Asking the ChatGPT AI bot about trading cards

Since the ChatGPT AI bot got released to the public in beta form last week it has been a hot topic for many. A lot of interesting articles have been written about it thus far, this The Guardian article is one aimed at the generic public for example. Amongst developers it has also created some discussion, as can be seen in this StackExchange Network post. I decided to give it a try too and I am impressed enough to want to share the results with all of you!

In the sections below I’ll ask the bot a question related to trading cards and it will answer based on its extended knowledge using artificial intelligence. Of course I will check each answer for correctness such as to not present misinformation on my blog, and that is what everyone using the bot should do.

What is the most valuable Pokemon card?

“The most valuable Pokemon card can vary depending on a number of factors, such as its rarity, condition, and market demand. Some of the most valuable Pokemon cards include rare holographic cards, promotional cards, and error cards. For example, the Pikachu Illustrator card, which was given out as a prize to winners of a Pokemon card design contest in Japan, is considered one of the most valuable Pokemon cards in existence and has sold for over $100,000. However, the value of a Pokemon card can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to do some research before determining its value.”

It is a pretty good answer to be honest, however not complete enough in my opinion so I asked further.

Can you make a top 5?

“As a large language model trained by OpenAI, I don’t have access to information about the current market value of Pokemon cards, so I am unable to make a list of the most valuable Pokemon cards. I apologize for any inconvenience. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Unfortunately that did not give a satisfying answer either, it turns out that all the bot needed was a bit of reassurance. It was just afraid to give out wrong answers.

Broad information is good enough

“In general, some of the most valuable Pokemon cards are rare holographic cards, promotional cards, and error cards. For example, the Pikachu Illustrator card, which was given out as a prize to winners of a Pokemon card design contest in Japan, is considered one of the most valuable Pokemon cards. Other rare and valuable cards include the Charizard holographic card from the Base Set, the Prerelease Raichu card from the Jungle Set, and the first edition Shadowless Holographic Blastoise card. The value of a Pokemon card can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to do some research before determining its value.”

Now it felt more confident and gave three extra suggestions! It is still missing one, but hey, we cannot have it all.

How to store trading cards in a binder?

“To store trading cards in a binder, you will need a binder with plastic sheets designed specifically for trading cards. Start by placing the cards you want to store in the binder in numerical or alphabetical order. Then, insert each card into a plastic sheet and place the sheet in the binder. It’s a good idea to use one binder per set of cards to keep them organized and prevent them from getting mixed up. You can also use dividers to separate the cards by type or set. Make sure to store the binder in a cool, dry place to prevent the cards from getting damaged.”

Well, there really is no arguing about that, it sounds like sound advice!

What is the best way to mail a valuable sports card?

“The best way to mail a valuable sports card is to send it using a service that provides insurance and tracking. This way, if the card is lost or damaged in transit, you will be able to file a claim and get compensated for its value. Additionally, using a service with tracking will allow you to see where the card is and when it is delivered. Some options for mailing valuable sports cards include USPS Priority Mail with insurance, FedEx, and UPS. You can also consider using a specialty shipping service that is designed for mailing collectibles. These services often offer additional protection, such as waterproof packaging and reinforced boxes, to ensure the safe delivery of your sports card.”

While technically correct it is not really what I wanted to hear, so let’s ask a follow-up question.

How should the card itself be packed?

“When packing a valuable sports card, it’s important to take steps to protect it from damage during transit. Here are some guidelines for packing a sports card:

  1. Use a sturdy, protective case or holder for the card. This will help to prevent it from getting bent or creased during shipping.
  2. If the card is not in a protective case, place it inside a plastic sleeve or hard plastic top loader to help prevent damage.
  3. Place the card inside a small box or padded envelope for added protection. Make sure the box or envelope is large enough to allow for some extra padding around the card, such as bubble wrap or foam sheets.
  4. Fill any empty space in the box or envelope with packing materials to prevent the card from moving around during transit. This will help to protect it from getting damaged.
  5. Use strong tape to securely seal the box or envelope. Make sure to reinforce all seams and corners to prevent the package from tearing open during transit.
  6. Address the package clearly and legibly, and include any necessary shipping labels or postage.
  7. Consider using a service that provides insurance and tracking to ensure the safe delivery of your valuable sports card. This way, if anything happens to the card during transit, you will be able to file a claim and get compensated for its value.”

Wow, that is exactly what I wanted to hear! This bot is showing real promise in actually being helpful, rather than just being a toy.

What are the pros and cons of card grading companies?

“Card grading companies are companies that specialize in evaluating the condition and authenticity of trading cards, such as sports cards or collectible card game cards. The main benefit of using a card grading company is that it can provide a level of objectivity and expertise when it comes to determining the condition and value of a card. This can be especially useful for collectors who are looking to buy or sell high-value cards, as a professional grade from a reputable company can provide reassurance and help establish the card’s value.

One potential downside of using a card grading company is the cost. The fees for grading a card can vary, but they can be significant, especially for high-value cards. Additionally, the grading process can take time, so if you need a quick determination of a card’s value, using a card grading company may not be the best option.

Another potential disadvantage of using a card grading company is that the grading standards can vary between companies. This can make it difficult to compare grades from different companies and make it harder to determine the true value of a card.

Overall, the decision to use a card grading company will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are a collector looking to establish the value of a high-value card, using a card grading company can be a good option. However, if you are looking for a quick and inexpensive way to determine the value of a card, you may want to consider other options.”

Again, a spot-on answer! Now I just wonder if I can convince it to compare actual companies. At first it refused, but when naming the companies myself we did get an interesting answer!

Can you compare PSA, BGS, SGC and CGC?

“PSA, BGS, SGC, and CGC are all card grading companies that specialize in evaluating the condition and authenticity of trading cards, such as sports cards or collectible card game cards. These companies all have their own grading standards and processes, so it can be difficult to directly compare them.

PSA, or Professional Sports Authenticator, is one of the largest and most well-known card grading companies. PSA uses a 10-point grading scale and has a reputation for being strict in its grading, which can make its grades highly sought after by collectors.

BGS, or Beckett Grading Services, is another leading card grading company. BGS uses a 5-point grading scale and has a reputation for being more lenient in its grading compared to PSA. This can make BGS grades more accessible to collectors, but it can also make them less valuable in the eyes of some collectors.

SGC, or Sportscard Guaranty, is another card grading company that uses a 10-point grading scale. SGC has a reputation for being more lenient in its grading than PSA, but more strict than BGS.

CGC, or Certified Guaranty Company, is a card grading company that specializes in grading comics. CGC uses a 10-point grading scale and has a reputation for being strict in its grading, similar to PSA.

Overall, the best card grading company for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a strict and highly regarded grading company, PSA may be a good option. If you are looking for a more lenient and affordable grading company, BGS or SGC may be better options. If you are looking to have comics graded, CGC may be the best choice. It is always a good idea to do your own research and compare the services and fees of different card grading companies before making a decision.”

As it is trained with data up to 2021 it actually didn’t know CGC grades trading cards nowadays. It still answered perfectly however!

Conclusion

Wow, I cannot believe how good the answers of this bot are! As I said earlier it really has a lot of potential and I hope this project gets a good future.

Want to have your own questions covered in my blog? Follow me on Twitter or Instagram and send your questions there.

Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest articles!

Leave a Reply

Discover more from The Realistic Collector

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading