Posted By:
Dave ReyWell, I think that SGC is pretty close on the technical grade of that Cy Young card -- using their definitions.
It may squeak up into the realm of a 60 if you consider that chunk of missing border paper just "chipping." I think it's a tad bit beyond that, but a 50 or 60 seems reasonable and technically correct.
And I completely disagree with your statement that grades should reflect the appeal of the card. Grades should be appeal-blind and focus specifically on the technical definitions -- that's the only way the system has any meaning.
The "pyramid" -- as it's described in a post above -- only works if the grading is blind to make, model, age and desireability.