Mantelpiece Stories: Inside one collector's passion for PSA 1 cards
One of the best things about collecting is that it's a different experience for everyone, and no one can tell you if it's right or wrong. At Mantel's pre-Fanatics Fest trade night at Bleecker Trading, we met a collector, Steve Loff of Throwback Cards, who embodies this perfectly.
His passion? Cards graded PSA 1, typically the lowest grade possible.
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His goal? Own the world's largest collection of PSA 1 cards.
Intrigued by his unique collection, we sat down with him to dive into the world of 'imperfectly perfect' cards.
How did this unique collection begin?
Steve: It all started when I saw a guy posting random PSA 1s on Instagram. I found it hilarious yet intriguing. Interestingly, my own journey actually began with a PSA 3, not a 1. I got a 2019 Pete Alonso #475 back from PSA expecting a 10, but it was a 3 due to an accidental fold in the card. I laughed, looked at the pop report — Pop 1, none lower — and decided, 'I'm keeping this card.' Then I thought about iconic cards I'd always wanted in high grades, like the '93 Jeter SP. Curious, I checked and saw a Pop 1 in PSA 1, found it immediately on COMC, and snagged it for $195. It remains my most expensive PSA 1 to date. That card changed my entire collecting approach.
1993 SP Derek Jeter PSA 1 (Via Mantel)
Do you mostly buy your PSA 1 cards or grade them yourself?
Steve: Around 95% are already graded as PSA 1. I often wonder how they ended up that way. Were they treasured by someone for a long time, graded out of curiosity, or a grading newbie's submission? Occasionally, when I can't find a Pop 1 or Pop 2 card I really want, I'll intentionally submit a beat-up card myself, hoping for a PSA 1.
What's the secret to consistently getting PSA 1 grades?
Steve: It's funny — just like spotting a PSA 10, you need an eye for a 1. It takes practice. I've aimed for 1s and sometimes ended up with 2s, which felt like overgrading! A perfect PSA 1 has good centering and registration but clearly visible creases and worn corners. My 1981 Topps Kirk Gibson is an ideal example: childhood-loved, pocket-worn, yet charmingly intact.
1981 Topps Kirk Gibson PSA 1 (Via Mantel)
Do you ever intentionally damage cards for a lower grade?
Steve: Occasionally, yes. However, I don't usually like taking shortcuts like pinholes —though I confess I did it once with my 1989 Topps Traded Barry Sanders. I let my kids play with it, creased it up, but wasn't confident it would grade a 1, so I added a pinhole. That card graded PSA 1 and has since become a centerpiece of my collection. I've even declined offers for it that exceeded PSA 10 prices!
Which cards in your collection mean the most to you?
Steve: The Sanders, despite the pinhole, because of the memorable story around its grading. The Jeter SP as my first PSA 1. The Kirk Gibson card for its ties to my childhood. Also, my junk wax-era PSA 1s — cards like the 1986 Canseco Rated Rookie, the 1987 Topps Bo Jackson Future Stars, and the 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn. I particularly love my 1969 Victoria Stevie Wonder, Pop 1, none lower!
1989 Topps Barry Sanders PSA 1, 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 1 and 1990 Fleer Michael Jordan PSA 1 (Via Mantel)
What might surprise people about the pricing of PSA 1 cards?
Steve: PSA 1 cards are often rarer than higher grades, so there's a surprising premium sometimes. For example, my Barry Sanders card has drawn offers higher than PSA 10 counterparts. Generally, PSA 1 collecting is affordable and fun, but certain low-population cards can unexpectedly outpace mid-level grades in value.
Any cards still on your wishlist?
Steve: Definitely! I'd love an '86 Jordan, '79 Gretzky, or '58 Jim Brown, even though they're relatively common in PSA 1. My true wish list includes modern iconic cards you rarely see graded PSA 1, like the 2018 Prizm Luka Doncic or Tom Brady Bowman Chrome rookie. But at the very top are the 1984 Topps or Donruss Don Mattingly and the 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant — both hard to find and pricey.
Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
Steve: It is the best conversation starter. One fun thing is bringing these PSA 1 cards to shows and displaying them prominently. Collectors always react positively, often amazed or amused. As quirky as it sounds, PSA 1 collecting is incredibly rewarding — it's affordable, personal, and brings genuine joy and conversations every single time.
Do you have a unique collection you would like featured on Mantelpiece Stories? Let us know on Mantel.
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