Eye Appeal

[ClementeFanOh]

This is an interesting conversation. I think it goes without saying that there
can be a comparison of 2 of the same card, that each got the same grade by
the same grader- leaving the holder to come up with some way to
differentiate between the 2. One T206 that is an SGC 3 can have more vibrant
front color than the 2nd exact same card, and we can tell by looking it "pops"
more than the other. In private conversations with other collectors about
sales/trades, I will mention which cards grab your attention versus the others.
As long as some seller doesn't say every single card in their inventory has
"great eye appeal", it's just another descriptor for both seller and buyer to
consider. It's an ineffable term for sure, like when US Supreme Court Justice
Potter Stewart was describing pornographic material- "I know it when I see
it". That's how I feel about cards with superior eye appeal. Trent King

[MikeGarcia]

" It's an ineffable term for sure, like when US Supreme Court Justice
Potter Stewart was describing pornographic material- "I know it when I see
it". That's how I feel about cards with superior eye appeal." Trent King


..


...no matter the number up in the top right corner , they both reside on the top shelf of my Brooklyn showcase , because of their Superior E.A....


...

[brianp-beme]

I have the feeling the 'eye appeal' moniker has been around for a long time, probably since the early days of graded cards.

And by the way, the eye appeal on those two Koufax cards is iconic.

Brian (actually...nice cards. Just felt the need to combine the overused duo)

[ClementeFanOh]

Re: the 2 1957 Koufaxes

Sometimes when I comment, I believe I have covered all the bases. Then
there's a curveball, so I feel compelled to try again. The ineptitude of
certain grading companies is a different issue from eye appeal to a specific
collector. Both of those Koufaxes look good to me. The fact that there is a
SEVEN point difference in their grades is a reflection on the grader, not on
the concept of "eye appeal". I think the initial topic was innocent, and there
is just no doubt that, when 2 cards are put next to one another, one can
grab the attention of the viewer more than the other. "Eye appeal" is just a
shorthand version of a longer explanation for why one looks best- assuming
it's used honestly, of course Trent King

[ALBB]

another term/saying that has changed -

used to be ..you said " Wow, thats a bad look " ...

now its " Oh, its not good optics "

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Re: the 2 1957 Koufaxes

Sometimes when I comment, I believe I have covered all the bases. Then
there's a curveball, so I feel compelled to try again. The ineptitude of
certain grading companies is a different issue from eye appeal to a specific
collector. Both of those Koufaxes look good to me. The fact that there is a
SEVEN point difference in their grades is a reflection on the grader, not on
the concept of "eye appeal". I think the initial topic was innocent, and there
is just no doubt that, when 2 cards are put next to one another, one can
grab the attention of the viewer more than the other. "Eye appeal" is just a
shorthand version of a longer explanation for why one looks best- assuming
it's used honestly, of course Trent King

Your Thoughts are Well Said or Looks Good or Sounds Like a PLan

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

" It's an ineffable term for sure, like when US Supreme Court Justice
Potter Stewart was describing pornographic material- "I know it when I see
it". That's how I feel about cards with superior eye appeal." Trent King


..


...no matter the number up in the top right corner , they both reside on the top shelf of my Brooklyn showcase , because of their Superior E.A....


...

There are two sides to every story, and two sides to every card . . . .

wonder what the backs are like.

[MikeGarcia]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

There are two sides to every story, and two sides to every card . . . .

wonder what the backs are like.

..the "1" has a tear in the border at 9 o'clock , which normally gets you an automatic "2" , but in this case the tear goes into the picture so it is now an automatic "1"......hey I don't make the rules...

On the other hand , it has GREAT EYE APPEAL !!!...........I'm tempted to consign it to PWCC just to get their award sticker

..
..

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

..the "1" has a tear in the border at 9 o'clock , which normally gets you an automatic "2" , but in this case the tear goes into the picture so it is now an automatic "1"......hey I don't make the rules...

On the other hand , it has GREAT EYE APPEAL !!!...........I'm tempted to consign it to PWCC just to get their award sticker

..
..

And you would be shocked and upset if it didn't get it. That is why I don't send my "high end for the grade" cards to PWCC. I hate putting my trust in what looks good for the grade onto someone else.

[parkplace33]

Always been around, but the term is basically used for any graded card now.

Also used often: "Clean" "High End" "Undergraded" "Sharp".

[JustinD]

Well based on the fact that eye appeal has been widely used as a descriptor for over 100 years, I can't remember a time it was not used in collecting. Particularly for collectors like myself that value centering over any and all other items (corners, creases, etc). My mother began my collecting pursuits due to her avid antiquing and cannot possibly imagine how many times I have heard that term in the auction world.

I personally don't use it as it certainly feels overused, but I can't even place it in the same zip code as my dislike for terms like "poppage", "razor-sharp corners" or "undergraded". Actually when it comes to "pop count", I just generally can't stand any reference at all to PSA population, it's all complete nonsense in my mind and my eyes glaze over the moment it comes into discussion.