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Posted By: Jeff

Ted,

"My biggest dilemma in grading is the difference between good, fair and poor. Beckett lumps them together and just says they are well worn, and then lists other issues."

And that's just one of the reasons I despise Beckett price guides.

The last Standard Catalog Of Baseball I have (2002) states

Good(G): A well-worn card, but exhibits no intentional damage or abuse. May have major or multiple creases. Corners rounded well beyond the border.

Fair(F or Fr): Shows excessive wear, along with damage or abuse. Will show all the wear characteristics of a Good card, along with such damage as thumb tack holes in or near margins, evidence of having been taped or pasted, perhaps small tears around the edges, or creases so heavy as to break the cardboard. Backs may show minor added pen or pencil writing, or be missing small bits of paper. Still basically a complete card.

Poor(P): A card that has been tortured to death. Corners or other areas may be torn off. Card may have been trimmed, show holes from a paper punch or have been used for BB gun practice. Front may have extraneous pen or pencil writing, or other defacement. Major portions of front or back design may be missing. Not a pretty sight.

Don't know if that will help you or not.

Jeff