbing. The corners of that card on both sides better be perfect under 10X magnification. It's a safe guess that they are not otherwise they would have received a PSA 10 grade the first time submitted.

Then there's the Mint vs. Gem Mint debate. If one is going to differentiate different mint cards as some being better than others, then for me, a Gem Mint card should be unimprovable in every aspect to warrant such a designation. I'm certain under some scrutiny that this PSA 10 Ryan rookie will have some flaws.

Then there's the issue of investing a lot of money into cards that could be altered. I have no idea if this Ryan card is altered or not. Of course we also don't know if some or all of the previous 19 submissions received the Evidence of Trimming designation. But I'm now convinced that if someone wants to get doctored cards graded, with a enough persistence it will happen and that's why I have little interest in tying up money in vintage "mint" or "gem mint" cards.

But to each his own or as an old hobby dinosaur used to tell me, "There's a paddle for every behind."

[Jeffrompa]

My only question would be if the seller already knows what grade he will get before he cracks the card and resubmits ? That's where the rub is or the money is I guess .