Is it still possible to build a pre-war collection while avoiding TPGs altogether?

conor912 · #1 04-17-2014, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyC

If someone is comfortable buying raw and has the eye to detect trimming and the like, I've seen great amounts of raw available and some really nice, affable, knowledgeable dealers of raw at shows. So I'm sure it is quite possible. It's all about enjoyment and what gives one pleasure.

To expand on this, it's very possible to collect only raw, but not if on-line is your primary source of acquisition. Tons of nice raw stuff at good shows, sometimes 80%+ of the room....but anyone selling on-line is going to get their stuff slabbed - the online buyers want it, and they typically sell for more.

Luke · #2 04-17-2014, 12:26 AM

Bill,

I agree with your general stance on TPG. I just think they are a necesary evil in this day and age and with so many sales occuring online. Also, I'm a bit of a hypocrite because there are certain situations where I would prefer to buy a slabbed card.
If you don't already, you should subscribe to Mark Macrae's email list. He dislikes grading companies and only deals in raw. He has a large inventory and is a good guy.

kmac32 · #3 04-17-2014, 01:20 AM

Up to 100 cards of the 121 of my raw W572 strip card set. The last 2 cards I added were in slabs. Was trying to do the set by purchasing only raw cards but to do so was next to inpossible.

kamikidEFFL · #4 04-19-2014, 05:10 AM

First off this is a pretty great thread. Secondly, I have to say that it's def possible to build a set not using TPG. I feel it would possibly hurt the value a little bit. I myself prefer to have the cards graded but some folks don't. It's interesting to see but most older vintage does seen to be graded simply the fact that the card holds a better value when graded and it shows authenticity. We all know there are many fakes out there even graded ones but still some people feel safer building a set that's graded. I think come near the future it will be harder n harder to find raw cards. It could take much longer to find higher graded ones that have yet to be sent to a TPG.

japhi · #5 04-19-2014, 06:36 PM

I actually think TPG's offer great opportunities for guys that collect raw. There are tons of cards sitting in slabs that sell for less than the same or worse card raw.

The submitter thought he had a 7, got a 5, and the guy that collects raw pays ex money for a card that looks NM. The only looser in this deal is the guy that submitted the card hoping for a 7.

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