Moral Quandry: To Cross or Not to Cross?

Hey guys,
What is your opinion on crossing cards from PSA to SGC and vice-versa, when the card in question is a "highest graded" for that particular TPG? For example, if I had a T206 "name your player" that was a PSA 6, and it was a 1 of 1 with none higher, and I happen to like the way SGC holders look, would you cross it over? Assuming it gets the same grade, but it may not be the highest graded in a SGC holder. I know this is a BIG deal for the registry set guys, but as a general collector of vintage cards, would you have the stones to do it, knowing you are taking out a great registry piece? I hope you all get what I mean. I know PSA generally is more accepted as the resale market price leader at the moment for Prewar, but for some reason I really dont think the holders are attractive, and beneficial to the aesthetics(sp.?) of the cards.

You said, "I happen to like the way SGC holders look". End of story. Your collection is yours. Keep your cards in whatever way makes you happy - even if that means raw.

if you know for sure that you're not going to sell it any time soon, then I would cross it to the grader you prefer.

Hi Brandon. I think Brian & Jeff have pretty much hit it on the head for how I feel as well. I to prefer SGC and have cards in my collection
that in my opinion no doubt would grade higher if sent to PSA. Eye appeal, personal preference, and piece of mind are all that matter to
me when it comes to my collection. Not what number's shown on the flip. Hope this helps your decision.

I subtly disagree with the above advice. I would say that it's best to have the card in the slab in which most cards of that ilk are graded. High grade T206's, especially 8's and 9's, should be in PSA slabs because that will enhance the demand (and price) of the cards. Other cards, like OJ's and certain rare cards that are population, not condition, rarities, belong in SGC slabs. Low/mid-grade cards from popular sets are more of a gray area.

I've learned that, in general, when it comes to slabs, it is better not to go against the grain. The only time to accept downgrades in order to crossover cards, imo, is when you are set collecting and want all the cards in the same holder. That is a different story. But for just one card? If you have unlimited funds, that's one thing, but if you are like me, that isn't the case. So that's my take on the whole thing.

I'm in the camp of get it in a slab that you like best. For the most part, pre-WW2 SGC cards sell just as well or better than PSA, even at the highest grades because PSA registry geeks will grab SGC cards and cross them.

If retail really is a concern, you can always cross it back to PSA later.

Jay

I am in the camp of the Freakin idiot, not many cards seem to stay in collection permanently and they get moved so it would be best to maximize the sale.

Now if another card turns up with the same grade or higher, go with the holder you prefer.

I have about 10 of my Cycle 460s in PSA holders that I do not feel will crossover at the same grade, I would love to have them in SGC holders but too costly on my meager budget.

Lee

Thanks guys! Alot of good points. I know what you mean Lee, I dont usually end up hving cards as a permanent part of my collection, as I sometimes need to sell them to afford more/better cards. However, in the situation I am in now, I think I may end up having the one(s) I am referring to now for quite a while. If I should happen to sell, if I cant sell it for the same price in an SGC holder, I can always try to re-cross it back to PSA like Jay said. Hmmm.....