Helena Frye
PSA has decided to reinstate the grading of Star Company basketball cards, after stopping in the early 1990s due to issues surrounding the legitimacy of several cards. PSA is now accepting submissions for the remaining balance of Star sets released between 1983 and 1986 to be graded, including the renowned 1984-85 set that includes the first official trading cards of NBA Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon. This move is expected to be a big boost for basketball card collectors who have been waiting for years to get their Star cards authenticated and graded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grading company | PSA |
| Card type | Basketball cards |
| Card manufacturer | Star |
| Card legitimacy issues | Yes |
| Grading status | Resumed |
| Graded sets | 1983-1986 Star sets |
| Grading period | 1990s |
| Grading halt reason | Counterfeits and legitimacy issues |
| Current grading status | Accepting submissions |
| Graded cards | Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon |
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What You'll Learn
PSA's decision to grade Star cards again
In recent years, PSA has carefully re-entered the market, starting with the 1984-1985 Star set, which includes basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon. This move has been met with enthusiasm from collectors, who have long awaited the authentication and grading of their Star cards.
PSA's re-entry into the market is a strategic move, as Star cards were previously only graded by one other company, Beckett. Collectors are now considering transferring their BGS-graded Star cards to PSA, potentially impacting the grading fees and card values.
While the decision to grade Star cards again is significant, it does not erase the past issues with the cards or the company that produced them. However, it does provide an opportunity to shed light on the fakes and increase the overall perception of this particular set.
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The impact on Star card values
PSA's decision to reinstate grading for Star Company basketball cards has had a varied impact on card values. On the one hand, PSA's re-entry has brought more legitimacy to Star cards, particularly as only one other company, Beckett, was previously grading them. This increased legitimacy has the potential to attract more collectors and investors to Star cards, driving up demand and values over the long term.
In the short term, the impact of PSA's reinstatement of grading has been mixed. Some Star cards, particularly those of Michael Jordan, have seen significant value increases. For example, the 1984-1985 Star Michael Jordan XRC #101 card, experienced a substantial bump in value following PSA's announcement. However, other cards, such as the 86 Fleer Jordan rookie card, have continued to decline in value.
It is worth noting that PSA's grading of Star cards is currently limited to the 1984-1985 series, which includes cards of NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley. The impact on the values of other Star cards remains to be seen as PSA expands its grading offerings.
The impact of PSA grading on Star card values is also influenced by the grading scale used. PSA follows a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade, known as "Gem Mint". Achieving a perfect grade can significantly multiply a card's value, turning a small investment into a substantial profit. However, the grading process is rigorous and depends on various factors, including the card's corners, edges, surface, and centering.
In conclusion, while PSA's reinstatement of grading for Star Company basketball cards has had a positive long-term impact on the perception and legitimacy of Star cards, the short-term impact on card values has been varied. The full extent of PSA grading's influence on Star card values will become clearer as PSA expands its grading to include more Star issues.
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The history of Star cards
Star Company Basketball Cards were the only licensed NBA basketball cards produced during the mid-1980s. They were sold in hobby shops in sealed, transparent plastic bags, known as "polybags". Star cards were produced in limited quantities, with most production runs at or below 5,000 cards. The company had a three-year run from 1983 to 1985, filling a gap left by Topps, which ended its contractual relationship with the NBA in 1982.
Star's first basketball issue was the 1983 All-Star Game Set, which included the first basketball card issue for Pistons great Isiah Thomas. Star would go on to issue three standard 'base' sets from 1984 to 1986, producing many other player, team, and specialized sets. The presence of Michael Jordan in Star sets beginning in 1984-85 is significant, as it offered the first licensed trading card look at the rising star. As Jordan became a brand, the Jordan #101 card became arguably the most important basketball card in history and one of his most counterfeited cards.
Star cards were initially not hugely popular, and the company's three-year run was a financial loss. However, as Jordan rose to prominence, his cards from the Star sets (24 in total) continued to increase in value. The Jordan #101 card, in particular, is considered the "holy grail" of all Star cards.
In the 1990s, Star Company faced controversy when the printing plates surfaced, and someone reprinted these cards, making it difficult for graders to distinguish between the first and second runs. As a result, grading companies like PSA and BGS became hesitant to grade Star cards due to the fear of counterfeits.
Despite the controversies, Star Basketball Cards hold a significant place in the history of basketball card collecting, especially with their coverage of the NBA during the mid-1980s.
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Star card legitimacy and authenticity
The legitimacy and authenticity of Star basketball cards have been a contentious issue for collectors. PSA, a company that grades sports cards, recently announced that it would resume grading Star basketball cards, specifically those from the 1984-1985 series, after halting its services due to challenges in distinguishing real cards from fakes.
PSA's decision to grade Star cards again has added a layer of legitimacy to the cards. Previously, only one other company, Beckett, was grading Star cards, which left collectors uncertain about the cards' authenticity. Now, with PSA's involvement, collectors have more confidence in the cards' legitimacy, and it may encourage more collectors to invest in these cards.
The 1984-1985 Star Michael Jordan XRC #101 card, considered the "holy grail" of Star cards, has seen a significant increase in value following PSA's announcement. However, it's important to note that the value of these cards is also influenced by their rarity and the condition they are in.
Collectors must be vigilant when it comes to the legitimacy and authenticity of Star cards or any valuable collectibles. One way to ensure the authenticity of collectibles is through Certificates of Authenticity (COAs). These documents confirm the genuineness and origin of an item and are issued by reputable authorities, experts, or organizations specializing in authenticating specific types of items. COAs provide buyers and collectors with peace of mind, knowing that their purchases are genuine.
When dealing with COAs, it's essential to verify their legitimacy as well. Buyers and collectors should research the reputation and credentials of the issuing organization or individual. They should also look for reviews and testimonials from other collectors who have dealt with the same issuing authority. A genuine COA should also contain detailed information about the item, including its description, history, and any relevant identifying marks or serial numbers.
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PSA's grading process
PSA grading is a well-known and long-established service for trading cards. It assesses a card's centering, corners, edges, and surface using a 1-10 grading scale to determine its condition, rarity, and value. PSA grading costs vary depending on the value of the card and start at $25 per card for items valued under $199, with additional fees for shipping and insurance. Cards valued over $5,000 can use the Walk-Through service, which offers the fastest grading option, returning cards within days.
To get a card graded by PSA, you can submit it through their online submission form, drop it off at PSA-attended trade shows, or deliver it to their office by appointment. PSA also offers on-site grading at local card shows and hobby stores, which can be a more accessible option for those who are hesitant to ship their cards. PSA encapsulates each card in a sonically sealed, tamper-evident case with the grade and certification number displayed on the PSA LightHouse label.
PSA has expanded its grading services to include Star Basketball cards, sketch cards, and metal Pokémon cards. The inclusion of Star Basketball cards is a significant development, as PSA had previously discontinued grading these cards due to legitimacy issues. However, after reviewing new information, PSA can now properly examine and grade these cards, which include the first official trading cards of NBA Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon.
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Frequently asked questions
PSA grading is a service provided by PSA officials to evaluate, authenticate and grade basketball cards.
Star basketball cards are cards that were produced by the Star Company in the 1980s. They include cards of NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley.
PSA stopped grading Star cards due to issues surrounding the legitimacy of several cards. The card manufacturer lost its NBA license and started liquidating assets, leading to concerns about counterfeits and reprints.
