Aside from counterfeit and repro cards, which are another subject altogether...I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that a great deal of old card analysis is subjective interpretation. How could it be otherwise, when dealing with antiquated cardboard trading cards, produced with relatively crude techniques? While there is a vast knowledge of known card attributes and flaws, there is just so much that is anyone's best guess. I myself have gotten excited over many things I have found on my own cards...odd colored backs and fronts, odd cuts and miscut cards, blurry images and even blurry photos, ink blobs, odd colored ink, etc. Anymore, I just accept them as is, the "patina" of time, if you will. I collect only raw cards for purely hobby reasons. If there is more involved with your cards, such as investment or perhaps potential grading submittals, or you just want to know, you've come to the right place. Asking your questions here will get the attention of folks with the highest levels of knowledge of these old cards there is.
|