1952 Mays on ebay

[orly57]

David, I didnt say that PSA conspired against this card. I am sure they have their reason for the technical grade. My post was really meant to begin a discussion on the value of a technical grade vs. the value of a card's appearance and presentation. If that slab on this card had a 7 on it instead of a 2, I dont think you would question it for a second. I personally buy the card and not the holder, so I prefer this card to MOST 52 Mays cards that come up regardless of the grade. Find me a nicer one in ANY grade. My question to the board was intended to start discussion on grade vs presentation for purposes of collectibility AND value. Usually, my practice of buying the card and not the holder saves me money because I get a beautiful card at a lesser grade. In this instance, however, we have a card that with the lowly grade of a 2 has sold for what some 5s sell for (and i believe rightfully so). I am curious as to the opinions of others on the issue.

[ajquigs]

Sorry ... accidental dupe post ... glitchy mouse.

[ajquigs]

I agree that this Mays card seems to be a good illustration that grades are mainly objective assessments of condition (not subjective assessments of appeal). As David said, this card has flaws that will be evident with the card in hand unless the grade is a huge swing-and-a-miss by PSA; which is possible but unlikely to me especially since I think human nature would cause a grader to take a little extra care knowing he's grading a '52 Mays.

Thus, to me it's a question of the nature of the flaws that can't be seen on the scan. Based on the '2' grading standard (copied below) I guess there may be creases and little to no surface gloss. Before buying this Mays card I would definitely seek a lot of details - and probably additional scans - from the seller. In my experience a number of sellers will provide you a fair description of the flaws if you ask.

When buying a low grade card I think of the Ott scanned below. It has a raised ridge, not just a crease, running the length of the card through his face. It's visible, but not very obvious on the scan. The way I have it displayed - in a case along with other lower grade DS HOFers - the flaw doesn't stand out and I'm okay with it. Naturally, my standards for a $2,000+ card would be very different.

A PSA Good 2 card's corners show accelerated rounding and surface wear is starting to become obvious. A good card may have scratching, scuffing, light staining, or chipping of enamel on obverse. There may be several creases. Original gloss may be completely absent. Card may show considerable discoloration. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by orly57

David, I didnt say that PSA conspired against this card. I am sure they have their reason for the technical grade. My post was really meant to begin a discussion on the value of a technical grade vs. the value of a card's appearance and presentation. If that slab on this card had a 7 on it instead of a 2, I dont think you would question it for a second. I personally buy the card and not the holder, so I prefer this card to MOST 52 Mays cards that come up regardless of the grade. Find me a nicer one in ANY grade. My question to the board was intended to start discussion on grade vs presentation for purposes of collectibility AND value. Usually, my practice of buying the card and not the holder saves me money because I get a beautiful card at a lesser grade. In this instance, however, we have a card that with the lowly grade of a 2 has sold for what some 5s sell for (and i believe rightfully so). I am curious as to the opinions of others on the issue.

we dont know who bought the card..theres a question whether its a legit sale...if a real person on this board bought the card that would end the question of legitimacy of the sale.....anyway until people stop selling the holder and not the card...the holder matters more than people admit..

[1952boyntoncollector]

the winning bidder on that mays psa 2 came out of nowhere

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Item description:
Item Title:
1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays New York Giants HOF PSA 2 GOOD " AWESOME CENTERING "
Bids on this item: 1

30-Day Summary
Total bids: 1
Items bid on: 1
Bid activity (%) with this seller: 100% Help
Bid retractions: 0
Bid retractions (6 months): 0

[begsu1013]

where's a pic of the back?

the slightest hint of paper loss w/ overall eye appeal like that would auto knock it down to a 2, thus being graded properly.

happens all the time and usually end up being steals.

[pokerplyr80]

The back was clean. The issue appears to be on the front, whatever is going on in the background to the left.

Quite possibly the nicest looking Mays PSA 2 in existence, and at the least one of the best. I'm not sure why people are surprised by the sale price.

[begsu1013]

let's see the back, still....

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by begsu1013

let's see the back, still....

There is a link to the ebay listing in the Mays crossover thread. I'm on my phone so posting links and pics is difficult. But I just clicked through to see it.

[Brianruns10]

Mays sure seems to be hot right now. Just the other day I got an offer through Heritage Auctions from a fellow wanting to buy my 52 Topps Mays PSA 6. He offered a thousand over what i paid for him, just two years ago.