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Posted By: barrysloate

I recently sent a large group of raw cards in for grading that I purchased from various auctions over the past couple of months. The cards all came from major auction houses, and since I was unable to view them in person, I accepted their grades knowing full well that invariably there would be some discrepancies.

The first batch has been completed and the grades have typically come in one to two grades lower than described in the catalog, and in some instances three grades lower. I say this with no animus towards any of the auction houses, and as a professional I take full responsibility for my purchases.

The question I bring up for discussion is: at what point do the auction houses that sell raw cards, and the companies that grade them, need to come to a meeting of the minds? I accept the subjectivity of grading, but I think this discrepancy is just a little too wide. Any thoughts?