1st edition Dutch Base Set - To grade or not to grade?

Grading
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Hi guys, new here. I’ve found my childhood collection of 1st edition Dutch Base Set cards.
When we were young, we opened a full booster box of cards and I’ve still got 395 of those cards (missing 1?) and the box itself.

I’ve attached a picture of the charizard, all the holo’s are roughly in the same condition and with the same very slight scratches like the one in the charizard picture.
(I’m missing Gyarados, Machamp, Raichu and Zapdos)

I’ve done a lot of research, but I can’t seem to decide. Is it worth getting any of those graded? If yes, go with PSA or BGS considering the condition they’re in? At first glance, I would say most of em look very nice, but with the scratches, what would these grade at? PSA 7 maybe?

At a 7, it might not be worth the investment to grade them since they would probably be worth the same as raw? But if I decide not to sell them and keep them as my own collection, it might be better to just grade em to keep em protected through time?

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I wouldnt grade.

Clean penny sleeve, toploader and a baggyfor the personal collection. If you decide to grade, PSA is the only one making money

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There is no reason to grade them when you are keeping them for yourself. You risk theft and damage all with a cost associated with it. Sleeve it up carefully. Stick in a binder or box and enjoy at your leisure. Unlimited Dutch is where money is if you are strapped for cash, so dig any of that out if you are in need to sell.

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I would recommend completing the set with the packs that you opened as a kid. Buy the cards that you are missing and cherish that childhood binder. Never sell it.

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If you grade your cards, you should do so, because you like to collect them in slabs - like I do.

If you prefer your cards raw and in a binder, don’t grade - it is not worth the risk and money.

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There’s a good market for 1st edition Base Dutch cards. I’ve got a complete set. It’s worth grading the holo cards. Even the Charizard in PSA 7 is still a valuable card. If you need Gyardos. Machamp or Zapdos; let me know.

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I decided to grade my childhood collection for this reason. I never intended to sell but wanted to encapsulate them as I found them. The experience was nerve wracking because I was concerned they’d get lost in the mail etc. They came back safe and sound so it worked out for me but if I had a time machine I would probably just leave them as is and avoid the anxiety. Keep in mind I live in the USA. Seeing as your cards are Dutch I’m assuming they’d have to take a much longer trip.

If you do decide to grade I’d recommend PSA but there are pros and cons to every grading company and everyone will have their own opinion on which one to use. For this particular card I can’t think of a good reason to use BGS unless you just prefer how the slab looks over PSA. CGC is another option to consider if you haven’t looked into them yet.

It’s difficult to judge the condition of a card purely based on pictures but your assessment of a PSA7 seems very reasonable to me. You’ve obviously done your homework. Most people who have never graded a card would think that’s a 10 :slightly_smiling_face: . If all of your childhood cards are in similar condition that’s extremely impressive!

Best of luck either way and welcome to the forum!

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Cheers for all the valuable opinions!

I’ve decided to keep the cards for my personal collection (since I don’t want to part with a part of my childhood) and try to find the missing few holo’s while waiting on the PSA grading center in Frankfurt to maybe get them graded eventually.

@Kh36 I’ve sent you a PM for the three cards for some more info.

Thanks again everyone!