Buy the Card? The Slab? or The Front of the Card

[3-2-count]

Being that I'm a collector who focuses on overall condition and eye appeal, both the front and back of a card are important to me.

When purchasing a card I do my best to stray away from any creasing or paper loss, but can live with some light staining.

[obcbobd]

Front - a lot
Back - a little
Slab - little or none (99% of my cards are raw) - actually for some cards, especially Exhibits, Fine/Wide-pens. Writing on the back is a plus

[scooter729]

I just bought this '33 Ruth Sport Kings last night, which I think perfectly shows I feel on this one. Great looking front, but a few small spots of paper loss bring the grade down to a price that's right in my range for the card. I wouldn't be able to buy this in the higher grade that the front would warrant, but I'm thrilled with it for what it is!

[JimmyC]

Originally Posted by scooter729

I just bought this '33 Ruth Sport Kings last night, which I think perfectly shows I feel on this one. Great looking front, but a few small spots of paper loss bring the grade down to a price that's right in my range for the card. I wouldn't be able to buy this in the higher grade that the front would warrant, but I'm thrilled with it for what it is!

Hell of a looking Ruth! That's a STRONG 1.5!! Congrats!

I always buy the card first - with emphasis on the corners - front takes priority over the back - I never buy the grade on the slab....It's always about corners to me, centering next and then surface......

I've seen some many 7s that should be 6s and some even 5's, its not even funny.....

[jimq16415]

I don't think I would have this card if not for the back damage. My eyes aren't great so when I look at the front I'm happy.

[Rhotchkiss]

Depends.

For PSA registry sets (I only have two - T206 and T3), I admit that the number on the flip is often most important; anyone on the registry who tells you otherwise is lying. Its stupid and it may result in a lesser card for more money, but that registry is a powerful bitch and can make one think less rationally.

For most everything else, its all about the front.

The exception to the aforementioned is when I am buying the card for the back. Sometimes, the rareness of the front/back is such that it doesn't matter how ugly the back (or front) is (e.g., 1916 Tango Eggs Cobb). But if I am trying to get a T206 Uzit example, the way the back looks is more important than the front, because its the back I am after.

[steve B]

Being more opportunistic and on a much lower budget, I tend to worry less about condition, and more about if I need the card or if it's a good deal for that example.

[fkm_bky]

It depends for me. My focus being on mostly T206's the front is always the main area I look at...sometimes the back, especially if it's a rarer back...a damaged Sovereign or Old Mill will get more of my attention than a Piedmont 150 or Sweet Cap.

I bought this one b/c of the front and paid a reasonable amount due to the back damage.

I put very little emphasis on the slab, when buying...but I prefer SGC to PSA just from the asthetics.

Bill

[Zach Wheat]

For pre-war, mainly the front of the card with decent centering. I do not care as much about stains particularly on the reverse. Of tertiary importance, but still a consideration, is the grading company. I have a preference for some companies over others with pre-war

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Depends.
Its stupid and it may result in a lesser card for more money, but that registry is a powerful bitch and can make one think less rationally.

Hopefully she doesn't yell "You're my bitch!!" at you, like Conan taught this student driver to do:

https://youtu.be/1Za8BtLgKv8

[G1911]

Buy the card, front being more important but back also important if it is a text based back with a write up or stats I want to read. Snap the slab from the inconsistent and corrupt firm slabbing it, throw it and the slip in the trash. Use eyes to determine condition of said card. Enjoy the card. Repeat.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Great question! I buy the front and the back, except for blank back cards. And I never buy the slab...give me a nice eye appeal 1 over a poorly centered 5 every day of the week.