Are there size differences in T206's?

Skinpinch

Hi. I have a few T206's, and on a couple of them there is a size difference of about 3/16 of an inch between them. Another is sized right in the middle of those two. All of them are graded by PSA, in grades of two, three, and three. They are Young, W. Johnson, and Mathewson. The holders look very clean and untampered. I didn't post a scan, but is that normal for such size variances between those cards? Is it possible PSA missed some trim jobs? I called PSA and they said "we would never grade a trimmed card, and if it is in our holder you are fine." Of course they are going to say that. Any help would be appreciated.

milbroco

Yes,
the American Beauty (Both with and without frame) reverses are slightly thinner. I am not sure about the dimensions though but they are definately thinner.
Bob

Skinpinch

Here is a scan. I don't know how good it will be.

Billa

Well, 3/16th of an inch is 1/16th of an inch shy of 1/2 inch, naturally. I posted the same concerns this past week with the size of a Red Man tobacco card recently graded by PSA. The dealer I purchased it from gave me the submission number and zip code to verify its date of grade. I would say this, "if the holders appear untampered with and clean," then not to worry. You would have to assume that in the early 1900s, the manufacturing of cards to go into cigarette packs wasn't of top quality concern. I suppose that in the cutting process you would find wide variances. 3/16th of an inch though seems dramatic.

Virtualizard

<< <i>Well, 3/16th of an inch is 1/16th of an inch shy of 1/2 inch... >>



No, actually it's 1/16th shy of 1/4 inch.

JEB.

Skinpinch

I'll try this again...

Skinpinch

Here is a picture of just Mathewson and W. Johnson.

Knopfler

I have had many T206's graded, and yes, there are variances in the sizes due to the manufacturing process at the time. If you buy many T206's, you will also eventually see some that even have a diamond cut, meaning that the the top and bottom of the card are cut at an angle. Even these are not trimmed cards, but PSA won't grade them. They will send them back as miscuts, and give you a voucher for a free submission.

PS You might want to post this question on the vintage cards forum. There is a lot of T206 collector's on that board.

UnAmuzd1

I only own a couple hundred 206's, so there are folks who've seen a lot more than me... but the Johnson looks really short t/b. It doesn't even come close to fitting the holder, and has significantly less t/b border than the other cards. There is a good amount of variation in t206's, but it's usually not a good sign when a card is that short t/b.

The person who said you should go ask on the net54 boards had it right. But I suspect the answer there is going to be similar.

Morrie