Buying cards raw or graded

[Eric72]

Raw is cool.

Graded is fine.

SGC, PSA, BVG, CSG. They're all just peachy.

I collect the CARDS and consider the holder of secondary importance.

I've seen sparkling, mint, unaltered raw cards. I've seen slabbed cards that were over-graded or obviously altered.

[obcbobd]

99.9% raw. Will buy graded and usually break out of slab unless its a card I want to display

[Exhibitman]

By volume, 95% raw; by value, 50:50.

[2dueces]

Whatever catches my eye at the moment. I have binders of raw and boxes of graded.

[gonefishin]

Times have changed for me into mainly purchasing graded high value cards, vice raw. With that said, in past years I have purchased a raw 52 Topps Mantle 311, 2 - 53 Topps Mantles, 54 Aaron rookie, 54 Banks rookie, autographed Koufax rookie, etc. etc. etc. All raw, all of which I had graded, all of which were authentic.

I have purchased fakes, that I thought were authentic. They were all mainly pre-war cards that I didn't take enough time to do - due diligence.

I have purchased fakes, that I knew were fake, just to keep as a reference. They have come in handy through the years, especially the 52 Mantle's. There are some really good fake Mantles in existence!

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by gonefishin

Times have changed for me into mainly purchasing graded high value cards, vice raw. With that said, in past years I have purchased a raw 52 Topps Mantle 311, 2 - 53 Topps Mantles, 54 Aaron rookie, 54 Banks rookie, autographed Koufax rookie, etc. etc. etc. All raw, all of which I had graded, all of which were authentic.

I have purchased fakes, that I thought were authentic. They were all mainly pre-war cards that I didn't take enough time to do - due diligence.

I have purchased fakes, that I knew were fake, just to keep as a reference. They have come in handy through the years, especially the 52 Mantle's. There are some really good fake Mantles in existence!

I couldn't care any less if any of my cards are fake. They're real to me, and that's all that matters. That said, I am pretty sure all of my tobacco, pre and post war cards that I really care about are real. But if not, in the end I don't care.

[StraightRaceCards]

I’m a T206 guy, and where I’ve landed is getting all the commons raw and the HOF’ers as graded. That’s a good check and balance for me with making sure my expensive cards are guaranteed with authenticity, as well as the extra protection of the physical slab.

I do think there is something in being able to touch, examine, smell and interact with cards though. I’ve really enjoyed getting my paws all over the commons and it’s helped me learn what to look for in a card and spot fakes much easier.

SGC slabs look amazing for T206’s in my humble opinion, but everyone has their own though. The PSA set registry is pretty darn cool and that’s one of the things I’m missing out on.

MG

[Dead-Ball-Hitter]

On items before WWII, I'm 95% graded. On post WWII to present I'm 60% graded, 40% raw. 99% of my items worth over $750 are graded.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

By volume, 95% raw; by value, 50:50.

This is a great measurement. Mine are close to the same percentage, although value is likely 60/40 toward graded.

I have not submitted anything as of yet to a TPG, but may at some time in the future as I think it will help my family liquidate if the situation ever arises. It's been close a couple times already and that puts the perspective of how your time is limited.

I personally could care less either or when buying. Although I do feel much better buying raw in person as scans only tell so much, and yes I know plenty of altered junk resides in plastic too. I like to buy the card and will go for visually pleasing over anything else every time.

I will say it's somewhat funny that anytime these threads pop up the nongraded crowd loves to sound much like a vegan at Thanksgiving with the megaphones.

[Gorditadogg]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

By volume, 95% raw; by value, 50:50.

If you measure by weight, it may be 50/50 too.

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[BlueSky]

All raw except one slab.

I just like the feel of raw cards.