Question from a vintage neophyte…how much does card back centering matter?

[BobC]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Depends on the set, but PSA allows for even Mint 9 cards to have up to 90/10 back centering, and 10's can be as bad as 75/25.

Some sets (like 1955 Bowman) have such narrow back borders that even miscut cards will not usually get miscut qualifiers.

Wait a second............, a 9 grade can have 90/10 centering while a 10 grade can have 75/25 centering? Am I missing something, or do you possibly have that backwards?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by BobC

Wait a second............, a 9 grade can have 90/10 centering while a 10 grade can have 75/25 centering? Am I missing something, or do you possibly have that backwards?

90/10 is worse than 75/25.

75/25 means that one border is 3x the width of the other side's border.
90/10 means that one border is 9x the width of the other side's border. So 75/25, while ugly centering, is much better than 90/10.

Here's a good thread:
https://forums.collectors.com/discus...e-to-centering

[jchcollins]

I don't know about registry bait type cards, but I know for upper midgrade or even like PSA 7, they sometimes ignore the rules on back centering. I have a '66 Koufax that should have gotten the MC qualifier because of the back - PSA gave it a straight 6. Personally as long as the back is mostly there, I could give a flip about back centering.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by swarmee

90/10 is worse than 75/25.

75/25 means that one border is 3x the width of the other side's border.
90/10 means that one border is 9x the width of the other side's border. So 75/25, while ugly centering, is much better than 90/10.

Here's a good thread:
https://forums.collectors.com/discus...e-to-centering

Ugh! You're right, I'm the one that's off. Brain cramp on me........

[mintacular]

If the back is going to bother you and make you think about it, don't buy it. I don't like major wax on back or poor centering back. And def. not writing or paper loss.

[JollyElm]

The back caused this beautiful Yogi to be deemed o/c, which caused me to (very happily!!) pick it up at a nice discount...

1961berra425.jpg

[Bigdaddy]

None.