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HankronI don't collect cards and don't know if collectors still do it this way-- but I remember deducing book price by doing fractions of the Near Mint Beckett. Near Mint = 100%, Excellent = 50% of Near Mint, Very Good = 30%. So, when someone quoted Beckett book price, collectors would simply do the neccesary math for the card's grade. In that sense, someone quoting Nrmt book price for a very good card was a convenience.
I do agree with Ben's point (especially when they quote SMR for a fair card!), but am pointing out that way back when quoting Nrmt book price was considered polite.