Buying Low Grade Vintage Cards, Fair Sale Prices, Budgeting Your Collection, & More!! MidLife Q & A

[@ReindeerStudios]

Thanks for the shout-out and support, Graig! Very much appreciated.

[@MidLifeCards]

My pleasure. Keep up the great work!! The community loves your talents!!

[@mrmjmiller]

Totally agree with your explanation about the difference between PSA and SGC grading. To me, SGC is the collector's company because it bases more on eye appeal and PSA is like a robot graded the card which makes it the investors company.

[@MidLifeCards]

Well said.

[@ken-pr2df]

Not withstanding value, if you had a choice to have a 1951 Bowman Mantle card or a 1952 Topps Mantle card which one would you choose and what would be your reasons?

[@MidLifeCards]

GREAT question. Tough one.

[@A.K.1978]

I like SGC because the black backdrop brings out the eye appeal of the card more.

[@MidLifeCards]

I like the black tux as well.

[@alltimesportscards]

​@MidLifeCards for vintage there are 2 exceptions to this IMO...1962 topps football and 1971 topps baseball. You can also throw in 85 topps football . The black tux clashes with those 3 sets. But otherwise, the tux is outstanding.

[@Jackson09]

Just got in from Phy Therapy & havent even watched yet, the title was enough (based on my experience watching ya stuff) that i knew I'd enjoy it and while it aint much, give ya like. Looking forward to watching. Thanks. Semper Fi'

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome. I hope you enjoy it. I hope the recovery is going well.

[@Jackson09]

@@MidLifeCards I can it finally seems to be. Thanks..also good luck with the hockey cards...my nephew has offered me a binder of hockey cards his dad collected and while I'm basically exclusively baseball, I do know the hockey crowd can pay nicely should I run into something of their interest. Keep the content coming...when possible obviously...lol

[@ACollectorsDream]

Great session, enjoyed the PSA versus SGC grading. Agree completely, thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Orlando.

[@willg.2045]

Great stuff, Graig! Here's a question for next week: I like to collect graded cards and have several raw cards in my collection that I would like to get graded. However, like you I have a monthly budget and can't justify spending my budget on grading cards that I already own instead of buying new cards for my collection; put another way, I find the opportunity cost of grading to be too high. I believe you submit cards from your collection (as well as cards you want to sell) for grading from time to time. How do you justify spending money from your budget on grading your personal collection cards? Thanks!

[@MidLifeCards]

This is a really good question. I'll try to tackle it this week.

[@timothyniesen4879]

Thanks for your answer. SCG seems my likely choice. The centering on the Koufax is amazing. Very unusual for a 1957. The Drysdale rookie is so sharp, while the Koufax has very minimal corner issues. Very slight to the naked eye. Evident under magnification.

[@MidLifeCards]

Even with today's news...I still think SGC is the way to go.

[@timothyniesen4879]

My issue at the moment is the lack of money for grading. The unexpected calling in of a credit card results in a temporary lack of cash for grading. Hundreds of cards to grade and a lack of money. Taxes also on the horizon.

[@timothyniesen4879]

The latest UTube from three points of view was quite interesting discussion. However, another option would be to purchase relatively large collections of cards. The Brooklyn Dodger collection was three grand. The 1,200 or so football collection was twenty grand. I am not sure which was the better buy. Some days I favor one or the other. The eleven Jim Browns include a few mighty fine cards. Whether the 1959 Brown is a ten grade or not is the moot question. Most of the late fifties and early sixties football cards were just like right out of the pack. Been keep in my cousin’s closet away from any son for over sixty years!

[@debragiovine9797]

Thank You,,, Craig,,, I appreciate your response to my question,,,, I always had trouble finding a fair price on comps,,, Thanks 😊

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for asking it!!

[@ZiggyNo]

Very interesting comments on selling to friends at 85%. I actually sell to friends at lower than 70% and if it’s really a PC I’ll go under 50% knowing they are keeping it. If it’s a random person that’s friendly I’m probably at 85%. In fairness most of cards are raw that I’ve graded so my cost is lower. I remember Facebook groups use to limit people from selling at or above comps. The goal was promote liquidity and friendly discounts.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's awesome. I'm sure your friends are super appreciative.

[@ACD1994]

Listening to your thoughts on the grading differences or perceived differences with the PSA and SGC grading and how, SGC tends to be more critical on the eye-appeal (or just how centered the card is) will be interesting if this continues. Less than 24 hours of the news that SGC is being bought (tentatively bought) by PSA is all surreal right now. Mind blown indeed...crazy that this may, be outdated, and you like literally just posted this video!

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. So true!!

[@bobwhite4671]

Bought a Joe Montana RC, raw, of course it was rated NM or better. Looked like a 7 or 8 from the picture, received the card and was disappointed, it was centered and corners were crisp, but the picture was cloudy not clear at all. Thought about returning it but, wasn’t sure if that card normally looks like that. Kept it and got it graded by SGC, came back a 4, live and learn.

[@MidLifeCards]

Ugh. That sucks. Sorry.

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi Graig, Thanks for the great discussion today. I never buy any raw cards online, just in person. That’s just me. I don’t avoid PSA 1 cards because there are a lot of really nice cards in low grade. Have a relaxing evening, Peter

[@MidLifeCards]

I totally get that perspective. Buying ungraded cards online is certainly risky.

[@stevegallo8483]

In my experience selling to dealers, they want to pay as little as possible, because they're taking all the risk and want a certain profit margin. As you said, they may end up sitting on the card for a while or the value of the card could go down. I've noticed that dealers are often willing to give more in trade value than in cash. I do have a question. I saw earlier today that the parent company of PSA is buying SGC. What are your thoughts on this?

[@MidLifeCards]

They do want to pay very little, no doubt.

[@checkmugged]

The 1976 Isaly’s/Sweet Williams discs were distributed around Pittsburgh/the Midwest. They are pretty common. You also have the Crane discs, Orbaker’s, Carousel, Bucknan’s, Towne Club, Holiday Inn, MSA, Saga, Wendy’s, Zip Z and on and on from ‘76 and ‘77. The difference is the back of the disc where the different companies are listed. Some more rare than others obviously but nothing worth all that much in the scheme of things.

[@MidLifeCards]

Good info. Thanks.

[@Franco1803]

I began picking up hockey cards about two years ago. They were cool and a cheaper alternative to overpriced baseball cards due to PPE money. I picked up cards from players that I recognized and then expanded from there as I became more knowledgeable. Similar to the pirate cards. I may not know them all, but I do recognize the name “Black Beard”.

[@MidLifeCards]

Hockey cards are great. I just don't know enough about them.

[@returntocollecting]

Great discussion Graig! Great points on buying and value! I agree, buying a $1000 suit that you don't like is a bad move. 😂. Fun video!

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. I don't even own a suit. I've worn a tie two times in the last 10 years.

[@returntocollecting]

@@MidLifeCards I only wear ties to weddings and funerals...

[@MidLifeCards]

@@returntocollecting I rarely do it then, either. lol.

[@ACD1994]

Question: With SGC being bought by the parent company of PSA, could you see there being ''more collectors'' considering/ or reconsidering buying RAW VINTAGE cards? Maybe only the big money cards, whatever that may be will be worth sending in, for grading?

[@MidLifeCards]

Interesting question. I'll try to tackle this one next week. Thanks!!

[@jerrelbean]

One of my favorite cards is a t205 mathewson in a 1.5. great card. Big difference between a 1 and a 1.5

[@MidLifeCards]

At times, there is a big difference.

[@jamesmcferran4938]

Graig, what is your opinion of the EBay authenticity guarantees? Does it give comfort, because I have bought a few raw Mickey Mantles that were authenticated by EBay BUT PSA kicked back because of their opinion it was of questionable authenticity. What would you do in this case?

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. Now that's an interesting question.

[@billyv604]

That was some breakdown! Wowza Good video.

[@MidLifeCards]

:-) Thanks a bunch.

[@Bostnfn]

I do my budgeting in much the same way - I have a high-yield savings account that I keep my collection savings in. It's linked to my paypal. That's how I spend and budget my money.

[@MidLifeCards]

Having a system is the key. A budget is important!!

[@RL3sports]

Firstly, I wanted to check on that budget question. Didn't you buy that Jim brown RC before you sold cards to pay for it. Secondly, I only buy raw cards. I can only think of 1 disappointment. Buying from New England Sportscards. I don't even know if they're still around. They gave the description of NM way too frequently. Really study the picture or ask for more pictures. Be filling to move on if your resident. 99% of my cards stay in my possession. Lucky or easy to please, I don't know.

[@MidLifeCards]

Yes. I budget $100 out of my paycheck towards my card account. Any money spent beyond that $100 comes from selling cards and card related funds that come in. I absolutely sold about 3 later Jim Brown cards to buy the Jim Brown RC. Great memory!!

[@RL3sports]

@@MidLifeCards you know I'm just playing around. Love ya

[@davidthompson6020]

thanks for the good content!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks!!

[@rickyhicks9082]

You’re always right buy the card not the grade. I have a PSA 1 that looks good and a Beckett 1.5 that looks terrible. Most of that is my fault.

[@MidLifeCards]

Grading is changing by the minute!!

[@Politano1955]

I won't buy any PSA or SGC 1 card no matter who the player is. Unless someone is giving it to me, I think its makes much more sense to put off and apply that same money down the line to a slightly better graded card. (Even a 2 in many cases would look much better than any 1) For example, I had a great chance to buy a T-206 Cy Young portrait for around $600 in a SGC 1. It was in pretty rough condition and looked like its been through a lot. It was tempting to buy just to say I own one but I declined and not much later bought the same card in a 2.5 for about two grand. It looks amazing. Perfectly centered front and back with just the usual corner issues, rough surface, and a small mark in the back. Patience is the key in this hobby. The one you like will come around sooner or later. It goes back to a question a few days ago. Quality over quantity.

[@debragiovine9797]

It all comes to a individual collector budget,,,, if you can afford $2000 on a card great,, Most collectors can’t,,,

[@Politano1955]

@@debragiovine9797 I guess my point was I'd rather spend the same money on just one great card than a bunch of lesser quality cards.

[@MidLifeCards]

I get that. I totally get it.

[@SplendidSports]

I think your dad should buy that 53 Mantle!

[@MidLifeCards]

I agree. He's currently hunting for a 56 Mantle....but I agree, he needs to go after both!!

[@jude999]

I hate hockey, but 70s hockey cards look so cool. The one time I bought a raw card on ebay it had a crease on the front that was not visible on the listing. I would never by raw on ebay.

[@MidLifeCards]

I enjoy hockey a lot. And, I think those 70s hockey cards are awesome.

[@Brian-pf7qq]

If you have ever tried to sell cards to a dealer or at a card store, you would be lucky to get fifty percent of what they are worth.

[@MidLifeCards]

In recent years, because of online platforms, the amount has gotten higher for customers with quality stuff.

[@davidschwahn5259]

85% of comps from “a friend”? I’d question that friendship!

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm open to feedback. What do you think would be the best way to do it? Seriously...what seems fair?

[@louispadilla4699]

Hi Graig! Just started buying the fleer 1961 nba set. I found a card that is BVG 7 and i checked the serial number on their registry, and it isnt popping up, does this mean its not a legit card/bvg grade? Or is it just too old and it isnt on registry anymore?

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. That's interesting. I'd contact Beckett and ask them what's up.

[@louispadilla4699]

Thanks for the reply! Your show has been really helpful with my journey into buying and learning about vintage cards. The card looks really nice, and especially with the beckett slab. Whats the best advice you can give to someone like me thats just getting into the vintage card? Im starting a long term project of completing the 1961 fleer nba set.

[@tbm9160]

Most cards dealers will not pay 70%-75% for. You will only get that % on quick selling cards.

[@debragiovine9797]

You can use 70 to 75 % as a starting point,,, it’s all comes to how much are you willing to sell the card for,,, I noticed going to card shows ,, a lot of dealers and collectors use 130point web site,, for a reason,,,

[@MidLifeCards]

I've seen a lot of dealers offer that amount at shows.

[@tbm9160]

I'm in Massachusetts. Around here you can get that for Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Koufax, etc. Also high grade vintage, things like UD Griffey RC, etc. Low grade or not top tier HOF's get you closer to 50% Same for things like PSA 9 RC's for Ripken, Boggs, Sandberg, etc. With such small margins most won't touch anything they don't think they can resell by that show / the next show. That's been my experience, but I'm only dealing with vintage dealers. I'm also referencing specifically from multiple Wilmington shows & a Cranston RI show from the last couple years.

[@Hodges1455]

53rd like - Another great video, Graig.

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. I love the count.

[@Hodges1455]

@@MidLifeCards Yeah, I saw someone do this on one of my videos. I liked it, so I'm doing it now when I comment. I'm already liking each video I watch, so it is a good way to let each content creator know I appreciate the time they took to make the video and hopefully helps remind someone else who may have forgot to like, to leave a like.

[@jerrelbean]

Stick with sgc they're great

[@MidLifeCards]

How quickly a comment can age. Crazy times.

[@bobcalderon2534]

Same old subjects grading , how much cards costs. Talk about of players. 😢

[@MidLifeCards]

Sorry you didn't enjoy the video. I appreciate you watching.