Retrieved old collection from storage, general hobby questions...

[fanopants]

Hello, all.

I collected NBA and MLB cards as a kid (early-mid 90s, mostly) and have long since abandoned the hobby. With that abandonment, the cards have been moved from closet to storage unit and now, at long last, to my living room. I've recently (finally!) compiled nearly complete lists of what I've got and there are definitely some quality cards that need grading but I wanted to get a few opinions before I sent the cards out.

I gather from reading the forums here that BGS is the way to go for modern cards (80s-current). I have a few 60s/70s cards that need grading as well; would I be better off sending those to PSA or SGC?

As a kid, my dad and I were set collectors. Lots of sets. Sets galore. Doing a bit of research, it appears that sets don't really fetch a premium and are generally only worth as much as their more important cards (if there are any). Are collectors still interested? Are any base cards from this era (again, mostly mid-90s) worth grading outside of rookies?

Lastly (for now!), I've got at least a couple dozen cards that I'd like to get graded and most are stored in screw-top cases. From the BGS site, I see that this is not the preferred shipping method. Is this even the preferred storage method? The thought of removing a Jordan Fleer RC from its case is terrifying. Are there physical locations I can drop the cards off at? I'm in Southern California (45 minutes inland from LA), would love to avoid shipping these things...

I've attached a mostly complete list of the basketball cards I've got. I imagine most will get unloaded here at some point to avoid eBay fees but I'm not ready to start selling yet. The more valuable cards have been listed separately from the sets. I've also separated the MJ inserts which appear to be hot right now (nothing too special, sadly). If anyone can suggest other cards worth grading, I'd be super appreciative. MLB, NFL, and NHL list also enclosed just because.

Kind of a long post, hope it isn't asking too much. If it is, feel free to scold and berate my insolence.

Thanks!

[tarheelsnipe]

You're statement on sets is correct. They're only worth as much as the premium cards.

BGS is the most preferred grading company for modern cards. For vintage (pre-1981) I prefer PSA.

Screw down holders pinch the card corners and will wear away the gloss of the corners over time. Ultra-Pro one touch magnetic holders are the best storage cases for raw cards.

Local card shops sometime run group submission promotions or they'll charge a small fee to submit your card for grading.

For the cards you're thinking of submitting, take a look at Beckett's grading criteria. Anything less than an 8.5, and your cards will fetch about the same value as if they were raw. There are exceptions, but that's a good rule of thumb. The Jordan RC is definitely worth grading. Most collectors will assume it's a fake unless it's in a BGS or PSA case. The amount of fake MJ's has left collectors feeling jaded (this collector included).

You have the Rickey Henderson listed as 1981 rookie. His RC was in 1980.

Good luck with the grades.

[jordan23]

You're statement on sets is correct. They're only worth as much as the premium cards.

BGS is the most preferred grading company for modern cards. For vintage (pre-1981) I prefer PSA.

Screw down holders pinch the card corners and will wear away the gloss of the corners over time. Ultra-Pro one touch magnetic holders are the best storage cases for raw cards.

Local card shops sometime run group submission promotions or they'll charge a small fee to submit your card for grading.

For the cards you're thinking of submitting, take a look at Beckett's grading criteria. Anything less than an 8.5, and your cards will fetch about the same value as if they were raw. There are exceptions, but that's a good rule of thumb. The Jordan RC is definitely worth grading. Most collectors will assume it's a fake unless it's in a BGS or PSA case. The amount of fake MJ's has left collectors feeling jaded (this collector included).

You have the Rickey Henderson listed as 1981 rookie. His RC was in 1980.

Good luck with the grades.

That is all true. Thanks for the feedback.

[fanopants]

Thanks, tarheelsnipe, just the kind of post I was after. Will track down proper cases for my cards and hope they haven't suffered too much in their old screw-top homes. Thanks again!