Highlights from my recent sub.
The Boggs was cracked out of a BGS 9. I always worry when there's an under-grade sub, but luckily PSA also saw the card as an overall 9.
I weighed the new slabs & they're about .5 oz. heavier than the old ones.
54 Bowman Duke for me, very happy to have found this one.
Growing up as a kid and collecting in the late 70s, it seemed 54 Bowman cards were on the cover of a lot of price guides and magazines, so it’s just kind of stuck in my mind now. Love them though
Thought I had a shot at 10/10 on this, but after I saw the secure scans of it, I was surprised it got a 9. Scratches on surface that I didn't pick up.
Not necessarily new, but a '68 Bench has been removed from it's PSA 8.5 prison and is ready for the 2024 NSCC.
I can't take credit for the preparation of the card. I'm not too confident this grades an 8.5 again so I don't think I'll be taking "top pop" here, but I would be very happy with a PSA 8.
@bgr said:
Thought I had a shot at 10/10 on this, but after I saw the secure scans of it, I was surprised it got a 9. Scratches on surface that I didn't pick up.
Not necessarily new, but a '68 Bench has been removed from it's PSA 8.5 prison and is ready for the 2024 NSCC.
I can't take credit for the preparation of the card. I'm not too confident this grades an 8.5 again so I don't think I'll be taking "top pop" here, but I would be very happy with a PSA 8.
Have an 8 already and looking to add a PSA 8.5 in the Bench rookie, so color me disappointed there is one less available on the market 😉
Also trying out some new software for post-processing my scanner images so that I don't have to manually modify them anymore. I think this looks pretty good (I chose the color to look best with both black and white card borders).
Also trying out some new software for post-processing my scanner images so that I don't have to manually modify them anymore. I think this looks pretty good (I chose the color to look best with both black and white card borders).
Curious what post processing work were you doing? Adding a background and combining the front and back images? Always love a good scanner conversation. 😀
I do like the color choice, but in the end I stick with black space since it seems to offset any color border on a card. Helps it pop a bit more.
Also trying out some new software for post-processing my scanner images so that I don't have to manually modify them anymore. I think this looks pretty good (I chose the color to look best with both black and white card borders).
Curious what post processing work were you doing? Adding a background and combining the front and back images? Always love a good scanner conversation. 😀
I do like the color choice, but in the end I stick with black space since it seems to offset any color border on a card. Helps it pop a bit more.
For my card scanner I use an Epson Perfection V850. I switched over to this scanner about 2 years ago, but it wasn't until earlier this year that I invested any time in learning it's capabilities and what settings enhance different cards.
I got distracted with Picture vs. Document modes and different lightning normalization techniques... for example, increasing the dynamic range by leaving the scanner lid open or even off, increasing the gamma setting to enhance color and texture contrast. In the end I stuck with the document mode as my starting point and I run my gamma at 1.8 for normal cards and 2.2 for shiny stuff. Instead of using an open scanner lid I leave it closed and adjust brightness in a post-processing step using a combination of scaling and shifting based on the color range produced in the output. I am using a 3x3 kernel for enhancing sharpness, but it's not quite right yet - it seems to make the text easier to read. I am just using a linear interpolation for resizing.
My goal is to enhance the corners, edges, and surface, while maintaining as much original integrity of the image as I can. I'm using OpenCV for this btw. It's a similar tool that I use to measure cards from online images.
I do mostly agree on the black background being best. The exceptions I find are blue bordered cards and of course black.
Here is a lower grade '71 which helps to show off how this highlights the areas of interest.
I am using EAST for text detection and I trained a simple CNN based on the different slab types for automated slab detection. I hate python, but for this type of stuff, opencv and pytorch... it's just all done for you so why not cheat.
For my card scanner I use an Epson Perfection V850. I switched over to this scanner about 2 years ago, but it wasn't until earlier this year that I invested any time in learning its capabilities and what settings enhance different cards.
I got distracted with Picture vs. Document modes and different lightning normalization techniques... for example, increasing the dynamic range by leaving the scanner lid open or even off, increasing the gamma setting to enhance color and texture contrast. In the end I stuck with the document mode as my starting point and I run my gamma at 1.8 for normal cards and 2.2 for shiny stuff. Instead of using an open scanner lid I leave it closed and adjust brightness in a post-processing step using a combination of scaling and shifting based on the color range produced in the output. I am using a 3x3 kernel for enhancing sharpness, but it's not quite right yet - it seems to make the text easier to read. I am just using a linear interpolation for resizing.
My goal is to enhance the corners, edges, and surface, while maintaining as much original integrity of the image as I can. I'm using OpenCV for this btw. It's a similar tool that I use to measure cards from online images.
I do mostly agree on the black background being best. The exceptions I find are blue bordered cards and of course black.
Here is a lower grade '71 which helps to show off how this highlights the areas of interest.
I am using EAST for text detection and I trained a simple CNN based on the different slab types for automated slab detection. I hate python, but for this type of stuff, opencv and pytorch... it's just all done for you so why not cheat.
Keep up the great work! I assume you read my scanning guide in my signature at some point. If not, check it out.
For my card scanner I use an Epson Perfection V850. I switched over to this scanner about 2 years ago, but it wasn't until earlier this year that I invested any time in learning its capabilities and what settings enhance different cards.
I got distracted with Picture vs. Document modes and different lightning normalization techniques... for example, increasing the dynamic range by leaving the scanner lid open or even off, increasing the gamma setting to enhance color and texture contrast. In the end I stuck with the document mode as my starting point and I run my gamma at 1.8 for normal cards and 2.2 for shiny stuff. Instead of using an open scanner lid I leave it closed and adjust brightness in a post-processing step using a combination of scaling and shifting based on the color range produced in the output. I am using a 3x3 kernel for enhancing sharpness, but it's not quite right yet - it seems to make the text easier to read. I am just using a linear interpolation for resizing.
My goal is to enhance the corners, edges, and surface, while maintaining as much original integrity of the image as I can. I'm using OpenCV for this btw. It's a similar tool that I use to measure cards from online images.
I do mostly agree on the black background being best. The exceptions I find are blue bordered cards and of course black.
Here is a lower grade '71 which helps to show off how this highlights the areas of interest.
I am using EAST for text detection and I trained a simple CNN based on the different slab types for automated slab detection. I hate python, but for this type of stuff, opencv and pytorch... it's just all done for you so why not cheat.
Keep up the great work! I assume you read my scanning guide in my signature at some point. If not, check it out.
I saw it now. Really nice guide. I noticed there was a possibly unsolved mystery there so I added my input on those shimmery nightmares!
@1951WheatiesPremium said:
I’m quite happy to add this into my collection of Mickey. Not in the best condition but not that easy to find anymore, either.
1968 Topps Posters - Complete Box
hey ya 51Wheaties...
Your 68 Poster Box Kicks Ass... That's Just An Awesome Relic You Have..
Way Too Cool...
Comments
Was it an actual upgrade or do you still prefer the 9?
That '86 Puckett is a fabulous card of that era when it's nice!
"You've gotta be a man to play this game...but you'd better have a lot of little boy in you, too"--Roy Campanella
Added a 75
Need 5 more for this team
2004 spx
1989 topps psa 10
1959 phillies
Phillies of the 70's
Beautiful card hankcaddy. I'm working on a '52 team set as well. Recent eBay pickup, 6 more to go!
Thanks @Chicago1976 , I still need 11 for my team . Haven't really worked too hard on it though . Good luck on your last 5
2004 spx
1989 topps psa 10
1959 phillies
Phillies of the 70's
Highlights from my recent sub.
The Boggs was cracked out of a BGS 9. I always worry when there's an under-grade sub, but luckily PSA also saw the card as an overall 9.
I weighed the new slabs & they're about .5 oz. heavier than the old ones.
Vida - all-right-a! 🙂
54 Bowman Duke for me, very happy to have found this one.
Growing up as a kid and collecting in the late 70s, it seemed 54 Bowman cards were on the cover of a lot of price guides and magazines, so it’s just kind of stuck in my mind now. Love them though
Beautiful Snider!
One for the 61 auto:
Thank you! I waited a bit to find the right one and I’m happy with it
Picked these 2 sealed hobby boxes off BBCE this week, 2016 Wacky Packages MLB:
Thought I had a shot at 10/10 on this, but after I saw the secure scans of it, I was surprised it got a 9. Scratches on surface that I didn't pick up.
Not necessarily new, but a '68 Bench has been removed from it's PSA 8.5 prison and is ready for the 2024 NSCC.
I can't take credit for the preparation of the card. I'm not too confident this grades an 8.5 again so I don't think I'll be taking "top pop" here, but I would be very happy with a PSA 8.
That's an awesome Bench. Not sure I'd have the confidence to crack that one but it will be amazing after his sig on it.
I recently bought a 1961 Koufax PSA 7. I think I like this 62 PSA 6 more.
Have an 8 already and looking to add a PSA 8.5 in the Bench rookie, so color me disappointed there is one less available on the market 😉
It will be enhanced with the mark of a legend.
Another for the 61 auto set:
A really nice looking 1.5 for my team set. Looks like a light crease and faint pen marks on the back impacted the grade.
Ya gotta love those steel structures & beams...
@1966CUDA - Thank you once again!!!! CU Forums is such a wonderful place. I am delighted to add these to the fold…
1959 New York Yankees Tri Fold - Yankees Team
1968 New York Yankees Tri Fold #4 Yankees Team
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
Picked up another card for my Bench PC - have several 8’s and 9’s from 1978 and this one looks like an 8+ but cost me less than breakfast.
Faster than a speeding bullet
More powerful than a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound
It’s a bird!
It’s a plane!
It’s Superman!
1940 Leader Novelty Candy. Co. - Superman Premium Coupon
One of the earliest cards to depict the Man of Steel…
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
Happy to finally get this in hand. 4 more to go to complete the set. Not a heavily graded set at all.
Also trying out some new software for post-processing my scanner images so that I don't have to manually modify them anymore. I think this looks pretty good (I chose the color to look best with both black and white card borders).
Curious what post processing work were you doing? Adding a background and combining the front and back images? Always love a good scanner conversation. 😀
I do like the color choice, but in the end I stick with black space since it seems to offset any color border on a card. Helps it pop a bit more.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
For my card scanner I use an Epson Perfection V850. I switched over to this scanner about 2 years ago, but it wasn't until earlier this year that I invested any time in learning it's capabilities and what settings enhance different cards.
I got distracted with Picture vs. Document modes and different lightning normalization techniques... for example, increasing the dynamic range by leaving the scanner lid open or even off, increasing the gamma setting to enhance color and texture contrast. In the end I stuck with the document mode as my starting point and I run my gamma at 1.8 for normal cards and 2.2 for shiny stuff. Instead of using an open scanner lid I leave it closed and adjust brightness in a post-processing step using a combination of scaling and shifting based on the color range produced in the output. I am using a 3x3 kernel for enhancing sharpness, but it's not quite right yet - it seems to make the text easier to read. I am just using a linear interpolation for resizing.
My goal is to enhance the corners, edges, and surface, while maintaining as much original integrity of the image as I can. I'm using OpenCV for this btw. It's a similar tool that I use to measure cards from online images.
I do mostly agree on the black background being best. The exceptions I find are blue bordered cards and of course black.
Here is a lower grade '71 which helps to show off how this highlights the areas of interest.
I am using EAST for text detection and I trained a simple CNN based on the different slab types for automated slab detection. I hate python, but for this type of stuff, opencv and pytorch... it's just all done for you so why not cheat.
Keep up the great work! I assume you read my scanning guide in my signature at some point. If not, check it out.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
I saw it now. Really nice guide. I noticed there was a possibly unsolved mystery there so I added my input on those shimmery nightmares!
I’m quite happy to add this into my collection of Mickey. Not in the best condition but not that easy to find anymore, either.
1968 Topps Posters - Complete Box
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
hey ya 51Wheaties...
Your 68 Poster Box Kicks Ass... That's Just An Awesome Relic You Have..
Way Too Cool...
Added this to my HOF RC Collection.
How much did it sale for is one of the funniest and most ignorant things I've ever heard.
An addition to my '52 Cubs team set. Many thanks to bgr for the assist!
With this 72 the countdown in on for my Phillies of the 70`s with 10 left
2004 spx
1989 topps psa 10
1959 phillies
Phillies of the 70's
I do love opening the 84-85 OPC Hockey boxes.
I think this is a nice looking 5. Just arrived back from PSA today. In honor of a great Brewers catcher too!