Need Help Figuring out what to do with these guys

[bjunior]

Hi guys, I first want to say thank you so much for letting me join the forums, I am a 24 year old collector who is addicted to pre 80's sports cards!

I recently came across a collection during a garage sale that had a load of 49-55 football and baseball cards, and some in very very clean condition. The only problem is, almost every card has trace amounts of writing on the back like "F12" or "F2" I think to keep track of their cards. It is in pencil, and can be erased with a good eraser.

My questions are
- will they grade higher (SGC) with it erased or do I keep them as is? I know on the front lots of cards have coating but the back I think I could keep the shades the same if I do it carefully. I have seen people online saying use gum even.
- Should I even get them graded? What could be the highest grades they could get?

Attached are two of the cards fronts and backs for reference. Any and all insight is GREATLY appreciated. And if i posted this in the wrong section I am so sorry! I did not want to interfere in any bigger conversation areas. I also have another question regarding some 1950's wheaties cards that I will ask soon after this. Thanks!

[steve B]

I don't think I'd grade any of them. Maybe if I was looking to sell them quickly.

A card I graded had a pencil erasure I hadn't seen for all the time I owned it. Probably dropped it two grades. Three of those don't really have room in the grades to drop by 2.

You'd have to compare copied that were A or 1 to ungraded ones and see if the price difference covers the grading fee.

[sthoemke]

Consider grading the Hall-of-Famers. At least it will preserve the condition.

Erasing is a judgement call. Consider the writing as part of the card's history. Erasing can damage the card and still have the writing noticeable.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Personally I wouldn't erase.

[gonefishin]

I'm guessing back when the cards were written on, they were just cards that kids enjoyed. They weren't being consider for value, money, or grading. I wrote on a lot of my cards back in the early 60s.

I would just leave them as is, just me.