On April 11, the Macomb, Illinois 4-H Center was host to its largest trading card and collectibles show yet. Show organizers Mark Twitchell and Don Davis stated that for this show they rented out 55 tables, more than any show before.
Vendors included collectors from such distant places as Peoria, Quincy and Springfield. Some of the more popular items being sold included sports cards, toys, Pokemon cards, bargain boxes, singles, sealed boxes, graded cards and collecting supplies. Admission was free and the main hall was full of dads, grandpas and children, all hoping to find that elusive rookie or relic card. Local vendors, such as Jeff Gantner and Ken Beck, enjoy this show every year, especially since it is held right in their back yard.
Co-organizer Mark Twitchell hopes there may possibly be a second show in the fall. Some shows in the past have been held at the VFW. Details will be forthcoming if a second show materializes. One important fact about the Macomb show is that a card grader is on site during the show. A graded card is a trading card that has been authenticated, assessed for condition, and encapsulated in a protective, tamper-evident plastic case (or slab) by a third-party, a professional grading company.
The company assigns a numerical grade from 1 to 10 based on surface, corners, edges and centering, helping to verify authenticity and determine market value.
Grading company Dynamic Grading Authority is based in East Peoria, Illinois, and is rapidly rising in the ranks as a reputable and sought after grading company. Volume wise, they are probably number five or six now in the number of cards they grade annually. Some of the larger graders are PSA, SGC, and Beckett. This is very impressive as it is very hard to get established in this business, building the company’s reputation one card at a time.
Cards can be mailed to DGA or given to them at the show, and DGA guarantees a certain turn around time or the customer will receive 50% off grading fees. They also offer standard label design or custom creations such as holographic, clear, silver, gold, ice and white.
Dynamic Grading Authority can be at Blaine@DynamicGradingAuthority. com, 309-219-9921, or Dynamic Grading Authority Box 8070, 401 E. Washington St., East Peoria, IL 61611
