Created a new thread so as not to promote the video but to focus on what it means. I would love to see an Smpratte analysis video on this. He still can:)
If you couldn’t tell from the video, and my stiff upper lip, I was not surprised, but disappointed in the results. Now after thinking long and hard about it, I’m starting to feel differently.
Two things I want to put forward and then I’d like to hear your thoughts.
my current two BGS 10s have now doubled in value (no, they’re not for sale;). By not upgrading perhaps the best PSA 10s in the world they have validified the quality of the current two pristines. Remember, I’ve had at least half of the current population of PSA 10 1st base Charizards pass through my hands these last 20 years. I sold all, except the very best I kept. And the four I tried to cross are the best of them.
now with so many Japanese and flawless Hidden Fates BGS submissions coming in, Beckett’s has raised the standard for what qualifies for a gold or black label. Comparing a wotc vintage card to those makes it hard to rationalize giving them a 10. This could mean there will never be another BGS 10 first base charizard.
Your second comment seems very similar to the issue with PSA bulk service discussed in this thread, only there the sentiment was that bulk service levels graded more harshly while others stayed consistent. Also you pointed out that submitting Hidden Fates/Japanese with anything else (WotC) may lower those grades.
Does this now point to raised standards at Beckett overall? I find it interesting to compare both observations.
Good points.
Beckett’s has taken heat recently for “giving out 10s like candy” even though honestly the Japanese cards and English Hidden Fates really deserved them. How has this translated to policy is a tightly held secret and they can be very tight.
One thing I can say for sure is, I wish I had tried to cross these over a year ago instead of now. Now am I justified in feeling that way? Not sure.
The fact that 2 BGS pristine 10’s 1st ed. base zards already exist to me is astonishing! Those are the top of the food chain cards no question and I would not expect to see another Pristine 10 for a very long time if ever. Black label I can confidently say never. Congrats Gary on owning two of the best cards in the hobby.
@garyis2000, Would there be any circumstance where you would open another box for the sheer joy of pulling another base 1st zard Gary? Now that would be a hell of a show, but I understand it’s not worth it from a collector standpoint.
Your cards are simply priceless is what this means and with the market being what it is, will only get stronger with time. Love the story about your son and the Charizard. Really reminds me of my own joy. Too bad my folks did not get into it too, haha.
OOOOH That would be fun! I have an unlimited box that I plan to open someday, but VERY slowly over many years. Please make sure to share with us if you ever do man! My fiance makes fun of me when I eat because I do it so slowly, but I tell her that I simply like to savor my meal. I feel the same way about opening a booster box.
Could be an either or but not being privy to their inner workings it’s all speculation.
For sure, Black labels are on the rise and it’s not surprising that that’s caught their attention too.
At some point the high grade premium becomes excessive. Price increases exponentially as you go from PSA 8 to PSA 9 to PSA 10 to BGS 10 to BGS black label, while quality increases minimally/not at all. It goes back to PFM’s point about resolution. PSA 9 is logically the best quality for your money, but PSA 10 is also a good choice. Once you start getting to BGS 10 and BGS black label, most collectors are out. You’re paying for a grading anomaly, not a better condition card.
It’s an interesting point. I had to ask myself if another BGS 10 popped up what would I pay. And secondly, what offer would I have to accept for one? Again, speculatively, I’d pay 150,000 and I’d have to accept 200,000. Anything above that would be excessive to me.
Does that seem close to you also?
This really has me thinking hard about submitting any of my old wotc cards to PSa after they are apparently more strict now. I also get confused about the insurance claiming value of each card. Sticking to my novice binder collection for now but it’s getting serious. I’ve been collecting all the secret rares or old 1st edition holo’s or better
@garyis2000, that’s good info to know. PSA 10 is the holy grail for me so I can’t speak to BGS 10 value. You would be the expert since you have bought and own the only 2 in existence.
Would you pay a large premium for a black label over a BGS 10? At what point is the condition good enough for you?
Have to keep it short since I’m low on time. I plan to make a video of it myself, but overall I think it’s creating a good standard. Make those perfect cards harder to get and you will increase premiums for the top of the line product, as well as raise the market for lower grades. All this should be happening exactly how it is. People unable to get into the 10 market naturally go towards the 9 or lower and stuff like this shines more light on just that!
It’s time to put up or shut up 
Hahaha