Did I just screw up?

[the 'stache]

Thank you for the input, Luke.

You know, I understand why tpgs have broken their grading down the way they have, but if you look at that card, it's pretty spectacular looking. Ok, so it has a minute little line, and just a hint of lighter background around it. It's not a perfect card by any means. But should that destroy the card's grade? There need to be graduated point deductions, because this card is better looking than a lot of the PSA 4s I've seen. If you have to stare at something under a loupe to see the flaw, it shouldn't carry a heavy fine.

Maybe what I'm saying is that this whole grading thing is BS.

Maybe I'll just keep it, build my set without getting it graded, and when I'm done, I'll get another copy of the Crawford throwing graded, and start a second collection of T206 Hall of Famers.

God, I really wish that PSA, SGC and Beckett didn't exist. It's easy to say "well, then don't get your cards graded", but being what I am, still a broker at heart, I can't simply ignore it, because I know the other people in the market don't ignore it. And if it ever came to pass where something truly horrific happened and I had to sell my collection, having them not graded would greatly impact what I could get for them.

I hate this. I want to just have a beautiful set that I can enjoy. But I can't turn that part of the brain off that says "hey, if you do pop that Walter Johnson portrait out, you're knocking off 1/3 of its resale value.

Originally Posted by LukeLyon

I think I would just leave it raw to avoid the possibility of being really bummed if it comes back a 1.5. I don't know if they would notice it, but it seems like something they would be trying to catch. Beautiful card regardless.

[MattyC]

Bill,

Know that there are collectors out there who throw the grade out the window or at least do not let it weigh so heavily in their buying decisions, and thus buy based on eye appeal. So other people in the market do in fact ignore it, to varying degrees. (Heck, I just shattered the VCP average on a 1960 Yaz in 7 because I wanted one with no tilt, no PD on his name, and centering. Some would say, "You paid WHAT?," and yet I'm over the moon to have my dream specimen.)

So if you have beautiful cards, which you do, trust in your good eye and when or if the time ever comes to sell, also trust that there will be those who think like you who will eventually find and want the cards. If it's a 1.5 that looks that great, it will sell for a nice premium.

The grading rules like, "a pinhole or paper loss automatically knock a card down to 1," are arbitrary and not all collectors embrace those standards as their own or look at them as sacrosanct. In the end the individual controls what parts of the brain are switched on and off, so to speak, so you are in total control. I would say enjoy the cards and never let the zany grading game hang you up or hinder your enjoyment of cards and collecting.

Best,

Matt

[cincyredlegs]

Bill, I think you really screwed it up and should sell it to me for pennies on the dollar.

Actually, that is an awesome Crawford before and after. Nice job on the pick-up.

Mark

[Tao_Moko]

Why holder it? Put it in a 20 card sheet and enjoy flipping through your collection.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

Maybe what I'm saying is that this whole grading thing is BS.

God, I really wish that PSA, SGC and Beckett didn't exist.

That's my take, but I collect memorabilia, not cards.