I think it depends on what your goal is and what you can afford. My ultimate goal is a complete set run of Topps 1952 - present. I’d love for every card to be near mint but that’s unrealistic with my budget.
Most of my 50s and 60s cards are in the FR to VG range if raw or 2 - 4 if graded. I think there are plenty of cards out there in PSA 1.5 or 2 slabs that look just fine for my collection. I’m more about consistency in my collection. The majority of my graded 52 Topps are PSA 2 - 3. My 1954 Topps are SGC 2.5.
My 70s - present cards are all raw but are generally consistent in their condition. Early 70s mostly GD / VG working up to Mint in the mid 80s and beyond.
All my prewar stuff is PSA 1-2. It’s all I can afford if I plan on getting everything I want and I’m ok with that.
I don’t think there is a universally acceptable response.
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