Hey all,

I was the lone bidder on the item below and as you can see it looks largely in good shape outside of the tear on the front. The seller said that it didn't go through the card in the listing but after messaging him for a picture of the back of the card he replied that the tear didn't go through the entire card prior to sending it to afa/cga but now it does.

Will it continue to rip more if it supposedly ripped after he sent it in for grading? Does this actually make the afa grading invalid or is the 70 for the card including that tear?

My main concern is if the grading still holds as a 70 overall and I've heard mixed opinions...some are saying it is graded exactly as it is sealed so in that case it is a 70 and others are saying otherwise.

Thank you for any info!

http://r.ebay.com/9CTT4Y

I am far from an expert on grading (and even AFA is also sometimes). My advice, call afa tell them you purchased the figure and see a tear on the bottom that is 1/4 inch or so (guessing measurements) and see if they have any detailed report on it using that number. They should have some record of it. If it was graded with the tear present then the grade stands, if the tear wasn't present then it doesn't. Really only afa could answer this as I think their system of grading is flawed. You can submit the same figure/moc/item to them numerous times and receive different grades.

Thanks so much! I've been calling them over the last few days with no luck but hopefully I get something soon before I commit entirely!

A grade is really only valid at the time of grading. Items can degrade over time, figures can rub in the bubble etc. Would it regrade now overall a 70? maybe.

Thanks for the opinions, I contacted AFA about the tear and am waiting to hear back(fortunately it was only graded a week or so ago). I'm going to roll the dice, it seems reasonable given the spike in prices especially with vader and it unfortunately one of the few i've found 12 back in my price range.

I apologize in advance if this gets long winded, but.... I have never seen a carded figure tear like that inside the case after being graded... The tear had to be there when it was graded, otherwise the grading and casing would be a failure of epic proportions...

The whole point of that case is to preserve the figure as best as possible in its current state/condition. The other members are right on with their comments. Figures can and will continue to degrade over time, and they can also get damaged in handling, but a tear seems really unlikely to occur especially with the rails that hold the card in place...

Another great point that was made in an earlier comment is that the grading is inconsistent... I used to regularly collect graded figures many, many years ago and I purchased and graded many figures over the years, and I can tell you from experience that your Vader could have received anything from an AFA 50 on the card to the overall 70 that it received... I have never been able to figure out the logic, but then again I am not and have never been an investment collector... I always bought what I found beauty in and could afford... Sadly, there are many people that literally buy the label, the grade is all that matters to them.

With that said, congratulations on your 12 Back Darth Vader, I think he is gorgeous and I hope he brings you tremendous joy in the years to come...

I appreciate it! I'm extremely happy with the figure, it looks great and finally got a vader 12 back like I've been wanting for years!

Thats wonderful SithHead! So glad to hear you are so happy with it! I always thought that if there was one figure to get on a 12 back card, Vader would be the one to get! Congrats again on your 12 Back AFA Darth Vader, he is awesome, and a true vintage treasure!!