Posted By:
JimBThe fact that so many CJs have stains is precisely why a legitimate nm/mt example is so amazing. I think the Maranville deserves the "st" qualifier. Assuming one were to buy such a card blind (obviously you wouldn't, but just go with me on this), who would not be upset with receiving it and finding those stains if it did not have the qualifier. People would complain that it was overgraded or that the stains were not indicated. I don't think it would need a qualifier as an ex/mt 6 or possibly even a nm 7, but an 8 is an extremely high grade and I don't think slack should be cut for CJs because they came packaged the way they did. It just means they are harder to find in high grade, at least the 1914s. If we don't do this, then we can end up having different grading criteria for a whole assortment of sets. Speaking of which, I think all the grading companies overgrade Old Judges on a regular basis. Just my opinion.
Jim
P.S. I think the Maranville is a beautiful card and I would love to own it. I think it is a shame that the qualifiers seem to lessen the resale value so much - out of proportion to the problems the indicate quite often.