Thinking about switching over to graded cards
 

So to preface this, I've never done the whole graded thing. I just don't think it makes sense for a 3rd party (a grader) to tell me what my card is worth. So I've never been a fan of it.

But my new LCS owner talked me into grading a 1968 Topps Seaver card I have. He does weekly subs to PSA and BGS, and he said it could come back an 8.5 or 9 (will probably come back a 6-7 knowing my luck).

Over the past few days, I've sold all of my vintage extra commons, so I have just my stars. I've been thinking about buying some PSA/SGC graded stars with the money I made from selling the extra commons.

I'm also thinking about selling all of my extra stars/HOFers and using the money to buy the same cards in PSA/SGC slabs. Here's why I'm thinking about doing this.

I'm getting on up in age (45 now), and I'm starting to think about what's going to happen to my collection when I'm gone. I think it would be easier for whomever tries to move it to do so if it were graded. I've got all my cards priced by BV. I've told my wife who to talk to if something happens to me, and I also told her to try and get 1/4 to 1/3 of the prices on the cards if she tries to move them.

But I think it'll be easier if they're graded. So talk me into grading my cards. Right now I've been chasing mid-grade (Ex to Ex-Mt to NM) cards for my collection. Most of my stars are in this type of condition:

https://i.imgur.com/IsTv1Tn.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/ofRYxbL.jpg

Sorry, but when it comes to postwar, I've been selling off the slabs and replacing them with raw lower grade cards. They are too expensive and bulky. I much prefer having 'average' cards in albums where I can easily enjoy them.

Estate planning is a non-consideration for me; I left detailed instructions as to which AH gets what. I don't plan to dead-hand it.

Graded Over Raw
 

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295...IRATES_NEW.JPG

.. Yup ; with graded , you sleep better at night , and at your ripe old age of 45 , your grandchildren can look at with your collection and you won't worry about sticky fingers (or "oops I dropped it "). And on the bright side , it will be easier for your widow to unload them. (But none of us really dwell on that)......how far are you from Beckett ? You can drive your cards over , and you won't have to wait three or four months like us non-Texans . I vote for grading your favorites or your best .

..

I am closing in on 70 and have been collecting since 1957. It would seem cruel to me to place the cards that have been so long with me in plastic prisons at this point. But everyone's situation is different. Cards are a hobby to me and not a big factor in my estate. I have a plan in place for their eventual disposal and they will bring whatever they bring in their natural state. Thinking about designating some to be buried with me :)

2 sides of the coin
 

1) Keep them raw - no grading expense or frustration with the grading companies, you'll be able to stretch your dollar further buying raw cards, definitely harder for your heirs to deal with when you are gone,

2) Graded - Spend more for "less" cards, frustration with the time it takes to grade and the utter inconsistency in grades. Definitely easier for your heirs when your gone.

Based on the fact that you mentioned mostly mid grade cards - I would vote to keep them raw. Graded makes more sense (from a purely monetary standpoint) when you start talking about 7's and up or for lower graded key cards like Mantle, Clemente, J Robinson, etc.

I can't believe you will deprive the collecting world the opportunity to own one of your prized jewels :D.

Where will you be buried? Asking for a friend.

Now that is funny!!!:)

LOL - on the grave robbery question.

And 45 is not old dude!

+1

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Doesnt
 

Doesn't have to me one or the other, you can have a mix. Most of my higher end stuff is graded but many sub $100 cards in screwdowns or mags

All of my sets are raw... outside of that my collection is pre/post war type cards...those that cost a lot are usually graded (talking over $500)….others are kept loose in sleeves...

for me ..depends on the value...I wouldn't go out of my way to get graded cards that are mid/low grade and plentiful...unless they are ones that have significant demand (ex.. Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle or HOF rookie cards) in the resell market...or you can buy them really cheap.

Ricky Y

Like a lot of guys I like my cards raw. But like a lot of old guys I have to think about ease of sale and value for my heirs.

So, if you're looking for advice, here's some from a guy who didn't start submitting cards for grading until he was in his late 60's:

Have all pre-war HOFers and high demand cards graded regardless of condition.
Have all 1950's and 1960's legitimate superstars graded: J. Robinson, Paige, Aaron, Mantle, Williams, a few others.
Only submit 70's and 80's stars and rookies if you're pretty sure you'll pull at least a grade of 8.

There are lots of exceptions, I can name dozens myself, but these broad guidelines have served me well.

If you are concerned about what to leave your wife, you should sell your cards and buy Tesla stock.

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Or if more concerned about living life to the fullest while you're still around, sell your cards and buy a Tesla (preferably a Roadster if your cards are nice enough).

Nope, graded is a huge waste of time and money. I like having my cards in albums, where I can pull them out and look at them, in my own hands, much like I did as a kid. And that's the whole point to me. My wife and daughter could not care any less about my cards, programs, signed balls, comic books, etc. And I could not care any less that they don't care. It's my hobby. They do know, though, and are very much aware that this man-cave stuff is worth money. But I'm not in this hobby to set the world on fire or somehow find the holy grail. I just like my cards, and I like them raw. As long as they are kept nice, I don't think they will be going down in value. So, when I up and croak, and my wife or daughter sells them off, bring your loupe and blacklight, and have at! I don't think I can take them to the other side!