PSA Upcharges Under Fire: Are We Paying for Plastic or Opinion? Fair Fee or Conflict of Interest?
Description
Episode 286 of Sports Cards Live kicks off with a candid look at PSA upcharges: are we paying for plastic or for an opinion that the hobby itself has elevated in value? Jeremy explains why he now prioritizes eye appeal and authentication over chasing a number, Joe talks risk, liquidity, and legacy planning as reasons collectors still slab, and we tackle the “pop control vs tougher standards” question head on. Dylan Davis joins near the end for what becomes an epic episode of SCL!
Highlights
PSA upcharges: insurance, incentives, and the “sell-it-immediately” dilemma for modern cards
Are we enabling the premium? How the hobby built PSA’s value differential
Inconsistency vs opinion: why Jeremy trusts his own eye over the flip
Eye appeal over grade: centered, lower-grade vintage that still pops
“Population control” or simply tighter standards on low-pop icons
Security and liquidity: reasons to grade even if you are not selling
Calgary show recap:
2023–24 Upper Deck Outburst Gold 1/1 Anthony Stolarz
The Cup Dual Patch Auto /35: Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman
Toronto Sport Card Expo notes: new booth 1707 with Sam Genova, Thursday night GP Sports social at Arizona’s with giveaways
Listen + support
Follow Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and please leave a quick rating or review. It helps more collectors find the show. Subscribe on YouTube for the full livestream every Saturday night and to catch Parts 2–5 from Episode 286.
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