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JohnI’m a little tossed up on this issue. I do find it funny though, or at least a little odd.
I have a few of the Harris Collection Cards, which I won in 2000, as well as a handful of high-grade T206’s. While not the amount or extent of high-grade material that other collectors have.
A lot of collectors here if I remember correctly don’t collect high-grade cards for the below reasons. Including you Paul (T206collector)
1.They don’t look real, compared to well loved cards.
2.They have most likely been altered in a way, which allowed them to become high end.
3.Price bubble will burst soon, on the overpaying and number chasing game.
4.They can’t afford to keep up with the Jones’s.
While I agree with #3 to a point, and unfortunately for the time being I am held in a holding pattern around #4. I find it hypocritical of some of the views expressed in this topic.
So removing paper, pencil, glue and creases,is ok for some. If you end up with that EX+ butterfly from its G-VG cocoon.
However how many Harris type Cards and other high-end cards have been altered in your own words?
What’s the difference? How many PSA 7,8,9’s had glue or paper on them at one time, hence they were altered to obtain that high-end grade, in your own words your against that, so you shy away from those pre-war blazers,even criticize those who do collect them to a degree. But altering a card to EX in your own collection is ok? The only difference in my mind was the quality of the material pre-altering. The situation and methods are the same, the outcome different.
It’s ok to steal a pack of gum, just not rob a bank? Where do you draw the line, and who foots the bill for you decisions in the end?
Not a goodie goodie, just I have to agree with Jim where does it stop, a little soak, a little press, why not a little trim? After all, the card is oversized the factory didn’t want them this size.
I will say that I have less a problem with erasing pencil, as long it’s disclosed to me. However my gut says I’ll be the last to know, and thousands of dollars later on a card that’s not cool. IMO
Just my thoughts.