Does common sense have a place in the world of professional grading?

[Rob D.]

While browsing an auction online, I came across a complete set of 1952 Num Nums. (Even though it's a postwar issue, I think the question is relevant here.) Below are two cards from the set (scans are from goodwinandco.com). The Bob Kennedy is missing its coupon at the bottom; the Larry Doby has its coupon.

I've given this some thought, honestly trying to come up with an answer to this question: How can any grading company come up with the logic that deems both of these cards receive the same grade? I know it's a coupon that's missing, and the coupon was meant to be removed. But how could anyone not come to the conclusion that a card with its coupon shouldn't receive a grade higher to a similar one without, even taking into account the "intent" angle? It just seems so simple to me.

Please play devil's advocate. There has to be some reasoning that got PSA to this decision. I just don't know what it is.

[shimozukawa]

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[Exhibitman]

As John Cleese might tell you: It's perfectly simple. If you're not getting your card tab cut, you don't have to move your brother's clothes down to the lower peg. You simply collect his note before lunch, after you've done your scripture prep, when you've written your letter home, before rest, move your own clothes onto the lower peg, greet the visitors, and report to Mr. Viney that you've had your chit signed.

[Tcards-Please]

So does PSA have two separate categories, one for with coupons and one without?

[HRBAKER]

Rob,
To answer your question, no.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=130336

Jeff

[novakjr]

I understand that the tab was intended to be removed factor. Don't quite understand why they're not treated separately in the registry though.

For the sake of argument, does psa grade separated 80/81 Topps basketball cards? Judging by the perforations, it's my belief that Topps intended for them to be separated. So at what point does psa draw the line when it comes to intent?

[Bicem]

The same intent logic can be applied to postcards. They were meant to be written on and mailed, yet the grading companies will penalize the ones that were (and rightfully so in my opinion).

[shimozukawa]

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[shimozukawa]

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[bcbgcbrcb]

As a couple of collectors have already mentioned, same scenario as Zeenuts and both are clearly labeled on the flips as such (w/tab or w/o tab. Astute collectors know that one with a coupon is much rarer and thus more valuable than one without the coupon given the same numerical grade.