What do you look for in low graded cards?

[Pythonfactory]

Hi all. I have a question. If only interested in low grade cards (e.g., can only afford them, care more about the history than condition), what do you look for?

I know this is completely subjective but since I have seen so few vintage cards in person I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[Leon]

Good question. I think my favorite lower condition (that is mainly what I collect) cards are ones with nice looking fronts and damage on blank backs (or in blank areas). That way you get the look without the price, usually. Nice question right out of the chute!!

[wazoo]

It really can vary. I always enjoy nice centering, but that is not my main concern. I try to stay away from paper loss, but when it is minimal, I do not mind it. Rounded corners, in my opinion, are fine, as long as they aren't too severe. It really depends on the collector, and what appeals to him/her.

Best regards,
Wazoo

[atx840]

Cheap price.

: )

I dislike creases and pl on the front. Next is decent registration and overall clean looking.

Corners aren't a big concern.

[Ronnie73]

When buying low grade cards, I look for nice centered and evenly worn cards that are clean of marks and have even wear on all four corners.

[rainier2004]

No paper loss, pieces missing, pin holes, writing, trimming or rips.

Corners, edges and staining are no problem.

Overall color/brightness and registration have become my most important qualities in determining eye appeal for my cards. Centering usually has to be 0/100 to bother me.

[birdman42]

Cards that have received a low grade from a TPG (third-party grader) but that still look nice. There was an N167 Ewing posted recently that got hit by the grader because of slight scrapbook gum on the back. I just picked up a 1914 Cracker Jack that graded a poor because of I'm not sure what exactly. There are lots like that out there, in almost every set.

As Leon said, cards with a little damage or glue on blank backs are great buys. Check out the grades on lots of Old Judge N172s and you'll see what I mean; beautiful images with a little glue or writing on the back get clobbered.

But most of all, collect what you enjoy! Get a few cards in hand and you'll see soon enough what bugs you and what doesn't.

Bill

[Eric72]

For me, a clean and fairly well centered front with sharp registration and bold, unfaded colors is key. Paper loss on the back (as well as writing, print spots, or other, "marks," which I simply do not mind...it gives the card a modicum of character, in my humble opinion) or corner wear do not bother me nearly as much.

If the TPGs lower the card's grade for the aforementioned reasons, and I can pick it up on my current budget, I am a much more interested buyer.

Best Regards,

Eric

[cockrellcollection]

Originally Posted by Ronnie73

When buying low grade cards, I look for nice centered and evenly worn cards that are clean of marks and have even wear on all four corners.

I agree wholeheartedly with buying low grade cards with even wear (I'm not a huge fan of two sharp corners and two worn especially if its due to trimming).

Other than that for me centering is also great for overall appeal but can't say I'm not guilty of buying 20/80 or so if I like the card.

[Chris Counts]

I actually go out of my way to look for low graded cards. Here are a few of my favorites. All were busted out of slabs marked 1s, 2s and 3s ...

[SushiX37]

I agree with Leon. I'm ok with paper loss on the back if the front is centered and has good color.

[DeanH3]

Centering and registration top my list. I like to avoid creases but light corner wrinkles are ok. This card is a perfect example for me. Centered with great color and registration. The light corner wrinkle does not bother me at all.

[AMBST95]

I really get freaked out by centering and creases. The rest is part of the lower grade, IMO, but major creases and very bad centering are real downers to me. I go back and look at things in my collection and find that I want to upgrade all of the time because I thought I could live with a centering issue or a crease and then it just drives me nuts.

[EvilKing00]

1st you would be shocked what you can actually find even when a card is a low grade.

2ed - i personally try and get a PSA/SGC 2 or higher (in my budgt) AND some are in real nice shape. Figure a % you are willing to pay compared to "retal" AND add extra for a more rare card, or a personal fav, etc.

BE PATIENT, take your time and look at many, you will find your "budget" per card, as well as the grade. IMO there are some real nice ones out there, not every PSA 3 is the same. Some are alot better than others.

[AMBST95]

Originally Posted by EvilKing00

1st you would be shocked what you can actually find even when a card is a low grade.

...not every PSA 3 is the same. Some are alot better than others.

Very true!

[frankbmd]

A Face or a Name for identification. If both are present, consider waiving the Back.

[Jantz]

I would buy 2.5s all day long if they looked like the Wagner on the right!

Being the owner of both of these cards, when I decide to sell/trade off my duplicate, I will be keeping the 2.5 for my collection.

I guess the graders were having a bad day when the graded both of these cards. Look at the flip on the "left" Wagner

So to answer your question Pythonfactory, I guess I look at the overall condition of the card when it comes to buying low grade cards and not the holder/number.

Its been said so many times on this board..."Buy the card, not the holder"

Hope this helps & good question

Jantz

[Pythonfactory]

I definitely get the "buy the card, not the holder" mantra but you have to make some sacrifices by buying lower grade. Thanks for all the insight everyone; I'll probably have to figure out what makes my eyes sore the hard way

Another question: I have seen several of you mention 'registration'. What does that mean in context of card appearance? Thanks!

[tonyo]

I believe registration means : how sharp is the actual image? (is it "in focus") do the colors overlay the way they were intended?


Personally, centering is probably most important to me. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I like to see all four borders and have them all similar width.

I don't mind creases just so they don't break the paper on the front, I can even live with creases that break the paper, just not in any "important" places like the face or the details of the uniform.

I like to be able to read the back, so paper loss - or anything that makes it illegible - on the back sometimes chases me away. Although sometimes writing or stamps on the back actually adds to the appeal for me.

If the colors appear faded or the card is especially dirty, that will make me pass in most cases as well.

I also relax my standards a bit for the more difficult cards.


Everything is relative to personal taste and budget. Folks showing 3's 3.5's, and even 2's as low grade are good examples of that. I don't have many pre-war cards in my collection that grade that high! In fact, I've bought some 4's and 5's before and end up selling them because they just don't look right amongst my others.

[Mikehealer]

I agree with Leon, the paper loss on this one doesn't disturb the Coupon Ad, but the front looks pretty nice.

[3-2-count]

Back stains are fine by me if the rest of the card pops and in many instances staining on the front is okay as well if it doesn't detract from the image.
A little CrackerJack caramel never hurt anyone!



Overall image is everything!! No mater what the # on some silly flip says.

[bbcard1]

i honestly wouldn't consider most of the cards shown in this thread to be low grade. Eye of the beholder.

I put together my t206 set in low grade. My criteria was no missing pieces, not creases across the face. I actually think a T of E card looks more natural with even rounding on the corners, a mild surface crease, etc. I avoid cards with writing...back stamps on my T206s add to their story, though.

Here's an example of what I collect and probably mostly what you'll find in my T206 collection.

[Tyler]

Small bit of paper loss on back.
Although not apparent here, evenly rounded corners and nice centering make for really nice looking vintage cards, IMHO.

[bn2cardz]

some times a pin hole can drop a card instantly to a 1, yet can still be hard to see leaving the card a very presentable card. That is what happened to this 49 Coleman:

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

I agree with Leon, the paper loss on this one doesn't disturb the Coupon Ad, but the front looks pretty nice.

Hey Mike
Nice card. Had I not just picked up a nice one you would have had to pay more for it . I had my eye on it but no sense in running it up just to resell. You got a good deal.

[novakjr]

generically listed, missing parts, trimmed, holes, creases, paper loss. Pretty much any injustice that makes a card affordable, that otherwise wouldn't be.

This photo pretty much explains how much damage I'll accept to get something cheap. Actually, once I got this in hand, it was pretty obvious that it was below even my standards. It makes me laugh though, I love it..

[Mikehealer]

Leon, thanks for staying on the sideline on the Cobb. I thought it would go for a bit more.