If you have collected graded vintage cards for at least the past several years, you may have noticed a trend. Sellers often list their recently-graded PSA and SGC vintage cards as “new label,” as though it is a selling feature. And buyers will often deride “old label” cards in favor of “new labels.” Here’s an example of a typical ad:

Advantages of New Label Slabs

What gives? First. there are a couple of obvious advantages to newer-label cards:

• New slab free from scratches or damage
• PSA’s brand new slab offers greater UV protection
• “Newer labels” are more difficult to forge

But these are not the main reason people seek out new labels. Instead, there’s a perception that the cards in the plastic are graded more strictly overall. Hence, a new-label 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson SGC 4 / vg-ex is likely a stronger card than and old-label equivalent.

And I think most serious collectors would agree. There is compelling anecdotal evidence that some time around COVID, grading standards simply tightened up. Why? Perhaps companies were “competing” for the strongest grades. Maybe they “overcorrected” during the grading boom when so many new graders entered the field. It’s possible that new technology allows graders to “see” defects in more detail now.

Buy the Card, Not the Grade

Of course, the old adage is always true: “Buy the card, not the grade.” There are 4’s with strong eye appeal and weaker appeal. There are plenty of graded cards that certainly appear to be “under graded” or “over-graded.” Of course, it is important to understand the differences between technical grade and eye appeal, which is a topic Cardhound has addressed.

It would take a large-scale study to confirm or deny the belief that newer labels = tougher grades overall. But personally, I firmly believe that the hypothesis would hold up.

Tip: look out for reholdered cards. They are easy to spot in PSA because they will have a new flip but an old serial number. See the gallery for an example of a serial number that begins with 0 in a current holder. SGC reholders are tougher to spot but you can often search for the number on SGC’s web site and fin

Old Label / New Label Gallery

Who has time for a large-scale study? Not me! Well, not today, anyway. So instead, let’s enjoy a mixed gallery of PSA and SGC graded examples of the iconic 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson, 4 (vg-ex) as referenced above.

Any Opinions?

What are your thoughts on old label / new label grading standards? Is it mostly substance, or mostly hype? Drop some comments! And as always, please Join Cardhound!