does a ghost image ever hurt value?

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Posted By: jamie

A T206 Tinker I just picked up has a ghost image of the Tolstoi reverse but it took some closer looking before I realized what it was. I assumed it was just dirt or surface imperfections.

It's tough to see in the scan but look above Tinker's head- the border of the Tolstoi is pretty clear (easier of course to see in person)


Does a 'ghost' image like this actually devalue the card? How would a grading company treat this?

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Posted By: Lee Behrens

Ghost images command a premium but I am not sure that your card would , if it is a ghost image it is not very clear and looks more like a stain.

Lee

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Posted By: davidcycleback

The valuable ghost prints are when they are dark, clear and interesting. On a high grade card, a light ghost print that makes the card look dirty, can lower the value. One of the Honus Wagners has a light upside down ghost print on the front that makes it look grungy, and that likely effected the price downwards.

Considering the condition of your card and the lightness of the ghost, your ghost probably doesn't effect the value much one way or the other-- other than bidders may be glad to know it's a ghost rather than a stain.