What’s an acceptable grade for vintage cards?

[G1911]

P-vg+, raw. Any higher than that, and I’d be happier with a lower grade card that brings me the exact same joy as a card with sharp corners, and pocket the cost difference. Cards I have in nicer condition are always available for downgrading. Cards in slabs are cracked out or flipped for the same card without a case that costs far less for the exact same thing.

[homerunderby]

I'll go EX to EXMT for 50's and 60's, VG or better pre-war. Mostly raw unless I get a deal on a slab (which I promptly break out of the slab so I can display it in my binders).

Sometimes I'll tolerate even P-F for rarities like 1964 Topps Venezuelan.

I only collect Yankees.

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

For me, EX is the perfect condition for postwar cards....they are crease free, mark free, and typically have good overall eye appeal...and can be found cheaper (and more easily) then NM versions of the same card.

But, when it comes to vintage cards, pretty much ANYTHING goes. There is a sizable market for ALL grades. Unlike modern where nobody really seems to want anything less than NM or Mint, there are enough low grade collectors in the market that you can typically sell/trade anything you decide to part with if you change your focus, direction, etc.