Hobby Numbers Episode 4: PSA REVEAL - 11 card 90s refractor order!

[@4softcorners728]

Awesome return and really cool how you went through it and your thought process. I always appreciate some old fashioned pen and paper as well. All super sweet cards. That centering on the ‘95 refractor is out of this world though!

[@HighPopProfessor]

Hey, if pen and paper is good enough for Theo, it’s good enough for me! I agree about that ‘95 Finest Refractor! THAT is the copy I want for my permanent collection!! Thanks for watching, Joe!

[@thedrewavintagelegacy6455]

Beautiful cards Brian. I’m not a graded collector so typically videos like this are for me but in this case it was just fun watching your thought process unfold as well as seeing examples of cards I haven’t seen before.

[@HighPopProfessor]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! I don’t submit grading orders very often, so I try to be thoughtful about the cards I do submit. Usually when I send a card to PSA, I’m trying to accomplish a few distinct things - either increasing value for long term PC Cards (most Maddux refractors), increasing value to sell (in the case of 10s), or bestowing special recognition for an “important” card for my collection (nostalgic Sean Casey rookie). Even if I think a card might only get a 7 or 8, if it’s rare enough with a low pop count, I may send it in anyway. This was my thinking with the Bowman Chrome International Refractor that happened to pop a 9! Thanks for watching, The Drew!

[@vintagesanctuary]

Brian, your keen eyes paid off! Your 1995 Finest Maddux is my favorite! 🤯🤯🤯 Yeah, that Griffey definitely has a dinged corner! I would have thought maybe that would lead to an "8" grade, but PSA has spoken! Congrats! I love how you are using the Ten Tax to your advantage! 😊👊

[@HighPopProfessor]

Thanks, Adam! I’ve said before that I don’t “believe in 10s”, and it’s not that they’re these mythical, legendary entities… but the difference in condition between a 9 and 10 to me just doesn’t justify the absurd premium that so many collectors (investors?) place on them. So yes - part of WHY I grade cards is to abuse this silly premium that the market has produced. I’m not into buying 10s… but I’m content to help produce 10s for others to buy. It’s one of my niches in this hobby. Also, humans miss things sometimes (like dings on the back corners! 😅😅😅) which can cause inconsistencies in grading. I 100% believe that if that Griffey were cracked and resubmitted, it would not get a second 10. This was totally a “bank error in your favor” moment - but I’m not complaining!! 😂😂😂 And yes, that ‘95 Finest Refractor is an ABSOLUTE STUNNER! Back from when finest sets only had one refractor per player! And naturally this copy has been peeled! Thanks for watching!

[@iconic_baseball]

Awesome grading order Brian 👏 Its SO tough to get 9’s on those 30 year-old refractors. p.s. i LOVE the backdrop 😂.. you’re making me homesick!

[@HighPopProfessor]

Aww! Hey, you’ll get your chance to visit next month! Yeah, going for 9s is my grading wheelhouse. It adds great value for awesome 90s cards. 10s are unicorns 🦄 🦄 🦄 but are amazing when they materialize! Thanks, Iconic Al!

[@ClementeCollector]

I’m honored you did my style reveal! You made me proud! You did a lot better than I’ve ever done, lol. What a great ending with the Griffey, congrats man!!!!

[@HighPopProfessor]

Thanks, Theo! Yeah, this order went about as well as it could have! Now that I have my lighted loupe, hopefully future submissions will be just as good!

[@CollectingMaddux1987]

I know I should like the embossed the most but the Pinnacle Certified are some of my favorites. Congrats on the returns

[@HighPopProfessor]

What a great topic! What we “should” like most vs what actually draws us in the most! Nobody collects in a vacuum. The pressure that hobby influencers put on certain cards and sets inevitably impact the way we feel about them too, even if only subtly. I love Dufex cards! Almost nobody else is still talking about them, but I can’t get enough of them! I like refractors, but also you’re right in that those Pinnacle Certified Mirrors are somehow WAY shinier than even most refractors! Thanks for watching and for the topic idea, Allen!

[@svenpatrick1637]

After 1992 I could never collect a Braves player lol! Sorry still bitter about that one lol.

[@HighPopProfessor]

Yeah, we don’t talk about Sid Bream in this town… 😅😅😅😭😭😭

[@svenpatrick1637]

@@HighPopProfessor I remember that game like yesterday . Living in Wheeling WV and always going to three rivers stadium to watch the Pirates will always be my greatest memory.

[@HighPopProfessor]

Yeah, Wheeling is close! Only a little over an hour to Pittsburgh, depending on traffic. Iconic Al and I had some amazing memories at Three Rivers Stadium - getting McGwire and Sosa autos in person during the height of the 1998 season is right up there!