1951 Bowman Willie Mays Paper Loss

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Yankees1964

I am no expert and always guess wrong on my grades but that is a 3 I think. No paper loss just corner wear. If the back looks like the front you are good I think.

Yep....he is good....unless he paid '4' or '5' price for it. But the way that card has appreciated, even if you overpaid, just hold it for a year or so.

[riggs336]

I agree it looks like a 3. But the way my grades have been coming back, don't be surprised if it pulls a 2. Good luck.

[perezfan]

If you trim that top border just a bit, you can ensure getting a PSA 4.

Seriously, that is a fine example, and I have seen many "4s" that are not nearly as nice. If you submit, it will probably come back a 3, as others have surmised, but I would much rather own your card than a 4 with a wrinkle or crease.

Unless you are re-selling, I would most definitely leave it raw.

[AGuinness]

Originally Posted by perezfan

If you trim that top border just a bit, you can ensure getting a PSA 4.

Seriously, that is a fine example, and I have seen many "4s" that are not nearly as nice. If you submit, it will probably come back a 3, as others have surmised, but I would much rather own your card than a 4 with a wrinkle or crease.

Unless you are re-selling, I would most definitely leave it raw.

LOL on the first part.

Just another thought or two on the last part: grading it might be considered for insurance purposes or if you ever might resell it down the line. After all, a card like this will appreciate in value and end up in a higher tier of grading, costing more money to grade it down the line (not to mention the protective measures a slab would add).

[Lorewalker]

One of the cards I was watching the other night in Heritage shows what paper loss is all about but it is a PSA 5. https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1...ription-071515 See the reverse. Also looks a bit...small. New holder too. Amazing what some buyers will overlook.

[Throttlesteer]

You're going to find the harshest graders on this forum. I honestly feel it's a solid "4", but am sure many would disagree. The corner wear is VERY consistent with PSA 4s, as well as SGC. From the scans, there's nothing that would make me think it would come in as a 3 unless there's a wrinkle or something not obvious in the scan.

A lot will depend on the individual grader.

[RiceBondsMntna2Young]

Thank you for everyone's feedback. I will note that the scratches on his face may not be as apparent to the naked eye as they are in scans. I took a photo with my iPhone instead of the flat scan above, just in case that helps with a more accurate look at the card and your grade appraisal. Just FYI, the SGC grade was MUCH higher than anyone has guessed so far but it was hard to see that from the photo in the seller's listing: