card grading

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Posted By: rob

Is the major deterant to getting cards grading the cost or the subjectivity? I assume the major positives are preservation and authentication. Just wondering what would prevent people from getting their cards graded.

Do people not trust the grading services or not want to spend the cash?

I assume it cuts way down on being ripped off by fraud or trimmed cards etc, not that the grading companies dont make mistakes too. Just curious what you seasoned collectors think about the pros and cons of having cards graded and whether it is recommended for "beginners" to the hobby.

thanks for any insight,

rob

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

Well, I may not actually be a seasoned veteran collector as much as a somewhat weathered hobbiest, but I do not have my cards graded, and remove them from their holders when they come that way because:

I want to choose how to display my cards, I also want to feel the differences in texture, heftiness and other aspects of the construction of my cards (which surprisingly differ greatly). I have little interest in the opinions of someone else regarding the quality of my cards. I make that judgement based on my own criteria.

Encapsulated cards take up too much room, in my opinion. I do not mind paying extra for the authentication, and I do when the seller is someone unknown.

The cards which I buy however, typically grade 6 or less (frequently less). So protection of the cards from me is not as much an issue as less worn cards may be.

I buy the cards, I want the cards. If I had to be isolated from my purchase by plastic, I probably would still collect baseball cards, but I sure would like it less.

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Posted By: Glen V

I think the worst thing about grading is giving up your cards for some period of time. There has already been a few posts about cards getting lost in the mail, or by the grading company themselves. Its one thing to lose some 2002 rookie card, but an Old Put or Magie aren't easy to replace. I'd hate to think that I would still have a card if I didn't throw it in the mail and send it off.

Also, I don't want someone probing my cards. How do they check if a card is bleached? Push on the corners? What if they accidently drop it? Do cards ever come back in worse shape than they started? I just don't like other people playing with my cards, especially if I'm not around.

[Archive]

Posted By: jay behrens

just do a search for grading and grading companies and you will find more info than you ever wanted on the topic as this has been rehashed numerous times.

Jay- the search function works and is a good thing

The difference between genius and insanity is acceptance.