Long time lurker, got the itch to rip a Pop 5 booster I’ve had for a year and somehow pulled this gem. I have zero experience with grading, but really want to hunt a BGS 10 given how cool the black label would look with this card. It’s hard to tell from the photos but the centering, corners, card back, print itself are all perfect even under magnification. However, there is a small but noticeable (Not with naked eye but definitely in photos) print splotch in the top right corner. Given this, is it even worth grading with BGS? Spoke with a PSA rep today and they assured me that a print splotch this minute wouldn’t impact the card’s grading with them, so if there’s no hope for a BGS 10 I’ll go with PSA.
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Well your image is not very clear but regardless of the “splotch” youre describing - step back away from the idea of getting a black label especially on anything from like 2016 and older.
Could you settle for a 9.5 or a gold label 10 (which is like getting a black label on a card like this)? Do you have the money to spend on grading, possibly be unsatisfied and want to crack it and send to another grader?
If the answers to those questions are yes then try sending it to BGS for a 9.5 or 10.
None of us can tell you from one picture alone what you would get.
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With that splotch it would never get a black label. Amazing pull though!
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I say this respectfully, but the assurance you got from Timmy who you spoke with at PSA isn’t something I would consider when sending this in.
Unless you’re sending a 4k quality photo, or we’re physically there with you, it’s hard to gage what the grade could potentially be
It’s literally just a roll of the dice. Best of luck, pulling that card is insane.
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Of course, was more curious if its even worth rolling the dice given the splotch, or if it completely rules it out from any potential for a 10.
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Thanks for the advice! Again this is all new to me so thanks for confirming
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If it isn’t pristine, I wouldn’t do it personally.
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It looks OC on L-R which alone should prevent a black label and probably cause a PSA 9 on a bad day
Amazing pull though!
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Noticed this as well in the photo, assuming this is due to the weird angle/camera flash, as in person the centering is perfect (Measured under magnification). That being said I’m just excited to have pulled this awesome card and I have no plans to sell it, so worst case I can always regrade down the line.
Took high quality close ups to get a better look and no chance at a black label, ink blots are pretty rough. Advice is still appreciated though
You’ll probably get a higher grade with BGS, as I think PSA will be strict on the centering for this card putting it in the 9 or on a bad day 8 catagory.
If you think the 9.5 will suffice I’ll stick with that and go there!
Does it come off with a gentle microfibre cloth wipe?
Imo it’s 8.5 surface at BGS - still could 9
PSA may 8 it
Congratulations!
What’s your intention with the card after grading? Are you looking to sell it for maximum profit or keep it in your collection. If it’s just for your collection, I’d choose whichever company you prefer because the cards condition won’t change no matter the grading company.
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It does kinda look like a smudge that could be wiped off. I’d give that a try before grading
I wouldn’t send that in to BGS personally. Many people collect a Gold Star PSA 9 set.
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PSA 8 > BGS 9
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welcome!
a bgs 10 is unlikely for a gold star card. There are 2 pristine 10s total for umbreon and zero black labels. I know the image is likely distorted but the card centering looks heavy to the right so off the bat they can deny a 10 on centering subgrade
this should be in psa’s margin so i recommend going to psa
can you show us a back picture?
When it comes to vintage, psa are good at finding the tiniest of whitening on the backs of cards to give 9s out. For your own sanity dont expect a psa 10 but it would be awesome if it came through for you
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I found the same stats in my research on BGS, unfortunately that’s the exact reason why I want to hunt it.
I am not going to break the card out of it’s wrapping at this moment as I’ve got it sealed up pretty tight but I’m going to clean the card in a few days once I have the tools, and I’ll update this thread with high definition photos.
In terms of the back of the card, you’ll have to take my word at the moment that it’s perfect. I’m a Chemistry student so I have alot of magnification tools at my disposal, and I wasn’t able to find any whitening even under a strong torch.
I have decided to grade with PSA though, and don’t worry I’m going into this fully expecting an 8, just having the opportunity to unpack a card this rare and get it is a dream come true. I don’t have any plans to sell it so if I’m unhappy with the grade I can always consider regrading in the long term. If it does somehow manage to get a 10 I’ll consider taking it to BGS for a regrade though.
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Would be very surprised if this doesn’t meet the centering qualifications for a 10, as looking at it closely in person it 100% falls into that 55-45 range for LR. When I break it back out for cleaning I’ll get some measurements on camera to help contextualize. It’s more the surface that I’m concerned about.
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