Graded or Raw....

[JollyElm]

A lot of times it depends on the price differential. My sets are post-war, and when I look to fill a hole, it seems nice looking ungraded cards (and Lord knows what grade they would get) on ebay are priced so high, that it makes sense to pay a little more and get one that is already slabbed. You know what you are getting is good and (hopefully) there are no surprises.

[Rich Falvo]

I buy most of my cards online without being able to see them in person, so I prefer graded when possible. Makes me feel a little more confident about authenticity.

[Bram99]

While many like to have cards outside the third-party grader's encapsulated plastic for various reasons like the uniformity or storage together in a binder because majority of their collection/set is not in the holders, if you are looking to long-term value of your collection, the answer is simple. Cracking out from the holder destroys value.

It may well enhance enjoyment, but it destroys value.

For the collector who is concerned with the long-term value (sale-ability) of their cards, the holder provides a 3rd party opinion that helps arbitrate the sale.

I am not talking about the practice of cracking for re-submittal. There are dealers who are serial re-submitters who crack cards out and re-submit in hopes of a higher grade. Many swear by that practice because moving up from an 8 to even an 8.5 in some cases can double the value of a card, and it's like a lottery pick. They pay a small (getting bigger and bigger) fee to try to see if the grade could come back better, with the possibility of a much larger increase in value. That's a different matter than what you describe.

In the end, it depends what your goals are. If it's just enjoyment and uniformity, go for it and crack them out. If you are concerned with you or your loved ones having to sell the cards someday, don't do it.

Tony

[ullmandds]

It's almost always preferable to buy a card thats already been graded...it's like receiving an added monetary benefit of not having to pay for it yourself and incur the ridiculously long waiting times involved.

On the other hand I will not shy away from buying raw if the price/card is right for me!

[Leon]

Sort of depends on what holder it is in, per the value. A PRO or GAI holder diminishes value (and I realize this was more about PSA and SGC). A few packs in GAI holders might hold value but no cards will, imo. And if the card is in a PRO holder I have learned to walk away, the hard way. Otherwise, I agree that good TPG holders do add some value to most cards.

Originally Posted by Bram99

While many like to have cards outside the third-party grader's encapsulated plastic for various reasons like the uniformity or storage together in a binder because majority of their collection/set is not in the holders, if you are looking to long-term value of your collection, the answer is simple. Cracking out from the holder destroys value.

It may well enhance enjoyment, but it destroys value.

For the collector who is concerned with the long-term value (sale-ability) of their cards, the holder provides a 3rd party opinion that helps arbitrate the sale.

I am not talking about the practice of cracking for re-submittal. There are dealers who are serial re-submitters who crack cards out and re-submit in hopes of a higher grade. Many swear by that practice because moving up from an 8 to even an 8.5 in some cases can double the value of a card, and it's like a lottery pick. They pay a small (getting bigger and bigger) fee to try to see if the grade could come back better, with the possibility of a much larger increase in value. That's a different matter than what you describe.

In the end, it depends what your goals are. If it's just enjoyment and uniformity, go for it and crack them out. If you are concerned with you or your loved ones having to sell the cards someday, don't do it.

Tony

[Ricky]

Personally, I came of age as a collector in the years before TPG services, so I'm not a fan. That said, if I purchase a card that's been slabbed, I decide whether to break it out or leave it based on the value and player. If I buy a slabbed card of a common player for $50, I'll break it out and keep it in my binders. If it's a HOF player and I buy it for $200, I'll probably keep it slabbed.

[ajquigs]

Originally Posted by Rich Falvo

I buy most of my cards online without being able to see them in person, so I prefer graded when possible. Makes me feel a little more confident about authenticity.

Authenticity is the biggest factor for me also. No guarantees, of course, but if I'm spending $100 or more I'll generally go with graded.

[Leon]

I agree grading increases the likelihood of no hidden issues, however I still buy raw frequently. And I have missed a ton of issues that TPGs have caught. Live and learn.

Originally Posted by ajquigs

Authenticity is the biggest factor for me also. No guarantees, of course, but if I'm spending $100 or more I'll generally go with graded.

[PowderedH2O]

I am 11 years away from the age my dad was when he died. So, who knows when it will happen. When I have sold or traded raw, it has been tough. Collectors ask millions of questions and want all sorts of different angles of photos. When I go, I want my wife to be able to grab a slab and sell it without knowing a darned thing about it. So, gradually I am purging my pre-1970's ungraded cards and replacing them with graded ones. I get a few less cards. My wife gets a few less headaches (hopefully decades from now).

[Leon]

That is thoughtful. Good for you. I hope I can remember to do the same thing as the clock winds down....(the later the better)

Originally Posted by PowderedH2O

I am 11 years away from the age my dad was when he died. So, who knows when it will happen. When I have sold or traded raw, it has been tough. Collectors ask millions of questions and want all sorts of different angles of photos. When I go, I want my wife to be able to grab a slab and sell it without knowing a darned thing about it. So, gradually I am purging my pre-1970's ungraded cards and replacing them with graded ones. I get a few less cards. My wife gets a few less headaches (hopefully decades from now).

[packs]

I want it graded when I buy it.