Condition perils of early 70's cards

[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...

[jchcollins]

50's and early 60's cards were definitely thicker. I think this is why some of them hold up better at least as far as eye-appeal goes even in lower grades. And if you use those Ultra-Pro mag cases, the older cards won't slip and slide around in them the way say - a '72 Topps card will.

I think it's hard to say the '70s were total crap overall due to the cool designs - but imagine how nice they would be if they had the card stock of say - '57 Topps?

[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.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by onlyvintage62

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.

That could be part of it.

I know they cut corners in some pretty cool ways, like using cardstock with the card backs printed to make boxes for Bazooka gum.