PSA 8 in an old slab versus a newly graded PSA 7?

[Jenx34]

Originally Posted by bk400

Hypothetical question: would you pay significantly more for a PSA 8 in a super old slab that looks to the naked eye worse than a PSA 7 slab with a 7XXXXXXX certification number?

I've been seeing a lot of cards (especially from the 1970s) where the price point for the old PSA 8 far outstrips the price point for the new PSA 7, even though the new PSA 7 is a superior card. This suggests what the "market" thinks makes sense.

But how does this make sense? I've read threads about "buying the flip", but this phenomenon suggests that people are buying the flip while covering their eyes. Thoughts?

Personally, my experience lies mostly within 1975s. I have almost 200 PSA graded 8 or higher from all generations of slabs. That said, I think the old slab vs. new slab difference is a bit overblown. As has already been said, there are variations old vs. new. I think you really do need to focus on the card within the slab. For those of us with a grade focus, it often comes down to do we pass on a card and wait for the right one? I'd rather wait for an 8 I like than buy one I don't or "settle" for a nice looking 7. 1975 is the only year, I am that damned picky though. I do admit that when I first got back into it, I bought a card for the grade. Now I am much more selective and pass on a lot of 8s, because I don't like the centering or some aspect of it. Just trying to be patient. I have upgraded some early ones.

And, I do think 1975s (and 1971s, but don't personally have experience with subbing any) are difficult because of the colored borders. One of those can have the same exact level of corner wear as a card with a white border yet look much worse. I consistently see newly graded 8s and 9s that look worse than ones I have and pass on grading. Or worse than ones in old slabs.

Lastly, I am guilty of contradicting myself here, in that I tend to pay/bid less for a card in an old slab vs. a newer one. Personally I think the Lighthouse label looks better. Ultimately newer slabs do command more money in general (10-15% maybe?) but a high end 7 selling for more than an old label 8 would be the exception rather than the rule, IMO. Whether that translates to 3-6s, and on 50s and 60s cards, I couldn't say.

[bk400]

Ok, so here's a bit of a fun test. See the photos (front and back) of two 1977 Harry Carson cards that I recently purchased (I am on a bit of a Harry Carson kick, but that's a story for another thread), front and back. One is a newly graded PSA 7 and the other is an old PSA 8. The price of the 8 was double the price of the 7. Can you guess which is which?

[Hxcmilkshake]

Originally Posted by bk400

Ok, so here's a bit of a fun test. See the photos (front and back) of two 1977 Harry Carson cards that I recently purchased (I am on a bit of a Harry Carson kick, but that's a story for another thread), front and back. One is a newly graded PSA 7 and the other is an old PSA 8. The price of the 8 was double the price of the 7. Can you guess which is which?

8 on the left?

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[raulus]

Originally Posted by Hxcmilkshake

8 on the left?

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Tough call, but I'll second this opinion.

Maybe it's just my screen, but both of them almost look like they've got some wavy spots on the edges. Could just be I'm over-paranoid about card doctors and trim jobs these days.

[Jenx34]

Not a lot of conviction here, but I'll go new 7 on the left. I can't tell what is going on with the bottom right corner of the card on the right. That could be enough to kick it down to a 7.

[bk400]

The 7 is on the left.

Indeed, there is a fairly noticeable chip on the lower right corner of the 8, and the borders are more yellowish. It's close, but I think the centering is a touch better on the 7, and there is a small, but noticeable stain on the back of the 8.

In my humble opinion, the 7 is a better overall card and, therefore, a bargain at half the price of the 8. But herein lies all the debate.

[Jenx34]

Originally Posted by bk400

The 7 is on the left.

Indeed, there is a fairly noticeable chip on the lower right corner of the 8, and the borders are more yellowish. It's close, but I think the centering is a touch better on the 7, and there is a small, but noticeable stain on the back of the 8.

In my humble opinion, the 7 is a better overall card and, therefore, a bargain at half the price of the 8. But herein lies all the debate.

The 7 has some surface noise that the 8 doesn't. Aside from the ink in the lower left border, there's also stuff in the lettering near the top (dirt? ink overspray?. Near the beard too. Just not as clean of a surface/image.

Centering has zero effect on the grades here. Personal eye appeal, perhaps.

Most of the time, small issues on the surface is what knocks cards at this level.down, and it's the easiest to miss.

[RonSportscards]

Originally Posted by bk400

Ok, so here's a bit of a fun test. See the photos (front and back) of two 1977 Harry Carson cards that I recently purchased (I am on a bit of a Harry Carson kick, but that's a story for another thread), front and back. One is a newly graded PSA 7 and the other is an old PSA 8. The price of the 8 was double the price of the 7. Can you guess which is which?

I cheated. I could tell which is which based on the case holder construction without even looking at the card.
But yeah, I feel the 7 does look a little nicer.

[bk400]

Originally Posted by RonSportscards

I cheated. I could tell which is which based on the case holder construction without even looking at the card.
But yeah, I feel the 7 does look a little nicer.

I am a relative newcomer to slabbed cards, but it sounds super impressive that you can tell just from the card holder construction...