Releasing graded cards from their prison. Yes or no?

[Absolutebeauty]

Gents,

Curious as to your opinions whether one should ever crack graded cards from graded card cases. I know a lot of people do so with the intention of re-submitting the card but I'm not necessarily talking about that. In my particular instance, I am considering buying a Cup Patch Auto that was graded BGS 9.5, not because of the grade, but because I want that particular card. If I end up winning it I would heavily consider breaking the card out of the case as I think nice patch autos look a lot better in a brand new one-touch. I guess I'm wondering if that would be a stupid thing to do or not. Its not a rookie card so I'm not sure how much a 9.5 grade is helping the value of it. Also, on a side note, I really don't understand the point of grading non-rookie relic cards but that's a whole different topic.

Thanks for the responses.

[RGM81]

I think cracking out a 9.5 or higher is a foolish maneuver, myself. Even if it's not a rookie or a card that is usually a first-of-mind candidate for grading, that it has that gem-mint or pristine status is a preservation tool. One touches can slip open, top loaders can be too loose, any number of things can happen to damage a card.

[the_chief]

I agree with RGM81.

Plus, you have to break the case without damaging the card...which is not really easy.

[creasecollector]

I'll go at it from both sides here.

1) It's a 9.5 Gem Mint. This is one of the big numbers collectors aim for when submitting their cards for grading, rookie or not. So if you ever want to resell the card, keeping it in its slab is a very good idea. Protective wise, and value wise as well.

2) If it's a PC card for you, and you know for an absolute fact that this card won't be leaving your collection, then you can do what you wish with it, and break it out of its slab. I've broken a slab or two myself, but I knew those cards wouldn't be leaving my collection when I did it. So if you want to go down that road it's definitely been done before.

It also depends on the player we're talking about too. If I received a Enroth BGS 9.5 that I already had, I'd break that card out in 2 seconds. Though it is a 9.5, it's value won't demand that much of a premium because of the player in question, even if it is a 9.5.

A Crosby 9.5? I'd probably leave it in it's slab juuuust in case.

Best of luck with your decision!

[Absolutebeauty]

I appreciate the answers, fellas. For clarification, it is a 2010-11 Cup Endorsements Auto Patch /15 of Eric Lindros. Subs were 3 9.5s and a 9. Lindros is my #1 PC target. I can't really see selling it and even if I do, I think the card would hold its own ungraded.

As far as potentially damaging the card is concerned, I've broken a few lesser cards out before from BGS holders without issue. I run a woodshop out of my garage and have the tools to complete the task safely and accurately.

Not sure what I'm going to do next. I just think sometimes graded holders can detract from the card. Like hanging a price tag on the Mona Lisa or having Jim Kramer scream about the fluctuating values of 1st edition antique books. I guess IMO, if the card is unique enough and can stand on its own, why mess with it?

[Maggot]

I agree that it was foolish to have that card graded in the first place, but now that it has been I'd say leave it in the slab. Just my opinion, it's your PC and I understand why you'd want it out of the slab.

[30ranfordfan]

I have happily busted 9s out of their cases before... in both cases they were cards I wanted for a set, reasonably SP'd so I had never landed an ungraded copy, and didn't really pay a premium for the grade.

I get why you'd do it - you want uniformity in the set - but I would imagine you paid a premium for 9.5, which you'd losing by cracking.

[creasecollector]

Yeah the EoE cards are fantastic, not to mention pretty rare. Though it's not a 1/1, I could definitely see it holding it's own without the graded factor due to it's scarcity (Kinda like when people grade 1/1's).

If you're comfortable with the idea & execution of this task safely, then I see why not break it out?