Condition perils of early 70's cards

[Exhibitman]

Easier? Not with these designs.

1970, 1971 and 1975 have those full-bleed color borders, plus the ubiquitous Topps poor centering.

I am convinced that the stock on 1973 cards is softer than on other years. They seem to get corner wear from the breeze. Add in the full bleed black back borders and you have a tough card to find in top condition.

My theory on the 1972s is that the designs themselves on certain cards are not perfectly squared off so they tend to look diamond cut regardless. That said, the asymmetrical design T-B makes it easier to tolerate off-centered cards that way. There are some cards that are just about always found o/c L-R. Finding a nice Aaron IA card, for example, is a challenge for centering. The thinner borders than other years also make the o/c more glaring.

1974 seems to be fisheye and print mark heaven.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

My theory on the 1972s is that the designs themselves on certain cards are not perfectly squared off so they tend to look diamond cut regardless. That said, the asymmetrical design T-B makes it easier to tolerate off-centered cards that way.

The #595 Ryan is ridiculous. Since we were talking about it, I went and looked again thinking maybe I could upgrade - and 9 out of 10 of those cards on eBay right now have the tilt issue. Even some of the PSA 9’s out there for sale have it.


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[ALBB]

what about this 1974 Topps Mike Philipps , take a look....its seems very hard to find in dead centered

[pokerplyr80]

It wasn't any better in the 50s or 60s. Almost any specific card I've tried to track down is hard to find dead centered. Some were harder than others, but none were easy. Unless I just bought them from another collector who focuses on centering.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

It wasn't any better in the 50s or 60s. Almost any specific card I've tried to track down is hard to find dead centered. Some were harder than others, but none were easy. Unless I just bought them from another collector who focuses on centering.

50's cards don't seem to have the tilt / diamond cut issues en masse that Topps began to experience in the 1970's. Also the card stock was thicker and of higher quality in the 50's.

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

50's cards don't seem to have the tilt / diamond cut issues en masse that Topps began to experience in the 1970's. Also the card stock was thicker and of higher quality in the 50's.

everything was good in the 50's followed by everything being dog S**t in the 70's and 80's.

[Exhibitman]

Well I wouldn't go that far...

[onlyvintage62]

Originally Posted by Fuddjcal

everything was good in the 50's followed by everything being dog S**t in the 70's and 80's.

From what I have heard (from people who worked there at the time) was that Topps was in severe financial distress. This led to poor (cheaper) paper and cutting corners in every conceivable way.

The flood in 72 did not help either with all of the damage.

Also lets not forget they had no competition..and a captive audience.