[Question] PSA grading of Magic cards

[jcb193]

Here is a general question to the T1 buying community.  I have a large number of power cards to sell (beta lotus, alpha moxes, unlimited P9, etc etc).  I was planning on selling them on ebay towards Christmas.  Questions:

1.) Where does one get cards graded?  How much does it cost? How long does it take?

2.) Do players place a premium on PSA graded cards, and if so, what % increase?

Or is it better to just throw them on ebay with good scans and cross my fingers?

Just wondering what the general consensus is.  Thanks!

EDIT:  Many of my cards are in the NM- to NM+ range.  This might factor in towards PSA'ing.....

Joshua Brooks

[Jacob Orlove]

Moved to basic community.

[Samcat]

2.) Do players place a premium on PSA graded cards, and if so, what % increase?

Just to answer #2, Check out ebay to see increases.  With the history it is pretty easy to find.  A Beta Lotus PSA 10 recently sold for over 8 grand! :shock:   There is defenitely better money in getting them graded.  On average, I have seen PSA 9-10 power easily double normal market price.

[johnstown713]

I wouldnt recommend getting a card graded unless it will come back at least an 8.  Collectors just wont have enough intrest to give you a good premium value.

[Bram]

The process of getting cards graded is explained on the PSA site here: http://www.psacard.com/grading/card_grading.chtml

I have an UL lotus that was a 9 easily when I bought it (and the only reason I'm not saying 10 is that you wouldn't believe me). I probably should have had it graded but then I can't play it anymore and would have to buy a new one. I'd never be happy playing with a beat Lotus though, so I'd need a decent one back.

The way I figure:

(Cash from sale of PSA graded Lotus) < (Cash spent to buy decent looking play Lotus) + (time (grading process, selling old one, buying nw one)) + (effort) + (cost of grading process) + (uncertainly about actually getting it back) + (uncertainty about what grade it gets).

So I didn't.

[Triple_S]

I know someone who is looking for top condition Alpha cards (mostly rares) so if you some you are trying to move shoot me a PM and I can put you in contact with them.

[Stupid_Newb]

PSA grading really does improve the value of the cards if you receive a high grade. Example:

A 1986 Topps Jerry Rice Rookie normally sells for about $60-$100.

PSA 10's have sold for over $5,000. But a 10 does have a high advantage over a 9 or a 9.5. A 10 means it's perfect in every aspect of the card. Honestly I find it almost impossible to have a card get that grade. You've got to take the card from an already perfectly Mint pack, put it straight into the package using white gloves, and cross your fingers.

[Ric_Flair]

2.) Do players place a premium on PSA graded cards, and if so, what % increase?

PLAYERS do not place a premium on PSA graded cards.  That is, aside from the value they can get by suckering dumb collectors into paying more for a collectible that has a shelf life no longer than the game is played.  I find this "collectible" idea silly. Once the game stops being played, all the cards will be worthless.

[Bram]

Once the game stops being played, all the cards will be worthless.

Yeah, much like how the baseball cards PSA was founded to grade are utterly devoid of value because noone plays any games with them

[leviat]

I probably should have had it graded but then I can't play it anymore and would have to buy a new one. I'd never be happy playing with a beat Lotus though, so I'd need a decent one back.

Sure you can... you just have to get every OTHER card PSA graded as well.

[mbcrules1]

I could tell you PSA Graded cards 9 or 10 are in high demand. So much so there is even an invitational for them. I'm in the other hand the type player that would buy the cheapest power possible just to be able to play tourney's.


There are several people though that are willing to pay big bucks for psa 10. We know of at least 3 collectors trying to get a complete set of PSA 10 beta cards and a bunch trying to get unlimited sets psa 10. I can not even imagine what a beta set psa 10 would go for! 40,000? 50,000? who knows, and who would pay?? The fact remains P9 cards are more and more expensive with time and MINT Power is getting harder and harder to get thus the rules of supply and demand will be a big factor in years to come.

just my 2 cents.

[Bram]

Could you, in the future, maybe NOT wait for 3 months putting in your 2 cts.?

In other words: no thread necromancy, please.