SGC as framers?

[ElCabron]

The Dillon photo ID thread got me wondering why we get our cards (or photos or whatever) graded. For my personal collection, I know more about what I collect that any grading company does, so I don't need authentication. I can also tell what condition my cards are in so I don't need grading, either. When it comes to selling, those are both useful things that make buyers more comfortable. But I'm just talking about for my personal collection.

What I do really like, particularly with SGC, is the protection encapsulation provides, as well as the mini-frame with matting.

How many of you would pay SGC to encapsulate a card (or small photo) without authenticating or grading it? In other words, just a slab with no label at all. Simply for aesthetics and preservation. I would. Anyone else?

-Ryan

[barrysloate]

If you're not asking them to provide any service at all, wouldn't a simple screw down holder offer the same thing for a lot less?

[Exhibitman]

I've definitely had some cards slabbed because I liked how they looked or wanted to protect them.

[ElCabron]

Barry,

There's no sweet black matting with a screwdown. Plus, a screwdown just isn't the same. SGC holdered cards just look good. No screws. Like little pieces of art.

-Ryan

[barrysloate]

Fair enough. The heat seal is a step up from the screw.

[Robextend]

Am I the only one that glanced quickly at the thread title and thought I saw "SGC as FARMERS"?

[Bicem]

I get my photographs graded for the protection of the slab, aesthetics of the holder, player identification on the flip, re-sale value down the road and for the sake of consistency of my collection. All my cards are in SGC holders so I wanted my photos in them as well for an overall consistent look.

[FUBAR]

NoizeBringer

I did a thread on suggestions to the grading companies in hopes they would read it and one of the suggestions that came up was to change the Authentication grade, stating that it must have a qualifier to id why it wasn't gradable. Then have an authentic grade for guys like yourself who does not want a number assigned, having it graded as authentic with no qualifiers!

this essentially means that the person just wanted it slabbed. They could even use a different flip for "just slabbed" cards/ photos or whatever.

To me it makes sense and is a fantastic idea and i hope one day they listen to their customers!

SGC matting makes all the world of difference especially with T cards, it really makes them pop when displayed!

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Robextend

Am I the only one that glanced quickly at the thread title and thought I saw "SGC as FARMERS"?

You're the only one.

I read it and thought, "What the hell does SGC have to do with the writing of the US Constitution?"

[Rickyy]

Just like the Exhibitman... I like how they look in the slab with black background and for protection..and its also ID'd. I started out with PSA and I do still like them on some cards, but now most of my collection is in SGC holders.

[hunterdutchess]

You can have that done at www.grademycards.com >I am sure that would really help there value : )

[steve B]

I've pretty much lost hope for screwdowns and other hard holders for most cards. I recently took some cards out of screwdowns after about 10-15 years. Fortunately the cards were ok, but the screwdowns had some weird decay pattern. Looked like they'd been rained on from the inside, and the fluid had left dents. Only about 3 out of 6 of that particular type had the damage, but it's enough to make me start transfering any card in a screwdown.

I do have one really old screwdown that has a black insert with box lining. And nylon screws. Very nice holder that wasn't marketed for long. I think it was just too far ahead of its time.

The really old ridgid holders - The folded plexiglass type- hold up better, but if the card is really that nice having it pinched on one end probably isn't good either.

Mostly I use penny sleeves in toploaders. Usually pretty good for protection and they store nicely. But some of the toploaders turn yellow or even brownish with age.

I had some concerns about the grading holders for awhile. It's possible that some acidic cardboard could get worse with time if the acid and cardboard were totally sealed. But I've since learned that at least the SGC holders are slightly vented by their construction.

So I've finally gotten into grading a little, only really nice cards that I think will grade well. I'm pretty much ok at spotting 1s and 2s . And I went with SGC mostly because they had sensible answers to a few technical questions, plus the holders are nice, and they don't have a silly $100 cover charge before I can spend money with them.

Steve B

[murcerfan]

^^^But I've since learned that at least the SGC holders are slightly vented by their construction.


I used to get all mine done with the screened vents so bugs would still be kept out.