PSA 10 vs PSA 9 - Where is the Value? - Investment or PC? | Sports Cards Collecting and Investing |

[@somekindofchris_]

This is excellent advice. I just bought my first graded card and it’s really confusing in not knowing what to buy. The price difference is huge between the two grades. And it’s very easy to get pulled into the hype of making a profit. This helps put buying cards into perspective. Thanks for the vid!

[@leyili3421]

Great video! I started this hobby two months ago, and I only buy PSA 9s because 10s are over my budget, and I have no problem with the condition of PSA 9s compared to raw cards.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

PSA 9s are a great option for many of us who cannot afford PSA 10s. Personally I think the multiplier placed on a PSA 10 vs a PSA 9 is just too inflated. Sometimes a solid 9 looks just as good as a weak 10. It's all a matter of perspective and the subjective opinion of the grader. Too much human error to trust a PSA 10, but a PSA 9 is still MINT with just a few minor flaws that I can definitely live with!

[@leyili3421]

@@JoshUnboxed824 Agree, PSA 10 doesn’t mean it’s a flawless or one of a kind, it’s just have better conditions compare to PSA 9s, that’s why I don’t get the point of the PSA 10 hype right now, maybe because “10” is kinda misleading people or they just wanna flip or invest.

[@mikea5205]

Believe it or not, the main reason a modern card score a 9 is the centering. Corners are sharp, edges look good, surface is usually good but what I notice on most 9’s (and raw cards) is the centering is off.

[@leyili3421]

@@mikea5205 100%, I just received my psa 9 optic ant purple, that centering is not really good

[@LooseyPueblo321]

Nice, I buy all psa 9s because I’m trying to complete the old Holo sets and 10s are just outrageous

[@JoshUnboxed824]

PSA 9s are a great affordable option. The prices for PSA 10s these days are just too high when compared to a PSA 9 and the difference between the cards is just so small.

[@protocollapse]

Agree with this one. As a collector, I just want a decent priced slabbed card for safe keeping but still holds value if ever I'd like to let go of it. Although PSA 9s are almost priced same as the raw but raw cards has higher chances of getting damaged if not protected properly. What about PSA/DNA certified cards? What's your opinion about the value these slabs?

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Yeah most times PSA 9s are priced the same as raw, but like you said the raw cards have a higher chance to get damaged. At least with a PSA 9 slab you have it already graded in that condition and protected as well. In regards to your question about PSA/DNA certified cards. I love them because it is a form of sports memorabilia (much like signed balls, jerseys, etc). For some reason, they don't seem to be selling as high as I think they should. The autographs are authenticated by PSA/DNA, but I think the only thing holding it back is the fact that autos can be faked. At least with autos from the card manufacturers, they guarantee the authenticity of the auto (unless it's being signed by Luka's mom lol). I feel that PSA/DNA cards are such a gray area in the sports card market, but has so much potential. If I do dabble into this space my first focus would be with HOFers and those that don't really sign as often. I think those would be fantastic pieces to own in any collection just for the significance of it.

[@ArkiCaloyzki]

Starting my new collection this 2022. Starting with PSA 9s. Love the video!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Thank you so much! That's a great place to start. You get to buy the cards you like at more reasonable prices vs the PSA 10 over-inflated prices. Even at a PSA 9, they still look great!

[@johnr.9758]

I know this is old....but psa 10s aren't going to remain the standard. The 10s are no longer the top of the line. With the pristine rating, it basically makes the 10s what a 9 used to be. Plus psa is tossing out 10s like they are leaves on a tree.

[@Alpha-rl1cd]

I like the play bro!!!! Great idea you get to still keep the card and invest into others you like!!!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Thanks! I think from a pure collector's standpoint, PSA 9s are great. You don't have to pay the insane mark up of a PSA 10 when the 9s look just as good most times.

[@Alpha-rl1cd]

@@JoshUnboxed824 I agree bro. I have a bunch of 9s because 10s are too high. From a collectors standpoint, you buy the card NOT the grade. So enjoying the card is my main focus for my PC

[@JoshUnboxed824]

​@@Alpha-rl1cd That's one of the best way to go about it. You can't go wrong with buying what you like.

[@bbokariontop]

The market is uo not because of grandpa cards because they are not playing. Market is up because quite a few sports legends came in 2020 and in 2021 in nascar, baseball, basketball and football. it happens once in a 14 to 20 years.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

I apologize, but help me understand what you mean by sports legends coming in 2020 and 2021. It sounds like you are saying that sports legends are being made currently? If so, then that can be one cause for the market to go up, but I do think that it's a combination of both new and old and how one affects the other.

[@bbokariontop]

@@JoshUnboxed824 laviska luka ja zion natalie hurbert trevor burrow aren brandon tattis rutchman tattis bohn connor michal ordan lebron kobe natalie decker and many others

[@JoshUnboxed824]

I see what you are saying now. Yeah there are a lot of guys entering their sport with the potential to be greats and add that to the group of already great players.

[@bbokariontop]

@@JoshUnboxed824 Laviska will storm the nfl world.

[@SKOMEpocets]

for the average person with an average budget, 9 is the way better play/investment. you just have to make the right moves. if you have money to wheel and deal 10's then just go heavily into stocks lmao. and i'd argue raw is even a better play ATM than 10's (people don't realize the market starts at the raw, not the 10) with the all the grading company stoppages/issues.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

You are so correct on that! I think when it comes to buying graded cards, most people should try and focus on getting the best grade available that one can afford. Your thought on raw cards being a better play at the moment is very good. In fact, I've been buying a bunch of raw cards the moment PSA announced they are suspending their low end services. The raw card play is so good, that I've decided to talk about that in my next video. Thanks for your comment and input!

[@chrisolivo6591]

Exactly. I collect cards for enjoyment/value and invest in stocks for my retirement. The only good thing about PSA 10’s today is they are so expensive, I don’t even have to entertain buying them. PSA 9 is in my price range, so it’s a no brainer for me.

[@mikedovell3339]

I just started collecting again and all I Want are 10s.

[@Sweetdaddy415]

Great video and take, I've been on the fence on buying psa 9s, but it makes sense it your keeping that card for personal collection. Flipping is a different ball game. Psa 10s are the best bet. Thank you!👍👍👍

[@JoshUnboxed824]

When trying to flip, PSA 10s will net you the higher profit for sure. However, if you just want to collect the card in Mint condition, then 9s are a great way to save money. Thanks for watching!

[@AndreClassicCuts]

Nice video I am just now getting into it smh I have alot 9s a card revamp company would make a killing

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Thanks Andre'. Nothing wrong with jumping in now. The prices have come down quite considerably since last year. I personally think that now is a really good time to jump in. Thanks for the comment!

[@AndreClassicCuts]

@@JoshUnboxed824 Welcome

[@MiloneMoneyMindset]

I agree with from a collector standpoint I’d rather have the 9. 10s are great for the flips!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Yeah definitely. You can use the money from a 10 flip to get some nice 9s!

[@andrewkim6260]

Josh. I agree with you 100%. Sell those 10's. I would go as far as to even sell 9's and get 8's with great eye appeal and use the profits to add to your personal collection. You have great content. BTW, I don't remember the card shop in Arcadia you mentioned in your previous video, but I would frequent a card shop in San Gabriel off Las Tunas that I loved. Peace!!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

I agree that even PSA 8's are great. You hit the nail right on the head with having great eye appeal. Even when dealing with vintage cards from the 50's, a PSA 4 with great eye appeal and centering will outsell a PSA 5 that is off-centered at times. The card shop in Arcadia is called Hall of Fame Baseball Cards, its a very small shop off the 210 fwy. I didn't know there was a card store out in San Gabriel. Is it still there? I might have to check out sometime. Thanks for the support and comment, I really appreciate it!

[@andrewkim6260]

Magic card shop. It’s been long gone. I know your channel focuses on value for collectors. I agree Shaq is so undervalued it’s not even funny. I would check out 80’s baseball right now. PSA had a special last year on these cards and as a result lots of cheap slabs out there.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

That's unfortunate about that card shop. Hate to see that happen. But yeah man Shaqs are so undervalued in my opinion. I'll look into some of those 80's baseball cards. I've been on the hunt for a nice Bo Jackson 86 Topps Traded and I love the design of the 87 Topps cards too.

[@404SportzCardz]

9 or 10 whatever your budget can afford!!!!! & If you check EBay comps....9’s sell too!!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Exactly! Buy whatever your budget can afford. Try not to overextend yourself. Even though 10s will net the highest dollar amount, 9s sell really well!

[@bbokariontop]

Question ? will the previous PSA cards be worthless when PSA will use AI to analyze the cards? Because we are eliminating human errors which tends to happen almost all the time.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

To be honest, I don't know how much AI grading at PSA will affect the current PSA graded cards, if any at all. I think that PSA as a brand will always have that brand recognition and that carries value in and of itself. But it is true that AI grading will end up eliminating human error. It's just that I'm not sure quite yet how this will affect everything. Good question!

[@nathanielmccormick2674]

How do you price a 10 versus a 9. For example, PSA 9 sold for 3,800. What would you value a 10? I heard they can be 3.5x the value on average?

[@BillyB94]

What about a 9 refractor or 10 base? From investor and collector standpoint?

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Personally from both an investor and collector standpoint I would rather have a refractor 9 over a 10 base. I just feel that refractors have a couple of things going for it - eye appeal and low odds of pulling vs a base card. However in today's sports card world, base prizms and your normal topps chrome refractors are abundant and are nothing really too special vs a base card. But I would still have a refractor 9.

[@Untrapped95]

Somebody tried to fill me about the PSA tip

[@bbokariontop]

When there is 99 cards or less in the pop it does not matter wether it is PSA or not.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

This is true especially when it comes to numbered cards. With numbered cards, there are only a finite number of those cards made. If there are 99 cards made of one particular card, it doesn't matter if it is graded by PSA, BGS, HGA, SGC, CSG, etc. - there still only 99 of those cards made. Good point!

[@bbokariontop]

@@JoshUnboxed824 I save all rookie cards and low numbered selected cards

[@JoshUnboxed824]

That's always a very sound strategy. Good stuff!

[@skmdc]

I mostly track baseball, but there is a decent relationship (in modern cards) between 9 and 10. Sure, the dollar increases for 10's is no doubt greater, but in percentage terms 9's and 10's are very close, and it's not unusual for a 9 to outperform. I'm with you, for collecting 9's are fine 🙂 i like the slave I in the background. Lego UCS?

[@JoshUnboxed824]

You are correct on that. Even though the amount of dollars seems huge, the percentage increase is almost equal when looking at it on a deeper level. You can even go deeper with saying that buying lower valued cards to flip may give you a higher percentage ROI after taking into account fees (if you sell on eBay that is). An important topic to discuss about in a future video. And yes that is a Slave I UCS in the background. I have a Tie Fighter UCS next to it on the other side! In terms of other sets, I really want to get that Mos Eisley Cantina set. You have a good eye sir, nice of you to notice :).

[@nikkijosephchua2562]

subbed. great value

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Thanks for the sub!

[@nikkijosephchua2562]

@@JoshUnboxed824 bro i have a question. do you think the luka rc base psa 10 still Valuable today despite the pop report? need advice bro market looks low and planning to keep it long term. getting it probably at 800$ today if ever

[@jred23pyro]

I have 5 Kobe rookies that I have had in hard cases since 1997 I think they're 10s.. but I don't know for sure.. I never graded a card before .. what's up with psa's only service right now the $300 one? If these are 10s.. man.. lol my pops got them for me Christmas 97.. any help here would be appreciated. Thanks for a good vid.

[@jred23pyro]

Who u collect when u were a kid? Lol I got so many Shawn Kemp cards.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

So sorry for the late reply, I was on vacation with the family. Unfortunately, the cheapest you can grade with at PSA is at the $300 price point. Depending on how quickly you want to get this done, it wouldn't be a bad idea to wait until PSA offers lower services levels, but then again the sports card market could complete change. As long as you kept those cards in really good condition then you have a shot at 10s, just make sure to look at the centering. Just look at the 4 main categories - corners (are there any bent corners, is there any white showing on the corners?), edges (is there any chipping on the edges of the card? - this is seen more on black bordered cards like the Ultra), surface (are there any scratches on the card or marks?), and then centering (this will be difficult if there is no border). Kobe RC PSA 10's have so much value right now - even though they have dropped a bit from their previous highs. Thanks for the comment and I hope this helps you out.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

I collected mainly Penny Hardaway. I have a good friend who collected Kemp and still collects Kemp to this day!

[@jred23pyro]

@@JoshUnboxed824 Thanks a lot for your guidance man. Imma wait a lil til the service level tapers down probably. I hope all is well with you and your family!

[@elduderino4579]

I have raw 8’s and 9’s in my pc of cards I love. If I ever buy a card to flip I usually try to find a 9 but it also depends how old the card is and the price.

[@JoshUnboxed824]

That's pretty good. As a collector, one of the common thoughts is to buy the card not the grade. When we deal with older cards, the perspective has to shift in which lower grades are still good value.

[@elduderino4579]

@@JoshUnboxed824 absolutely man. Especially on some of the prices too. The 9’s & 10’s have gone crazy so I’ve settled on quite a few 8’s.

[@johnm7421]

Hey Josh, whats your take on a 2003 Topps Lebron James BGS 9 for $1,200? Is it a good buy right now? Another awesome content! Thank you so much! John

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Hi John, I think that is a decent price for a BGS 9. I think there is a lot of opportunity with Lebron cards right now especially after the recent run up. I feel we are now at a point of market correction and all it takes is another catalyst for his cards to increase again. History has shown that even if a championship is won, there is a slight dip in card prices as the market gets flooded with supply to try and capitalize. There will be some opportunities to sell during the playoffs, if the lakers advance to the next rounds. There's also opportunity to sell if you decide to hold long term. It's even a great card to hold or have in PC as well. Hope this is helpful. Good luck with your decision!

[@johnm7421]

@@JoshUnboxed824 thank you for the info, Josh!

[@JoshUnboxed824]

Anytime!