Printing Lines and Grading

Rangerman

I have a few 1954 Topps Baseball cards and Bowman 51's & 52's that I'm trying to decide if I should send in for grading. The problem lies with the lines or printing streaks straight across horizontaly... Will these manufacturing processes be subject to a possible 'Qualifier', just like the others such as OC, ST(gum), MC,, etc? Or are they given a different attitude and no 'Q"? I would appreciate the opinions of some of you experts on here ---Thanks -- Tony

bowdowntome

I'm really not that into graded cards yet, as far as submitting goes, but I would think those "streaks" would warrant the same qualifier as any other smudge or excess print mark on a card.

For the record, I think "print" mark is sort of a misnomer in this case. I'm not sure but I believe those streaks on the early Bowmans were cause by the rollers the sheets moved along in the printing presses, while the ink was still damp. Maybe I'm wrong though.

I collect the early Bowman football cards, which have the same problem, but I don't even think twice about buying an otherwise nice looking card, if the srteak is not that obtrusive to the player, or if it's just not that heavy.

Thulnanth

I'm not sure if it's the same thing, but I collect Magic: The Gathering cards and they had a real problem with roller lines on their Unlimited Edition (1993 WotC). Every one that I have sent in or seen graded has automatically been reduced to a 7, regardless of the overall condition otherwise. That being said, I haven't bothered to grade any more cards with roller lines

RayBShotz

The print line on 51' & 52' Bowman cards is pretty common. Although PSA may be considering it when assigning a grade, I haven't seen them qualify it per se.
I have seen, however, cards as high as PSA 7 NQ in holders with the horizontal print line.

RayBShotz

jrdolan

It depends on the severity of the printing flaw and the overall eye appeal. While the registry considers a qualifier to be a 2-point reduction, the graders are not bound by that rule when giving an unqualified grade. For example, I think this Mantle rookie was docked only 1 point or less for the faint vertical print line to the right of Mick. Without that flaw it conceivably might have earned an 8, but certainly not 9. It's not 8 (PD) or 6 because the line is not that severe, in the graders' view. (Note that the brown line is less evident to the eye than it is in the scan)

Submitters can request no qualifier (with an appropriate deduction), but I believe the graders also have the discretion to give an unqualified grade when there is a defect they feel does not signficantly affect overall quality or eye appeal.

Rangerman

I thank you for your inputs here--- I'm more encouraged to try a few submissions, take a few chances on descent looking cards.. WLYK ---- Tony