hypothetical on whether to grade a low-grade set
 

My collection is primarily "collector-grade." It took me a long time to come around to any (third-party) grading of my cards, but gradually it became clear that in many cases it would provide benefits, especially when selling...

But here's a scenario I'm still not sure about - What's your take?

I have a complete set of 30 E96 Phila Caramels that I assembled in the 2000s for well under $1000. There are maybe two or three cards I can imagine getting a 1.5 or 2 grade. The others are obviously 1s or maybe a couple of AUs.

If I move the set, should I grade it, which would almost double the amount I have invested in it (say $500 at SGC)? That's not really much money, but I am still struggling to see a benefit. Seems like anyone seriously interested in this category of cards would not need verification that they were genuine - and again, anyone with eyes can see that they're P-F in almost every case.

Do you think the difference in sale prices for cards in this condition will amount to more than just the grading costs?

I expect to get a range of opinions, all of which I will appreciate -

Tim

I would grade the HOFer's for sure from a selling value standpoint. The commons I would not grade if they are 1's.

I think it’s a pretty simple analysis - what is the set worth now, ungraded, vs what is the set worth graded? If the value of the graded set exceeds the value of the ungraded set plus the grading fees, then have the set graded. If the graded value is less than the ungraded value plus grading fees, don’t grade

That Jennings is a beauty.

Sent from my motorola edge 5G UW (2021) using Tapatalk

This would be a popular item and it’s a great set. I think if you were to consign it the auction house you choose would likely grade it for you. They may take it out of your end but you’ll pay their grading fees which are typically friendly because they deal in bulk. You also don’t have to deal with shipping etc and the grading would probably be expedited. Some houses may not charge at all for the grading because they want to feature the set or maximize the premium.

I’ve consigned raw cards in the past that were graded when they went to auction. Sometimes I paid and sometimes there was no charge. The fees I paid were always small.

Jennings
 

It is nice-looking but it's got back damage and would still probably grade 1 :)

Either way, nice cards.

but are those values so easily determined?
 

Sure, I get that this is what the analysis would consist of - but that doesn't mean those figures (worth of ungraded set vs. worth of graded set) can readily be calculated with confidence - hence my interest in polling people who might have had this sort of experience-

Thanks to all-

Tim

E96 set
 

I'd grade the set. The demand for graded cards now is much greater than raw and regardless of low numerical grades they will sell for more than in raw form.

I’d send it to SGC for sure.

When I sell lower end stuff I often grade it even if I don't think the cards will be worth much more. It's that they are easier to sell when graded. There are just more people in the market for the graded version in my experience.

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Agree, even it it comes back a 1 you'll get more interest than raw. Plus the black apron makes the cards look so much better.
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Fair enough. Then I vote grade them, with SGC. If you plan to sell them, then I totally agree with the post above about having the AH do that and work into the consignment negotiation.

Great set BTW

Sounds like a consensus!
 

I guess the anti-TPG dinosaurs (of which I still consider myself one, at least in my heart) decided to sit this one out. But those who responded have convinced me.

Tim

Yep - Totally agree

Grade the stars, then sell on Net54 :D

There’s only two reasons to grade, IMO. 1) you just prefer it for whatever reason or 2) to maximize sale price. If you prefer them raw and have no intention of selling, then there’s my answer.

If you're gonna sell on the b/s/t, consider first offering them raw at a comparable graded price minus approx grading fees ($25/card or whatever it is).

If a vintage card is worth anything much more than a few dollars, no matter what it is - it's always easier to sell if in a slab. That has been my experience over the past 10 years in all cases, for both prewar and postwar.

3) protection from clumsy dorks (like me) damaging a delicate item