One of the big arguments for grading, besides that it can be used to make people money, has long been that it gives a buyer confidence, because it reveals flaws that may not be noticed without a professional look. Thus a NM-MT looking card may get a 3 or a 4 if lucky for a tiny wrinkle that is difficult to spot in a normal context. Grading is technical, not perfectly so because it is done by a man and not a machine program, but it is not based on eye appeal but the actual damage to the card and it’s state, not an eye glance test.
Interesting that now the narrative is the exact opposite, that the card is a 9.5 because it has great eye appeal and Mr. Mint said it was the best. Thus, it is implied, we should ignore that it obviously does not meet SGC’s published standards, both for centering and for the stain. Even though both of these flaws are obvious, the back centering at a one second glance.
It’s a great card in great condition for a 52 Mantle. Maybe it is the best one (it sure isn’t the best one because Mr. Mint, a man I have never before seen propped up as a source of honest integrity, said so). It will set a record. I’d love to have it and never will. Mantle investors can piggyback off it and the pump on Mantles will continue as it always has, most all Mantle holders will end up making money if they choose to sell some day. And the card does not meet SGC’s criteria for a 9.5.
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