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Thread: Grading for Dummies

  
  1. #1




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    Grading for Dummies

    Can anybody help me with a few questions on grading cards? I've reviewed all of the old threads, but a couple of questions remain...

    1) I read that BGS is better for modern cards and PSA is better for vintage cards. Is that true? If so, how old does a card have to be to qualify as "vintage"?

    2) I also read that grading is best for rookie cards or cards of high value. I have a 1986 Fleer basketball set that seems to have a lot of high-value cards. Do I need to get the whole thing graded? I don't want to think about how much that would cost.

    3) If a card is of particularly high value (like the Jordan rookie), is is really safe to pack it up and ship it off to a grading service? I'm afraid it would be lost/stolen/damaged.

    Any other tips on grading? Thanks in advance!

    -DKB

  2. #2




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    Quote Originally Posted by dagwood777
    Can anybody help me with a few questions on grading cards? I've reviewed all of the old threads, but a couple of questions remain...

    1) I read that BGS is better for modern cards and PSA is better for vintage cards. Is that true? If so, how old does a card have to be to qualify as "vintage"?

    2) I also read that grading is best for rookie cards or cards of high value. I have a 1986 Fleer basketball set that seems to have a lot of high-value cards. Do I need to get the whole thing graded? I don't want to think about how much that would cost.

    3) If a card is of particularly high value (like the Jordan rookie), is is really safe to pack it up and ship it off to a grading service? I'm afraid it would be lost/stolen/damaged.

    Any other tips on grading? Thanks in advance!

    -DKB

    good questions. i would like to hear the answers to these.

  3. #3




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    i would say dont send a card like that of value exceeding 50dollars out in mail and take it to a card shop that grades it. a vintage card is considered 1970 and older. psa and bgs are both high quality grading services both are fine for both, hope that helps

    matt

  4. #4




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    so.... dont send in cards like jordan rc that could be worth $20,000 b/c there i a good chance it will get stolen?? or.... wait for a card show to come around? and then, i have asked this before but didnt get an answer, how secure do you feel about relinquishing your card for grading at a show? do you get to see it done live or what?

  5. #5




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    I am preatty sure they take your card and then you leave for a while and come back at a certain time and they will have it waiting for you, they take good care of the cards, most people use gloves and wash and dry there hands really good.

    matt

    hope my tips help

  6. #6






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    Talking

    Take several High resolution scans..Send with delivery confirmation, and Pay for Insurance = to replacement cost.

    1) I read that BGS is better for modern cards and PSA is better for vintage cards. Is that true? If so, how old does a card have to be to qualify as "vintage"?

    Actually PSA is good for Pre 1990..imho
    In between they're pretty equal
    BGS 1999/2000 - current

    Just some observations, I'm merely a dabbler...lol But I should be pretty close
    Hopefully you'll get some "Experienced" replies

  7. #7




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    Quote Originally Posted by meuandthelot
    Take several High resolution scans..Send with delivery confirmation, and Pay for Insurance = to replacement cost.


    do you tell them you have high resolution scans or is that insulting to them?

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    No need to, Unless you feel something is wrong. It's more like insurance/being prudent.

    I've submitted ~100 cards, and have only had to offer that I had scans, and ask for a second review one time.


    2) I also read that grading is best for rookie cards or cards of high value. I have a 1986 Fleer basketball set that seems to have a lot of high-value cards. Do I need to get the whole thing graded? I don't want to think about how much that would cost.

    It's risk/reward. Also depends on what your plans are for the set.
    Get many condition opinions by posting/sharing scans, and showing the raw card to a dealer(anyone knowledgable) you trust.

  9. #9




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    what about when you send a jordan rc to psa which level do you send it in under? the $500 range? or the thousand range?

  10. #10




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    You can definately send in your Jordan or any card from that set for grading. PSA or BGS probably grades 20 Jordan RC's a day (at least). I've had several graded over the years with no problems.

    As far as getting your 86's graded, it's definately worth it if you think you have some shots at 10's. There are many collectors crazy enough to try and put a PSA 10 set of them together, so if you get one they need (check the population report) you may hit the jackpot with a common 10 (figuratively speaking, maybe a hundred bucks or so) and can just replace your card for next-to-nothing. Any Jordan RC, regardless of condition, you want to get graded for authentication alone.

    I'm not sure if they still require it, but PSA asks you to submit your cards in semi-rigid holders. These are very safe as far as the card bouncing around, so just pack it carefully. There is more danger actually putting the card into the semi-rigid holder than it being damaged in shipment (if you pack remotely carefully).

    David

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