Introducing SPA Grading + The Star Wars Card Explosion + Autographs That Weren’t Actually Signed

Sports card grading will never be the same. Jeremy officially unveils SPA Grading, the hobby's first full-service card wellness experience, where every card deserves a little self-care. From soaking away decades of unwanted memories to massaging out creases and wrinkles, manicuring those troublesome edges and applying a little makeup where necessary, SPA takes your card through the entire process before sending it to an entirely independent and conveniently uninformed grading department. And don't forget the final touch: a genuine SPA eye appeal sticker. From soak to sticker. Leighton Sheldon and David Chase react to the revolutionary new service, its nine-second grading process, potential upcharges, crossovers, international expansion plans and what happens when demand inevitably overwhelms capacity. Before the SPA opens its doors, Leighton also shares his latest Kobe Bryant pickup and explains why rare memorabilia sometimes requires throwing the comps aside and trusting your own instincts. Then Steve Grad joins the show. The longtime autograph authentication expert and Pawn Stars regular talks about his years running PSA/DNA, the early evolution of third-party autograph authentication and the massive surge in vintage non-sports collecting. Steve discusses the explosion in 1977 Star Wars cards, the emergence of "rookie card" terminology in the non-sports world and watching cards he once owned reach extraordinary prices. Then the conversation turns to a fascinating problem: secretarial autographs. From Luka Doncic to Shaquille O'Neal and Ewan McGregor, how can an autograph that wasn't actually signed by the celebrity or athlete make its way into the hobby? And what happens when the questionable autograph was inserted directly into a pack? Plus, Steve shares stories from Pawn Stars, including what happens when someone really doesn't like being told their autograph isn't authentic. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover where you fit in the hobby at thehobbyspectrum.com. Search auctions across the hobby with AuctionWire.ai. Research the market with Card Ladder. Use promo code SCL. And check out Pops & Comps, available now on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices