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Importance of Graded "Back Scans"--Does it Matter?

How important is it to include a "back scan" of graded cards when selling them on the eBay? Assume cards are 1950-1980. Does it cause you bid less, not bid at all, or does it make no difference? Thanks.

Comments

  • TNP777TNP777 Posts: 5,710 ✭✭✭
    I'm of the opinion that when it comes to vintage, a buyer would definitely find it helpful to see the back of the card. It doesn't take the seller that much longer to scan both sides and throw both pics out there, that is unless the seller has a LOT of cards to scan - then it might be a tad time consuming.
  • cpettimdcpettimd Posts: 1,050 ✭✭✭
    I think it is better to include scans of both sides, as well as high quality, larger scans, especially for more expensive cards. A lot of the scans on ebay are too small IMO.
    Collecting Clemente master (#6) and basic PSA registry sets, Hank Aaron master and basic sets, Mantle oddball issues, 1970's mega decade HOFs, 1967 Topps pin ups, and high grade Topps Clemente and Aaron. Numerous transactions with over 100 board members.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Depends on the card. For average priced cards I'd accept
    a verbal description of the back.

    For higher priced cards i prefer to see the back.

    I also would like to see or read if a back just meets the standard.

    I once paid moon money for a PSA 9 that had a 90/10 back.


    Shame on the seller for not mentioning it and shame on me
    for not asking!

    Steve
    Good for you.
  • MintacularMintacular Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I also would like to see or read if a back just meets the standard. >>


    Can't you assume that if it got a "PSA 8" that the back must meet "PSA 8" standards as well and therefore can't you trust PSA's overall grade assessment, etc.?
  • I bought a BGS 9.5 2005 card for my PC. No back pic made avail. nor did I ask. Before I rec'd it, I sold my BGS 9. Once I rec'd the 9.5, I noticed the back was terribly OC and had white on 3 of the corners on this black bordered card. My 9 looked alot better. This card was from a bulk submitter. Lesson learned. If I cannot get a back scan, I'll pass.
    imageimageimage
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 31,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not a big deal for me, I will email a seller and ask if the back has gum/wax stains or not.

    Im ussually bidding on early 1950's Bowman Football which is always is a possibilty of back staining is why I ask. For other issues I never ask about the back.
  • MintacularMintacular Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭
    Fair enough, I get that. I guess my question, and this is probably elementary, is that PSA & BGS has standards that the back must meet for a card to get a certain grade, correct? So your BGS card, while the back disappointed you, theoretically met the BGS standard of a 9.5, right?
  • I have since been told they are more leinant on the back. The 3 touched corners though, was a oversight by the grader. If I cracked it and sent it in....never would get a 9.5.
    imageimageimage
  • ga5150ga5150 Posts: 743 ✭✭✭
    If selling and not automatically including back scans with all auctions, you could always put in a statement in the item description that if the potential bidder would like a scan of the back, that you could provide one if needed. It would save the extra .15 cents, and you may not even have to provide the scan to anyone, depending on the card.

    Rodney
  • I have a question. If there was only one touched corner on the back, would it still deserve a 9.5?
  • From a seller's perspective, providing scans of the back without request, I have found to be relatively thankless. I doubt someone will pay a premium for a "good back", but it's more likely to be detrimental since the standards are weaker for the backs. I would certainly provide a scan of the back upon request.

    My worst buying experience was an 87 Fleer Bonds PSA 10 (back when these worth more than toilet paper). The cards were prone to chipping on the back of the blue borders... I assumed a PSA 10 would look good, but it looked worse than my PSA 8's. Fortunately, I sold it for only a small loss and moved on.
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭

    Can't you assume that if it got a "PSA 8" that the back must meet "PSA 8" standards as well and therefore can't you trust PSA's overall grade assessment, etc.?




    Yes and PSA 8 standards are 90/10 on the back. Not sure you understand what i was saying.

    If the card just meets the standard I'd like to know that before I bid.

    Steve
    Good for you.
  • benderbroethbenderbroeth Posts: 1,699 ✭✭
    well with some vintage it might be a good idea, i once bought a psa 2 hal chase (t205) and when i got it it had huge paper loss on the back, i now always ask for a back scan.
    my t-205's


    looking for low grade t205's psa 1-2
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