PSA, BVG, or SGC for 1951 Mantle Bowman RC?

[REGGIE206]

I'm currently in the market to get a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle RC. I know for sure that I want it graded (to ensure it's authentic). I'm shooting for the lowest grade possible with a decent quality card. I just don't want any pieces missing from the card, big pinholes, or major rips.

Is there anything I need to know before buying this graded card? I'm sure everyone's preference is PSA here. Is there anything wrong with buying a BVG or SGC?

Also, other than eBay, are there other websites I should look at?

Thanks in advance!

[rats60]

Do not buy BVG. SGC is OK, but be sure to pay a lot less than PSA in the same grade. PSA is proven best for the value, but buy the card and not the grade on the holder, avoid over graded and poorly centered cards.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by rats60

Do not buy BVG. SGC is OK, but be sure to pay a lot less than PSA in the same grade. PSA is proven best for the value, but buy the card and not the grade on the holder, avoid over graded and poorly centered cards.

plus one

[REGGIE206]

Originally Posted by rats60

Do not buy BVG. SGC is OK, but be sure to pay a lot less than PSA in the same grade. PSA is proven best for the value, but buy the card and not the grade on the holder, avoid over graded and poorly centered cards.

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

plus one

Thank you so very much for the advice.

Do you mind if I ask what is wrong with BVG when it comes to this card? What if the actual card looks decent, but BVG graded? Have there been problems with counterfeit cards in BVG slabs?

I will be keeping the card forever. My main concern is making sure the card is real and in decent condition. In this case scenario, is it okay to go with BVG if the price is cheaper and the card looks decent?

*PM SENT*

[bkspoilers]

One factor, that should be taken into consideration is if you are going to attempt to sell in less than a couple years or this will be a centerpiece in your collection for years to come? What I see on the boards is PSA is the "top" for resale. However, solid condition cards in BVG and SGC slabs can be had for considerably less money. If you are looking for assurance that the card is in fact real, then I do think they all should be able to authenticate this iconic card. Just my two cents. However, best deals for the BVG would be by auction as some of the sellers are still proud of their BVG cards and expect PSA prices.

[Splendid]

Originally Posted by REGGIE206

Thank you so very much for the advice.

Do you mind if I ask what is wrong with BVG when it comes to this card? What if the actual card looks decent, but BVG graded? Have there been problems with counterfeit cards in BVG slabs?

I will be keeping the card forever. My main concern is making sure the card is real and in decent condition. In this case scenario, is it okay to go with BVG if the price is cheaper and the card looks decent?

*PM SENT*

There is nothing wrong with BVG..... in fact in recent years they have gained significant ground on PSA. To give you a prime example; I recently sold two 1965 Topps Joe Namath SP RC's, one PSA 8 and one BVG 8. The PSA 8 sold for $26,900 and the BVG sold for $27,500. The PSA 8 specimen was fine for the grade, but had soft corners and less than stellar surface colors. The BVG 8 had sharp corners and edges with bright, clean surfaces. It was clearly the better card. A year ago, the same PSA 8 would've out sold the same BVG specimen by 5-10K++ simply on brand reputation. That simply isn't the case anymore.

In the coin business we buy the coin, not the holder. The same philosophy should be applied to sports cards.

With SGC on the verge of non-existence, there will soon be two reputable grading services to choose from..... BVG and PSA. Get used to it.... and disregard the antiquated nonsense that BVG is an undesired or inferior grading service. Those days are gone.

[smanzari]

Any of them, especially if you are buying graded to ensure authenticity and buy the card not the grade.

I actually tend to snag BVG in HE Vintage because more often than not, its cheap enough to save money even after crossing over to PSA.

[jstephens24]

yea I vote for which ever has the better looking card in the price you want to pay. Any are good

[REGGIE206]

Thank you all for the advice! I truly appreciate it all!

Yes, the 1951 Mantle RC will be the centerpiece of my collection. I will never resell it and will most likely get passed down to my son.

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by jstephens24

yea I vote for which ever has the better looking card in the price you want to pay. Any are good

This is probably the best advice. Buy the best card for the price regardless of holder. If you are not building a registry or care about uniformity in your collection, it doesn't matter. I personally would vote for SGC. You get a price break against PSA examples and their grading is on par (and better than BVG). It also looks the best, imho.

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

This is probably the best advice. Buy the best card for the price regardless of holder. If you are not building a registry or care about uniformity in your collection, it doesn't matter. I personally would vote for SGC. You get a price break against PSA examples and their grading is on par (and better than BVG). It also looks the best, imho.

Vintage cards look the best (by far) in SGC holders, since they have a black frame surrounding the card.

[JLayer]

Originally Posted by Splendid

There is nothing wrong with BVG..... in fact in recent years they have gained significant ground on PSA. To give you a prime example; I recently sold two 1965 Topps Joe Namath SP RC's, one PSA 8 and one BVG 8. The PSA 8 sold for $26,900 and the BVG sold for $27,500. The PSA 8 specimen was fine for the grade, but had soft corners and less than stellar surface colors. The BVG 8 had sharp corners and edges with bright, clean surfaces. It was clearly the better card. A year ago, the same PSA 8 would've out sold the same BVG specimen by 5-10K++ simply on brand reputation. That simply isn't the case anymore.

In the coin business we buy the coin, not the holder. The same philosophy should be applied to sports cards.

With SGC on the verge of non-existence, there will soon be two reputable grading services to choose from..... BVG and PSA. Get used to it.... and disregard the antiquated nonsense that BVG is an undesired or inferior grading service. Those days are gone.

Very well said.

[I only pull for]

Originally Posted by Splendid

With SGC on the verge of non-existence, there will soon be two reputable grading services to choose from..... BVG and PSA. Get used to it.... and disregard the antiquated nonsense that BVG is an undesired or inferior grading service. Those days are gone.

You're joking, right?
BVG will never bring premiums over PSA or SGC.

[rednecksims]

Buy the card not the slab.

[REGGIE206]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I ended up buying a PSA 1. It is a 40th birthday present from my wife. Story here in the baseball section: http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/b...ream-card.html

[Leon]

+1. I will not buy BVG for resale any longer and will ONLY buy any of their cards at huge discounts or I won't buy them. Their value in the marketplace, for anything but new cards (*it seems) is sorely lacking.

and to the OP, cool other thread

Originally Posted by I only pull for

You're joking, right?
BVG will never bring premiums over PSA or SGC.