Back Centering

PaulMaul

The supposed back centering requirement for a PSA 8 or 9 is 90/10. But it often seems to me that anything short of hardcore miscut gets given a pass. This card, for example, still received a PSA 8. It may or may not be miscut, but it is certainly not 90/10. It would be nice if this standard were rigorously enforced given how many sellers do not provide back scans.

krisd3279

Wow. Just short of actually missing content.

softparade

@PaulMaul said:
The supposed back centering requirement for a PSA 8 or 9 is 90/10. But it often seems to me that anything short of hardcore miscut gets given a pass. This card, for example, still received a PSA 8. It may or may not be miscut, but it is certainly not 90/10. It would be nice if this standard were rigorously enforced given how many sellers do not provide back scans.

"")

Yep,

I have several 97 / 3 backs in PSA 9 1978 Topps that I need to replace. That puppy you scanned is 99.99 / .01

tonylags

WOW; I get qualifiers {MC} when I submit those. Just curious, was that from a very large submitter?

PaulMaul

I’m starting to think a back centering requirement of 90/10 for PSA 8 and 9 is almost meaningless. If it’s not actually miscut, it does not seem like the back centering ever lowers a grade.

This is the back of an unqualified PSA 9 currently on eBay. I didn’t measure it, but I can’t see how the centering could be any worse without being miscut.

GreenSneakers

Lesson: Don’t buy cards online without a back scan.

This has been a PSA (public service announcement).

prgsdw

This is one of my pet peeves. I ask eBay sellers for back scans on items I'm interested in often. About 5-10% of the time they send or post one. I know there is a money back guarantee for many items, but I don't want to deal with that hassle.

The response that makes my skin crawl though is when I hear "It's graded a 9 - why do you need to see the back?". You example is a good reason why (not bashing anyone here). A card has two sides - some buyers want to see both before purchase.

Steve

grote15

A 9 should require 75/25 on back imo. I know that's not the case but as a collector that would be my threshold tolerance. I know also some people don't care about the backs and I agree the front is far more important but after all there are two sides to every card.

JoeBanzai

Unless the card is something super hard to find, I don't bid unless there's a scan of the back.

doubledragon

I just wish all Ebay sellers would scan the backs of cards. The customer has a right to see the whole card. It's just ridiculous.

lawnmowerman

As a buyer, if the pic or scan is blurry, I ask them to message me a better one. If there's no back scan, I ask for one. If there's anything I deem possibly "wrong" with the card and doesn't coincide with the grade, I ask for another scan. I don't care. It's my money.

As a seller, I go out of my way to help the buyer be comfortable with their purchase.

I never ask for anything from sellers that I would not do for my potential buyers.

NGS428

@doubledragon said:
I just wish all Ebay sellers would scan the backs of cards. The customer has a right to see the whole card. It's just ridiculous.

Yes, we have had lots of discussion on this topic on this forum. I would like to see both and request it if I need to.

Kep13

although it looks fugly, that Hovley 1972 card -- isn't it within 90-10 centering? Doesn't seem like you could fit 9 of the small borders within the large border?

PaulMaul

@Kep13 said:
although it looks fugly, that Hovley 1972 card -- isn't it within 90-10 centering? Doesn't seem like you could fit 9 of the small borders within the large border?

At the worst spot (near the top) I think the L/R centering is worse than 90/10. But if it’s not, the centering requirement is pointless, as it could not look worse without being miscut.

Kep13

agreed -- probably s/b 75-25 or maybe even 65-35 at worst for back centering