If you are new to collecting graded cards, you might notice some letters on PSA labels after the number grade. For example, PSA 8 (OC), PSA 4 (MC), PSA 3 (MK). Here's an example: These little abbreviations are called "qualifiers," and they serve a simple and...
By now, if you're a vintage collector, surely you have moved beyond just buying in person at shows, right? RIGHT?? Or maybe eBay is your online go-to? They are tough to beat for inventory, for sure. But there are so many good places to shop online, that I bet even an...
OK look, I know this one is pretty obscure. Even among Cuban and Negro League collectors, not many are actively building the Victoria set. It's too big and maybe a bit too rare for its own good. But I recently acquired a complete set, and I document things. Some day,...
As 2024 winds down, I would like to seek out some reader / user feedback to help gear up for more vintage fun in 2025. I have not been writing as much new content lately, but many of the FAQ guides are getting great regular traffic. That's the idea! As I work on some...
Welcome to another Vintage Grading Report, October 2024 edition! Another month in the books, and another all-time record for total cards graded in a month: 1.87 million cards! Let's dig into the Gemrate data for October with an eye on PSA and SGC for vintage. In the...
I realize this post won't garner many clicks. After all, I don't think "collecting and mental health" makes for a very common Google search term combo. "PSA or SGC?" wins that battle every time (which is why Cardhound also has plenty of PSA / SCG content). That's...
GameStop Corp. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Collectors to accept PSA card grading submissions at GameStop retail locations. As per the details of this collaboration, GameStop is now an authorized PSA dealer, and PSA will provide...
There is always lots of hand-wringing about whether the next generations can pick up the slack as the largest generation in American history, the Baby Boomers, age out of the hobby. In order for vintage markets to hold or grow in the future, the hobby obviously needs...
First of all, we are in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene with more storm systems bearing down on the Southeastern U.S. People have lost their lives, loved ones, and entire households. It is important to keep some perspective as we delve into topics like...
Topps was founded in 1938, as a chewing gum company. We all know what happened next: it was discovered that baseball cards were the perfect little perk to sell that gum! The rest is the history of postwar sports card collecting in the United States. But how about...
