General Forum

The original intent of the grading companies was to provide a third party grade to a card (Mt, NrMnt, etc..) This helped eliminate a difference in opinion between parties either buying or selling a card.  (i only think it's in vgood condition and will pay/trade you based on that even though you think it is in nrmnt condition). Anytime there is money to be made in something there will be those who take advantage of that by providing fakes. Even one of the most famous T-206 Cobbs had been trimmed.   The grading companies also provide validation that a card is authentic, there are a lot of fakes out there. I remember back in the day someone was faking the Upper Deck Griffey Rookies. 

Yes, and Yes! The original point of grading cards was to authenticate them. Then it took the turn towards the actual condition of the cards. For modern cards (1980 and newer), it's mostly about condition. But there are cards that were faked (like the McGwire and Bonds RC's and the Frank Thomas Topps No Name card). For vintage cards (pre-1980), there are lots of fakes out there and more continue to get made today. You have to really know what you are doing when buying vintage cards and that's why most of us prefer graded (and authenticated) copies of the cards.

EDIT TO ADD: Some people get cards autographed in-person and then send them in to get "graded", but they really only want proof that it's really signed by that person.

coletynan wrote:

Y’all are talking about authenticating cards. Is that a normal part of the grading process? And are fakes that common in this hobby?

Like most everyone else I have bought some of my vintage cards already graded. The only two I ever sent in were a Job a Chamberlain RC, that was First Edition and a 1999 Nolan Ryan Autograph. 

I do a mix of grading for my personal collection and for resale.  I don't have a specific $ amount a card has to be worth raw to submit it, but now have a good grasp on expected outcomes.  If you know what you're doing (paying attention to pops, being first to submit a given card/variation, timing player milestones, etc.) it can be quite profitable.  Not every card will be a winner, but I've had more than enough hits to outweigh those and acquire more cards for myself for "free".