PSA's July Vintage Special

[Wisztradamous]

So, I've been patiently waiting for a PSA Vintage special (I am a big 1955 Topps All-American Collector), and I've amassed quite a bit to submit.. but the special only goes back to 1956!!

This is some nonsense!

Is there any particular reason why it would only go back to '56?

[Moyni]

Seems like a nonsensical cutoff

[Archangel1775]

Could be the limited grader's involved that are experts in the time frame. From 1955 back there are some big time cards in all sports.

[discodanman45]

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

Could be the limited grader's involved that are experts in the time frame. From 1955 back there are some big time cards in all sports.

This shouldn't be an issue because of the declared values. If the cutoff was 1957 I could see the reason since 1956 and before Topps were larger cards and need different holders.

Only thing I can think of is 1955 was the last year of Bowman. It may just streamline it to mainly Topps cards.

[Archangel1775]

Originally Posted by discodanman45

This shouldn't be an issue because of the declared values. If the cutoff was 1957 I could see the reason since 1956 and before Topps were larger cards and need different holders.

Only thing I can think of is 1955 was the last year of Bowman. It may just streamline it to mainly Topps cards.

I'm not sure you're tracking what I mean. From 1955 and earlier, there may be specialized graders that have the expertise and knowledge required to grade those vintage cards.

[discodanman45]

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

I'm not sure you're tracking what I mean. From 1955 and earlier, there may be specialized graders that have the expertise and knowledge required to grade those vintage cards.

There is no special skills needed, 1956 is not a magic cutoff. The big cards like a Mantle 52 or 53, Aaron rookie, etc... would never be submitted in bulk. If you can grade a 1956 Topps card, you can grade a 1953 Topps card. I think they just wanted to keep it to Topps and avoid Bowman cards. That is the only thing that makes sense to me.

Edit: I will add if they have specialized graders for vintage, there are many people that are "specialized" in not knowing how to grade a card after my last order.

[Archangel1775]

It makes more sense that there are levels to graders and 1955 Topps would seem to be a good cut-off with the checklist of high value cards such as the 1955 Clemente, Koufax and legendary HOF's. With card alteration being a significant issue, having a higher level grader handle those orders seems only right. My point being, you dont want New Employee Joe who doesnt know the difference between Topps,Panini and Subway grading your 1954 Topps Hank Aaron the same way as a 2024 Topps Aaron Judge. Obviously New Grader Joe isn't handling 56-79 either but maybe seasoned employee Grader Jane is because that's her specialization. Then you got the Combat Graders handling 55 and earlier because they know T206, 52 Topps and all those other sets.

[towerymt]

Originally Posted by discodanman45

There is no special skills needed, 1956 is not a magic cutoff. The big cards like a Mantle 52 or 53, Aaron rookie, etc... would never be submitted in bulk. If you can grade a 1956 Topps card, you can grade a 1953 Topps card. I think they just wanted to keep it to Topps and avoid Bowman cards. That is the only thing that makes sense to me.

Edit: I will add if they have specialized graders for vintage, there are many people that are "specialized" in not knowing how to grade a card after my last order.

The reasons to send 'big' cards in bulk:

• send them along with other less valuable cards so you only pay one return shipping charge.
• you might not get upcharged, so you pay a lower grading fee
• some believe they might go to one of the less experienced graders handing out 10s (or just higher grades than deserved, since we're talking vintage).

The reason not to:

• loss or damage - lower max declared value might not cover the value of the card

I do it. I sent a Clemente RC via $19 bulk recently.

[towerymt]

PSA pop report -- 1955, 1956 -- sets with over 1,000 total graded:

1955 sets:
https://www.psacard.com/pop/baseball-cards/1955/20591

1. Topps ~175,000
2. Bowman ~90,000
3. Topps Doubleheaders ~6,900
4. Red Man Tobacco ~4,200
5. Golden Stamps ~3,500
6. Two other sets between 500-1000 graded.

1956 sets:
https://www.psacard.com/pop/baseball-cards/1956/20600

1. Topps ~331,000
2. Two other sets have 500-1000 graded.

1954 had 8 sets with at least 1,000 examples graded.

Pop report gives some insight into why they may have chosen the cutoff.

[discodanman45]

Originally Posted by towerymt

I do it. I sent a Clemente RC via $19 bulk recently.

$19 bulk has a $500 declared value, this has a $300 declared value. That is a big difference. A Clemente RC in a 1 is somewhere between $800 to $900. I doubt many people are trying to sneak a Hank Aaron RC through this special with only a $300 value. What grade was your Clemente? A $500 declared value for a 1 is not crazy to submit at $19. I sure as heck wouldn't submit a Hank Aaron at $300 declared value with this special.

I am sure if someone threw a 1952/1953 Mantle in a bulk order, it would immediately be treated differently and the bulk/special graders wouldn't touch that card.

I think it is as simple as the Bowman cutoff year for this special. Last year of Bowman is 1955 and this seems the most logical to me.

[towerymt]

Mine was a PSA-1 and I knew that grade when I sent it. I'd have sent it for ~$15 at $300 DV. I take chances that some do not feel comfortable with.

[discodanman45]

Originally Posted by towerymt

Mine was a PSA-1 and I knew that grade when I sent it. I'd have sent it for ~$15 at $300 DV. I take chances that some do not feel comfortable with.

I would do that with 1 no problem as well. $500 is no big deal to me. Once it climbs to $1500 or higher, I would definitely not take that risk.

Saying all that, I am only using PSA now for vintage cards that could get above collectors grade. For cards that are in the 1 to 4 range that are worth grading, I am just sending to SGC now. Not much difference in price and people will pay up in both slabs for eye appeal.

[Wisztradamous]

Thanks guys, for the insight. All valid points and makes sense.

[jtclockwork]

It's annoying, but it saves me $ not feeling like I have to send anything in.

[yodel16]

Honestly, not much PSA does these days makes sense to me. I have been a collector's club member for many years and have graded lots of cards over the years, but lately the consistency in grading has been just brutal.

[Wisztradamous]

Originally Posted by yodel16

Honestly, not much PSA does these days makes sense to me. I have been a collector's club member for many years and have graded lots of cards over the years, but lately the consistency in grading has been just brutal.

I agree, my last two submissions of about 55 cards total were rough. I didn't renew my subscription this year (it just expired). I'll wait for a good special that would make it worth it.