PSA vs SGC...the definitive Debate!!!

[jp1216]

I've always favored the SGC slab, customer service etc. In the mid '90s, my first SGC card was the '59 Mantle. Red on Black is amazing. Post war card in a SGC holder was rare. Still is, but I was hooked. Sent in 25 more '59s to get them graded. More for the look than the number on the label.

I too believe PSA (usually) brings more in resale - but I'm not collecting for resale. My heirs will be left a note saying "consider sending everything to PSA for more $$".

BGS slabs are too big - but are hurricane proof. PSAs are too easy (IMO) to fake or reseal.

OT: I can't stand those registries. I've seen too many 9s that look better than 10s - but are 'worth' 90% less because to the label. I even own a 10 with a wax stain on the back.

[JohnP0621]

Peter,
I am glad that you respect my opinion as I respect yours and everyone elses. That is all that I gave was my opinion based on my experience with both parties .You can disagree with me because Its only my opinion and it does not mean anything. I am sure you have your reasons for liking SGC. I usually dont get involved in these debates because its like discussing politics. Collecting T206 is only a Hobby for me and I dont get to wrapped up in all the debates on whos a better grader or anything else. I just enjoy the hobby. If we all had the same experience we would not be having this debate. If I am unhappy with a service I just dont use that service any more. A lot of collectors complain about the service but keep using it.
I am not advocating using either or any grading company. I just have had a better experience with PSA and so thats who I prefer. I wouldnt mind going back to the old days with no graders but those days are long gone. I used to prefer to buy ungraded cards but it is hard to get an honest accessment on the cards grades from some dealers and these cards are expensive so I only buy graded ones now, so that I dont get ripped off. I dont think any of the grading companys are out to screw any of us. I just think that it is an unperfect service and that the grades will always be debatable.

Happpy Collecting
Regards
John P

[AndyG09]

If PSA cards sell for more when sold, aren't you paying more for them when bought? Not sure how this might be advantageous?

Best,

Andy

[ullmandds]

c'mon, Barry! I'd love to hear it!!!!

[barrysloate]

I don't want to start rambling Peter, it's bad form. But when an 8 becomes a 9 the grading company is minting money. It's like the treasury printing hundred dollar bills. Nothing has been produced, it's just monopoly money. Is that good for the hobby? It's debatable.

But the money angle aside, grading is far too subjective and undefined for me. I would be a big supporter of it if it were really consistent among the major companies, and if it were done so precisely that one could rarely ever expect the grade to change upon resubmission. Then I would feel we've got something good. But how many times have you heard of people sending a card in three times and getting three different grades? Sorry, but it's not a system I have all that much faith in. But if I'm selling cards, which I don't do anymore, I'd get every one of them graded because the market dictates it. As a collector I wouldn't care one way or the other.

[ullmandds]

well...so far this poll is turning out the way i would have expected. as this site is more of a "hard core collector" site...I'd expect SGC to be preferred...as they are more accurate, more consistent...and have nicer holders.

If this were a vintage bb card "investment" forum...dominated by mainly collectors of the "popular" sets(T206, 33 goudey, 52 topps)...I'd expect PSA to dominate!

I agree w/Barry's sentiment...I just wished there was more uniformity... and more anonymity with the 3PGServices.

[Matthew H]

According to your statement Peter:

SGC collector= hard core

PSA collector= investor

Raw collector= ?