Am I limiting my options too much going SGC only?

[smallpaul2002]

Collect what you want, but in the end a PSA graded card will always be worth more than an SGC card , that's just the way it is....like it or not.

[steve B]

As the others are saying, it all really depends on what you want, both from the collection, and sometime later when you're done with it.

I like SGCs holders too. But I have cards in a few different holders, and the vast majority of my cards are raw.

If you know the sets well, and can handle a bit of risk - how much risk depends on the venue, in person buys are less risky than ebay- I'd say go with ungraded, or go with a card you like no matter the holder. That's barring the really questionable holders of course.

If you want or need confidence as a buyer, then buying cards from any of the three major companies should be fine.

PSA will probably always sell for more as long as the registry competition thing is still popular. People will pay more for higher grade cards, and that raises the price of lower grade cards. The good thing is you'll get back more if you sell later. The downside is that you'll pay more now.

SGC is good for the holders, but while I'm a fan I'm not liking the direction they've gone lately. I think there are some bargains to be had, and if they get worse, maybe some really great deals if the cards cross at all.

Beckett is ok, I don't know all that much about them as graders. I see a pretty wide range of apparent grades for the same number, but I mostly look at prewar which isn't their specialty.

Steve B

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by smallpaul2002

Collect what you want, but in the end a PSA graded card will always be worth more than an SGC card , that's just the way it is....like it or not.

^^This whole statement is true^^

Now the part all the PSA people seem to leave out. They cost more to buy so yes they better sell for more. A long time seller of graded cards said the profit margin is almost exactly the same no matter what one of the big 3 you buy/sell. Yes SGC cards sell for less than PSA but that also means they are cheaper to buy.

The most important part of the previous post. Collect what you want. I have slabs from all 3.

[botn]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I have slabs from all 3.

As do I but I prefer the way the card looks in the SGC holder and also feel they are more consistent and accurate graders, at least when I am submitting. I do not care for the politics and games at PSA but it is true that they have the audience.

[Dewey]

Thanks for the comments. Food for thought. My confidence in buying raw isn't there yet.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by bnorth

^^This whole statement is true^^

Now the part all the PSA people seem to leave out. They cost more to buy so yes they better sell for more. A long time seller of graded cards said the profit margin is almost exactly the same no matter what one of the big 3 you buy/sell. Yes SGC cards sell for less than PSA but that also means they are cheaper to buy.

Excellent point.