Grade or not to grade, first edition base commons?

I was digging through my cards and I found my very old first edition base set commons/uncommons i stashed away. They look completely mint since i never touched them after opening about 15 yrs ago. Theyre about 80% commons though and they go for about 10 bucks nm on the bay, and psa 9s or so is maybe 30 bucks

Is it worth going through the hassle grading? Theres about 250 copies

If you know they’re flawless then go for it. If you can see the majority of them getting a PSA 8 or lower don’t.

Only you can answer that question yourself:

  • Is it to make a bit of money?
    Then look at the cost and time of grading versus what they sell for and figure out if it’s worth it for you. Also take into account your time listing and sending it.
  • Is it for your own collection?
    Then ask yourself if you want graded cards in your collection, with the added benefit of protection.

And one tip: No matter how mint a card you’re sending to PSA, always expect a PSA 9. That way, if it ends up being a 10, it’s a nice bonus and if it’s an 8, it’s not that much of a financial loss compared to expecting a 10 and getting an 8.

Good luck!

2 Likes

Thanks for your answer, I guess for money lol, I just collect and i guess invest since i have some sealed boxes so theres no point in having tons of the same cards. My issue is i have no idea what the grading would be or how strict these guys are, my guess is 8 at most since i’ve heard people were sending in pack fresh cards and still getting 9s. Plus the issue of spending 8 bucks per card, and shipping and getting that many cased cards back…

I guess i should grade a few of my other cards and go from there. Ive had a first ed shining charizard and steelix for years i needed to get done. Thanks for your input man!

1 Like