PSA 8 in an old slab versus a newly graded PSA 7?

[Jenx34]

Originally Posted by bk400

Hypothetical question: would you pay significantly more for a PSA 8 in a super old slab that looks to the naked eye worse than a PSA 7 slab with a 7XXXXXXX certification number?

I've been seeing a lot of cards (especially from the 1970s) where the price point for the old PSA 8 far outstrips the price point for the new PSA 7, even though the new PSA 7 is a superior card. This suggests what the "market" thinks makes sense.

But how does this make sense? I've read threads about "buying the flip", but this phenomenon suggests that people are buying the flip while covering their eyes. Thoughts?

Personally, my experience lies mostly within 1975s. I have almost 200 PSA graded 8 or higher from all generations of slabs. That said, I think the old slab vs. new slab difference is a bit overblown. As has already been said, there are variations old vs. new. I think you really do need to focus on the card within the slab. For those of us with a grade focus, it often comes down to do we pass on a card and wait for the right one? I'd rather wait for an 8 I like than buy one I don't or "settle" for a nice looking 7. 1975 is the only year, I am that damned picky though. I do admit that when I first got back into it, I bought a card for the grade. Now I am much more selective and pass on a lot of 8s, because I don't like the centering or some aspect of it. Just trying to be patient. I have upgraded some early ones.

And, I do think 1975s (and 1971s, but don't personally have experience with subbing any) are difficult because of the colored borders. One of those can have the same exact level of corner wear as a card with a white border yet look much worse. I consistently see newly graded 8s and 9s that look worse than ones I have and pass on grading. Or worse than ones in old slabs.

Lastly, I am guilty of contradicting myself here, in that I tend to pay/bid less for a card in an old slab vs. a newer one. Personally I think the Lighthouse label looks better. Ultimately newer slabs do command more money in general (10-15% maybe?) but a high end 7 selling for more than an old label 8 would be the exception rather than the rule, IMO. Whether that translates to 3-6s, and on 50s and 60s cards, I couldn't say.