Another great video Graig. As far as pop control, when I went to card grading school we were told that any card we grade a 10 would be reviewed by one or two senior graders. It’s possible that senior graders are hesitant to give certain cards a 10.
Graig, it was cool to see the wants and diversity of the community. You share everyone’s thoughts so well. As for the question on pop control. Yes, I absolutely believe that is happening. I believe it was much worse in the past. Does a leopard change its spots ? No, but it can slowly evolve still maintaining its camouflage. I think there is a degree of politics also. Here are two examples of my reasoning. 1- At the National in 94, I wanted to make a trade on high quality vintage football. I had 2 Otto Graham rookies. I was going to trade one. I took them both to a lot of vintage dealers for their opinions. ie, Kit Young, Mr. Mint, Joe Coebella, and 4 or 5 others. They all agreed with me on the nicer of the 2. I traded the other to another big dealer. Then within an hr that dealer had it graded in his showcase a PSA 7. I had to wait a day to pick mine up and it was a PSA 5. Big submitter vs Small guy ? 2- I have a good friend that’s been a vintage dealer and have known him for well over 30 years. SGC used to call him in to help them identify or help authenticate cards in the old days. He told me while he was there, the CEO told graders if anything was going to grade a 10 it had to come over his desk first. I’m only sharing what I have experienced and have heard from a very trusted hobby friend. If I see you at Strongsville Graig, I can introduce you to him as it is one of the shows he still does. He’s getting up in age, but has a lot of knowledge. These are only 2 reasons why I place little faith in grading companies. As far as I’m concerned, the best thing grading companies offer is a overall pop report. I don’t want to change anyones mind, just add information. Everyone can draw their own conclusions, and form your own opinions based on your experiences.
Hi Graig - long time listener, first time caller. I have been thinking about the commentary about buying the card and not the grade. I'm going to pose a couple of questions and a bit of what is likely a contrarian response. A. I often hear "it's a 4 but much better..like a 6" as justification for paying a higher price B. I have never heard "its a 6 but much worse...like a 4" as justification to get a buyer to pay less. (How often is a 6 sold at a 4 price?? A. If people aren't buying the slab- why are there PSA only, SGC only collectors?...why not buy the BVG/BCG/CGC etc slabs? B. If you are really buying the card-why do you care. (ok-accept for those of us who are OCD and like consistency) If we didn't have grading, there would be even more subjectivity in the hobby...we need it...albeit as a guide..to at least provide some objectivity. Moreover, does the average pricing tracked on the PSA or VCP sites really suggest people are buying the card and not the grade? How large are the error bars? In summary, I think we are fooling ourselves into thinking we are somehow purists...when, as a community, we are in fact not. I'm sure others can shoot holes in my comments...and other can add support. -os73
Hi Graig. Love seeing what other collectors wish or hope for, as we all have those cards in our minds to own. I am really looking forward to seeing next week`s thoughts, and what their justifications are for them. Thanks for sharing my friend, talk soon pal.
Great video Graig! I definitely think they use pop control on certain cards. 1980 Henderson, 89 UD Griffey, 86 Jordan just to name a few. They do it to protect the mystique and value. If too many 10s get out there, it might devalue the overall idea of what they want Psa 10s to be. This is coming from a guy who grades with them regularly and will continue to do so. It’s all part of the game.
Graig, I specifically remember one of the higher-ups at PSA doing in an interview during the 2023 National. He was asked if they grade iconic cards differently? He said (I’m paraphrasing but he used George Brett rookie as an example) “Well, if a 1975 Topps George Brett comes in to be graded, obviously we are going to treat that card differently than a common.” I still can’t believe he came out an admitted what we have all been saying.
Yes. PSA does pop control. Why? Why wouldn't they? I've seen ultra modern cards with white corners, chipped edges and noticeable centering issues receive a 10 from PSA. But the UD Griffey, Topps Rickey Henderson, 93 Jeter and more iconic modernish cards have gem rates that just don't make sense mathematically. It's like the fine-tooth comb comes out for those type of cards. Meanwhile, a 2019 Prizm PJ Washington RC gets a 5-second look and then off it goes to gem town.
Thanks for reading my Santa card comment. As I said in that comment, I really don’t do graded cards, so I’m really not in a position to know whether the grading companies are doing POP control, but I’m anxious to hear what others think. Cheers, Graig.
I have the Brett mini, a low-grade Aaron rookie, and the '53 Satchell Paige. Yaz signed his my '60 Topps for me. I would like the white letters variation of Mickey Mantle.
Rocky Colavito passed Tuesday. Great player person..All star😢😢😢But on that note I need 2 cards for my 1941 playball collection Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams..gonna take lot of savings or selling..😮
To answer your question, yes and no. The numbers suggest that pop control exists at PSA. I work with numbers and statistics and the general rule is, if it looks like there’s a trend they’re probably is a trend. On the other hand, I don’t think it happens with all cards. Not sure how the ones that get scrutinized more are chosen. It could be an anomaly. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about grading. At this point, my very best cards are not graded and I don’t plan to change that. Of the grading companies, I think I trust PSA the least. I have not had a great experience when I have grading with them overall. I guess that makes me cynical of them. That probably taints my opinion in answering this question. Thanks for all of your videos!!! Please check your November monthly submissions!!! There is a Roger Clement clue in there for you. Starting in about a week, pay attention to your incoming mail.
Pop' control...yes, it's possible, for pre-war. For vintage. For modern. For ultra modern. But as long as we are submitting cards to PSA. Buying and selling cards that are graded by PSA. They basically do what they want to do. I would love to be able to dissociate from grades. Authentication if necessary, but this is what the hobby has become. Paying thousands of dollars for commons and minor stars because of a PSA 10 distinction; fortunately or unfortunately I am not playing in the same ball park with the big boys, and thus the big boy cards elude me. But not all hope is lost. There are still some really good quality cards that, won't put me in jeopardy with, a bookie, the hobby does not need to be expensive, but maybe I should call Saul, just in case.
Hi Graig, Hope you had a nice weekend my friend!! Dang it I missed my chance to let Santa know my wish list👎 53’ Mantle but it at the top of my list for Strongsville 25’🥳 I don’t dig to much into pop reports, but for those more modern cards you mentioned, seems like they would have spec sheets on larger cards. Notes on pop counts, values for up charge, and common flaws, so on…. I’m about in the same boat as you, 10 more working days and can’t wait for a break! We can do it!!!🎄
Great video and great message, Graig. 😎. I don’t really buy into the pop control conspiracy as it seems like it would have to be much too widespread to have any real financial gain for graders and there would be too much to lose for PSA if it were discovered to be true. Possible, but not likely. Cheers!
I have received PSA 10's on some low pop cards like a 1988 Fleer Rodman that has 252 10's out of 10,877 graded. I don't think pop control is the reason, but I do think they grade some cards differently. If a PSA grader gives a 1984 Fleer Update Dusty Baker a PSA 10, they most likely will just slab it up. If a grader thinks a 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens is a PSA 10, then another grader will look it over, and maybe a head grader will give a third opinion. If PSA gives a big card a 10, it will be scrutinized by more people and would give PSA negative optics if they over-graded the card.
I’m not sure what I think about pop control. I do know that it’s very difficult to find a card from the 80’s or 90’s that looks like it even has a shot at a 10. There is always something. Makes me wonder how other cards get 10’s. Maybe the graders are actually grading the iconic cards properly and loosening the standard on less popular cards.
I feel pop control would take too much time for the grading company. It seems grading a card is treated like a production line in most cases; just push them through as fast as possible. It would also take knowledgeable graders. A grader that recognizes the card that needs to be pop controlled, or an alert of some sort from the data base or a higher up that a card needs extra attention or manipulation. I don't know if that would happen with most 70's to modern cards. Perhaps I don't have a good grasp on the production line at PSA, though.
Pop control? I guess it is possible. The bigger concern I have is a big spender submitting a bunch of cards and to please them, they get some high grades in there even if not deserving. Another point: Anyone ever wonder if your higher grade cards are getting swapped when they get to PSA?
I don't know if PSA, for sure, is trying to control the population.. But it seems I recall hearing the guy running the company saying that they scrutinize more the premier cards of the hobby. Isn't that population control? Why would they scrutinize some cards more than others? A card should graded for its perfection by their standards rather than who is on the card.
I don’t think that you need to reply to every comment. I’m in Connecticut and it’s really winter here 😊. I collect Thurman Munson and I like 1960s card. Mantle is out of range.
Graig you are the absolute BEST! Thank you for all that you do!!!
That means a lot to me. Thanks so much.
Another great video Graig. As far as pop control, when I went to card grading school we were told that any card we grade a 10 would be reviewed by one or two senior graders. It’s possible that senior graders are hesitant to give certain cards a 10.
Wow. Thanks for sharing that info, Orlando.
Graig, it was cool to see the wants and diversity of the community. You share everyone’s thoughts so well. As for the question on pop control. Yes, I absolutely believe that is happening. I believe it was much worse in the past. Does a leopard change its spots ? No, but it can slowly evolve still maintaining its camouflage. I think there is a degree of politics also. Here are two examples of my reasoning.
1- At the National in 94, I wanted to make a trade on high quality vintage football. I had 2 Otto Graham rookies. I was going to trade one. I took them both to a lot of vintage dealers for their opinions. ie, Kit Young, Mr. Mint, Joe Coebella, and 4 or 5 others. They all agreed with me on the nicer of the 2. I traded the other to another big dealer. Then within an hr that dealer had it graded in his showcase a PSA 7. I had to wait a day to pick mine up and it was a PSA 5. Big submitter vs Small guy ?
2- I have a good friend that’s been a vintage dealer and have known him for well over 30 years. SGC used to call him in to help them identify or help authenticate cards in the old days. He told me while he was there, the CEO told graders if anything was going to grade a 10 it had to come over his desk first.
I’m only sharing what I have experienced and have heard from a very trusted hobby friend. If I see you at Strongsville Graig, I can introduce you to him as it is one of the shows he still does. He’s getting up in age, but has a lot of knowledge. These are only 2 reasons why I place little faith in grading companies. As far as I’m concerned, the best thing grading companies offer is a overall pop report. I don’t want to change anyones mind, just add information.
Everyone can draw their own conclusions, and form your own opinions based on your experiences.
Wow. Super interesting comment. Thanks for sharing, Don.
Hi Graig - long time listener, first time caller. I have been thinking about the commentary about buying the card and not the grade. I'm going to pose a couple of questions and a bit of what is likely a contrarian response.
A. I often hear "it's a 4 but much better..like a 6" as justification for paying a higher price
B. I have never heard "its a 6 but much worse...like a 4" as justification to get a buyer to pay less. (How often is a 6 sold at a 4 price??
A. If people aren't buying the slab- why are there PSA only, SGC only collectors?...why not buy the BVG/BCG/CGC etc slabs?
B. If you are really buying the card-why do you care. (ok-accept for those of us who are OCD and like consistency)
If we didn't have grading, there would be even more subjectivity in the hobby...we need it...albeit as a guide..to at least provide some objectivity. Moreover, does the average pricing tracked on the PSA or VCP sites really suggest people are buying the card and not the grade? How large are the error bars?
In summary, I think we are fooling ourselves into thinking we are somehow purists...when, as a community, we are in fact not. I'm sure others can shoot holes in my comments...and other can add support.
-os73
I appreciate you taking the time to comment and I think you make some great points. I'll share my thoughts on this soon.
Hi Graig. Love seeing what other collectors wish or hope for, as we all have those cards in our minds to own. I am really looking forward to seeing next week`s thoughts, and what their justifications are for them. Thanks for sharing my friend, talk soon pal.
Thanks so much.
Cool video Graig. Thanks!
Great video Graig! I definitely think they use pop control on certain cards. 1980 Henderson, 89 UD Griffey, 86 Jordan just to name a few. They do it to protect the mystique and value. If too many 10s get out there, it might devalue the overall idea of what they want Psa 10s to be. This is coming from a guy who grades with them regularly and will continue to do so. It’s all part of the game.
I hear that, for sure. Good comment.
Graig, I specifically remember one of the higher-ups at PSA doing in an interview during the 2023 National. He was asked if they grade iconic cards differently? He said (I’m paraphrasing but he used George Brett rookie as an example) “Well, if a 1975 Topps George Brett comes in to be graded, obviously we are going to treat that card differently than a common.” I still can’t believe he came out an admitted what we have all been saying.
You saw that on my channel, and there’s a VERY good chance you’ll see it again next week. 😉
Very cool to hear about some of the dream cards from the very diverse collections of your viewers. Great stuff, Graig! 👊
Agreed, amigo.
Yes. PSA does pop control. Why? Why wouldn't they? I've seen ultra modern cards with white corners, chipped edges and noticeable centering issues receive a 10 from PSA. But the UD Griffey, Topps Rickey Henderson, 93 Jeter and more iconic modernish cards have gem rates that just don't make sense mathematically. It's like the fine-tooth comb comes out for those type of cards. Meanwhile, a 2019 Prizm PJ Washington RC gets a 5-second look and then off it goes to gem town.
Appreciate you sharing these thoughts.
Enjoyed hearing what everyone wants, although we may collect differently and have different wants the joy the hobby brings is what we have in common!
Exactly!!
Thanks for reading my Santa card comment. As I said in that comment, I really don’t do graded cards, so I’m really not in a position to know whether the grading companies are doing POP control, but I’m anxious to hear what others think. Cheers, Graig.
Thanks so much.
I have the Brett mini, a low-grade Aaron rookie, and the '53 Satchell Paige. Yaz signed his my '60 Topps for me. I would like the white letters variation of Mickey Mantle.
Awesome stuff.
To be fair, the Jordan green PMG might be more valuable than any Mantle. It could be the biggest card in the hobby.
It's a very rare and very expensive card. No doubt.
Rocky Colavito passed Tuesday. Great player person..All star😢😢😢But on that note I need 2 cards for my 1941 playball collection Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams..gonna take lot of savings or selling..😮
I heart. Super sad.
To answer your question, yes and no. The numbers suggest that pop control exists at PSA. I work with numbers and statistics and the general rule is, if it looks like there’s a trend they’re probably is a trend. On the other hand, I don’t think it happens with all cards. Not sure how the ones that get scrutinized more are chosen. It could be an anomaly. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about grading. At this point, my very best cards are not graded and I don’t plan to change that. Of the grading companies, I think I trust PSA the least. I have not had a great experience when I have grading with them overall. I guess that makes me cynical of them. That probably taints my opinion in answering this question.
Thanks for all of your videos!!! Please check your November monthly submissions!!! There is a Roger Clement clue in there for you. Starting in about a week, pay attention to your incoming mail.
Fair points, for sure.
Pop' control...yes, it's possible, for pre-war. For vintage. For modern. For ultra modern. But as long as we are submitting cards to PSA. Buying and selling cards that are graded by PSA. They basically do what they want to do. I would love to be able to dissociate from grades. Authentication if necessary, but this is what the hobby has become. Paying thousands of dollars for commons and minor stars because of a PSA 10 distinction; fortunately or unfortunately I am not playing in the same ball park with the big boys, and thus the big boy cards elude me. But not all hope is lost. There are still some really good quality cards that, won't put me in jeopardy with, a bookie, the hobby does not need to be expensive, but maybe I should call Saul, just in case.
Agree that authentication is the key.
Hi Graig, Hope you had a nice weekend my friend!! Dang it I missed my chance to let Santa know my wish list👎 53’ Mantle but it at the top of my list for Strongsville 25’🥳 I don’t dig to much into pop reports, but for those more modern cards you mentioned, seems like they would have spec sheets on larger cards. Notes on pop counts, values for up charge, and common flaws, so on…. I’m about in the same boat as you, 10 more working days and can’t wait for a break! We can do it!!!🎄
I hope you get that 53 Mantle!!
You are the best. Wish you were one of my teachers in school!
That's beyond kind of you to say. Thank you.
Great video and great message, Graig. 😎. I don’t really buy into the pop control conspiracy as it seems like it would have to be much too widespread to have any real financial gain for graders and there would be too much to lose for PSA if it were discovered to be true. Possible, but not likely. Cheers!
Good point.
I have received PSA 10's on some low pop cards like a 1988 Fleer Rodman that has 252 10's out of 10,877 graded. I don't think pop control is the reason, but I do think they grade some cards differently. If a PSA grader gives a 1984 Fleer Update Dusty Baker a PSA 10, they most likely will just slab it up. If a grader thinks a 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens is a PSA 10, then another grader will look it over, and maybe a head grader will give a third opinion. If PSA gives a big card a 10, it will be scrutinized by more people and would give PSA negative optics if they over-graded the card.
Agree 100%… I also think they tend to keep PSA 10 pop numbers down on certain cards…
Who ya know, ya know 😉🤫
Great comment.
I’m not sure what I think about pop control. I do know that it’s very difficult to find a card from the 80’s or 90’s that looks like it even has a shot at a 10. There is always something. Makes me wonder how other cards get 10’s. Maybe the graders are actually grading the iconic cards properly and loosening the standard on less popular cards.
Good point.
I feel pop control would take too much time for the grading company. It seems grading a card is treated like a production line in most cases; just push them through as fast as possible. It would also take knowledgeable graders. A grader that recognizes the card that needs to be pop controlled, or an alert of some sort from the data base or a higher up that a card needs extra attention or manipulation. I don't know if that would happen with most 70's to modern cards. Perhaps I don't have a good grasp on the production line at PSA, though.
That makes sense. Good argument.
What’s pop control? 🤪😉
Pop control? I guess it is possible. The bigger concern I have is a big spender submitting a bunch of cards and to please them, they get some high grades in there even if not deserving. Another point: Anyone ever wonder if your higher grade cards are getting swapped when they get to PSA?
Hmmm. I had never considered that possibility before.
Curly is widely regarded as the most popular of the Three Stooges.
That card is epic, for sure.
I don't know if PSA, for sure, is trying to control the population.. But it seems I recall hearing the guy running the company saying that they scrutinize more the premier cards of the hobby. Isn't that population control? Why would they scrutinize some cards more than others? A card should graded for its perfection by their standards rather than who is on the card.
You may see a return appearance of that comment. :-)
I don’t think that you need to reply to every comment. I’m in Connecticut and it’s really winter here 😊. I collect Thurman Munson and I like 1960s card. Mantle is out of range.
I appreciate that.
You just had to get in a dig on Trey Lance, didn't you. LOL
I'm still dealing with the pain of it.