Posted By:
JoannJamie,
I think the one on the right is better. It has more intensity and focus in the face area. The major condition problems are on the relatively unimportant area of the sleeve (where it does not show as much) and the upper left corner. Many cards have pieces of corners and borders missing, but holes completely through them are less common and seem to offend more, appeal-wise.
I also think that $50 is a bit low for the one on the right. Most T206 Cobbs go for more than that even when they are completely hammered and maybe not even in one piece. I don't know if it would be a whole lot above $50, but somewhat higher in my opinion. A poster in this thread currently has a "rare" Polar Bear backed Cobb on ebay with a corner chunk missing that is not too much smaller than this one, and that card is almost at $300. Granted, the rest of the card is in good shape and it does have the "rare" Polar Bear back, but it does show that a corner missing does not totally kill a card.
Obviously both are hammered, but the one on the right is not so far into the weeds as to hit "holy cow" territory. Although in all likelihood it could not get a number grade because of the amount of material missing, I've seen 1's that are a whole lot worse looking than that one. The face area is pretty clear, and overall I've seen a much worse.
I'd pay $50 for it in a heartbeat.
J