Very rare card, very awful condition.

[Snapolit1]

Would you ever pay a lot of money (whatever that might be) for a very rare card of a major star that is in really terrible condition?

I know there a thousand if, ands and buts for this kind of open ended question, but I would be curious as to what people’s gut reaction is. (Other that what a stupid question.).

I’ve been eyeing one for a long time and I just can’t pull the trigger. The card looks like it was dragged a few miles under someone’s shoe. I'm sure everytime I look at it I am going to think "that's really looks like bloody hell."

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Yes, but it really depends on a lot of factors like you mentioned. I get the copy then look to potentially upgrade in the future from that said card.

[conor912]

I would say, ask yourself "will I find joy just knowing that I own this card?"... because clearly you won't enjoy looking at it.

[Tao_Moko]

I've paid up for awful beaters of rare cards. I've also recouped with some gain for them too. Similar topic to your other thread - buying quality is always wise, but buying true rarity in poor condition is sometimes the only option. If you gotta have it then likely someone else will too. I'd pay up for a rough e107 Young before I'd pay up.for a blackswamp HOFer. I'm a sucker for patina.

[estonalua]

I’m new to the group was guided here by some card groups on Facebook. I have a 1934 Mel ott Card with a cut auto and would like to have an idea for value. If someone can please guide me in the right direction. Thank you.

[Rhotchkiss]

If it's that rare and you want it, 100% yes.

[glchen]

I don't know. I once owned the below Ruth rookie, but sold it before the run up because I could not stand how it badly it looked. I'm still conflicted on whether I should have sold it because it's really hard for me to afford this card in any condition now.

[Rich Falvo]

I would definitely buy an absolute beater of a rare card to fill a hole in my collection. I imagine that's the only way I will be able to get certain cards.

[bbcard1]

If it ever comes up, I hope to land a Poor condition T206 Davison Drum... maybe a 1 or 1.5. One thing that I absolutely cannot abide by is paying a premium for rare backs with significant damage on the back...just defeats the purpose.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

T206 Wagner? Baltimore News Ruth? I can only dream of having the problem of not wanting the worst example ever located of either of these two cards.

[pokerplyr80]

It would have to be a card like that Ruth RC that I otherwise could never own. I'd rather spend a little more to get a decent looking psa or sgc 1, or even a nice looking altered or authentic grade. If the only way I can afford a card is to get one with a piece missing, or a completely trashed card, probably best to buy something else instead.

[rainier2004]

Yes, and I have done it before. Sometimes it can really save ya some bucks, just depends on if you can love with the card and enjoy it like these. Beauty is the eye of the beholder and I love these...

[bigfanNY]

I once was shown a T206 Wagner that was trimmed it had no red background. It was done by someone with real skill with scissors. But I don't know if I would enjoy owning such a card. I would just obsess over upgrading it..

[mattsey9]

Of course I would!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[orly57]

I've owned a few such cards, but my OCD just wouldn't allow it. I couldn't enjoy them without obsessing over the flaws. Sad, but true. I do miss the Gehrig though. At least I sold (traded actually) after the boom.

[Luke]

I probably wouldn't for the types of cards I'm guessing you're referring to (guessing high demand Ruth, Gehrig cards that are not exactly rare). But for super rare cards I would and have.

I have a few combos that I've never seen another copy of, but they are rough. Conor hit the nail on the head. I enjoy having some of my cards because they are so rare and "cool", but I don't really enjoy looking at all of them.

[paul]

I traded for this card and have always been very happy with it.

[ctownboy]

Snapolit1,

Which is worse for you? Spending money on a very rare card in bad condition and having to look at it or having a hole in your collection and wanting a card to fill that hole?

David

[gabrinus]

I would and have....two I no longer own........Jerry

[philliesphan]

Would do it in a heartbeat, but one of the two conditions would have to be met:

A) It is a card with fewer than five examples that exist

B) It is a truly iconic card (BN Ruth, T206 Wags)

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by ctownboy

Snapolit1,

Which is worse for you? Spending money on a very rare card in bad condition and having to look at it or having a hole in your collection and wanting a card to fill that hole?

David

Buy the damn card! You can always sell it. Fill the hole and upgrade later (or don't upgrade later). If its better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.... Then it's better to have owned a beater than never to have owned at all.

Working on t206 back runs, I have purchased several awful looking cards - like a t206 tinker bat off Piedmont factory 42- bc the front/back combo is so rare you can't be choosy (and they can be mighty expensive). But at least it's one less card needed, and, if a better example ever comes along, which it won't, I can upgrade.

Caveat - my opinion here assumes the card really is rare - like you can count the known examples on one hand.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

T206 Wagner? Baltimore News Ruth? I can only dream of having the problem of not wanting the worst example ever located of either of these two cards.

Lol. I wish. Not quite that special.

[MVSNYC]

I’ve owned two different T206 BL460’s, both were lower grade with condition problems. But when they’re that rare, you can’t be too picky. I have since sold them, I do think their condition were factors in releasing them back into the wild. But I’m glad that I did own them at one point.

[darwinbulldog]

Major star? Hell, I've paid a lot of money for very rare cards in really terrible condition. And Bill Killifer ain't exactly Honus Wagner.

[Piratedogcardshows]

If it is within the focus of my collection and a card on my want list no question I want it. I can always then attempt to upgrade said card. In the meantime, one more crossed off!

[uniship]

??

[packs]

This card isn't rare but it is iconic and I bought this copy because I probably won't be able to afford a "better" one for a while. I was happy to do it too. In fact, I love it:

[sterlingfox]

In many cases I will - but certain flaws irk me too much, so in those cases I won't (unless it's so rare that I may never see one again that I can afford).

I do, however, love "Authentic" grades that have superb eye appeal with little or no noticeable flaws.

[Snapolit1]

I can't do a card with a significant piece missing. Just can't do it. Ditto cards that were torn in half at one point.

A little OC or a stamp on the back, no problem.

[Leon]

Not pretty....

[x2drich2000]

It doesn't necessarily have to be a star for me either...

[ronniehatesjazz]

Originally Posted by Leon

Not pretty....

I almost pulled the trigger on a similar Foxx (maybe the same one) on eBay (BIN) a few years ago but didn't and have been kicking myself ever since then for not buying it. Amazing card IMO.

[Bill77]

I know I would not buy this for any price https://www.ebay.com/itm/T205-Ty-Cob...8AAOSwkV5aU9AU, but I have bought many beaters just because they are rare and priced low enough that I can live with them.

[triwak]

I've done it. And I'm cool with it. :-)

[brianp-beme]

Who am I to keep a giant from the land of beater from trampling its way into my collection?

Brian

[rats60]

If we are talking rare cards like a t206 Magie, I am happy to have a low grade card. For rare back t206, I have had to buy lower graded cards, because of the low population on individual players. As long as there isn't back damage, I am fine with those. For post war cards, condition is going to me more important. I will probably pass on low grade and wait for a better card.

[orly57]

Geez Rats, that Magie is HARDLY an eye-sore. Here's one I sold to a fellow member who got a heck of a deal before these shot up. I loved the card, but the missing corner ultimately drove me to insanity. I recognize how insane it is, but such is my illness.

[glchen]

Originally Posted by uniship

??

I believe it last sold for $18+K in 2015: Link

[Eggoman]

Admittedly NOT in the same arena of rarity as many of the cards here...

But years ago, when I learned of the T205 Wilhelm "suffered" & "suffe ed" variations, I could NOT see myself throwing hundreds of dollars at a card for the sake of the letter "r" and a chance to complete my T205 set, but then these showed up...

I love 'em both!

...now if only I could catch lightning in a bottle AGAIN with Hoblitzell - No Stats...

The Search continues...

[BobC]

What's the old saying? "I'd rather have a hole in my card than a hole in my collection!"

[Jobu]

I normally don't do total beaters, but sometimes a rough card can talk to you - and the rough condition might even be the reason it talks so loudly:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=249451

[CobbSpikedMe]

While this isn't a HOFer it is a Red Cross which are fairly rare. And I needed this specific card for my Jersey City team collection. So when I had the chance to pick one up I couldn't pass on it no matter the condition. I love the card and the condition doesn't bother me at all.


AndyH

[Rhotchkiss]

Literally picked this sucker up yesterday. The set is 1910 orange borders, and this is such a beater it doesn't even have orange borders!! (Surprisingly common with this set). But the card is pretty darn rare and does not come up often, so when it popped up on eBay, I had to jump. That said, I agree that some cards, unless i really really need it, are too beat up for me

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Who am I to keep a giant from the land of beater from trampling its way into my collection?

Brian

Condition-insensitive is the way to go!

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Literally picked this sucker up yesterday. The set is 1910 orange borders, and this is such a beater it doesn't even have orange borders!! (Surprisingly common with this set). But the card is pretty darn rare and does not come up often, so when it popped up on eBay, I had to jump. That said, I agree that some cards, unless i really really need it, are too beat up for me

Orange borders are gone but that image is reallly cool. I approve
Big time.

[brianp-beme]

I forget what I traded for this many moons ago (thanks again Brian), but it definitely was worth all the condition-insensitive dollars I spent on the trade material.

Brian

[Exhibitman]

Been there and done that. I may want a card I can’t afford nicer (N300 Duffy, N28 Ward) or it may be that there isn’t anything nicer. Since I do so much boxing collecting and my type cards are global, in many cases I take what I can find. You simply cannot collect Latin American cards if you are a condition bug.

[esd10]

The short answer is yes

[clydepepper]

My not so short answer is NO...to beaters and uglies.

I realize that I am in a very small minority on this board, but I never and never will buy a drink for an ugly girl...even at quarter 'til closing.

I also realize that the pretty ones I do buy drinks for may (and frequently do) leave with someone else.

It's just hard enough for me to look in the mirror...

And all these standards are especially true for historic pieces of cardboard.

[chlankf]

Enjoy seeing everyone's cards and hearing the varied opinions.

A lot of factors figure into the equation, budget, personal benefit $$ or hobby, love of history/game or both. The list could go on endlessly. When I find items that are in my wheelhouse, it's more about the satisfaction and enjoyment of owning something desired. The countless hours of time cataloging, placing perfectly into its new home in my collection and spending the little personal time I have on something I enjoy.

I will always pick up items in varied condions. I do stay cards missing pieces, damage on players face or obscuring the image and excessive back damage. Oh yea, and any purchase I can't hide from my wife until I know she won't kill me 😈.

Paid way too much for this skinned, trimmed and poor image on this OJ - Swartwood, Des Moines. Sorry for poor image.