Fantasy Grading

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Posted By: davidcycleback

A grade cannot be reliably be determined by mathematical equation or
scientific formula. For example, I don't think individual qualities can even
be absolutely reduced to a number. For 'color quality,' what's the difference
between a 7 and an 8, or a 9 and a 10? Many individual qualities are picked
and judged subjectivity. That a crease to a player's face is worse than to
the border is a subjective, if common, view (If many people hold the same bias,
that doesn't make their view unbiased). That different experienced and intelligent
collectors hold different views on what type of wear is more acceptable than others
("Corner rounding is okay, but no creases"), illustrates judging wear is subjective.
In fact, how the equation is determined and tinkered with involves human subjectivity
and taste.

That there is a small industry of dealers who crack and resubmit a card to the
same grader to get a 9 instead of an 8, or a 10 instead of a 9, illustrates
that there is a margin of error, or variation, within a single grading company.
My guess is that the changes in grade is, in part, a demonstration
of the subjectivity in grading. The second time through, the card is looked
at a bit differently than the first. Assuming the card has not changed,
the difference is caused by how it's perceived differently-- and, without
the introduction of new knowledge, a change in human perception of a thing
that has not changed is subjectivity demonstrated.

I agree with Al. PSA's system provides a guide, or number, for the collector.
How the collector uses these numbers is his choice. If a collector pays X10
for a PSA 10 over a PSA 9 without looking at the card, that has nothing to do
with PSA. As grading involves subjectivity, the collector should be looking at
the card, if only to determine if the card is something he wants. For example,
even though graders tend not to judge Old Judge image clarity, for most OJ
collectors image clarity is essential and something they need to look at
before purchasing. And, even though it often doesn't show up in the grade,
the image clarity greatly effects sales price on eBay or Mastro auction.

The second paragraphs illustrates that collectors who buy by grade numbers
alone are collecting numbers. If you pay $300 more for a card resumbitted
from a PSA9 to a PSA10, you're paying $300 for a number.