AFA Graded Lego?

Legoland 6030 Catapult USD 175 (exclude postage)

Legoland 6621 Fire Truck USD 145 (exlude postage) 85 NM+

Some serious toy collector likes to send some of the rare or nice item and get it graded by AFA. Others prefer to buy AFA items. I have seen lots of vintage star wars moc graded by AFA, plus all sort of action figures (mint on cards) and boxed toys. But for lego, this is the first time i came across them, currently on ebay.

The problem with AFA graded items is that in humid countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, the item might get moldy, at the end of the day there might be the need to crack open the case to protect the toy from further damage. The toy is always more precious than the case or grading itself. For me i don't go for AFA or display my collectable toys, but carefully stored them inside cupboards & dark places (not expose to sunlight).

It is expensive to posted to AFA, after grading they will send it back, the postage incurred plus service charges are costly. On display, owners will tell others they own an AFA graded item (usually cost USD 100 or more to get it graded). Kind of silly to me (you don't need someone to tell you that you own a mint item), you can save money to expand your collection or just buy a protective plastic case to protect it.

Personally, I don't think lego fans are into AFA stuff.

* NM means near mint.
there are 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, the best is probably 90 (almost direct from factory with minimum handling)

Post your comments below, like to hear some feedbacks from readers:)