Old Card Grading a boondoggle???

[bravos4evr]

It's got me thinking I may try and focus more on raw cards that i like the condition of rather than graded cards. Not that I am turning my nose up at em, if i see one i like at the price I like then sure, but not going to make that a condition of purchase.

[bcornell]

Here's another generalization: anyone who hates grading is either new to the hobby or doesn't remember how badly sellers behaved before the TPG's appeared. Grading is the punishment we all deserve.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by bcornell

Here's another generalization: anyone who hates grading is either new to the hobby or doesn't remember how badly sellers behaved before the TPG's appeared. Grading is the punishment we all deserve.

Well said. It sucks but it beats the alternative. How well I remember those old SCDs full of mint (allegedly) cards.

[bravos4evr]

Originally Posted by bcornell

Here's another generalization: anyone who hates grading is either new to the hobby or doesn't remember how badly sellers behaved before the TPG's appeared. Grading is the punishment we all deserve.

I'm not new, I started collecting as a kid in the late 70's and seriously in the mid 90's, lost my entire collection to Katrina and am now getting back into it.

Grading was around when I stopped, but it was only really popular with the super rare cards. There seemed to be fewer of them and the grading seemed to be a bit better. I don't "hate grading" it just seems a little uneven.

Maybe it's because I only bought cards in person back then? The internet scans can make it hard to see defects I guess. But as others said, if I saw a centered T205 with an scratched back, I think that's more desirable than a rougher looking all around card that has no "major flaws".YMMV

[pherbener]

My main concern with higher priced raw cards is trimming. Just be sure if you buy them raw you can get your money back if they're trimmed or altered.