Impact of the MC and/or MK designation

[TheBigRedOne]

Sorry if this topic has been discussed before, but generally what type of impact does an MK or an MC designation have on a card's value? I collect mostly the t206s.

For instance, I'm currently scouting a card on eBay, HOF player with a PSA 4 and an MC designation. Nice looking card, being offered about half what the t206insider.com rates its value. Beautiful card, just mis-cut on the back side.

I guess I'm looking for a loose rule of thumb. What do you folks mentally subtract from a card's value with those designations?

I collect mainly for fun and for the history, but I don't necessarily want to grossly overpay for a card that someone down the road will not buy due to those designations....

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you all might have...

Alan

[RaidonCollects]

If I remember correctly, cards with a MC designation (or any other qualifier) will usually be equal in value to a card two grades below it.

For example a PSA 7 (MC) card will probably be similarly priced to a PSA 5.

However, lower grade cards (PSA 3-4 or lower) with qualifiers will probably be valued closer to a card one grade below them.

For example PSA 3 (MC) would be valued closer to a PSA 2 without any qualifiers.

That's just how I interpret the qualifiers, but a card is worth whatever the buyer is willing to pay for it.

-Owen

[clydepepper]

To me, a qualifier is a qualifier is a qualifier. I avoid them at all costs.

[irv]

I think it also depends on how bad it is?

I have seen OC (off center) cards look barely off center (not sure where they draw the line?) and some, it's a no brainer.

You can always, if you want to brunt the expense, resubmit and ask for no qualifiers, but keep in mind you will loose some grades, usually 2, I believe?

[TheBigRedOne]

That's just how I interpret the qualifiers, but a card is worth whatever the buyer is willing to pay for it.

Truth!

[swarmee]

And on the T206 series, heavy errors are collected anyways, so if it is drastically miscut (like two half backs show), it might be worth more than a regular card of the same grade.

[KMayUSA6060]

I don't know what it does to a card's value, but similar to how a card can show better than the grade, a card can show better than the qualifier. It's always worth checking each and every card because the qualifier might be a joke, but it could knock a certain card down to a phenomenal price/deal.

That being said, with T206s, I avoid all MK cards (unless it's a date stamp on the back) and most MC cards, especially if the name is cut off.

Use your discretion and don't buy anything you're not comfortable with. :)

[jb217676]

Sometimes miscuts are worth less, but depending on how cool of a miscut the card has it could get a premium price.

[Luke]

I published a post about this very topic today on my site. The MC qualifier definitely affects value, but it varies based on eye appeal. I've found over time with selling T206s that collectors as a whole really dislike having some of the name cut off, so those cards definitely take at least a 2 grade hit.

With just a back mis-alignment, I would value is slightly less than a 4, but I know other people would value it much less. I paid about the going rate for a Cycle in PSA 3 for this Schmidt, and feel like I got a great deal because I love the card.

Also sometimes the MC qualifier is given to a card that has a partial name on top, and those can sell for as much or more as a card without the qualifier.

[spaidly]

Me, too. I don't own one with a qualifier. Yuck.

To me, a qualifier is a qualifier is a qualifier. I avoid them at all costs.

[Brian Van Horn]

Just curious why this card didn't get a qualifier:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1933-Goudey-207-Mel-Ott-PSA-5-HOF-Super-Bright-Card-/262871764871?hash=item3d3460cf87:g:rAIAAOSw5cNYRJC 4

[midmo]

Just curious why this card didn't get a qualifier:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1933-Goudey-207-Mel-Ott-PSA-5-HOF-Super-Bright-Card-/262871764871?hash=item3d3460cf87:g:rAIAAOSw5cNYRJC 4

Because all you have to do is check the "no qualifier" box when you submit to PSA and you'll get a lower grade instead of a Q.

[Jobu]

... assuming the grade is high enough to permit a lower grade (a 1.5 with writing on it is a 1.5(MK) whether you want the MK or not).

Because all you have to do is check the "no qualifier" box when you submit to PSA and you'll get a lower grade instead of a Q.

[Brian Van Horn]

Because all you have to do is check the "no qualifier" box when you submit to PSA and you'll get a lower grade instead of a Q.

Justin,

Thank you. I only have ever had one card submitted for grading which happened at the National in Atlantic City last year. I don't recall anything about a qualifier, but that's my memory for you.

[Jantz]

Given the subjectiveness and inaccuracies involved with grading, I pay very close attention to MC & MK qualifiers and will buy T206s with them.

I just love buying a T206 with a wet sheet transfer that came from the factory that way and a TPG gives it a MK.

The same can be said about a T206 with an American Beauty back that a TPG labels as MC.

[1952boyntoncollector]

MK usually worth more as those cards have a habit of being 'improved' and re-submitted versus a MC