(07-12-2012, 03:46 PM)ArchersAxe Wrote: I've recently been looking into getting some cards graded. After doing some research on both PSA and Beckett, it appears Beckett would have a more reliable and accurate scoring for newer cards.
My main concern, though, is what to really expect as a grade. The terms NM and M are used so commonly together that purchasing a card in prospect of getting it graded seems undesirable. Just to prove my point, I had a card seller on eBay tell me his cards were NM to M condition, but he couldn't guarantee that they would be worthy of being graded. I am well aware that the BGS appears to be the most particular. I don't expect to get a 10 on any of my cards.
Here are my questions:
1) If I purchase cards said to be in NM/M, what grading should I expect? Do sellers regularly under grade their cards to not get the buyers hopes up?
2) Who should I purchase cards from, a store or another collector? Price is not much of an issue, but rather the quality.
Nolan would be correct on the NM-MT term, and some under grade and over grade. If it is a vintage card expect it to be less. I am putting together a 1954 set in Ex-MT cond. So I will only buy NM cards, expecting them to come back 5.5 to 6.5.
newenglandsportscards is a good seller, I buy A LOT from them, but even their cards are not always accruate. Like I bought a bulk 1977 lot from them described as NM-MT and they were average Ex-MT+
I sell a bunch myself on eBay: seller ID: sellurstuff2010
I consider myself conservative in my descriptions.