Do I buy this 52 Topps 323 Church?

[Brianruns10]

Okay, I have an opportunity to buy a marvelous card: 1952 Topps Bubba Church High number 323, certified PSA 8. 28 exist at this grade, with 3 higher.

Now, I never buy the grade. I buy the card. And this card...dayum. Perfect, dead centering, blinding white edges, razor sharp corners. Has the eye appeal that on a regrade could get an 8.5.

The asking price is $1250. Now based on the SMR and the price guides I've consulted, and past auction prices, this would be too much, by 300 or so. But I also know from past experience that centered cards, with that Capital E Eye appeal fetch pretty good premiums over book value.

I'm not a dealer or an investor, so flipping the card and making a quick buck isn't the goal. But just because I'm not motivated by profit doesn't mean I don't want to get a good deal, and if I were to sell the card, I'd at least want to make back what I put into it.

So with that in mind, do you think the price is reasonable given all I've described, or what should my max offer be? Should I pass?

Many thanks!

BR