Are We Slaves To The Registry?

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Bored5000

I think TPGs are a net positive for the hobby, but I don't really "get" the whole highest graded thing or the gigantic price disparity of a one grade difference.

Most of my cards in the $300-500 range, and none of them are worth more than $1,200, but at any price point, I would rather have an absolute rarity that only comes up for sale once a year or every few years than a condition rarity that can easily be found in very similar condition any day of the week.

I have one set listed on the PSA registry -- a set of 1972 STP racing cards. It isn't the highest rated set, and it never will be. But I love the set because there is only one other complete set listed, and the set is nearly impossible to complete in any grade.

The differentiation between absolute rarity and condition rarity is the key and well stated here.

A TPG has no control of the former and complete control of the latter, particularly at the 9-10 level.