Need some help with a potential vintage purchase........

RonBurgundy

Guy in local card shop has a really nice '56 Koufax. I've inspected the card at least 3 times. Easy 7. 25% chance it gets an 8 (corners are strong, edges are strong, but centering is 65-35 left to right, 50-50 top to bottom).

I'd like to get the card, but he wants just below Beckett for it (Beckett is $350). SMR in 7 is $275. Because of these economics, I would not buy the card outright with my "own" money. I do, however, have some dough from holiday gifts and also from dumping some off condition stuff that could fund this purchase. If I use that to buy it, the purchase doesn't seem as bad.

This guy is old school and doesn't grade anything. I buy stuff from him occasionally and it slabs consistently as 7 and 8.

Advice?



Thanks,


Ron

goose3

Sounds like you'll really regret not picking it up if you go in there the next time and someone else has snagged it.

XanaduNow

Hey Ron, Brick here.

I just checked and the last 3 PSA 7's to go on ebay have gone between $220-240. I'd probably just pick up a 7 for those prices and spend the other $100+ on somehings else.

Good luck.

storm888

I would probably buy it, if I wanted it.

BUT, I would try to get him to come down a bit on the price.

I would also look carefully for tiny surface-wrinkles and any other
mini-defects, b4 I bought it.

cravetopps

the last 3 7s on ebay sold for less than 239 each. and, if it isn't a 7, you're even more hosed. if it's an 8, you're good. so, you have to ask yourself, do you feel lucky?

storm888

"I just checked and the last 3 PSA 7's to go on ebay have gone between $220-240.
I'd probably just pick up a 7 for those prices and spend the other $100+ on something else."

////////////////////////

Lately, in the case of MANY cards, it is MUCH cheaper to buy
items that are already graded.

Always MUCH safer, too.

originalisbest

Yeah, back in the day (pre-eBay) I'd be all like "where am I ever gonna see another one?"

Well, a '56 Koufax is a cool card (certainly nicer-looking than his rookie) but it's not exactly "scarce." Pass on this one, find one already graded. Your wallet will thank you.

larryallen73

The last 8 went for $495. I am just not sure it's worth the risk to pay too much for a card that "might" be an 8. I would probably hold off on the purchase of this ungraded card.

Volver

I would see how low he can come down...should be some room for him to do that. Everyone seems to be saying buy a slabbed PSA 7 unless you're ready to roll the dice.

Stone193

Hi Ron

Is the guy stuck on that price? How long has the card been sitting in his store? Ya could always wait a bit and go back and see him.

How about this? Let it go for a bit - wait for the first really crappy snow or rainny day - business is slow - walk in with 275$ cash in your pocket. Tell him ya really like the card - that ya got this amount of cash and that's it. And ask for the card. The only thing he can do is say no?

BTW, I wouldn't mention it's cheaper on ebay or SMR talk or anything - that just tells him his prices are too high and may insult him - especially if he's off his meds - if he understands that's all you can afford and he needs to make the rent...he may say SOLD!

Good luck
mike

estang

I'd go with ebay on a PSA/SGC graded one to ensure you're not missing anything in your inspection. Plus, you'd probably find one with a bit bettering centering.