Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

BAD IN BLACK!
The Card: Julio Rodriguez 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter X
The Reason Graded: I ripped a pair of these boxes and haven't even sniffed at the regular stuff -- a first for me in its run since 2006 when I used to clear everything I saw on every shelf -- but instead I opted to grade a couple of key pulls from this and other postseason releases with notable newcomers in play. Why this one? It just looked perfect even vs. others I pulled -- and since I only pulled one and have really no plans at this moment to even dabble with regular Ginter I put it into my bulk sub.
The Grade: CSG 10

Reality Check: CSG may have a flub in its system as this didn't even show in the pop report (perhaps it was tagged as a regular card) but I'll present it here* with what I know ... and that's that I know at least this one exists. He's the face of 2023 Topps, so he's on the minds of a few fans right now -- and that's why he's batting lead-off despite this pop report anomaly.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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What: 2022 Wild Card Matte basketball cards
Arrives: Aug. 19
Box basics: Four numbered autographs per six-pack box (24 boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Wild Card returns for another season on the court with its Matte release that includes plenty of parallels for nearly 30 first-round draft picks and again has two colors of boxes that include unique chases.

Keep reading for more info and a gallery of images.

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What: 2022 Wild Card Matte football cards
Arrives: June 30
Box basics: Four autographs per six-pack hobby mega box (24 boxes per case -- 12 Gold, 12 Silver)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Wild Card returns for another season with its Matte release that splits the color options right down the middle with different chase inclusions in each.

Keep reading for more info and a gallery of images.

Continue reading →