The printing /cutting technology used in 1952 could produce cards just as nice as those produced today with one exception. The screens (call it dpi if you want) used today are much finer.
In 1952 it was possible to get the registration exactly right, get perfectly smooth cuts exactly on center, etc.
What's different is that in 1952 the vast majority of kids didn't care if the centering wasn't perfect or if the picture was a bit blurry. So the printers didn't make much effort to get it perfect since perfect costs a whole lot more.
Todays cards are produced to a slightly higher standard because some customers will complain if the registration and centering are off or if the edges aren't totally smooth. Technology has gotten to the point where that's a bit easier to do affordably, plus there are a few tricks.
Borderless cards always appear better centered. 1mm off with a border of 3mm looks way off, but with no border it's almost invisible.
Many modern cards are die cut. The corners aren't truly sharp, but appear sharp. And being ever so slightly rounded are less prone to damage.
With consistent grading standards the older stuff in near perfect condition will be worth more since far fewer were ever all that great when new.
I'm not a fanatic about grading, but I can see some place for it.
Steve B
Steve B
|