Does this 9 (oc) have a shot at straight 8?
jrdolan
Posts: 2,549 ✭✭
PSA guidelines state that a MT 9 card must have centering "approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better on the front." A NM-MT 8 card must have centering "approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front."
According to my measurements, this 53T Mathews is 69/31 at its worst point (upper right) and slightly better lower down, perhaps 67/33. A bit short of a grader's discretion to give it a straight 9, no doubt about that. Even a casual glance tells you it can't be a straight 9, regardless of the exact measurement, because centering is critical to the eye appeal of this high-contrast card.
However, it's within the guidelines for a straight 8. I think even going by eye appeal and not strict numbers, it is not offensive to think of it as an 8. Whether a grader would agree with me is the question. It's hard to be objective about your own cards.
So, how best to go about this? I'm leery of cracking it out and going for broke. Any chance PSA would cross it to a straight 8 if I submit it in the holder and ask for NQ? People have been telling me that (oc) is not an automatic 2-point drop except on the registry, that it may only be 1 point on a NQ request if the centering is not too bad. Does PSA even cross from their own holders?
According to my measurements, this 53T Mathews is 69/31 at its worst point (upper right) and slightly better lower down, perhaps 67/33. A bit short of a grader's discretion to give it a straight 9, no doubt about that. Even a casual glance tells you it can't be a straight 9, regardless of the exact measurement, because centering is critical to the eye appeal of this high-contrast card.
However, it's within the guidelines for a straight 8. I think even going by eye appeal and not strict numbers, it is not offensive to think of it as an 8. Whether a grader would agree with me is the question. It's hard to be objective about your own cards.
So, how best to go about this? I'm leery of cracking it out and going for broke. Any chance PSA would cross it to a straight 8 if I submit it in the holder and ask for NQ? People have been telling me that (oc) is not an automatic 2-point drop except on the registry, that it may only be 1 point on a NQ request if the centering is not too bad. Does PSA even cross from their own holders?
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Comments
I had some 61 Fleer Basketball cards that were 8 OC's that I re-submitted on a separate form and still in their holders and requested NQ but with a minimum grade of 7. One of the cards crossed to a 7 and the others were re-holdered but still as 8 OC's.
I would first try that method, leaving it in the holder and requesting a NQ but with a minimum grade of 8.
Good Luck!
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Edited to add - Sorry, I posted before I saw you had already measured it.
Mike
the robinson should be in a 7 holder, the centering is good enough for a 7 and the general rule of thumb for qualifiers is that they use them when the grade would be knocked down more than 2 levels.
First of all, the card is truly in fantastic condition and looks great. The corners and color really stand out, but yes the centering detracts from the overall appeal.
If you are not entering this in the Registry, then I agree to leave it alone.
For the Registry I would first submit as aro13 suggests, with NQ and a minimum grade. If you do not get the 8 then crack it out and resubmit.
Why do it twice? In the first option you guarantee your present grade or one with which you are satisfied. You also may change your mind about cracking it out before you reach the point of making that second decision. So you are safe in all aspects.
It's a close call. I agree with your opinion on the centering being within specs for an 8.
Good luck.
Keith
<< <i>If you are not entering this in the Registry, then I agree to leave it alone. For the Registry I would first submit as aro13 suggests, with NQ and a minimum grade. If you do not get the 8 then crack it out and resubmit. >>
It's for the registry. I have a fledgling 53 Topps set going with the major cards accounted for except Mays. I bought this Matthews because the OC seemed borderline to me. I paid more than 7 SMR, but about half of 8, and all along have hoped it would cross to 8. If it was just my personal enjoyment I might leave it alone, but the registry automatically docks 2 grades for a qualifiers -- which in this case I feel is undeserved.
I already know for my own pleasure that it's 9 in all respects but L/R centering and even that is not off by much. With a 53T star card that is a very nice feeling! I can live with straight 8 on the flip, but not 7. I will take the recommended course of submitting in the holder and asking for 8 NQ. If that fails, I'll probably live with the 9oc. Thanks for all the comments!