opinions on 1955 Topps Clemente

[71buc]

I am considering purchasing this card and would like to know what you all think about the 400 price tag. Although I am not a condition snob, I don't know about this one. Other than the obvious issue all else looks acceptable. What do you think it would grade and is the price fair? Thanks in advance.

[novakjr]

I can handle the centering, and other than the obvious blemish, that card is absolutely gorgeous. I'd obviously try to get it cheaper, but I'd probably be happy with it for $400..That's just me though.

[vintagetoppsguy]

I would be happy with the card if the price is right, but with that blemish on the bottom border I don't think it grades any higher than a 2. What's VCP for a 2?

[mintacular]

I paid about $700 for a graded "EX" which is about VCP average...This card looks about "EX" w/the blemish on front...I think $400 is a decent price but $350 would really make make it a nice deal. Do some researching online and see where vg-ish ones are priced at...Here's an alternative, this card which could be had for $330: http://cgi.ebay.com/1955-Topps-Roberto-Clemente-164-PSA-2-Good-/120744947920?
pt=US_Baseball&hash=item1c1cf5b0d0#ht_500wt_969 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1955-Topps-Roberto-Clemente-164-PSA-2-Good-/120744947920?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item1c1cf5b0d0#ht_500wt_969)

BTW-if you like this card there is paper loss on the back...

[vintagetoppsguy]

I think what we're calling a blemish is actually a bit of paper loss. Without the card in hand, it's hard to tell. If that is paper loss (and I believe it is), the card won't grade any higher than a 2. That's just my $.02

[parkerj33]

Man, that's a nice 2...no creases to be seen, just paper loss small on the back....

[71buc]

I think what we're calling a blemish is actually a bit of paper loss. Without the card in hand, it's hard to tell. If that is paper loss (and I believe it is), the card won't grade any higher than a 2. That's just my $.02

Thanks to everyone for the input. There really is no paper loss on the card. There is more layering than anything else. It appears that a thumbnail caused the damage and the layer is crumpled in an acordian fashion. I don't know if the layering can be effectively smoothed without causing paper loss. I also don't know if I am willing to spend the 400 to find out. It's just that the rest of the card looks so nice I find myself tempted to roll the dice.

[canjond]

Personally I like the one on eBay better, and it's cheaper!

Edited to add, I have no affiliation with the eBay seller, just giving my opinion...

[hunterdutchess]

I do not see that card getting anything more than a 3. Here is some VCP AVG:

1- $224.83

2- $283.89

2.5- $296.46

3- $372.74

I would offer $300 and see if you could meet in the middle.

[71buc]

Thanks again for all of the advice and information. This is why I visit this site. Based on your input I think I will hold off and spend the extra money to get one in better condition that I will not second guess myself for. This one was part of a deal was depending on but as with all things you get what you pay for.

[mintacular]

For a keystone card like this I think it is better to wait a few months, maybe spend a few bucks more, and get the right card....Then again, if that blemish doesn't bother you and you are happy with the price then by all means buy it...With big cards I am very finicky about getting the right card at the right price...

[John V]

If I bought that card, I bet the excitement would wear off quickly and I would start looking for a replacement. I vote to skip it and look for a card without such a flaw.

[71buc]

I'm passing on the Clemente. I did pick this one up. It is more consistent with my modest condition requirements. It has nice eye appeal, gloss, and decent centering. The corners are a bit soft but it was within my predetermined price range. I recently sold some unopened basketball boxes I found. I sold them for a nice profit. I am reinvesting the profits in hopes of improving my baseball collection. My goal is to pick up a 55 Clemente and a 33 Goudey Ruth to accompany this Aaron. I had hoped to have the Clemente and Ruth this past weekend. Obviously the Clemente is not going to happen at the $400 price range. I have $2700 left and am hoping to obtain a Clemente in similar condition to this Aaron. If possible I would settle for a nice PSA 2 Ruth. Obviously the price of the Clemente I purchase will impact my choice of a Ruth. I hoped to accomplish this by solely using the money generated from the sale of the basketball cards. I'm not sure that is going to be possible now but I am enjoying trying. Thanks again for all of the input.

[frankpt]

I just picked up this one here. The glare is from the camera,not in the card.

[71buc]

Beautiful card I'm more than a bit envious

[mintacular]

Nice centering on the Clemente!

[almostdone]

Great example of a beautiful card!
Drew

[frankpt]

I paid high though, I really wanted the card. I had one a few years ago and sold it. Big mistake. Plus, they are really tough to find with any kind of decent centering.