Latest news with #tradingcards
New York Times
6 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Why are ungraded cards starting to sell for more than cards graded in mint condition?
Trading card collectors and dealers largely view grading as the ultimate arbiter of the condition and value of the card. In other words, if a company like leading card grader PSA says your card is a Mint 9 (on a 1-10 scale) even though you can't perceive any flaw, it's stuck there, encased for eternity like a prehistoric insect in amber. It's frozen in time in that eternal state. Advertisement It's at the point now that a modern card with a 'mint' grade (a 9) is often worth less than a card not graded at all. That's because the ungraded ('raw' in the parlance of the hobby) card holds the possibility of being a 10 if it gets graded. But a 9 will always just be a 9, the thinking goes. But what if the arbiter is arbitrary? A recent YouTube video by a Pokemon collector who believed many of his 9s deserved gem-mint 10s seems to prove that grading is quite subjective. Minor flaws that prevent a perfect grade initially can be overlooked when the card is cracked out of its plastic tomb and resubmitted. It's as if the flaw(s) were never there at all. YouTube creator 'Pokemon Steven' sent 189 cards that he thought were perfect but were graded a notch below by PSA back for regrading after cracking them out of their slabs. Most were regraded the same way. But a couple were graded as altered/trimmed upon second look and others were graded lower/worse than a 9, sometimes by multiple grades. But 81 came back perfect 10s. That's 43 percent deemed worthy of a higher grade upon another look unbeknownst to PSA, of course. And if you think that was some fluke, PokeTCGivaways showed on its X account a resubmission, with labels as proof, of 15 mostly 9s but two graded an 8 ('near mint-mint'). Of those, 11 came back with new grades — 10 upgraded to a 10 and one of the 8s downgraded to a 7. When asked whether differences between a 9 and 10 are so minor that cards just teeter between them, the account responded, 'Maybe. I also think a lot of graders will have different opinions and it all depends on who you get grading your cards.' If you're wondering why these examples are trading card game (TCG) cards and not sports, a big reason is the majority of the 100,000 cards graded daily (all graders, not just PSA) are TCG (most of those being Pokemon, according to GemRate, which tracks grading trends). But cardboard is cardboard, and if TCG grades are changing at such a high rate, there's no reason to think sports cards would not follow the same pattern. Advertisement This does not necessarily mean you should crack your 9s and resubmit, though. 'Under no circumstances, do not follow in my footsteps,' Pokemon Steven said on his video. 'This is reckless and a waste of money. Two grading fees. Shipping fees. (I paid) $40 per card. Some cards (I resubmitted) are not even worth $40.' He said he did it because he specifically collects 10s and felt those cards deserved the perfect grade; it had nothing to do with money. But this admittedly crazy experiment that executor says should not be repeated shows that there may be a market inefficiency in dismissing cards graded less than gem mint as lower in value than ungraded ones. Sure, the raw card may be a 10; for Topps 2025 Baseball about 21 percent of submissions get the perfect grade. But that's less than half the rate of Mint 9s that get turned into a 10 on resubmission, according to these Pokemon collectors. So why not take the steep discount that's often 50 percent or more on a graded 9? If the market for the player explodes, the owner can release it from its slab and try again for a 10. If the card was bought graded, the resubmission is not a second grading expense for that owner. (Dealers told The Athletic that the cost of grading is not factored into the value of a card.) PSA President Ryan Hoge questioned the validity of these types of experiments, though. 'We understand the allure of videos showing cracked PSA 9s coming back as 10s, but these often lack key context—and in some cases, accuracy,' he told The Athletic. 'We often see examples where entirely different cards are resubmitted under the guise of being the same. Our Brand Protection team monitors this kind of content carefully and handles those on a case-by-case basis. 'Every card that enters our facility is evaluated by multiple professional graders. When differences arise, our process ensures consensus before a final grade is issued. No grading company in the world holds itself to a higher or more consistent standard than PSA.' Advertisement While many modern mint cards do sell for more than raw, the difference is getting smaller and often does not justify the cost of grading. It's not difficult to find examples of inverted pricing, meaning the ungraded card goes for more money than Mint 9s. For example, according to CardLadder, a 2013 Panini Select Giannis Antetokounmpo #178 sells for $100 in PSA 9 and $124 ungraded. Of course, it's an ungraded one with no obvious flaws but a PSA 9 can have no obvious flaws, too. There have been no recent sales of a PSA 10, according to CardLadder, but assume it would sell for at about twice as much as a PSA 9. A 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Shohei Ohtani #700 rookie card sold for $2,075.50 in a PSA 9 grade on March 17, which was less than the last raw sale of $2,336. A PSA 10 last sold for $4,200. The Topps Chrome Ohtani #150 Refractor sold for $466 ungraded in June, a week before it sold for $355 in PSA 9. The raw buyer was hoping for a PSA 10 that last sold for $820; but the PSA 9 could potentially have at least as good a chance at grading a 10 if it was cracked and resubmitted. Rob DeMay, creator of the NEO Cards & Comics YouTube channel which regularly produces videos on grading and the card industry, advocated buying 9s for the value before these regrading results were made public. 'They're the ultimate collector card. It's not perfect. (The PSA 9) has an issue. But you're getting a steep discount. If you're keeping it, it limits the downside risk because the card is less expensive.' But now those 9s could end up being 10s. 'I'm not surprised by (these results),' he recently told The Athletic. 'We're paying a human for an opinion, and until they figure out some sort of AI grading, you're going to see things like this. Could you blindly buy all PSA 9s and repeat this result? I don't think so. However, if you were very selective, I could see you having some success with this strategy.' The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China's Warning on Blind-Box Toys Sends Pop Mart Shares Sliding
Pop Mart International Group Ltd. shares dropped in Hong Kong after a Chinese state media commentary called for stricter regulation of blind-box toys and trading cards. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
11 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
China's Warning on Blind-Box Toys Sends Pop Mart Shares Sliding
Pop Mart International Group Ltd. shares dropped in Hong Kong after a Chinese state media commentary called for stricter regulation of blind-box toys and trading cards. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside Fanatics Fest: How one hobby shop prepares for the big show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: (L-R) Michael Rubin and JAY-Z enjoying JAY-Z's Iconic The 40/40 Club in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook at the center of Fanatics Fest NYC at Jacob Javits Center on August 18, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fanatics) Fanatics Fest is no ordinary trade show, it's a place where sports, fan culture, and the trading card hobby converge. But how can smaller hobby shops make the most of such a major event? We sat down with the team at Bleecker Trading, one of NYC's most celebrated hobby shops— and our partner for an exclusive trade night event —to get the inside scoop. Q: Let's start from the beginning. How did Bleecker Trading become such a notable hobby shop? Bleecker Trading: 'When we founded the shop in 2020, we didn't just want to be another card store. We aimed to become a cultural destination in NYC's West Village. By combining hobby, streetwear, community events, and influencer culture, we created a unique space. We quickly became known for our premium trade nights, celebrity appearances, and live-streamed breaks. It helped bridge the gap between traditional collectors and younger enthusiasts.' Advertisement Q: What makes Fanatics Fest such a crucial event for you? Bleecker Trading: 'Fanatics Fest is one of the biggest stages in the hobby, it's where collectors, influencers, athletes, celebrities and brands meet. Being there is critical because it boosts our national visibility and credibility. We can interact face-to-face with manufacturers, athletes, content creators, and especially collectors themselves. It's more than sales; it's about positioning ourselves as active players in the hobby's future.' Q: What's your main focus at Fanatics Fest? Sales, branding, or something else? Bleecker Trading: 'All of it! Of course, we sell high-end items and exclusive products at the event, but buying inventory from collectors is equally important. Networking is huge, we're always building relationships with Fanatics leadership, industry brands, athletes, and creators. And content is key; we capture tons of video and photos to keep the buzz alive long after the event.' Advertisement Q: Based on last year's Fanatics Fest, what have you learned to do differently this year? Bleecker Trading: 'Definitely to plan earlier. We started preparing inventory, staffing, and marketing content about 60-90 days in advance this year. We're also introducing more exclusive drops, items you can only get at our booth, to drive foot traffic. Plus, our booth setup now includes areas for podcast interviews, live breaks, and creator meetups. We also realize how important it is to attract visitors from out of town and encourage them to experience our shop firsthand. Creating memorable experiences at the shop helps build long-term brand awareness and loyalty, so we've organized daily post-show events featuring well-known hobby players like Mary Gamble Gamble, Mojo Sports, King of Kards, CollX, and This way, visitors have an engaging reason to stop by our store, hopefully making them more likely to return whenever they're back in town.' Q: For first-time vendors, what's your number one piece of advice? Bleecker Trading: 'Start your planning early—don't leave anything to chance. You need a range of products at different price points, and enough staff to handle the chaos of selling, buying, and networking simultaneously. Don't underestimate how busy it can get. Also, content creation is critical. Capture videos, photos, and go live during the event. It's not just about immediate sales; think long-term relationships and brand growth. Stay flexible, adjust quickly, and network aggressively!' Advertisement Q: Any final thoughts for shops looking to follow in your footsteps at Fanatics Fest? Bleecker Trading: 'Leave nothing to chance. Fanatics Fest is more than just a sales opportunity. It's a chance to elevate your brand, strengthen relationships, and create content that will benefit your business long after the event ends. Approach it strategically and creatively, and you'll see a significant payoff in both the short and long term.' Will you be attending Fanatics Fest? Be sure to share your pickups on Mantel all week! Download Mantel today.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Upper Deck Celebrates Summer Of 'Superman' With Exclusive Collaboration Bringing Together The Worlds Of Sports And Entertainment
Leading collectibles company enters into new licensing agreement to create 23XI Racing trading cards, introduces set debuting race car themed to DC Super Hero Superman CARLSBAD, Calif., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Upper Deck, a worldwide sports and entertainment trading card manufacturer, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, today announced an exclusive trading card set that combines DC Studios' first feature film, 'Superman,' and NASCAR's 23Xl Racing team. Through collaboration with NASCAR, this unique collecting experience marks the first trading card set with Upper Deck to produce 23XI Racing collectibles. Earlier this year, Upper Deck and 23XI announced an expansion of their relationship, which began in 2024. The first release debuts the 'Superman' x 23Xl race car, commissioned by title sponsor Upper Deck, before it hits the track with Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 team on June 28th for the NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway outside of Atlanta. The trading card set and race car debut before 'Superman,' from Writer/Director James Gunn, soars into theaters and IMAX® nationwide on July 11, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. 'We're constantly exploring new ways fans can enjoy and collect their favorite athletes and characters, and what better way to kick off the summer of 'Superman' than with an exciting crossover that marries the DC cinematic universe with the world of NASCAR,' said Upper Deck President Jason Masherah. 'We continue to expand our footprint in the sports collectibles industry, bringing different sports to the forefront with innovative collecting experiences that fans and collectors can't find anywhere else. I can't wait to see how Superman and racing fans react to these first trading cards with the 23XI collectible license in conjunction with NASCAR.' To celebrate this unprecedented collaboration, collectors can now purchase the first of two trading card drops featuring the car design on Upper Deck e-Pack®, the premier online trading card and collectibles platform, with the second one coming race-day, June 28. Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing, added, 'Our goal at 23XI is always to raise the bar and connect with fans in creative ways, including how they collect and engage with our drivers. Through our relationship with Upper Deck, we continue to deliver unique experiences that fans can cherish forever.' The "Superman" x 23XI Upper Deck design will be featured on Tyler Reddick's No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE when the NASCAR Cup Series competes at EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, on June 28th, which will be the first 2025 Cup Series race to air live on TNT (7 p.m. ET). Fans can keep an eye for additional 23XI and NASCAR trading cards at About Upper DeckUpper Deck is a global entertainment company creating trading cards, memorabilia, collectibles, games, and online platforms that deliver the experiences collectors crave. Upper Deck has set the unmatched industry standard for quality, authenticity, and innovation, and continues to bring generations of fans closer to their favorite athletes and characters with unique and authentic sports and entertainment product offerings, as well as its digital trading ecosystem. The company prides itself on creating collectibles that produce invaluable experiences for sports and entertainment's most dedicated and loyal fans, with a goal to deliver excellence to the community across the most coveted properties as a means to develop memorable moments for collectors of all kinds. Find more information at or follow us on Facebook (/UpperDeck; /UpperDeckEnt) Instagram (UpperDeckSports; UpperDeckEnt), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports; UpperDeckEnt) and YouTube (UDvids). Media Contact:Matt Burkey, matt@ About 'Superman''Superman,' DC Studios' first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who's driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film, 'Superman,' which will be in theaters and IMAX® nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery's Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company's powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.' film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world. About 23XI Racing23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team's first-ever playoff berth. In 2024, Tyler Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE, Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE and Corey Heim as the team's development driver. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C. that opened in January of 2024. ABOUT NASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. more information visit and and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and in to access your portfolio
