At least Archie takes your point seriously.
As I have been collecting for over 20 years, I guess that I could not be considered a 'Newbie'. I am a 'Newbie' when it comes to the Internet & the numerous auction sites available.
I am curious as to why the reputable sellers/dealers do not rate their offering in terms of a standardised 'Condition' rating system???
A number of sellers/dealers go to great lengths to quote TCR numbers & sometimes inflated values for their product but fail to be explicit about the condition of the product.
Rare, Mint, Excellent, 'has seen litle table wear', 'Pulled from the tables','above average condition for its age', etc, etc, etc. seems to be prevalent.
I have wasted a lot of time contacting sellers with questions on the condition of the offerings &, by and large, they are vague in their responses.
I have been specific UNC, AU, SU(slightly used), worn, and this seems to draw a 'BLANK' in their resonses.
I even had a frequent E-Bay lister with CHIP in his/her E-mail address/ E-Bay handle respond that he had no idea what I was talking about or that 'it was not their area of expertise'!!! Come on
With a hobby as large, professional & GROWING as chip/token collectin, doesn't there exist some sort of standard & why, in your opinion isn't it used???
Personnally, I am of the opinion that "the strong will survive" and like Saturn, those who portray there product honestly, will, in the long run survive & exceed.
Somewhat longwinded but when I get on a roll!!!!