We know SGC has been intentionally slowed down by Collectors / PSA in recent months. Grading volume is way down to just 35k cards in November. Beckett and even TAG are grading more cards. Submissions are likely way down due to discontinuing bulk submitter programs. But turnaround time is up, meaning that SGC is also understaffed for its current volume. We could be in a bit of a backlog situation. Regardless, here’s an SGC review and reveal of a recent vintage submission.
Reports from insiders are that SGC has kept its experienced core of graders, but many more recent hires have moved over to PSA. PSA’s president has claimed that SGC will be returning to its “boutique grader” roots, whatever that means. Beckett’s recent sale to Collectors throws even more uncertainty into the mix.
All of that said, I’m still submitting vintage to SGC regularly, and will continue to do so for as long as they are an option. So, for others interested in SGC for vintage, here’s a quick recap of my most recent submission.
The Submission
It was a mixed bag of Cuban and Puerto Rican cards of Negro Leaguers, mostly. When noting times below, take into account that my orders often take a couple of extra days in the research phase, and also a couple more in the encapsulation phase, since off-size inserts are required.
Most cards submitted are from my 1952-53 Victoria (Cuban) set. It’s a great set that features HOF (Minoso and Dandridge), many MLB players, and dozens of Negro Leaguers.
But by far the PC grail cards here for me are the 2 Toleteros (Puerto Rican) of Luke Easter. The 1.5 has a faint mark on the back, but a gorgeous front.
Here’s a quick unboxing of the contents:
The Specifics
Here are the specs on this SGC review:
Date mailed: October 24
Date returned: December 24
Service: Boca Card Subs
Calendar days door to door: 60
Business days for grading: 35
The Good
The Pedrozo is a curious card. This is my third time submitting it. The first time, it was returned as a “NO” (meaning they do not grade it). But, yes they do grade it. It’s an obscure 1945 Mexican issue with very low pops, but it’s one they grade.
The second time I submitted it was returned as COU (counterfeit). Again, no. I think they were perhaps confused by its size. There are 2 sizes of cards in this set (managers vs. players), but who knows.
Third time’s a charm:
Another strength, still, is customer service. I sent a question via email, and it was answered within a day.
And finally, for these cards especially, I just can’t see them in any other slab, from an aesthetic standpoint. They look great.
The Not So Good
Obviously, the time to grade is way off from the stated 15-20 business days. Why not just update the site weekly with a factual statement of grading days for the most recent submissions? But still, they are returning cards as fast as anyone.
SGC Review: Final Verdict
For me, SGC is still the go-to for prewar and vintage–and especially the cards I collect. While the future of SGC is uncertain, I will keep using them for consistency with my PC, grade quality, aesthetics, price, service, and turnaround time. I’ll publish another SGC review / update when my next submission hits!
