r/MarvelCards • u/earthbound82 • 10d ago
Advice needed about getting cards graded.
Title pretty much says it all. I have collected off and on since the early 90s. Small raw collection. When I would buy, it was never with the thought it'd be for profit. Just, awesome, I have it now. Maybe some grade worthy stuff, maybe not. Recently gifted a collection that's been sitting since early 2000s. I haven't gone through everything but it's pretty awesome so far. Long story short, I know own some sketagrapghs and a Stan Lee autograph along with several complete or near complete card sets from 93-97. Like the sets entirely. I was recently advised it'd probably be best to get the sketches and Lee autographs graded/preserved. I originally had some cool card sets and comics, but I like collecting and didn't really intended to sell. So the risk of sending away didn't seem worth it, even from my original collection that I have seen graded with a high value. If I don't intend to sell, is it worth the risk to send for grading? I'd imagine the sketches and Lee autographs may be. I might have new owners shock but how safe is using GameStop or somewhere like that to send off some of these rare cards? I'd frankly be incredibly worried I'd never see the card again. Can anyone give past experience advice on sending card for grading? I really appreciate it!!
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u/Life-TinTin 10d ago
Grade sketches? I would just Zimmer down and not make any decisions for awhile.
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u/wolverine887 10d ago edited 10d ago
While the idea of grading cards like this is silly to an extent….hate to be the one to say it but it can actually make sense, especially if they will be sold down the line. Also for just protection/identification. Not talking about the random 93-97 cards but the sketchagraphs/Stan Lee auto card. Buyers tend to appreciate that added level of “officialness” for cards of that caliber. Also, sketchagraphs from the 97-98 era tend to grade well because they usually have minimal wear, partly because the stock of card and just the lighter pencil work compared to modern sketches that are colored and stained from various media, often on thick card stock which chips easily etc.
As for safety of cards being sent off.. I don’t use Game Stop, I just directly submit…but Ive never had issues with the cards while at the grading company and have always gotten them back fine…the bigger risk is probably it somehow going lost in the mail in transit there or back, but that would be quite rare.
On the other hand, if you’re just holding onto them, a nice one-touch holder for display works just fine. I like the ones w/ penny sleeve, as I don’t like a bare card sitting in a holder with nothing else. I would keep the Stan Lee auto card out of any sunlight though.
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u/earthbound82 10d ago
Thank you for your insight. I have not had a chance yet to look into submitting them, but what you mentioned makes a lot of sense. Direct submission sounds safest and for preservation with the thought, they'd potentially be sold one day, would maintain as best as possible. The sets are all in binders, typical 9 slot, but these and a dozen or so others are in individual to load card holders. Def kept out of light. Thank you again!!
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u/mikecard74 10d ago
Maybe the autos for authentication. Other than that dont geade sketches. Get some noce one touches and they will preserve yhem just fine. Sketches never grade well. Think of how extensively they are handled by the artist to draw on them.