Opinions on Graded vs Raw

[CobbSpikedMe]

I collect mostly raw (un-graded for Darren) cards for my sets. I'm not concerned about condition at all so I really don't care about it being graded a 3 or a 5 or whatever. I do have graded cards, but they are all either prewar cards that I like the look of in a slab or I want to protect them from further damage, or they are my PSA 8 80's rookies or PSA 8 Jim Wynns. I really like those ones. Anyway, that's my take on the graded vs. non-graded.

Also kind of funny that I say I don't care about the grade but I collect PSA 8 80's rookies and Jim Wynns. I guess I never thought about that before. Hmmm.

[ALR-bishop]

Agree that ungraded cards are not raw, they are in their natural state

[jchcollins]

Also it has been my experience that if you want to buy - say an early 60's Mantle base card raw / ungraded in VG condition vs. a PSA 3, it's not going to be a huge price differential. That comes in for TPG's really in grades 6 or 7 and higher, at least for postwar vintage. For example I have a '59 Willie Mays in a 6 that I might be able to sell for more than a '59 Mays I had raw that I just listed as EX-MT. But it really depends on the eye appeal, and the specific card and player. There are still deals to be had on midgrade non-graded, but for my money slabs of the same thing aren't usually that much more expensive - so for peace of mind, that's the direction I tend to go in.

[gustomania]

Great insight, appreciate all the responses!!! I really do like the look of raw in a magnetic personally.

Although I do have a questions in regards to the bigger sized cards like the 1955, how do people store those raw (never heard of a magnetic that fits them).

Thanks again, really appreciate the knowledge and expertise on this site.

[mintacular]

Originally Posted by gustomania

Great insight, appreciate all the responses!!! I really do like the look of raw in a magnetic personally.

Although I do have a questions in regards to the bigger sized cards like the 1955, how do people store those raw (never heard of a magnetic that fits them).

Thanks again, really appreciate the knowledge and expertise on this site.

There are non-recessed screw downs you can buy, just put your card in a pre-57 vintage sleeves which is wider before putting it in there to prevent surface damage, there are also 8 pocket sleeves for the wider pre-57 cards

[swarmee]

A lot of people keep their raw cards in Cardsaver Is so they can shuffle them around in their hands and look at them easier. A whole lot thinner and cheaper than magnetics or graded cases.