Are We In A "Junk Wax Slab Era"?

Sports card collecting has always gone through cycles. From the golden age of vintage cards to the notorious junk wax era, collectors have seen it all. Today, we might be entering a new phase—what some are calling the "junk slab era." But don't be fooled by the name. Even in this era, grading cards remains a valuable practice that can increase your collection's worth and bring joy to your hobby.

What is the Junk Slab Era?

Understanding the Junk Wax Era

The junk wax era refers to the period in the late 1980s and early 1990s when sports card manufacturers produced cards in such massive quantities that their value plummeted. This overproduction led to a surplus of cards that were worth little more than the paper they were printed on. Matter of fact, due to this flooding of the card market back then, some of the wax boxes from the junk wax era can still be found today, for cheaper than they were when they were manufactured!

Enter the Slab

Fast forward to today, and the term "junk slab era" combines the old problem of overproduction with a new trend—grading and slabbing cards. Grading companies like PSA, Beckett, SGC and FCG encase cards in protective plastic slabs, assigning them a grade that signifies their condition. The irony is that some of these graded cards are from the junk wax era, but many are modern cards as well.

The Benefits of Grading Sports Cards

Enhancing the Value of Your Collection

Grading cards can significantly increase their value. A card in mint condition, authenticated by a reputable grading company, can fetch a much higher price than its ungraded counterpart. For investment seekers, this is a key advantage. If a card achieves the highest grade of Gem Mint 10, this instantly also increases the scarcity, as achieving a Gem Mint 10 can be a challenge! There may be thousands of copies of a specific card, but a Gem Mint 10 sets it high above the rest.

Ensuring Authenticity

One of the major benefits of grading cards is ensuring their authenticity. In a market rife with counterfeits, having an expert verify the legitimacy of your card and/or autograph can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Preserving Card Quality

The slab itself offers excellent protection. Encasing your card in a sturdy plastic holder shields it from physical damage, environmental factors, and general wear and tear. This preservation aspect is crucial for maintaining long-term value. There's also a novelty to getting a cherished card slabbed, it makes it that much more special!

How to Navigate the Junk Slab Era

Be Selective with Grading

Not every card deserves to be graded. That's why, in the JunkWaxVintage Card Club, we always encourage our followers to “pregrade” their cards, as it can save you from a bad grade and loss of investment when purchasing grading. For more information, check out our pregrading services and we can guide you every step of the way. We always encourage our followers to focus on cards with high sentimental or financial value, such as rookie cards, limited editions, short prints or cards in exceptional condition.

Understand the Market

Stay informed about current trends and market demands. Certain players and sports can experience spikes in popularity, driving up the value of their cards. Keeping your finger on the pulse can help you make informed decisions. Sites like Ebay (sold listings only), Card Ladder, 130point, and SportsCardsPro can be helpful as price guides, just remember - they are not perfect.

Diversify Your Collection

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While it might be tempting to focus solely on grading your PC, a more robust investment strategy involves diversification. Consider balancing your collection with modern cards, vintage treasures, and memorabilia. By doing so, you'll create a more resilient portfolio of that can withstand market fluctuations and deliver balanced returns over time.

The Role of Community and Networking

Join Collectors' Forums

One of the best ways to stay updated and learn from others is by joining collectors' forums. We might be biased, but think we have the best community around! Join our awesome community to stay up to date with current trends and collectors alike.

Attend Card Shows

Card shows are fantastic venues for networking, buying, selling, and trading cards. They also provide opportunities to meet grading company representatives and submit your cards for on-site grading. One of our personal favorites is the Dallas Card Show in Dallas, TX.

The Future of Card Grading

Technological Advancements

Technology is shaping the future of card grading. Innovations such as AI-based grading systems promise greater accuracy and consistency. At the time of writing this, fully AI grading is still a ways off, but staying up-to-date with its advancements can give you a competitive edge.

Sustainability Concerns

As the hobby grows, so does the importance of sustainability. Grading companies and collectors alike are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. Expect to see more eco-friendly practices in the industry.

Evolving Market Trends

The sports card market is dynamic, influenced by various factors such as player performance, sports seasons, and cultural events. Keeping an eye on these trends will help you adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape.

Conclusion

While some may call this the "junk slab era," grading sports cards is still a valuable and rewarding practice. It not only enhances the value of your collection but also ensures authenticity and preserves card quality. By being selective, staying informed, and engaging with the community, you can successfully navigate this era and enjoy the many benefits of card grading.

Ready to take your collection to the next level? Start pregrading your cards with us today and become part of the JunkWaxVintage community! 🎉 Let's grow our collections together!