What are your card must haves?

[gawaintheknight]

My approach is: is this a problem the card had when it came out of the pack? If so, I don't care so much. So gum stains, centering, print marks, etc., not usually a big deal. Creases, stains, writing, rips, etc., more of a problem.

Originally Posted by gawaintheknight

My approach is: is this a problem the card had when it came out of the pack? If so, I don't care so much. So gum stains, centering, print marks, etc., not usually a big deal. Creases, stains, writing, rips, etc., more of a problem.

I'm the same way. Of course I prefer a nicely centered card, but I'd take all the other factors that are condition related (strong corners, absence of creases, etc.) over a better centered copy with condition issues. Centering seems to the biggest factor in paying a premium for most cards, so I'm happy paying less for cards that display 70/30 centering just like the day they were cut. A tad of paperloss doesnt really bother me either, especially on 19th/early 20th century issues.

[ajquigs]

It's interesting reading the responses.
For me, I guess I care about things that are distractions.
I'm fine with cards that carry evidence of the fact that the original owner was a little kid 50, 70, or 100 years ago. In fact, I kind of like "honest wear" - along with the discount it brings.
So, generally I need centering to be decent and have no creases or wear that detract much from the image - particularly important if it touches the image of the player. Corners can be a bit rounded and the borders can be a little discolored - particularly okay if it's uniform around the card.
Here's a decent sense of my taste in pre-war.