I
think I have now seen everything graded when I came across a seller who has a
dozen or more ACEO cards graded. Each of the cards is graded by GMA, a well-known
“Mint 10” factory who will grade anyone’s card a Perfect 10 for just $2 a card.
I
am a big fan of ACEO cards, I love to see people show their talents on
cardboard. As a sketch artist I have had commissions for sketch cards and on
occasion I have sent out personalized sketch cards in trade packages but at no
point would I ever expect someone to have any of these cards graded. But then
again I am not a fan of grading modern cards unless there is serious jump in
value for a graded version you plan to sell or if the card is condition sensitive and susceptible to damage.
When
you think about it getting a card like this graded, even with GMA’s $2 per
card, this is still a loss to the person who got the cards graded. Along with
the $2 per card you have to include shipping fees to and from GMA, which range
from $15-$20 for return fees alone.
I
am not ripping the seller or the artist, I just don’t get why anyone would grade an ACEO card in the first place.
On grading in general... I go back and forth on where I stand. One day I like them... the next day I don't. I will say that I truly despise these lesser known grading companies that hand out Gem MT grades like candy on Halloween. You and I have a firm understanding that these grades are meaningless. But to someone with little to no experience, they might see the Gem MT and think "jackpot".
ReplyDeleteAs for getting ACEO cards... I don't get it either. I know I wouldn't spend the extra money myself. However in an effort to put myself in the other guy's shoes... maybe he/she liked the idea of having his/her card slabbed for protective purposes. I don't know... just a thought.