First time submitting cards for grading... Prizm Zion Parallels to BGS

[HaFish]

I've never submitted cards for grading so really don't know what to expect... Felt that this might be as good of an opportunity as ever to try it out since Zion will be debuting next week. These were all pack pulled by me. I've gently wiped down the surface with a microfiber cloth and placed the cards in new penny sleeves/semi-rigid holders. Planning on sending these for 2 day service to BGS. If anyone has last minute recommendations before I send this off later today, I'd appreciate it!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49399991042_2371c6af89_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49399785521_619fa3f3d4_b.jpg

[WhacksPacks]

Holy Moly

[Bob Ross]

Great Scott. Nice. Here's what I would do if none have surface issues:

PSA PSA PSA
PSA PSA PSA

[mrjduke]

Great Scott. Nice. Here's what I would do if none have surface issues:

PSA PSA PSA
PSA PSA PSA

Yeah, send them to PSA. You might have them back for next basketball season.

[ilikenicecards]

Beautys! Especially that Purple Wave, Red Wave, and Silver.

[The_Reverend]

That is the only thing about PSA. They take a little,longer, but the price difference between BGS and PSA Gem Mint is huge.

[gretzky17]

that's a beautiful collection. I just got some nice grades on 4 Zion's.

Orange Ice 9.5.
Ruby Red Wave 9.5
Pink Ice 9.5
Pink Ice 9.5

Now the question is to hold or turn ASAP! Anyway, I've only graded a couple of times and usually am colossally disappointed. Not this time

[IndySportsCards]

That is the only thing about PSA. They take a little,longer, but the price difference between BGS and PSA Gem Mint is huge.

A "little" longer? I'm waiting on October orders from PSA..

[initialD]

You are golden!
Only the centering on the variation sticks out to me. Probably still pull 9.5 with BGS. I’d go PSA but the turnaround time is atrocious if you want these back anytime soon. A BGS 10 or black label here or there and you’ll crush it. Good luck!

[NJ Card Guy]

Firstly,...No need for concern; that's just a couple of drops of envy that you're seeing on my brow.

Secondly,...by no means, am I an expert when it comes to grading, but presuming that the variables of edges/corners/surface all check-out o.k., I'd say you're (at least) "GOLDEN" if you go the BGS route and Gem Mint if you go the PSA route.

Lastly,...perhaps it's just my old-age eyes playing tricks on me, but is it possible that your image variation version lines-up at around 55/45, L/R?

[HaFish]

So... Just a small update... My grades posted today and if I'm reading this correctly... I've been too harsh of a judge?!

Purple Wave: 9.5 (9 Centering)
Red Wave: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Silver: 9.5 (True Gem)
Variation: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Orange Ice: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Pink Ice: 10 (9.5 Edges)

[tgblackw]

So... Just a small update... My grades posted today and if I'm reading this correctly... I've been too harsh of a judge?!

Purple Wave: 9.5 (9 Centering)
Red Wave: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Silver: 9.5 (True Gem)
Variation: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Orange Ice: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Pink Ice: 10 (9.5 Edges)

Jackpot! :eek:

[HaFish]

Jackpot! :eek:

I know! I'm sort of in shock actually...

[Rooftop]

Just curious, how many packs did you open?

[messier2]

Did any of the cards have any print lines on the back (left to right)...usually 2 of them from what I can see.

[Rememberthepast]

I know! I'm sort of in shock actually...

Hamilton’s for everyone!

[HaFish]

Just curious, how many packs did you open?

I probably opened ~$5000 in retail this year... Have a lot more that I will be submitting in the near future.

[HaFish]

Did any of the cards have any print lines on the back (left to right)...usually 2 of them from what I can see.

I think most of them do but I picked out the few without print lines for this submission since it was going to be my first attempt.

[messier2]

I think most of them do but I picked out the few without print lines for this submission since it was going to be my first attempt.

Ah, ok good to know.

[GhostfaceDrilla]

So... Just a small update... My grades posted today and if I'm reading this correctly... I've been too harsh of a judge?!

Purple Wave: 9.5 (9 Centering)
Red Wave: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Silver: 9.5 (True Gem)
Variation: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Orange Ice: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Pink Ice: 10 (9.5 Edges)

Awesome results! That variation getting a 10 center is a joke, but hey, i wouldn't care at all if i were in your shoes! Congrats!

[wilsunshines]

So... Just a small update... My grades posted today and if I'm reading this correctly... I've been too harsh of a judge?!

Purple Wave: 9.5 (9 Centering)
Red Wave: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Silver: 9.5 (True Gem)
Variation: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Orange Ice: 10 (9.5 Surface)
Pink Ice: 10 (9.5 Edges)

wow, congrats! my Favored Zion Prizms just arrived at BGS today, and i certainly would not mind seeing some results like these

[h00perstar34]

9 centering for purple? That copy along with mine are the two of the best I’ve seen!

[The_Reverend]

Man...that is a lot of 10’s. Congrats. One day my eye will be good enough to get my first 10.

[Bigbrian18]

Congrats!! Amazing cards!

[Willikn]

Variation a 10 on centering, but the purple was a 9? smh

Congrats though for sure. Big bucks, especially today.

[Bob Ross]

Good gravy - Congrats!

10 centering on the variation is a travesty. I guess I need to send some to BGS and not all to PSA.

[SidVish]

Good gravy - Congrats!

10 centering on the variation is a travesty. I guess I need to send some to BGS and not all to PSA.

I wouldn't. I've seen cards with centering like that get 8.5's from BGS.

Congrats to the OP!

[PacklineD]

Congrats on the grades! Have to agree that BGS giving that variation a 10 is just comical. Can absolutely see how the other 3 10s you got received that grade.

Great cards!

[HaFish]

I think everyone’s getting thrown off by the glare from the penny sleeve. The stamping that people use for centering isn’t always accurate for this year’s Prizm.

[ninjacookies]

Merry Prizmas!

[Bruin7]

Absolutely not taking anything away from the OP. Actually congrats on the grades PERIOD; you'll do great whether you keep/sell them.

But this is the reason I will never use BGS ever again. Beckett hands out gems/pristine like the guys snapping booby cards at you on Vegas Strip. Plus I'm not a fan of their interactions with certain dealers. What I saw at the National was disgusting.

[pejc300]

Awesome results! That variation getting a 10 center is a joke, but hey, i wouldn't care at all if i were in your shoes! Congrats!

Variation a 10 on centering, but the purple was a 9? smh

Congrats though for sure. Big bucks, especially today.

No kidding...can't wait to see that thing in a slab.

[HaFish]

Absolutely not taking anything away from the OP. Actually congrats on the grades PERIOD; you'll do great whether you keep/sell them.

But this is the reason I will never use BGS ever again. Beckett hands out gems/pristine like the guys snapping booby cards at you on Vegas Strip. Plus I'm not a fan of their interactions with certain dealers. What I saw at the National was disgusting.

I think you might be a little biased because of said interactions at the National that you observed but BGS definitely hands out less gem/pristine grades than PSA. 2018-19 Prizm Luka Doncic being a great example... majority of PSA 10 Silvers are nowhere near centered.

PSA POP report for Prizm Luka Doncic Base RC PSA 10 - 7632 out of 10072 submitted for grading (more than 75%)
BGS POP report for the same card BGS 9.5 or 10 - 1478 out of 2521 (less than 59%)

[Bruin7]

I think you might be a little biased because of said interactions at the National that you observed but BGS definitely hands out less gem/pristine grades than PSA. 2018-19 Prizm Luka Doncic being a great example... majority of PSA 10 Silvers are nowhere near centered.

PSA POP report for Prizm Luka Doncic Base RC PSA 10 - 7632 out of 10072 submitted for grading (more than 75%)
BGS POP report for the same card BGS 9.5 or 10 - 1478 out of 2521 (less than 59%)

I'm simply referring to the Prizm Zion #248 parallels. Beckett has been giving out gems on this card. The centering is far more obvious than 2018-19 Prizm.

[Justin7]

I'm simply referring to the Prizm Zion #248 parallels. Beckett has been giving out gems on this card. The centering is far more obvious than 2018-19 Prizm.

Yes Beckett has seriously lightened up on their standards this year, sticking to PSA.

[HaFish]

I'm simply referring to the Prizm Zion #248 parallels. Beckett has been giving out gems on this card. The centering is far more obvious than 2018-19 Prizm.

PSA will catch up... they just have a longer turnaround time so the population report is lagging behind for now.

[Justin7]

PSA will catch up... they just have a longer turnaround time so the population report is lagging behind for now.

Eh we have enough sample size now to see that psa is being tougher

248 Zion Williamson
Silver Prizm Pop Report: 6: 1 8: 4 PSA 9: 37 PSA 10: 24 66 total

Curious what BGS's bgs 9.5/10 gem rate is compared to the amount of 9's they give out but it's definitely harder to get a psa 10 this year than a bgs 9.5 and I am losing confidence in bgs 10 compared to psa 10 too.

[Bruin7]

PSA will catch up... they just have a longer turnaround time so the population report is lagging behind for now.

To each their own but again OP you're going to do extremely well with those slabs. I do feel this year's Prizm release is different:

1. Prizm set was not printed in team order like 17/18 or 18/19
2. Card #248 & #249 can be controlled via presses now
3. I assure you there are not the same amount of [insert any common] and #248 in the world
4. There are an insane amount of off centered Zion #248 Base and Parallels. This is a great thing long term. As buyers become more sophisticated they won't be purchasing the grade anymore per se but seeing/looking at the card itself. I only use the slabs as guidelines when determining a PC purchase.

[Bruin7]

Eh we have enough sample size now to see that psa is being tougher

248 Zion Williamson
Silver Prizm Pop Report: 6: 1 8: 4 PSA 9: 37 PSA 10: 24 66 total

Curious what BGS's bgs 9.5/10 gem rate is compared to the amount of 9's they give out but it's definitely harder to get a psa 10 this year than a bgs 9.5 and I am losing confidence in bgs 10 compared to psa 10 too.

Thank you sir for the data.

I am not interested in cards without a proper bell curve in graded population reports. It tells multiple things such as potential print runs (great for Contenders BK) etc etc etc.

[jrb]

How much did you slip BGS with the submission? lol

All kidding aside. Beginners luck maybe? You also went through $5k in cards to find those so maybe it was a good eye and not luck.

We are spoiled now with how common 9.5s/10s are now! Or the collector's eye and quality control is better now out of the pack?

If below is a reasonable example, the number of cards submitted and the 59-75% that turn back 9.5/10 is crazy. PSA hitting record profits so times are good.

PSA POP report for Prizm Luka Doncic Base RC PSA 10 - 7632 out of 10072 submitted for grading (more than 75%)
BGS POP report for the same card BGS 9.5 or 10 - 1478 out of 2521 (less than 59%)

[ninjacookies]

=

PSA POP report for Prizm Luka Doncic Base RC PSA 10 - 7632 out of 10072 submitted for grading (more than 75%)
BGS POP report for the same card BGS 9.5 or 10 - 1478 out of 2521 (less than 59%)

That's pretty crazy. Just goes to show it's never an exact science. We're talking about TPG's, afterall.

[imbluestreak23]

You guys think this is bad?

Check out the Acuna BGS 9.5 parallels in the Acuna thread? Might be time to bust out some Jordan BGS 9s w/ 8.5 corners and try for 9.5s the way things are going. You can drop cards on the floor corner first and cards are gemming.

Centering on that variation a 10? :doh:

[Bruin7]

How much did you slip BGS with the submission? lol

All kidding aside. Beginners luck maybe? You also went through $5k in cards to find those so maybe it was a good eye and not luck.

We are spoiled now with how common 9.5s/10s are now! Or the collector's eye and quality control is better now out of the pack?

If below is a reasonable example, the number of cards submitted and the 59-75% that turn back 9.5/10 is crazy. PSA hitting record profits so times are good.

PSA POP report for Prizm Luka Doncic Base RC PSA 10 - 7632 out of 10072 submitted for grading (more than 75%)
BGS POP report for the same card BGS 9.5 or 10 - 1478 out of 2521 (less than 59%)

Those don't present proper bell curves ;) I guess that's why I don't own any nor the Trae Young Prizm Silver. You won't see the same type of % changes as other sportscards. Optic Holos however now that's a different tale for different day.

[HaFish]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49451187287_4a2432a437_b.jpg

The centering on the Variation looks pretty good to me...

[ohio_mba]

I think BGS is only grading the fronts of cards. Every 10 centering I've seen on eBay the back of the card is off-center.

[Soxfanguy]

Beckett hands out gems/pristine like the guys snapping booby cards at you on Vegas Strip.

Those guys are annoying. I'm just trying to walk and they are trying to bother me

[Soxfanguy]

Would this be a 10?

9.5
9.5
10
10

[HaFish]

I think BGS is only grading the fronts of cards. Every 10 centering I've seen on eBay the back of the card is off-center.

Both companies don't pay as much attention to the back... PSA grading criteria states a PSA 10 just has to have 25/75 on centering on the back.

[HaFish]

Would this be a 10?

9.5
9.5
10
10

Nope, that would be a very high sub BGS 9.5

[Soxfanguy]

Nope, that would be a very high sub BGS 9.5

Figured

Congrats on the cards

[HaFish]

Figured

Congrats on the cards

Thank you!

[Willikn]

Did any of the cards have any print lines on the back (left to right)...usually 2 of them from what I can see.

In my VERY limited experience, if I look hard enough, tilt the card enough, extremely faint thin lines appear on all of them (not just Zion, all Prizm). Not nearly as visible as the line on Lamar Jackson Prizm RC fronts, but a similar style. I've been considering them an inherent part of the card's reverse appearance.

Am I wrong?

[HaFish]

In my VERY limited experience, if I look hard enough, tilt the card enough, extremely faint thin lines appear on all of them (not just Zion, all Prizm). Not nearly as visible as the line on Lamar Jackson Prizm RC fronts, but a similar style. I've been considering them an inherent part of the card's reverse appearance.

Am I wrong?

I agree with you that 99% of the cards appears to have some print lines on the back...

Also, to those of you saying PSA was doing a better job than BGS at grading this year's Prizm. Take a look at both PSA 10 Ruby Waves (one just sold on eBay for nearly $1600 and the other is being sold by someone on this forum)... neither have very good centering. The centering on both of those cards look like my Purple Wave that got a 9 for centering.

[RandysHobby]

In my VERY limited experience, if I look hard enough, tilt the card enough, extremely faint thin lines appear on all of them (not just Zion, all Prizm). Not nearly as visible as the line on Lamar Jackson Prizm RC fronts, but a similar style. I've been considering them an inherent part of the card's reverse appearance.

Am I wrong?

Yeah I’m nearing 5k in wax and I have not seen a single Prizm from this year that doesn’t have horizontal lines on the back.