Top cards graded at the National

[ullmandds]

what's up with all the "authentic" cards in the "top 100?"

[sportscardpete]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

what's up with all the "authentic" cards in the "top 100?"

Unlike us folks who hope for 2's and 3's in vintage, the modern folks can put an AUT grade if they think it grades 7 or lower.

[notfast]

I know this site is 99.9% vintage but there are some insane valued cards in the “top 100”

I guess we all forget that it’s a subjective list by Nat who also has an insane vintage collection to go with his modern basketball stuff.

I mean I wish my buddy’s Goudey Ruth PSA 2 got a cool pic on the internet but a Trout Orange ref, multiple Lebron rookie 1/1’s etc kinda trump that for the majority of the collecting world.

[famousgolfers]

Those 1997 Metal Universe cards have some irregular cuts. Even with an AUTH grade, that Kobe is a $50-$150k card. Not something I would buy, but it is my understanding that Nat collects the set too.

[samosa4u]

Nat obviously doesn't like hockey because there isn't a single one on his list!

[Exhibitman]

That Alpha Pele is the go-to RC of the King.

The 49 B Robinson is pretty spectacular too.

Even worked in a few boxers, the Ali and Mayweather RCs:

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

what's up with all the "authentic" cards in the "top 100?"

I think there are a lot more collectors who don't care as much about alterations or grades than people think. I personally care more about authenticity and eye appeal than I do a number grade.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I think there are a lot more collectors who don't care as much about alterations or grades than people think. I personally care more about authenticity and eye appeal than I do a number grade.

Given the minimal impact of the scandal, I am sure you're right, but it's astonishing to me that people are fine with a card looking nice because someone has altered it from its original state. That means essentially the skill of the card doctor is more important than how well the card has withstood time. To me it's sacrilege.

And yes I understand the whole thing about what difference does it make since you often can't tell anyhow blah blah lol.

[deadballera]

still alot of prewar cards that have not been graded and may never be... collector choice, price for grading, etc

[frankbmd]

I've always thought that "plastic" surgery was an odd moniker especially when the procedure did not involve the use of any plastic.

That said I missed the boat on developing the field of "cardboard" surgery in the operating room. I'll bet Brent would have created a nice sticker for my efforts.
The cards would have been beautiful too with eye appeal up the wazoo.

[Yoda]

But I know I am going to fret about any radiation exposure to the Mick from Adam Bomb.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Given the minimal impact of the scandal, I am sure you're right, but it's astonishing to me that people are fine with a card looking nice because someone has altered it from its original state. That means essentially the skill of the card doctor is more important than how well the card has withstood time. To me it's sacrilege.

And yes I understand the whole thing about what difference does it make since you often can't tell anyhow blah blah lol.

Feel the exact same way, it's like bad behavior has no negative consequences.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Feel the exact same way, it's like bad behavior has no negative consequences.

But it has positive ones, look at all the guys who have made millions from altering cards themselves or facilitating the sales.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

But it has positive ones, look at all the guys who have made millions from altering cards themselves or facilitating the sales.

I guess I'm in the wrong profession lol Nah it will never be me. I much rather live a good honest life then crossing the line to make money on cards.

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Given the minimal impact of the scandal, I am sure you're right, but it's astonishing to me that people are fine with a card looking nice because someone has altered it from its original state. That means essentially the skill of the card doctor is more important than how well the card has withstood time. To me it's sacrilege.

And yes I understand the whole thing about what difference does it make since you often can't tell anyhow blah blah lol.

Totally agree. It is beyond sacrilege; it is heresy. Witch, Witch. Card Doctor.

[Exhibitman]

Theodoric of York, Medieval Card Collector: Wait a minute. Perhaps they're right. Perhaps I’ve been wrong to blindly follow the grading decisions and superstitions of PSA. Maybe we collectors should look at cards analytically, through experimentation and a “scientific method”. Maybe this scientific method could be extended to other fields of collecting: coins, art, comics. Perhaps I could lead the way to a new age, an age of rebirth, a Renaissance! [ thinks for a minute ] Naaaaaahhh!

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I think there are a lot more collectors who don't care as much about alterations or grades than people think. I personally care more about authenticity and eye appeal than I do a number grade.

i guess what I was referring to was the % of newish...modern cards with an A grade. Kinda surprising that so many newish cards have been altered?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

i guess what I was referring to was the % of newish...modern cards with an A grade. Kinda surprising that so many newish cards have been altered?

Why is that surprising lol. Far more modern cards are being hacked than vintage IMO, but most probably make it to graded flips.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

i guess what I was referring to was the % of newish...modern cards with an A grade. Kinda surprising that so many newish cards have been altered?

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Why is that surprising lol. Far more modern cards are being hacked than vintage IMO, but most probably make it to graded flips.

As far as altered cards go, I think the vintage cards receive more attention on the forums because A) they're easier to spot, and B) people seem to have more sentimental attachment to more of the vintage stuff, so the "sting" if you will is a little harder on those.

But I would bet money that the vast majority of trimmed cards in TPG holders are modern cards. There's enough variation in size straight from the manufacturers for people to be able to shave off an edge and still have it measure to specs. And unlike with vintage, if you trim a modern card you can't distinguish the edge because all the edges are super sharp. On a vintage card if you give it a sharp edge, it stands out because the other edges are frayed and chipped. We'll never know how many modern cards are trimmed and slabbed, but I'd bet you there are hundreds of thousands of them at least.