Am I the only one with zero interest in graded cards?

[jonebone]

I like graded cards on base stuff, not rare stuff. I collect Ripken so any of his base cards in the 90s are boring as hell. Getting them in PSA 10 shape at least makes it a bit more interesting for me.

But on serial numbered stuff I don't see the point. A /25 is going to have value regardless of whether it is a a PSA 9 or 10. Grading those doesn't seem worth it to me unless it is a key insert, like maybe a 1992 Signature Series /5000. I can see the point in grading those due to the Auto and possible chipping on those cards.

 

[patrick182]

I defiantly don't like how much space graded cards consume. This is why I don't collect them to any degree beyond my modest mini collections as indicated below.

I like some cards in graded form. For example, I'm one of a few collectors who's working on a complete run of my guys rookie cards in PSA 10 form. Occasionally, I'll grab a BGS 10 if the price is right and I'm in the financial position to do so.

Also, buying PSA 10 copies of classic '80's rookies helps me stop buying raw copies of them. I'd rather have one PSA 10 copy of say the '87 Topps Will Clark RC than 100 raw copies of the card. This helps me save space. This is just me though. As I've gotten older, I've swayed to more of a quality over quantity mind set.

Finally, on a rare occasion, I'll grab a high end card of my guy in graded form, but only serendipitously. I don't actively seek out graded cards in this capacity. The criteria for interest in these acquisitions is as follows:

1. Something I don't already have in raw form (Must be already difficult to find in raw form)

For these next two, I'm extremely particular so my acquisitions in these areas are very modest.
2. Something I have in raw form, but is already an impossible find
3. Something associated with a favorable childhood memory

Storage is a cake walk. I use 2-row graded card boxes.

 

[Winfieldfan32]

I hate them.....I have 10 albums of Dave Winfield cards because I enjoy looking at them. I have a few graded or factory slabbed cards but they go in a box for another day. The extra thick memorabilia cards stink too.

 

[porkchops]

I only have 4 ,they're T206s that are displayed on those little picture stands , everything else in my collection is raw.
The thing I find most suspect about grading is "if your not happy with what you get back , crack it open and resubmit it."
Yeah , I agree , it all depends on which "grader" is looking at it. While were at it , what qualifications must one have to be
a "professional" grader?
If your a "collector" , it's a waist of money ........ if your an "investor/speculator" , guess you have to play the game.
Just my opinion,
Ken