Raw vs. Graded Question

[GAZZA]

Hello Purveyors of Cardboard,

I am weighing a limited return to the hobby. Buying only (no trading or selling). The plan is to rebuild the collection I had as a kid (1980-1992).

Here is my dilemma: I am in no way trained to spot a fake or reprint. I was thinking of aiming for PSA 8 graded cards but, it is really necessary? If I buy raw cards, is it inevitable that I will buy a reprint?

Thanks for the help, all.

Aaron


:dead:

 

[timber09]

Let me preface this by saying that I am in no way an expert in grading cards and, personally, am not a huge fan.

That being said, what I know of the timeline you are looking to recreate highlights a couple cards to be wary of (Lemieux & Roy rookies - I have seen more issues on the OPC side) but, I think, the bulk of the others you are likely fine to go after without much hesitation.

Maybe some of the resident 80s collectors can help out with other cards to keep an eye out on or issues they have seen but I think that largely you can be pretty safe in this decade.

Good luck and welcome back!

 

[tiger tiger]

Mainly the fakes are of elite superstar rookies.

Gretz, Lemieux, Roy. In my experience, Gretz and Roy are pretty easy to spot. Gretz OPC RC has the yellow dot on his shoulder. The fakes don't have it. I think on ebay, Gretzky RCs have to be graded (or highly recommended). But you can get a very nice one from a reputable seller. Stadium Sports is in your area (2 hr drive) and is pretty good for vintage stuff. Check out the Vintage section here too.

Roy OPC RC has the black dot on the top in the white border. The fakes don't have it and the colors bleed a bit and you can see the pixels on the logos.

I can't remember the tell-tale signs for Lemieux, but I think it's the pixelation. Not sure.

There's been a couple of threads on these too. There's good resources available on the internet too.

As far as I know, I don't think players like Bourque, Messier have been reprinted on mass like the other 3. Hull might be another one. For the cards in the early 80's, if it looks sort of rough along the edges and is slightly off-centred, then it's probably authentic. Usually it's good to compare a card from the same year and have them side by side.

I'm not sure how hardcore you want to get into the graded stuff, and that's up to you.

I only have Gretz OPC RC graded at a 6. I'm just happy to have him back in my collection.

 

[TanguayFan]

The heck with answering your question. It's just great to see you back Aaron.....