How important is centering to you? Green Cobb choice

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Tony, your example just shows how much this is a matter of personal preference. I personally don't like T206's with large top borders and short bottoms; however,
the green Cobb that I chose for my collection is almost an exact duplicate of the one Ted posted, and I never was concerned about the short top.

I had this green Cobb in my 2nd set of T206's (hybrid back set). In 2005, when broke up this set in order to start on my adventure of an all - PIEDMONT set, I searched
for a better centered PIEDMONT 150 green Cobb. That's about the time that I observed that a fair majority of these PIEDMONT 150 Cobb's were O/C to the top border.
Sure, I came across a few that were centered; however, not as sharp looking as the Cobb I have.

Furthermore, I bought this Cobb years ago. I paid only $200 for it. "It don't come easy" (Ringo Starr, circa 1971) anymore to acquire a green Cobb at a price that low



TED Z

[Leon]

Originally Posted by bn2cardz

I understand everyone has differing collecting habits, I am just saying from my mindset I can't equate pre-distribution errors (factory flaws) with post distribution flaws.

Leon you seem to be an enigma to me. I am relatively new to the boards but I have seen you show printing freaks (like your multi-printed back t206 Mullaney), but now you talk about the aesthetics and refer to production flaws to be equivalent to post distribution flaws. (Not judging your collecting, but I was surprised to see that you were on the pro centering side of the coin)

I love printing freaks and have several more to put in the new pick up thread. However, when they are regular cards I like them to be centered. I know it's not normal but I never claimed to be normal .

[Runscott]

Ted, here's mine - seems to fit your theory. I just cracked it out a few days ago:

[danmckee]

I am not heavy on centering, I am more about corners but the 2nd card just looks so much better. Many of my Topps and Bowman sets are EX+ to NM but with several off centered cards which doesn't bother me.

[tedzan]

DITTO.....to what you guys said. And, here is just a sample of some of my O/C cards across the spectrum. Who cares if they were cut off-center ?

I don't.....its the aesthetics of the image that really matters to me.













TED Z

[Leon]

So from this tiny experiment I am going to continue to think centering is very important (and maybe more important) than a bit sharper corners. Again, no right or wrong answer and if someone likes pointy corners and doesn't mind O/C then that is wonderful too. Happy collecting!!

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by Leon

So from this tiny experiment I am going to continue to think centering is very important (and maybe more important) than a bit sharper corners. Again, no right or wrong answer and if someone likes pointy corners and doesn't mind O/C then that is wonderful too. Happy collecting!!

So you let everyone else determine what you like? I'm confused

[teetwoohsix]

I picked B, but I'd really be happy with either one. OC doesn't bother me, paper loss and creases are more of an issue to me when buying a card.

Sincerely, Clayton

[Leon]

Originally Posted by freakhappy

So you let everyone else determine what you like? I'm confused

I was only getting opinions. I could care less what others like for my personal preferences. I collect what I like not what others like. As far as you being confused. You said it not me.

[E93]

I'm suffering.
JimB

[CW]

Well, since everyone's doing it....

Centered a bit low, with a slight tilt, nice corners, 2 minor surface wrinkles, and low-grade affordability -- just how I like 'em.

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by Leon

So from this tiny experiment I am going to continue to think centering is very important (and maybe more important) than a bit sharper corners. Again, no right or wrong answer and if someone likes pointy corners and doesn't mind O/C then that is wonderful too. Happy collecting!!

Lol! You're a sharp one, Leon! I was just messing around but I thought I would call you out since by your post it seemed like this thread affected your thinking and collecting habits....but I've been around here long enough to know that's not true.

Carry on...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by freakhappy

Lol! You're a sharp one, Leon! I was just messing around but I thought I would call you out since by your post it seemed like this thread affected your thinking and collecting habits....but I've been around here long enough to know that's not true.

Carry on...

Mike- I am crazy all by myself. ....I have no earthly idea why I love the print freaks and also love well centered cards. I guess it's because ...well, actually, I don't know.

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by Leon

Mike- I am crazy all by myself. ....I have no earthly idea why I love the print freaks and also love well centered cards. I guess it's because ...well, actually, I don't know.

I can definitely relate. I never used to collect and appreciate vintage cards until I found out about this site. Collecting modern cards are usually about having mint cards where vintage can be on the opposite end sometimes. I have a full appreciation of all cards and conditions...older cards catch my eye because they look "used" and pre-owned...maybe like they should. Like you said before, there is no wrong way to collect. That's the great thing about this hobby!

Keep up the great work, Leon!

[AndyG09]

Chuck, I love that green Cobb. That is exactly what I am on the hunt for to add to my set. The perfect "low grade" card. Thanks for sharing.

Best,

Andy

[Rob D.]

Thanks, Trapper.

[Big Ben]

Originally Posted by bn2cardz

I take factory condition issues over owner wear and tear any day. The centering is the way the card was made. It isnt something caused by some previous owner. My collecting habits make me wonder why any one could consider an off centered card to be flawed.

I am only answering which flaws i would rather have. For the cost I would take a common in the set. They come from the same press.

I am in this camp especially for vintage. Both are nice cards, but if the price was equal I would prefer A which is the cleaner card. On a separate note, I have alway thought that overall, grading companies tend to be a little lenient with Cobb cards. Saying that, I know that there are far more informed people on this board than me.

[CW]

Originally Posted by AndyG09

Chuck, I love that green Cobb. That is exactly what I am on the hunt for to add to my set. The perfect "low grade" card. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind words, Andy. I'm sure you'll get your Cobb sooner or later, and, as we all know, the chase is half the fun.


Regarding the poll that started this thread....

At first glance, I was going to choose the lower grade PSA card, as I put a lot of value on centering. However, after really looking at both cards closely, I noticed the PSA card also has that smudge on Cobb's face, which detracts from the overall eye appeal. If the PSA card were valued about 30% less, I'd go with the PSA card all day. But with both cards valued the same in this poll, I'd choose "A" (the SGC card) due to its superb image, surface, and corners.

If the PSA card did not have the smudges on Cobb's face, I'd have a much tougher time choosing between the two. If the OC on the SGC card was L/R instead of the more acceptable T/B, then I'd also have a tougher choice. I guess this just shows that many factors are to be considered when picking that card for your collection.