"Buy the card, not the holder"

[Leon]

Nice comparisons and as the hobby matures even more the cards are being sold more for their attributes than the opinion a TPG puts on a label. For me, the most important thing a TPG does is it gives me an expert set (or more) of eyes to catch alterations. I realize imperceptible-to-the-naked-eye wrinkles can be found too, but that isn't my main requirement. I guess if I collected high grade it would be.

[CobbSpikedMe]

That's an amazing comparison. Your card is certainly the best of the bunch. Nice job picking that one up.

Thanks,

AndyH

[Centauri]

I am with Leon on this one. I don't like the slabs, but when I buy on eBay or the BST here, there is too much risk of getting a doctored card or even a forgery. And those risks go up big time with value of the card. I don't think I would buy a 52 Mantle from my own grandmother unless it was slabbed.

I know neither is infallible, but getting authentication from SGC or PGC is worth it, IMO, and much better than buying a loose card online.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Centauri

I am with Leon on this one. I don't like the slabs, but when I buy on eBay or the BST here, there is too much risk of getting a doctored card or even a forgery. And those risks go up big time with value of the card. I don't think I would buy a 52 Mantle from my own grandmother unless it was slabbed.

I know neither is infallible, but getting authentication from SGC or PGC is worth it, IMO, and much better than buying a loose card online.

My grandmothers were slabbed long before there were TPGs.