Grading/selling question about the 2010 National in Baltimore.

[toppcat]

You can definitely get them graded in Balto but auctioning them at the same show might be tough. If they grade high then maybe a consignment could happen but realistically what you describe are fairly common issues and you would need a bunch of low pops to make it work.

[Exhibitman]

Plus, on-site grading is very expensive--$25 or more per card. My suggestion is that you get together 10-20 of the best cards you see in the group and send them to SGC for grading. Wait a few days to see what special they have--they might have a March special that would fit some of the cards. Once you have the test results you can decide whether it makes sense to grade more (if they really are high grade--then you probably would do best to join PSA's club and send them a bunch of cards) or to simply sell them raw via an auctioneer or otherwise. Taking them to an auctioneer at the show is certainly realistic--they live for walk-ins--but don't expect great purchase offers at the show. If you have mid-grade postwar cards from mainstream sets, they retail cheaply (look around for an idea), so wholesale would be surprisingly low--Multi-thousand dollar cards in 8-9 condition can be had for $100 or less in lower grade (I know--I collect that way). One great way to sell is via BST threads here. No commissions or wholesale costs to you. You might also want to do a bit of homework--invest in a standard catalog (Krause Publications) and see what you have then start searching Ebay for it.

[hcv123]

Firstly your thought of getting them graded at the show and then auctioned at the show is not realistic - as mentioned, the grading fees alone will make it a poor financial decision to grade what I would think would be the majority of cards you have. Secondly, as far as I know there is not an auction that you consign to the day(s) of the show that then sells them that day. I think the suggestion to take 10-20 of a mix of the bigger names (Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Willie mays, Roberto Clemente) and some of what appear to you to be the "better condition" cards and get them graded now is a great starting point - if they come back in the 8-10 grading range - you have a windfall on your hands (not impossible, but highly unlikely). If they come back in the 4-7 range, you'll be getting some money, but far from a windfall. If you posted some scans, I am sure you could get some more educated opinions regarding condition. Depending on what you get back, will determine your best sales outlet. If you get back those 8-10's, then likely consigning to a reputable auction house would be a great idea, if they come back lower grades (4-7) then selling in team lots/year lots either here(no fees) or on ebay (fees) would be your best avenue. If you sell off just the star cards, you will likely be left either unable to sell the more common cards or getting paid pennies on the dollar. Be well. Good luck.

-Howard