Dad&Son-migration

The other part to factor is the "raw" grading. At least 75% of the time the books are not the same grade that CGC standards are, yet they want more then the price of the grade they've selected for the book. If you try to make an offer they usual don't budge a lot. As DeeDee mentioned the key to bargain hunting is "patience". It's a tough virtue to have in a "want it now" society. I'm probably the worst at having patience when it comes to something I want. I totally agree with you Buffyfan. These people asking outrageous prices damn well know what GPA is, they aren't throwing these things up there without a clue but the other side of the equation is the fact they are asking that because they don't need the money and don't care about a quick sale. Unfortunately, we as the collectors dictate the prices paid and far too many of us apparently drive this high priced market. I know I've been guilty of setting new GPA records on many books but I'm putting a stop to that practice. "Thrill of the hunt" will be a slow and frustrating road.

My sentiments exactly...No ST's worth going crazy on at all!! Nice books Rich!!!

Here's a couple "raw" to slabbed transformations!!

Harley has done that before. He did it with an FF#1 last year. That's not to imply that there's anything wrong with it. It just means he disagrees with the grade CGC gave the book on that particular day. Thanks Frederic!! Overall, I'm pleased, I think like most, I probably open the box and feel a little discouraged but afterwards the reality sets in and I'm comfortable with the grade after examining it again. I've learnt alot about grading since submitting so many varities of raw books. It has made me a much better collector on higher grade books now. I shall crack all my books and call them VF/NM too!!! To hell with 3rd party grading..moohahahahaha!!!

Thanks UKavenger!! Anytime you want to disguise the purchase as 2 first class airfare seats to the UK, they're yours...

Here's a few from a group I just had returned from CGC... I've posted them before as raw books but now they are immortilized in slab form.. for now...

Thanks for sharing your ST's UKavenger!! Great books!!!

Very nice books Frederic!!! Love that cover for #123 !!!

Poor thread hasn't had much love the last few days... Here's a recent purchase as a "raw" copy that appeals to me as my son's name is Jack!!

I think you'll have a winner if you press it!! Probably would just make 8.5 status, I would say it's worth the chance even if it doesn't reach 8.5

Great looking copies Frederic !!!!

Great thread... here's a GROUP SHOT!!!

Yes... and the 9.8 of ST Annual #2 for $35,000.00

these annuals are ridiculously hard to find in high grade. I can appreciate that you enjoy having your copies raw. Maybe one day I'll crack my ST's just to feel them in hand and read them but for now I rotate them in my home office like works of art.

By far one of my favourite ST's... makes my 7.5 look like a dateless wonder!!

Very Impressive Harry!!! I can admit it, I'm jealous

Gorgeous copy!!!!

"You are getting sleepy... sleepy "Now, you will sell it to me"

Probably purchased from Metro without seeing a scan of it first. Yes... sorry... should have been more clear!!

Wow!!! why aren't you slabbing those babies!!! That's pure art!!!

Damn!! Those copies are insane... magnificent condition !! I want your #80 !!!

Here's another Boston Ped of ST #153, this makes 4 Boston's in my ST run and 11th pedigree for the ST run I'm putting together.

Very nice!! I was eyeing that one up, classic case of you snooze, you loose!!! Congrats on a fine ST copy there namisgr!!!

My pleasure Chris, thanks for the kind words!!!

Here's 5 more I bought as "blind buys" from Metropolis... overall, I'm very pleased with them. That's 2 for 2 with blind buys from Metropolis. This is a Boston Pedigree #153 4 more later issues ( still in magnificant condition )