Opinion needed- High-end RC grading

[dismonkey1]

Hey all-

If you acquire a nice high-end RC RPA (think National Treasures or Cup) and the card receives a grade of BGS 8.5 do you think it (from non-graded): enhances the card value, makes no difference, or causes it to lose value? BGS 9 and 9.5 on these types of thick cards are obvious winners, but an 8.5 feels like a little of a gray area to me. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks- Kevin

 

[BigBarracuda]

Honestly as a buyer, I would offer you a lower price. Current pricing assumes new cards are mint (9.0) or better. Just my opinion.

Glenn

 

[M35Richter]

Anything less than a 9 I would break out of the graded case. I think it can only hurt you if the goal is to resell the card.

 

[geschrocks33]

I agree with the above, that an 8.5 would most likely hurt the value.

 

[tuukkatime]

No!

Don't break out an 8.5. Most cup rookies are 8.5 or lower when they come from the pack and especially for the very high end, having the 8.5 ensures buyers that the card has no major flaws. Furthermore, a number of cup years were awful for condition and buyers are weary of this. 8.5 is definitely fine and give me confidence to buy a card without having the potential to have to return it or miss a flaw!

Years that are especially bad include:
07-08
08-09
10-11

 

[HighEndPlease]

I agreed with tuukkatime. 8.5 is normal for the cup with 8 corners that are either condition sensitive (13-14 year with the centering) or have dark borders/foil issues (10-11 year, 07-08)

If the card is graded higher, BGS 9 or 9.5 (pretty rare) - I usually pay extra premium in my bids.

 

[cburt]

I think some of those Cup sets that were mentioned are the exception when it comes to modern. Besides stuff from the Cup, a modern rookie, say, would be worth more broken out or ungraded if it is less than a 9. A BGS 8.5 Crosby or McDavid YG would not be worth any more than an ungraded one, maybe even less, for example. However, if you move to vintage, well there is no shame in 8.5's and depending on the card, many of the high-end vintage rookies still have good value at even a 1 out of 10, i.e. Gretzky rookies, etc.

 

[GoCanGo]

I remember years back when my LCS bought a Corey Perry Ice RC /99 off eBay. Card wasn't graded, but seller assured it was mint. Then he noticed a small crease on the bottom...

When someone like him invests in a graded 8.5, he knows he's not getting a damaged card. It's probably something that can reassure some buyers, who are either wary about purchasing high-end on eBay or who've had bad experiences.