What do you look for in low graded cards?

[Pythonfactory]

Hi all. I have a question. If only interested in low grade cards (e.g., can only afford them, care more about the history than condition), what do you look for?

I know this is completely subjective but since I have seen so few vintage cards in person I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[Leon]

Good question. I think my favorite lower condition (that is mainly what I collect) cards are ones with nice looking fronts and damage on blank backs (or in blank areas). That way you get the look without the price, usually. Nice question right out of the chute!!

[wazoo]

It really can vary. I always enjoy nice centering, but that is not my main concern. I try to stay away from paper loss, but when it is minimal, I do not mind it. Rounded corners, in my opinion, are fine, as long as they aren't too severe. It really depends on the collector, and what appeals to him/her.

Best regards,
Wazoo

[Ronnie73]

When buying low grade cards, I look for nice centered and evenly worn cards that are clean of marks and have even wear on all four corners.

[cockrellcollection]

Originally Posted by Ronnie73

When buying low grade cards, I look for nice centered and evenly worn cards that are clean of marks and have even wear on all four corners.

I agree wholeheartedly with buying low grade cards with even wear (I'm not a huge fan of two sharp corners and two worn especially if its due to trimming).

Other than that for me centering is also great for overall appeal but can't say I'm not guilty of buying 20/80 or so if I like the card.

[atx840]

Cheap price.

: )

I dislike creases and pl on the front. Next is decent registration and overall clean looking.

Corners aren't a big concern.

[rainier2004]

No paper loss, pieces missing, pin holes, writing, trimming or rips.

Corners, edges and staining are no problem.

Overall color/brightness and registration have become my most important qualities in determining eye appeal for my cards. Centering usually has to be 0/100 to bother me.

[birdman42]

Cards that have received a low grade from a TPG (third-party grader) but that still look nice. There was an N167 Ewing posted recently that got hit by the grader because of slight scrapbook gum on the back. I just picked up a 1914 Cracker Jack that graded a poor because of I'm not sure what exactly. There are lots like that out there, in almost every set.

As Leon said, cards with a little damage or glue on blank backs are great buys. Check out the grades on lots of Old Judge N172s and you'll see what I mean; beautiful images with a little glue or writing on the back get clobbered.

But most of all, collect what you enjoy! Get a few cards in hand and you'll see soon enough what bugs you and what doesn't.

Bill

[Eric72]

For me, a clean and fairly well centered front with sharp registration and bold, unfaded colors is key. Paper loss on the back (as well as writing, print spots, or other, "marks," which I simply do not mind...it gives the card a modicum of character, in my humble opinion) or corner wear do not bother me nearly as much.

If the TPGs lower the card's grade for the aforementioned reasons, and I can pick it up on my current budget, I am a much more interested buyer.

Best Regards,

Eric

[Chris-Counts]

I actually go out of my way to look for low graded cards. Here are a few of my favorites. All were busted out of slabs marked 1s, 2s and 3s ...

[SushiX37]

I agree with Leon. I'm ok with paper loss on the back if the front is centered and has good color.

[Pythonfactory]

I definitely get the "buy the card, not the holder" mantra but you have to make some sacrifices by buying lower grade. Thanks for all the insight everyone; I'll probably have to figure out what makes my eyes sore the hard way

Another question: I have seen several of you mention 'registration'. What does that mean in context of card appearance? Thanks!

[tonyo]

I believe registration means : how sharp is the actual image? (is it "in focus") do the colors overlay the way they were intended?


Personally, centering is probably most important to me. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I like to see all four borders and have them all similar width.

I don't mind creases just so they don't break the paper on the front, I can even live with creases that break the paper, just not in any "important" places like the face or the details of the uniform.

I like to be able to read the back, so paper loss - or anything that makes it illegible - on the back sometimes chases me away. Although sometimes writing or stamps on the back actually adds to the appeal for me.

If the colors appear faded or the card is especially dirty, that will make me pass in most cases as well.

I also relax my standards a bit for the more difficult cards.


Everything is relative to personal taste and budget. Folks showing 3's 3.5's, and even 2's as low grade are good examples of that. I don't have many pre-war cards in my collection that grade that high! In fact, I've bought some 4's and 5's before and end up selling them because they just don't look right amongst my others.

[Mikehealer]

I agree with Leon, the paper loss on this one doesn't disturb the Coupon Ad, but the front looks pretty nice.

[3-2-count]

Back stains are fine by me if the rest of the card pops and in many instances staining on the front is okay as well if it doesn't detract from the image.
A little CrackerJack caramel never hurt anyone!



Overall image is everything!! No mater what the # on some silly flip says.

[bbcard1]

i honestly wouldn't consider most of the cards shown in this thread to be low grade. Eye of the beholder.

I put together my t206 set in low grade. My criteria was no missing pieces, not creases across the face. I actually think a T of E card looks more natural with even rounding on the corners, a mild surface crease, etc. I avoid cards with writing...back stamps on my T206s add to their story, though.

Here's an example of what I collect and probably mostly what you'll find in my T206 collection.

[Tyler]

Small bit of paper loss on back.
Although not apparent here, evenly rounded corners and nice centering make for really nice looking vintage cards, IMHO.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

I agree with Leon, the paper loss on this one doesn't disturb the Coupon Ad, but the front looks pretty nice.

Hey Mike
Nice card. Had I not just picked up a nice one you would have had to pay more for it . I had my eye on it but no sense in running it up just to resell. You got a good deal.

[novakjr]

generically listed, missing parts, trimmed, holes, creases, paper loss. Pretty much any injustice that makes a card affordable, that otherwise wouldn't be.

This photo pretty much explains how much damage I'll accept to get something cheap. Actually, once I got this in hand, it was pretty obvious that it was below even my standards. It makes me laugh though, I love it..