Posted By:
Gilbert MainesI fully understand that for many collectors that it is hard to believe, but some collectors actually prefer a card which is not in pristine condition. I am one who has this preference. The rational which I am comfortable with includes the following observations relative to a worn card:
- the card was really "there","then". It was not accidentally lost right after acquisition, nor put away by a disinterested pack rat. It was handled, perhaps played with and enjoyed by someone from the period of issuance.
- the wear adds character to the card (up to a point). As does the toning.
Sorry, there are not 100 reasons which justify my preference. But for me, these two suffice.
So, to take a card in my preferred condition and alter it to more closely approximate its new condition appearance is a preference which I do not share. But I would never consider making an antique automobile into a hot rod either. But I do enjoy looking at hot rods, just like I enjoy looking at restored cards. I have no desire to own either tho.