Valuing Authentic Cards vs. PSA/SGC Poor 10/1

[SetBuilder]

In the current Goodwin auction there is a T206 card labeled Authentic that looks VG-EX or better. Excellent visual appeal. I also saw an example above of a Lajoie portrait that looks EX+.

So what is the lesser evil, a little trim job or recoloring, or a beater with a crease running down the middle, or rounded corners (which I always avoid whenever possible)? In this scenario, it doesn't make any sense if you weigh the pro's and con's of the card objectively, that the beater carries a higher demand over a barely noticable altered card.

Just doesn't make any sense to a cardboard collector to pick the beater.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

In the current Goodwin auction there is a T206 card labeled Authentic that looks VG-EX or better. Excellent visual appeal. I also saw an example above of a Lajoie portrait that looks EX+.

So what is the lesser evil, a little trim job or recoloring, or a beater with a crease running down the middle, or rounded corners (which I always avoid whenever possible)? In this scenario, it doesn't make any sense if you weigh the pro's and con's of the card objectively, that the beater carries a higher demand over a barely noticable altered card.

Just doesn't make any sense to a cardboard collector to pick the beater.

Personally I would take the authentic card, most of the time if it looked better. But then again I am building a set for fun, not for financial gain.

[ullmandds]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder...personally...I can't stand altered cards and don't want them in my collection!

[christopher.herman]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

I can't stand altered cards and don't want them in my collection!

I agree. I'll take a beater PSA 1/SGC 10 over a "sharp" altered card every day of the week.

[ullmandds]

we seem to be in the minority!!!!! Don't get me wrong...I realise some cards only come in A grades...and that is fine...but as Chris stated I'd much rather have a decent p-f-g card as compared to a minty looking trimmed one!!!!

[GasHouseGang]

I couldn't pass up this Authentic card. It's one I always liked and I couldn't afford one that was equivalent from an eye appeal viewpoint.

[Ease]

David, that is a sharp Anson, a real beauty, altered or not. I seek out slabbed altered cards, no better way to get a gem at a lower price point.

[HRBAKER]

There is no right or wrong answer here. Arguments for both. Both have value and a market for resale. It's the altered cards with the 6, 7 and 8's on them that I worry about.

[GasHouseGang]

Thanks Eric, I agree. It's the only way to afford some of the cards I want for my collection.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

There is no right or wrong answer here. Arguments for both. Both have value and a market for resale. It's the altered cards with the 6, 7 and 8's on them that I worry about.

+1.
I have some rare cards in my collection which are graded authentic, I have purchased them waiting for a graded card to surface and sometimes they just never do. They are more than just "placeholders" to me.

[ethicsprof]

I'm with Jeff and Bob. I have a few cards in my collection that are authentic
and will never part with them. They're favs!
I should also note that my collection involving cards with respected provenance has a few authentics. Nagy's cards, in particular, are graded authentic at times,
such as e90-1s. I've gladly had them framed for display.
all the best,
barry

[teetwoohsix]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

In the current Goodwin auction there is a T206 card labeled Authentic that looks VG-EX or better. Excellent visual appeal. I also saw an example above of a Lajoie portrait that looks EX+.

So what is the lesser evil, a little trim job or recoloring, or a beater with a crease running down the middle, or rounded corners (which I always avoid whenever possible)? In this scenario, it doesn't make any sense if you weigh the pro's and con's of the card objectively, that the beater carries a higher demand over a barely noticable altered card.

Just doesn't make any sense to a cardboard collector to pick the beater.

This is one of those situations where it's a matter of preference. I have nothing against the way anyone collects- we have collectors who only want beaters/poors all the way up to collectors who only want as close to mint as possible- and everything in between.

I personally avoid anything with an "A" only because I like mine looking their age, as well as presentable. I don't mind a little rounding on the corners, or a surface wrinkle that doesn't really show too much. But I don't want a card that's been trimmed to look brand new, that's just me. I don't want a card that someone touched up the color on, for any reason.

I've had to pass on a couple of killer combinations because they were trimmed. I hated to pass but trimming bugs me about as much as paper loss on the back (or front) of a card. Here's a couple of PSA 1 poors that I picked up recently:

Not bad for "1's"

Sincerely, Clayton

[deadballfreaK]

Yep. Two trains of thought. Personally I'll take a nice crease free, obviously trimmed card any day over a beater. Once bought a huge lot of E90-1s. Someone didn't like the big borders. Beautiful cards, but way short. I just enjoy 'em. Don't care about grading or profit.