Grading The Modern Collectible

I normally focus my grading on vintage but I do see the appeal of grading modern collectibles.

Hasbro The Mandelorian: The Black Series

After the patient hunt for and then focus on protecting a vintage collectible from any further damage... grading is a no-brainer. That gem has sat around exposed to the environments and elements for long enough. But buying that modern collectible off the shelf at a much more affordable price point and preserving that brand new mint condition could be a thought. There are many neat and detailed variants to modern trading cards, actions figures, sports cards, video games, toys, and memorabilia. You are much more likely to get a high grade score on a new and modern collectible then aged and vintage one. What happens decades later to the value of that collectible when it is preserved as that minty fresh brand-new store purchase? Who knows what the collector will look want then?

I love the vintage but understand the appeal of modern.

When Buying Off The Shelf Find The One Without Flaws

Take your time to look through all of the options off the shelf and look for the one without dings, creases, rips, bends, and cracks. If sealed in plastic keep it sealed!

Where To Grade On The Modern Scale

When you made a purchase that you believe the grading cost is worth the expense then look for the grading service that best fits grading your particular collectible. Be it a sports card, action figure, video game, trading card, sports memorabilia, or toy there are options. These services will label, grade its condition, and preserve it in hard plastic casing. Visit the websites for CGA (toys / video games / action figures), CAS (basically anything and custom items), BGS (trading cards / sports memorabilia / sports cards, PSA (trading cards / sports cards / sports memorabilia), or WATA (video games). Each will have a modern scale grading tier which is usually cheaper to do then vintage.

"This scale serves to better assess miniscule flaws which can differentiate two identical items which are fresh from a case or the store shelves, by including more grade options at the upper end of the grading scale." – CGA Grading

My Limited Collection Of Modern Action Figures

I have a smaller collection of store-bought Kenner Star Wars figures from the Force Awakens timeframe and mint condition trading cards from Flesh and Blood. I have not sent in any for grading. They are currently sitting in a toy chest or locked in a safe. But, as they sit there exposed to dust and environmental factors they will degrade. So, as I am sitting here writing to you I am thinking about going over them and seeing if grading is a worthy cause.

Modern Collectible Market Trend

There is a high chance that current market saturation of modern collectibles and collectors today understanding the value of unopened packaging and condition may mean your particular collectible could be easily available in future markets. This could mean the modern collectible may never reach the price height of vintage. But to most it is all about the love of the acquisition so the future is unknown.

It Is Worth It To You

If you have that modern collectible that has the emotional value or even potential financial value why not preserve and professionally label it. It is a speculation on its future appeal and value. Some day if you want to pass it to the next generation then they will know exactly what they have in their hands.

My Final Thoughts On Collecting The Modern Collectible

I personally focus on vintage collecting. But I do see the appeal of buying modern for cheaper purchase prices, finding better overall condition, and market availability.