Importance of card registraion

[abrahamrudy]

Hey i'm new here so forgive me if this topic has been discussed already.

I would like to hear some opinions on how important a card's image registration to it's overall condition and to it's value.

I have a few cards (especially the Bowmans and the topps all throughout the 80s) that are in decent condition with the exception that the image is blurred because the ink registration is a bit off, which kinda ruins the card for me. I find it even more disappointing when a vintage card is off-registered (especially Goudeys, since they have the potential to be so beautiful if you can see the image), and I feel like I'd rather a trimmed and creased card that is clear than a perfect card that was blurry. I was wondering what effect registration has on the card's actual grade. Any ideas?

Also, what are your thoughts on the market value of cards that are off-registered? I bought a 55 Bowman Mantle in PSA 1 or 2 condition but with poor registration for about 60 bucks and I was wondering how much more I would have had to shell out for a card with a clearer image in roughly the same physical condition. In the same vein, how big of a difference does registration make to some of you when you look to buy cards, both graded and ungraded?

A penny for your collective thoughts...

[ChiefBenderForever]

It doesn't seem to effect the overall grade very much at all, just the price. Nobody likes a blurry card that makes you feel like you need 3-d glasses to wear to see the image.

[abrahamrudy]

Originally Posted by JohnnyHarmonica

It doesn't seem to effect the overall grade very much at all, just the price. Nobody likes a blurry card that makes you feel like you need 3-d glasses to wear to see the image.

Haha nice metaphor.

[fkw]

If its slightly off registered then it loses value. If its very off registered, then its worth a bit more by the error collectors.

example

[ThoseBackPages]

Great Topic!

do you happen to have a scan of the mantle? $60 seems like a great price imo,
and id like to see how off it is.

[JasonL]

registration is one of my most important criteria when deciding on a purchase. Off-register T206 cards irritate me to no end - I can't enjoy looking at the card, so what good is it? I pass up several ebay auctions because I can't tell if the scan stinks or the card is off-registered...I try to make some judgement call based on the slab's flip lettering, but if it's too close to call, I will go on to the next one. Learned my lesson on a 75 Yount rookie that was PSA 8+ in every way, but got it delivered to find that it looked like a 3-D freakshow...and with the 75 borders, that is quite a tough card to stare at...
To further answer the question...it affects price negatively, but for me, I won't even buy them at a discount...why bother?

[abrahamrudy]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Great Topic!

do you happen to have a scan of the mantle? $60 seems like a great price imo,
and id like to see how off it is.

Here's the pic from the ebay auction. I have the card and, in my opinion, the surface looks a bit cleaner than it does in that pic, but if you notice the corners, that'll explain the price. But you can get a glimpse of the registration from the name, where a bit of the blue ink covers the white. Also, his left eyebrow looks like a blue unibrow.