SGC on centering

[RobertGT]

This is inexcusable:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Topps-B...EAAOSwSlBYsHqP

And people wonder why SGC brings so much less $$$. You can't operate like that.

[irv]

Originally Posted by RobertGT

This is inexcusable:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Topps-B...EAAOSwSlBYsHqP

And people wonder why SGC brings so much less $$$. You can't operate like that.

Each grading company has it's own guidelines/rules for how they grade cards.
http://www.sgccard.com/GradingScale.aspx

I have seen a lot funny things from all the top 3 graders since joining, but I will say SGC, is by far, the most consistent when it comes to grading, bar none.

And no, I have never sent any cards in to anyone.

[pclpads]

Originally Posted by RobertGT

This is inexcusable:
And people wonder why SGC brings so much less $$$. You can't operate like that.

Card is clearly either o/c or m/c on two sides and certainly not a "7." This example illustrates why their grading standards are a joke.

[Timbegs]

Originally Posted by pclpads

Card is clearly either o/c or m/c on two sides and certainly not a "7." This example illustrates why their grading standards are a joke.

Forgive me for trying to learn something here but I have a question. I assume the card is in pretty great shape otherwise to qualify for a 7 (corners look sharp to me) though the centering is off considerably left to right and (maybe?) top to bottom, too. I say maybe since I don't really collect hoops cards and don't know that set too well.

If we pretend the card is otherwise flawless and centering is the only issue, what grade should it get? More than 3 points off seems unfair. And I prefer it being factored in to the grade rather than calling it, say, an 8 (OC). But I may be in the minority there.

I use (and buy) SGC exclusively because I love the look of the holder but rarely buy high grade cards and have no plans to resell any cards any time soon. In my small experience, I agree that PSA does seem to do better in terms of resale all things being equal. But I started with them when they were in NJ and despite some disappointment on my end with the some grades given, I never disagreed with an SGC ruling either. Maybe I'm foolish but I trust that they're better at it than I am - and made me better at appraising cards as a result. Nothing better than a card that grades BETTER than advertised when you bought it. There are also subtle variations a to what each company lets slide, too. Back damage flies better at PSA, from what I've seen in low grade cards. Point being, there seems to be a bit of a science to it - identifying which place will grade your card based on its flaws.

And now someone much more experienced will hopefully elaborate better than me.

[JustinD]

To be honest I find psa's centering thoughts all over the map just as often. When I see a 10 on my screen that looks 60/40 it kills me.

I admit to being someone who will walk by a off centered 9 to grab a centered 5. It is my OCD in action.

I don't see this as an SGC thing only, the others do much of the same. I think those unfamiliar with companies that don't use qualifiers just think it's something. If in hand this is a pristine card and I sent it to psa with no qualifications allowed it could just as easily be a psa 7 without an O/C. Buy the card not the holder.

[swarmee]

The main difference is that PSA defines what their centering requirements are for a grade, while SGC does not. So yes, a 60/40 card could still be a 10 if every other characteristic is flawless, according to their definition. Normally they will give it a 9.
Would the OP gripe if it was a 9(OC) rather than the 7, but this would probably get a 6 from PSA if no qualifiers was selected. BGS is the toughest of all three on centering, although this got a BGS 7.5 centering subgrade:

1992 Topps - Stadium of Stars #BOCO - Bob Costas [BGS*8]
Courtesy of COMC.com

[smellthegum]

Originally Posted by swarmee

The main difference is that PSA defines what their centering requirements are for a grade, while SGC does not.

SGC guidelines here: http://www.sgccard.com/GradingScale.aspx

Their escape clause seems to be "Other factors that may or may not contribute to the final assigned grade might not be specifically noted in these descriptions."

That said, the L/R seems to be within their guidelines but T/B is definitely not. Looks like about 85/15. Their 84 NRMT 7 requires 70/30 or better so not really even close.

Despite the questionable centering I think it's a lot closer to a 7 than this, where the centering is about the only thing that might be right for the grade!

[swarmee]

Thanks for the correction; didn't realize they posted that.

[swarmee]

And I would have expected a 6(MK) if I sent in that 1952 card, or even a 5(MK).

[smellthegum]

Originally Posted by swarmee

And I would have expected a 6(MK) if I sent in that 1952 card, or even a 5(MK).

Agreed, I can't believe there is no qualifier