Grade mystery… why Teddy Ballgame a 4?

[Belfast1933]

A local friend of mine connected yesterday (he’s much more experienced of a collector than me) and I was sharing these images of my ‘48 Leaf Ted Williams

I love this card - Ted as a young slugger, the colors from that set are so Andy Wharhol cool to me, etc.

But he asked and I could not answer why is this card graded only a 4? I never thought much about it - he was sure that it must mean that the card has a crease or wrinkle somewhere on it. So I gave it a very close look, tried to use a jewelers loupe, but for the life of me, I still can’t find the technical flaws

Thought I might post a few images here and see if any Net54’ers with a sharper eye than me might help me find Teddy’s flaws

Thanks for taking a look and Happy 4th to all!🇺🇸

Jeff

[rugbymarine]

Every time that I subbed a sharp, centered card, and it came back 3-5 grades lower than I expected, it was a surface wrinkle. It's probably the slightest wrinkle ever.

Either way, that's a stunner of a card.

(PM me if it happens to be for sale!!)

[swarmee]

In order to get any accurate response, you need to take pictures at an angle under a light source, then upload them somewhere else. Then put the links in your post. Net54 message board photo storage does not allow for the image size/resolution that we would need to give you an answer.
If you sell it, realize it will probably get cracked out, pressed, and end up in an 8 slab.

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by swarmee

In order to get any accurate response, you need to take pictures at an angle under a light source, then upload them somewhere else. Then put the links in your post. Net54 message board photo storage does not allow for the image size/resolution that we would need to give you an answer.
If you sell it, realize it will probably get cracked out, pressed, and end up in an 8 slab.

Good idea on the image… I’ll try that. Thx

(and seriously? I suppose this one could qualify in a fake 8 holder…. I suppose I won’t ever have to worry since this guy is a keeper)

But really wondered where the technical flaws were - I’ll post those images tomorrow.

Thx again

Jeff

[swarmee]

I was only partially kidding about it being a future victim of fraud. But I'd bet it would be a top candidate based on the premium centering.

[Frankish]

Also, it might just be a reflection of the holder or camera, but the back looks a bit wonky on my screen with a curve of lighter paper. If there are stains or even minor paper loss on the back, that too could tank the grade. Of course, that's the kind of card I like personally, as 95% of the time I'm looking at the front. And that front is a beauty.

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by Frankish

Also, it might just be a reflection of the holder or camera, but the back looks a bit wonky on my screen with a curve of lighter paper. If there are stains or even minor paper loss on the back, that too could tank the grade. Of course, that's the kind of card I like personally, as 95% of the time I'm looking at the front. And that front is a beauty.

Yeah, nice card, terrible photographer! Here we go again… I just can’t find the wrinkles or creases - but they must be there!

I’ll try that link idea that was suggested… thx again all

[butchie_t]

Maybe try looking at it under a black light. Sometimes I see wrinkles with them.

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by butchie_t

Maybe try looking at it under a black light. Sometimes I see wrinkles with them.

10-4, thx… will try that too

[JollyElm]

There was this video posted recently that showed portions of the SGC (I believe) grading process, and by far the most revelatory thing to me was this machine they used to spot flaws. It seemed to be an x-ray/black light hybrid sort of thing which instantly picked up unseen defects like tiny wrinkles and whatnot. Instantly. My thought is if your Teddy was inserted into it, a nearly undetectable wrinkle would appear.

[bobsbbcards]

I suppose it's a good thing that people aren't equipped with x-ray/black light hybrid sort of eyes. We'd never be satisfied with anything we looked at. "Gee, honey. You're looking particularly wrinkly this evening. Please pass the imperfect dinner rolls."

[rugbymarine]

Originally Posted by bobsbbcards

I suppose it's a good thing that people aren't equipped with x-ray/black light hybrid sort of eyes. We'd never be satisfied with anything we looked at. "Gee, honey. You're looking particularly wrinkly this evening. Please pass the imperfect dinner rolls."

Thank you…for causing a scene in the living room, as I choked on my coffee just now…

[Belfast1933]

Am tempted to submit to SGC for possible upgrade… think it’s worth the gamble? I know PSA graded cards carry a premium, but I have to pay wonder if Teddy might qualify for a +1 or greater bump in grade over the 4 he now has in this PSA

Anyone have experience to share with cross over efforts like this, from PSA to SGC?

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Belfast1933

Am tempted to submit to SGC for possible upgrade… think it’s worth the gamble? I know PSA graded cards carry a premium, but I have to pay wonder if Teddy might qualify for a +1 or greater bump in grade over the 4 he now has in this PSA

Anyone have experience to share with cross over efforts like this, from PSA to SGC?

Both grading companies (SGC and PSA) are a HUGE crapshoot right now. An SGC 5 is not going to help you value wise. That is unless you like the way the card looks better in an SGC holder.....


Bob - hilarious - I suspect with those type of eyes the divorce rate might spike even higher!!

[jchcollins]

Grading anymore has extremely limited utility if you are still more of a collector than an investor. In a nutshell, yes - it's a crapshoot. I think we are at a point where more than ever before - the relationship between technical grading and eye appeal is at its most distant. I've seen cards that look like strong 6's come back PSA 3's, and others that look like they should be 3's get 4's. Who knows.