What card flaws are acceptable for your PC?

[h2oya311]

Big three turn-offs:

(1) Dislike writing on the front of a card (unless its a pre-war Postcard)...I particularly dislike pencil writing (or erasures).
(2) creases or paper loss on the face of the player
(3) 80/20 centering or worse...yuck!

Otherwise, just about anything goes. Creases, soft corners, paper loss, trimming, tears, pinholes, writing on the back, hole-punches, etc.

I've noticed that hole-punched items get significantly discounted in price vs. other flaws. I've never really understood that.

That said, the majority of my cards are scarce or expensive, so flaws are okay by me...but I'll think twice if they exhibit any of the "big 3" flaws I listed above.

[Bestdj777]

I love any card with an interesting story. Below is one of the worst, or as I like to think of it, best cards in my collection. A kid cut this out and glued it to a baseball hat. It now has some serious paper loss on the back. I picked this up when I first started collecting and really wanted a regular issue Mantle in my collection. I could easily upgrade it now but I could not justify have a duplicate in my collection and could not see myself parting with this one.

[Vintagevault13]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I love any card with an interesting story. Below is one of the worst, or as I like to think of it, best cards in my collection. A kid cut this out and glued it to a baseball hat. It now has some serious paper loss on the back. I picked this up when I first started collecting and really wanted a regular issue Mantle in my collection. I could easily upgrade it now but I could not justify have a duplicate in my collection and could not see myself parting with this one.

Chris,

Your point about cards having an interesting story was great. As I have gotten back into this hobby, I have really enjoyed reconnecting with my past and remembering the joy of getting the card I needed or a card of my favorite player. I have had to guard against worrying too much about condition as that limits the cards available to me as I collect on a limited budget. I recently purchased a 1955 Aaron with a crease and rounded corners for my PC. I began thinking about the "flaws" but soon became very intrigued with the "histories" that cards have. 58 years ago some kid probably opened a pack to find the Aaron card I just purchased. The crease and soft corners are evidence that he (or many) have enjoyed looking at it through the years. Who knows how many hands this card has passed through before it came into my possession? I started this thread to see if i was alone in believing that it is okay to have cards that aren't a "9" or "10". I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the responses of fellow collectors that still find joy in getting that "special" card even if it has some flaws, or better yet, an "interesting story".

[edriskill]

If I can see the front and read the entire back, I am happy.

[Paul S]

It followed me home about 45 years ago. Needed a place to stay. I'd say it was a roadmap to the Polo Grounds except I was living in Los Angeles at the time.

[Vintagevault13]

Originally Posted by Paul S

It followed me home about 45 years ago. Needed a place to stay. I'd say it was a roadmap to the Polo Grounds except I was living in Los Angeles at the time.

Cool card. Love cards with a history.

[hcv123]

I am going to separate cards into 2 categories here, because it really matters to me:

1) Cards that are in some type of reasonably obtainable supply. Easy examples would be almost any "regular" Topps card. Acceptable flaws in this category would be anything really minor - 60-40 centering, a touched corner, etc. The cards are around, so why not own a pretty nice one.

2) Cards that are near impossible to find (think only 0-6 copies exist). If I wanted/needed it for my collection - that sucker could have been the equivalent of hit by a Mack truck and it would be acceptable. Throw condition to the wind. I always love to hear the guys who say - "I'll wait till one in better condition shows up" - I smile to myself and think yep, there's a better chance that I'll see you at your funeral before you see one in better condition "show up" - never say never, but I don't hesitate on the really rare stuff.