PSA 8 or PSA 9 Brooks Robinson 1957 Topps

[Leon]

Since getting into the rookie card hof thing again (it was my first love when I got back into collecting as an adult) it seems crazy (to me) to pay 4.5x the price of this 8 for this 9? Anyone else think so?

[Kurri17]

I will be interested to hear the responses to this. I'm with you, that's a lot to pay in comparison to the '8'. I guess the aging (if that is aging) is the difference, and I must admit, I have been looking at some '56 Spahn and Snider, and the aging and color differences seem to be my issue on whether or not to pull the trigger on a couple. But, we're talking much smaller price differences, nowhere near the figure you are dealing with on the Robinson. I would be really interested to see what a "perfect" level of color and border whiteness would be on this card, as I really don't like a card that has lost color due to exposure to light. Anyway, it will be interesting to see what the more advanced vintage collectors than myself will have to say on this one.

[Leon]

I might be wrong but the toning on the 8 could have to do, a little bit, with the scan. The flip isn't white either so that could be a scanning issue. But it could be toned just that way which is the way some are.
Regardless of that it and the PSA 9 are beautiful cards .. I just guess at the top of the pyramid the number matters more than the card, with respect to value, or so it seems many times.

And there is an easy segway into the discussion of quoting VCP or book prices on cards. I laugh at that.....My mantra when selling will be that if I am selling at or below a guide price then I have made a mistake. I always want to be higher than the guides on my cards.

Originally Posted by Kurri17

I will be interested to hear the responses to this. I'm with you, that's a lot to pay in comparison to the '8'. I guess the aging (if that is aging) is the difference, and I must admit, I have been looking at some '56 Spahn and Snider, and the aging and color differences seem to be my issue on whether or not to pull the trigger on a couple. But, we're talking much smaller price differences, nowhere near the figure you are dealing with on the Robinson. I would be really interested to see what a "perfect" level of color and border whiteness would be on this card, as I really don't like a card that has lost color due to exposure to light. Anyway, it will be interesting to see what the more advanced vintage collectors than myself will have to say on this one.

[KCRfan1]

I believe it's ridiculous.

I find 6's that are nicer than 7's, and 8's that would be lucky to grade a 7. Unless someone is into the grade, I see it as wasted money.

The card needs to justify the grade, and the price.

The images pictured are a great example. The 8 has much better centering than the 9. And the color between the two is more likely due to the scanner. I imagine the color is very similar for both cards.

[Peter_Spaeth]

It all depends on the purpose of the purchase. If for collecting, it's stupid. If for resale, it may not be.

[begsu1013]

the only way to acquire a card like that is to overpay.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by begsu1013

the only way to acquire a card like that is to overpay.

Says one who would know?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It all depends on the purpose of the purchase. If for collecting, it's stupid. If for resale, it may not be.

That might be a primary point . Maybe the guy buying the 9 is doing it solely for resale and it is a wise investment. While the person with the 8 is among a lot more competition and might not do as well on resale. And if trying to have the highest graded set matters then the 9 is way better. (exponentially, I am sure)

[Leon]

Originally Posted by KCRfan1

... And the color between the two is more likely due to the scanner. I imagine the color is very similar for both cards.

I think you were probably correct...

[irv]

Originally Posted by Leon

I think you were probably correct...

My 52 yr old eyes see no difference between the 2.

I'd take the 8 any day over that 9.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Leon

I think you were probably correct...

Pretty hard to tell much of a difference side by side like that.

[Peter_Spaeth]

The 9 looks short.