Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ my first foree into beckett grading

[aceecards]

Beckett had a booth at a local show on 2/23 - 2/25 here in st louis.

So I decided to adventure into the vast cesspool of grading cards.

I thoroughly examined 10 cards to be graded using a light table, t-squares, magnifying glass and a felt pad sheet.

Kobe UD rookie
Lemieux OPC rookie
kRIS Bryant bowman chrome rookie
Joe Montana 1981 Topps RC
Sidney crosby trilogy RC
Austin Matthews UD YG
Tom Brady UD rookie
Tom Brady Autograph Press pass RC
Sidney Crosby the cup 05-06 Honorable #'s #/87 thick card
Mike Trout Topps update RC

of those I whittled it down to five to present to Beckett thinking these would get grades of 9 or better
Montana
Matthews
Brady press pass auto
crosby honorable #'s auto relic
trout rookie

I also figured i had never seen a more stellar vintage card as my montana RC corners surface and centering were stellar in my perception front and back

I figured the one edge on the crosby would cause some problems too but the corners, surface were sharp and smooth

Well results were emailed to me last night and well I was spot on the 9's for the trout, matthews and brady press pass auto

However,
I got a 7 on my montana RC and Im really shocked, that thing has been encased since nearly the day I pulled it

and the crosby got an 8 which shocks me also

So as I told my wife
My grading days are done

[northicehero99]

Steve, I have never been big on the "grading" phase of our hobby. I think it is too subjective as you never know what someone else will see vs. your own eyes and I have seen examples of "graded" cards with print spots, off center, etc. where nothing was noted on the slab. The other factor I don't like is that they grade and slab cards for manufacturing companies, which to me does not show independence. I am sure that lots of people believe in grading, I am just not sold, never have been and probably never will be. IMO.

[aceecards]

i concur Brian.

I have never paid to have card graded before these for all the same reasons.

[jwman92]

I grade here and there, mostly Bowman Chrome prospect stuff where it really spikes the value. However, I never submit myself. There is a submission group on another site where the guy inspects and cleans the cards before sending them off.

I think the cleaning is key. Surface grades almost always suffer if you don't wipe it down before sending it off.

I submit some, but leave it to the experts to tell me which ones to submit.

[aceecards]

I grade here and there, mostly Bowman Chrome prospect stuff where it really spikes the value. However, I never submit myself. There is a submission group on another site where the guy inspects and cleans the cards before sending them off.

I think the cleaning is key. Surface grades almost always suffer if you don't wipe it down before sending it off.

I submit some, but leave it to the experts to tell me which ones to submit.

interesting tidbit

[redwing40]

I've had some graded from BGS, cool at first but lost interest in it as it didn't hold it's value as I thought they would, pretty much if you have card with a beckett BV at $100, it's worth $100 graded 9.5-10 and lucky if you get that when you sell it, most buyers tend to not want it and rather have a non graded cards instead. Think I bought a 10 Pristine 11-12 UD Nyquist YG for $20, Beckett high BV $20

[aceecards]

I've had some graded from BGS, cool at first but lost interest in it as it didn't hold it's value as I thought they would, pretty much if you have card with a beckett BV at $100, it's worth $100 graded 9.5-10 and lucky if you get that when you sell it, most buyers tend to not want it and rather have a non graded cards instead. Think I bought a 10 Pristine 11-12 UD Nyquist YG for $20, Beckett high BV $20

some graded cards do add significant value at 9.5-10 level though

Brady being one of them

[jwman92]

some graded cards do add significant value at 9.5-10 level though

Brady being one of them

I'd also argue that going by beckett BV is a very outdated method of valuing stuff.

[Rabs]

I'd also argue that going by beckett BV is a very outdated method of valuing stuff.

100%

A lot of people nowadays only look at BV for trade values.

[aceecards]

100%

A lot of people nowadays only look at BV for trade values.

yes I go strictly by realized sales on ebay, that is only true gauge to what something is really worth

[41butch]

Back in the day Beckett offered 2 free cards graded when you renewed your subscription sometimes 3. You just paid for shipping and handling. Have done about 20 cards that way. But I agree it does nothing for value unless you get a 10 Gem Mint or Pristine Mint. But it does authenticate your card. Also agree it is of the graders opinion based on your card. And the cleaning before you send it, wished I had known that. I have a 85-86 Topps Yzerman with a 9.5 on edges, a 9 on corners, 8.5 on centering, but a 5.5 on surface which got me an overall grade of 6.5. A 05-06 MVP Crosby RC with a 9.5 centering, 9 on corners, 9 on edges, a 4 on surface overall a grade of 5. Both cards look flawless to me or I would not have sent them in. Makes me want to bust them out the case and leave them raw. But afraid I might damage them. Have not had anything graded now in many years and do not desire to.