A different take on centering

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Throttlesteer

Many have acknowledged the recent premiums centered cards are receiving respective to their assigned grades. However, the trend seems to be shifting where the expectation is all cards (any grade) should be centered and off-centered stuff shouldn't be touched with a 10-foot pole.

This might be a positive thing for collectors if you can find a good deal. But, it's as if folks want to hang a OC qualifier on low-grade stuff, regardless of the grading guidelines. So, we've gone from sharp corners to centering; What's the next OCD to sweep the hobby? Color? Registration?

Centering is boss. No argument here and nothing will change it or topple it from its' perch.

[Prince Hal]

I don't know if it is the next "OCD" but registration has always been the most important factor for me. I'm nearly done putting together the 1953 Bowman set with an emphasis on focus and registration. It has been a nightmare to find several of the cards reasonably focused/registered. There are a few that I am convinced do not exist focused, such as Whitey Lockman (please email me if you have one to sell anyone...)

[Stampsfan]

My take has always been corners, and I am a corner junkie. Having the cards I purchased as a kid (in the late 60's and early 70's), my personal preference is for the cards to be as close to the condition they were in when they came out of the pack.

Straight from the factory issues such as centering and registration have always been secondary or tertiary to me, versus willful (or unwillfull - sp? ) damage.

However, I will admit I now do look at centering and (to a lesser degree) registration when making a decent dollar purchase. I have this forum to thank for bringing these factors into my current buying habits.

[clydepepper]

I'm just glad us off-center people aren't judged so harshly...not to our face(s) anyway. (proper emogi inserted here ___)

[nolemmings]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

My take has always been corners, and I am a corner junkie. Having the cards I purchased as a kid (in the late 60's and early 70's), my personal preference is for the cards to be as close to the condition they were in when they came out of the pack.

Straight from the factory issues such as centering and registration have always been secondary or tertiary to me, versus willful (or unwillfull - sp? ) damage.

However, I will admit I now do look at centering and (to a lesser degree) registration when making a decent dollar purchase. I have this forum to thank for bringing these factors into my current buying habits.

Well said.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

My take has always been corners, and I am a corner junkie. Having the cards I purchased as a kid (in the late 60's and early 70's), my personal preference is for the cards to be as close to the condition they were in when they came out of the pack.

Straight from the factory issues such as centering and registration have always been secondary or tertiary to me, versus willful (or unwillfull - sp? ) damage.

However, I will admit I now do look at centering and (to a lesser degree) registration when making a decent dollar purchase. I have this forum to thank for bringing these factors into my current buying habits.

Me too. If I had multiples of a card, I would go for the best centered card and one that was in focus. If I only had an off centered one, it was fine for the set. I will gladly take a NM card with 60/40 centering over a VG one that is 50/50.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by rats60

Me too. If I had multiples of a card, I would go for the best centered card and one that was in focus. If I only had an off centered one, it was fine for the set. I will gladly take a NM card with 60/40 centering over a VG one that is 50/50.

Ha. 60/40 IS centered (to me)

[JollyElm]

I gladly jumped on a bunch of beautiful cards recently (post-war) that were either 8's or 9's with the OC qualifier, simply because the centering wasn't bad at all (they probably came within a hair or two of not receiving the dreaded Q) and they only cost a fraction of the price of straight 8's and 9's.

[JustinD]

I admit to readily buying a centered 5 over an OC 9 any time. It's definitely a thing that bothers me to a point of not enjoying the card as much as I would want to.

But it's not new, I have always felt that way. On the other side, I am not adverse to a soft corner here and there if I must. I actually prefer it sometimes in a prewar card to add to the look...as weird as that may sound to some.

[Leon]

Centering is all the rage nowadays. A nicely centered card really is nicer to look at, for me, so that is what I focus on. Not sure what all the next rage will be but hopefully it will be generic RPPCs ... This one isn't centered too well but the hats make up for it!!

[Nonsensename1]

Originally Posted by JustinD

I admit to readily buying a centered 5 over an OC 9 any time. It's definitely a thing that bothers me to a point of not enjoying the card as much as I would want to.



But it's not new, I have always felt that way. On the other side, I am not adverse to a soft corner here and there if I must. I actually prefer it sometimes in a prewar card to add to the look...as weird as that may sound to some.

I agree. Glancing at a card centering, a mark or something marring the players face can be disqualifying. If I notice it at first glance I know it will bother me every time I look at it no matter how nice the other attributes may be.

But for a 90 year old card rounded corners can feel “appropriate” and not bother me as much. All things equal better all around is better obviously. But it is great we can all have different preferences and target different stuff.


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[scooter729]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

My take has always been corners, and I am a corner junkie. Having the cards I purchased as a kid (in the late 60's and early 70's), my personal preference is for the cards to be as close to the condition they were in when they came out of the pack.

Straight from the factory issues such as centering and registration have always been secondary or tertiary to me, versus willful (or unwillfull - sp? ) damage.

However, I will admit I now do look at centering and (to a lesser degree) registration when making a decent dollar purchase. I have this forum to thank for bringing these factors into my current buying habits.

Very similar approach for me. However, since I still own the cards from when centering and registration were less important to me, what do I do with ones like this now??

[darwinbulldog]

Cobb looks like Leona Helmsley there. Interesting effect.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by darwinbulldog

Cobb looks like Leona Helmsley there. Interesting effect.

LOL he DOES look like Lenona Helmsley...

[ls7plus]

For my money, the importance of centering will vary with the rarity and significance of the card. If it's rare and desirable enough, it will be enough to simply add almost any example to one's collection. I do believe, however, it will continue to be of prime importance with regard to most cards for the simple fact that it DOES enhance eye appeal a great deal.

Best wishes,

Larry

[Throttlesteer]

Originally Posted by scooter729

Very similar approach for me. However, since I still own the cards from when centering and registration were less important to me, what do I do with ones like this now??

Cobb is sad you're making fun of him. His makeup is running.