opinions on 1955 Topps Clemente
 

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

55 Clemente
 

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

Beautiful card I'm more than a bit envious

Nice
 

Nice centering on the Clemente!

Great example of a beautiful card!
Drew

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.