Help me understand

[Bigdaddy]

So I've been searching for a reasonably priced 1954 Red Heart Mickey Mantle to finish my Red Heart set. These two cards recently came up on Ebay and I just don't understand the grading. From the scans, the 2.5 looks much better than the 4 (I was the underbidder on the 2.5). Is this just a case of 'buy the card, not the holder' or am I missing something?

[JollyElm]

Could be some big issues on the back or perhaps there are creases or other problems on front that can't be seen in the scan?

[Bigdaddy]

The 2.5 back is on the left and the 4 back on the right

[NateMack]

The 2.5 could have some staining or water damage from the back scan. I would have gone after the 2.5 as well... Nice looking card

[JollyElm]

It may have been glued into an album? Those back stains (possibly) follow that theory.

[MattyC]

2.5 is the superior card to me.

[the 'stache]

I would ask to have a second batch of pictures taken of the 2.5, but from what I can see, it's the superior card of the two.

Remember, these guys are looking at the card under magnification in the dark. There may be some flaws that are more readily apparent in optimum conditions. If they don't show up when you've got the card in your living room's display case, then who cares? I'd jump all over that every day, and twice on Sunday. Perfect opportunity to own a beautiful example of this card at a fraction of the cost. Those are the kinds of cards many of us around here love, myself included.

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

There may be some flaws that are more readily apparent in optimum conditions. If they don't show up when you've got the card in your living room's display case, then who cares?

Brilliantly stated. Exactly what collecting in the grading era is all about, in my opinion.