I purchased a 1910 PC796 (I believe that's the Burdick designation--its the only card in the set I have, and I don't have it in front of me) Walter Johnson from REA several years ago, which was accurately described as having a near-microscopic pinhole. The card had been in an album, and also had slight pressure indentations near two of the corners. SGC had graded it "fair." However, it presented to the naked eye as near mint, and I was delighted to acquire it. I imagine Jeff felt exactly the same re the Max Stein Cobb (beautiful card, Jeff!). Personally, to me, a small pinhole involves far less material loss than well-worn corners, and a card with the former is consequently more desirable than the latter (although eye appeal does vary with the card--I have a '35 Diamond Stars "Greenburg" error variation with worn corners, but is also perfectly centered and has no other defects, thereby affording it very nice eye appeal to this board member). Bottom line: a matter of individual taste.
Thought-provoking post.
Larry
Last edited by ls7plus; 02-10-2014 at 05:20 PM.
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