Is grading new material worth it anymore?
 

Is it me, or does it seem like newer cards in PSA 9/BGS 9 are fetching similar prices as raw cards? I know this isn't the case straight across the board, but it seems to be more prevalent. If this is truly the case, then grading (beyond protection or registry purposes) is essentially a gamble for a Gem Mint flip. It's similar to buying a pack and hoping for the best, only with some ability to increase your chances (assuming you know what you're doing).

You got it. Everybody's rolling the dice for a 10. The price difference between 9 and 10 is incredible and, IMO ridiculous. But there's a lot of collectors of the new stuff who have no interest in 9s.

Newer cards being graded
 

Well topps 5 star series says on the card,that they are certified autographs

I would disagree with your original statement for a different reason. I feel on a star rc that is less than 10 years old the demand for 10 is so strong you may very well be better off cracking a 9 to sell it raw. The 9 may more likely be worth less than raw as a good scan will bring in the submitters looking for 10s.

The answer is sometimes.

I would disagree with your original statement for a different reason. I feel on a star rc that is less than 10 years old the demand for 10 is so strong you may very well be better off cracking a 9 to sell it raw. The 9 may more likely be worth less than raw as a good scan will bring in the submitters looking for 10s.

Then they get the card in hand and try and return through ebay as NAD if they feel it won't get a 10... nothing but problems...