Graded cards are a staple

Dear Babe:

First, I hate the (increasingly common) trend of there being tables at (increasingly rare) card shows full of graded and slabbed cards with no prices on them. Who are the people buying these cards? What prices are they typically paying for them? I don’t like slabbed cards in the first place. I can’t imagine buying them, let alone when you have to ask the seller how much they cost. What is the purpose of buying slabbed cards? Can’t a collector tell the quality of a card without having a third party do it for them? I’d be interested to hear from other readers on this. I honestly don’t get it.

Steve Ferenchick,

Wynnewood, Pa.

Without knowing it, you answered your own question in a way. Outside of some major yearly shows, it’s harder and harder to find quality card shows at local malls and hotels. Collectors can thank the Internet for that. And they can thank cyberspace for slabbed cards with grades on them. (For the record, a “slabbed” card is one that has been graded and encased in plastic.)

Most would agree that the debate over graded cards is over. Slabbed cards are here to stay. Certainly most savvy veteran collectors can determine the condition of a card they are deciding upon at a show. Most can probably spot fakes. The reality is that the majority of today’s collectors aren’t that knowledgeable. Further, millions of sales are completed over the Internet. If a card has been graded by one of the three or four major companies, most collectors feel comfortable when they are bidding. You’d be surprised what sellers describe as “near-mint” in online auctions. “Near-Mint” is certainly in the eyes of the owner.

As for pricing, there are no guides with complete values for graded cards. PSA does have its Sports Market Report with values on cards it has graded. I assume dealers use that guide, population reports from the major companies and recorded Internet sales as a barometer. Someone must be buying the cards. I would say that a majority of the dealers with cards for sale at The National had graded cards —many without values on them. Collectors can also extrapolate values for graded cards based on the values for non-graded cards. After that, it’s based on what buyers are willing to pay.

If you have a question for Babe Waxpak, include your full name and hometown, the card number, year and manufacturer or send a photocopy. Please do not send cards. The address is: Babe Waxpak, Box 1148, Anderson CA 96007 or e-mail waxpak@andersonvalleypost.com.