Should I cut these or leave them whole?

[SMPEP]

It's sad that people have to ask this question.

That buyers will pay more for some readily found card because it is entombed in a plastic case with a high number on it than for something that is actually rare and hard to find (the original uncut sheet) truly baffles me. (Actually uncut sheets aren't too uncommon with this set, but the general point remains).

The idiocy of paying big money for high grade cards and the absolute perversion that brings to this hobby is almost enough to make me want to sell my collection.

But without dealers pimping the need for high grade cards in your collection - they couldn't make a living selling cardboard. So they have to keep peddling that snake oil. And as H. L. Mencken once said "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public." And there is no lower taste than a PSA 10.

Cheers,
Patrick

[Bestdj777]

I would leave it. I've paid a bit of a premium for sheets with Mantle on it. And there are a number of collectors out there seeking out full sheets.

[Laxcat]

It's not dealers pimping the high grade. It wouldn't sell if there wasn't a market. How many times have I heard: "oh, it's a 7, I'm really looking for a 8 or better."

I, like most of yall, have been collecting since before TPG's. Didn't we still pay a premium for nicer condition stuff?

Like I said, I don't collect these. How is it idiocy to try to get the most out of an item, that I don't collect, to try to get funds for something I want?

Thanks for the input guys. Just noticed the Colavito, that one is staying with me for sure.

Cheers,
Matt

[toppcat]

I always consider it a shame when some 50+ year old uncut item gets cut up pieced out. If something lasts that long, it should stay intact IMO. I realize that may not be the conventional wisom these days.

They also look a lot better uncut to my eye.

[MacDice]

Leave them. Market is already flooded with these cards but not that many sheets out there.

[ALR-bishop]

I don't specifically collect sheets, but I have a few, and would never consider cutting them. But that is my view as a collector. Not sure what I would do if I were in the hobby both as a collector and as a business

[rsn1661]

I figure that you can always cut them tomorrow, but you can't put them back together. Play it safe and leave them as a sheet.

[Mark70Z]

Matt,

I would personally leave them intact.

[Snapolit1]

No way I could possibly cut them well enough to get them graded. I can barely cut coupons out of the paper.

No sure what the harangue above is all about with respect high graded cards. I like cards is better condition than worse condition, so yes I pay attention to grading. I think it's a lot cooler to have a Goudey is PSA 7 or 8 than torn around the edges. I guess I've been brainwashed by the dealers too.

Not saying blind allegiance to a grade is always the way to go, but for many of us professional grading is a security blanket that we are buying an actual item (not that they never make mistakes) and some assurance of quality (not that there isn't legitimate room for disagreement in many cases about eye appeal). Whether its baseball cards, art work, or anything else, people are always going to be attracted to scarcity. Doesn't make them short sighted or mindless sheep.