Card(s) in a condition you would not collect

[brianp-beme]

Here is my Diamond Stars Rogers Hornsby. I have condition conditions, but I still haven't figured out what they are.

Brian

[hcv123]

Cards that are rare or obscure, I am a lot more forgiving/tolerant of a whole range of condition flaws.

Now if we are talking cards that are readily available - Centering and surface are my top 2 "demands" Clean crease free surface, good photo registration and great centering. I'll take touched even lightly worn corners all day.

[Frankish]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Cards that are rare or obscure, I am a lot more forgiving/tolerant of a whole range of condition flaws.

Now if we are talking cards that are readily available - Centering and surface are my top 2 "demands" Clean crease free surface, good photo registration and great centering. I'll take touched even lightly worn corners all day.

This. 100%. I'll even take heavily and honestly worn corners or edges over poor registration any day of the week.

My collecting focus has moved from 1940-60s US cards to Japanese cards from the same era and 1910-1930s US baseball type 1 photos. Admittedly, this might be a very poor financial choice, but I very much enjoy the collecting aspect of it, especially as these are often unique photos or cards with less than 20 known specimens. Regardless, I really enjoy the chase and condition is much less important. In fact, for many cards, condition is hardly important.

All of that said, I prefer no writing on the front of the card or skinned backs...but make exceptions for very rare cards.

[Vintagecatcher]

I have always preferred cards without any creases.

I can live with writing on the backs or minimal paper loss on the backs as well.

Rodent bites are a absolute deal breaker!

Patrick

[53toppscollector]

I've always assumed that the things that jump out to me the most are just the way my brain is wired (and possibly the result of a serious concussion I got 20 years ago playing pickup basketball in college)

My brain instantly notices diamond cut cards or cards tilted at all, and it is very distracting to me. I've had to sort of work past that as I've gotten into pre-war collecting, but anything from the 50s Topps Run I am working on, I just don't want to have diamond cut cards. For 50s and newer, I also avoid cards with marks, simply because there is more supply in most cases and it is okay to be a bit pickier. I'm pretty fanatical about centering, because my brain is just really sensitive when looking at a card, and if its off center, I do struggle with it.

For pre-war, basically the only thing I avoid is total paper loss on the back, an entire corner clipped off the card, or writing on the front of the card. I can live with marks on the back, light stains, pinholes, etc. I try to avoid cards that have been knowingly trimmed or recolored, because it just feels off to me, but I'm trying to embrace that too. Less supply = I have to be less picky.

[brianp-beme]

I am willing to tolerate cards where the player shown is in less than top notch condition, such as this T203 card that depicts the player seeing stars as a result of a blow to the head.

Brian

[JollyElm]

If a card can still be lit on fire with a match, it has a welcome place in my collection.

[bmattioli]

Nothing bothers me..

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

I am willing to tolerate cards where the player shown is in less than top notch condition, such as this T203 card that depicts the player seeing stars as a result of a blow to the head.

Brian

Another card in my collection where the condition of the player is a little questionable.

Brian

[tjv815]

I have no requirements. In fact, I am working on a beater 1978 set where I am always looking to downgrade. I am trying to get cards that have significant creasing, rounded and fuzzy corners and surface wear and attempting to have the whole card. But I don't turn any away. I also collect 78's with writing on front, writing on the back and miscuts. It has been a fun way to collect the 1978's, my first year collecting.

TJ

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Here is my Diamond Stars Rogers Hornsby. I have condition conditions, but I still haven't figured out what they are.

Brian

I think that's the very rare card of the Ghost of Rogers Hornsby.

[egri]

I've posted this one here before, but this card is more oval-shaped than rectangular. When I sent it in to Mr. Porter, he sent it back with a signed custom card and a note saying he felt so bad about how damaged it was that he was enclosing the custom to make up for it.

JW Porter, on Flickr

[ZenPop]

That's amazing!!
I tip my hat, Sir!

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Here is my Diamond Stars Rogers Hornsby. I have condition conditions, but I still haven't figured out what they are.

Brian

[ZenPop]

I do not own these two cards, (I do not own ANY Mantle cards) but I would LOVE to own these two cards...

The first reminds me of some sort of religious relic.
The second reminds me of the childhood joy of collecting cards.
(I've kept the pics to remind me how cool they are... and to get them if I ever see them available)...

Maybe some day...