My friends…1990 Donruss Griffeys are out here selling for $900 at auction.

I was born in the ‘80s so I’ve possessed dozens of copies of this card during my lifetime. This set was horrendously mass-produced and it’s not even like it had a ton of condition issues. It’s just everywhere.

Who’s spending $900 for this card? Is it under-30 tech bros who are getting into sports cards as an investment and hear ‘second-year Griffey’ and assume it’s like a 1953 Topps Mantle? Can someone shed light on what’s happening here? JR Fickle? Anyone?

Another Banger

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Eddie Wittner—Founder and President of C3 Grading—a collector-first grading company built around transparency, accessibility, speed, accuracy, and trust.

At a time when grading has become one of the most powerful infrastructure layers in the hobby, collectors are asking bigger questions about pricing, consistency, market control, upcharges, turnaround times, and the overall direction of the grading industry. With Collectors expanding its grading footprint across PSA, SGC, and Beckett, and with ongoing scrutiny surrounding PSA, the conversation around alternatives has never felt more relevant.

C3 Grading has stepped into that moment by offering a different kind of grading experience. With $9 slabs, no hidden fees, no upcharges, fast turnaround times, dual grading, full subgrades, QR-enabled reports, thoughtful slab design, and a customer-first approach, C3 is building around the collector experience instead of simply following the legacy grading model.

In this conversation, Alyx and Eddie break down how C3 Grading started, what Eddie saw missing from the grading space, and why he wanted to build the kind of company he personally wished existed as a collector.

They also discuss the current state of the grading industry, the impact of consolidation, the frustration many collectors feel with mainstream grading companies, and why independent alternatives have a real opportunity to earn trust by focusing on transparency, consistency, and service.

The conversation also dives into the C3 philosophy, including flat-rate pricing, why upcharges bother Eddie philosophically, the importance of dual grading, full subgrades, fading grades, QR reports, slab design, and creating a submission process that feels simple, accessible, and fair.

Alyx and Eddie also talk about the partnership between C3 Grading and Collectors MD, including C3’s inclusion in The Intentional Collector’s Guide, the CMD affiliate code, and C3’s support of the #RipResponsibly movement through thank-you cards and packaging touchpoints.

At its core, this episode is about grading, trust, transparency, collector advocacy, and what it looks like to build a healthier hobby from the infrastructure up.

Topics covered include:

• Eddie’s collecting journey and how C3 Grading started

• Why grading became such an important part of the hobby

• Building an independent grading company in a consolidated market

• Collectors, PSA, SGC, Beckett, and the changing grading landscape

• Why collectors are frustrated with mainstream grading

• Flat-rate pricing and why C3 avoids upcharges

• $9 slabs, no hidden fees, and fast turnaround times

• Dual grading and why accuracy matters

• Full subgrades and transparency in the grading process

• QR-enabled grading reports and slab design

• Fading grades and “graded on” date stamps

• The role of trust, consistency, and service in grading

• The current PSA drama and what it says about hobby trust

• C3 Grading’s partnership with Collectors MD

• The Intentional Collector’s Guide and CMD affiliate code

• Why #RipResponsibly belongs in the broader hobby conversation

• What the future of grading could look like

If you’ve ever submitted cards, questioned grading fees, felt frustrated by upcharges, or wondered where the grading industry is heading, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Because grading isn’t just about the number on the slab—it’s about trust, transparency, and protecting the collector experience.

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, accountability, transparency, and building a healthier relationship with collecting.

Watch The Episode On YouTube

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: collectorsmd.com

Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation

Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com

Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: info@collectorsmd.com

YT: ‪@collectorsmd

IG: @collectorsmd

Learn More About C3 Grading:

Website: c3grading.com

YT: @C3Grading

IG: @c3grading

FB: C3 Grading

TT: @c3.grading

Use code CMD to grade cards for $8 per card

Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER

This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.

#CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #C3Grading | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TfANFR5T0&t=5s

Whitey, Derek, Bo & Pablo on a random PSA Monday #WhatsOnYourDesk.

“The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?” —Pablo Picasso

#BeTheGood

Graded rookies for a Wednesday edition of #WhatsOnYourDesk.

“It's not wise to violate rules until you know how to observe them.” —T. S. Eliot

#BeTheGood