How big an itch
Hi, Patrick. I think it depends on how tough the card is (are there others likely to surface several/numerous times per year?), how badly you want it, how well it fits into your collecting niche, and how long you've been looking for an example without success.
I passed on a raw '56 Kahn's Frank Robinson (true rookie) about 12 years ago that was being offered by Fritsch as being in excellent condition, but with back damage for $375. This was a very tough card, but at that time I really did not realize how seldom it would be offered by itself in an auction--I saw perhaps 2 or three as parts of much larger lots in the ensuing years, but no opportunity to buy the single card until last year, when a saved e-bay search popped an example up. Ironically, I have the wierd feeling that it was the very same card, as it presents as Ex+, but with back damage, probably due to having been glued into a scrapbook and removed without sufficient care. According to the seller, whom I believe is part of this board, he received 10-12 calls on the card after I arranged to purchase it.
Bottom line, tough card having been sought for long period of time without success with potentially a lot of other interest, JUMP ON IT! If you pay a little too much, time will probably make you whole as to value and then some, whereas if you're bent on getting a bargain, with a rare card, it may take quite awhile before you're able to procure one!
Best always,
Larry
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