Hi Bill, not trying to be cynical, but couldn't you buy graded cards and crack them out and then they are raw? In general, buying raw t206s doesn't get you more per dollar than buying graded. If anything, buying graded and cracking out may be cheaper. For example, if you are looking at cards in the VG range, a raw card with great centering and lightly touched corners but a hairline surface crease on the back would likely be considered "EX" in raw terms, but a grading company would probably calling it VG cuz of the crease, so it'd be cheaper buying it graded and taking it out of the holder.
Just a thought.
Also, I've never been to a National (plan on going to next year's in Baltimore) but from what I hear cards are often priced higher with plenty of negotiation room.
Good luck!
Rob
:o)
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