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1971 Topps Baseball Question

DamageIncDamageInc Posts: 150 ✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Ok, first off I took a chance on a GAI (old label) graded 71 Rose. The grade : 8.5. I know, not very smart, but the seller has a return policy so I say what the hell. I get the card, well prepared with my blacklight,my halogen lamp, my lighted 10x, my 16x, and my rulers. (a pack of Camels and a Mountain Dew image) First, I check for black sharpie or any foreign ink and it's all clear. Corners look great, virtually no wear and no bat ears. Next, I look at all edges and they all have that grainy toned look with no signs of fresh cardboard or any ink or raised "lips". I'm about an hour into evaluating the card by this time. Lastly, I measure and sure enough it is right at or SLIGHTLY less than 1/32" top to bottom. I look long and hard at the top and bottom edges again and they look perfectly legit. Left to right is also short, but just barely , less than 1/32". I wanted to cross this card to psa or sgc, but I will probably return it. Are 71's known to have size variances like these? Are vending cards smaller? I was hoping some 71 experts could chime in. The PSA 9 71 Rose that Memory Lane had in their most recent auction looks short also from top to bottom in the holder. There seems to be a lot of space around the top edge of that card. Are 71 Rose's known to be cut short? I'm really confused over this card. image
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Comments

  • diamondmandiamondman Posts: 2,020
    1/32 is not unusual on cards from about any era and if memory serves me right that is normal with the 71 topps, if you really like the card keep it and try to get it to crossover to a PSA 8, if you are trying for a PSA 8.5 or 9, I think you will have crack it out and sub it raw. JMHO
  • DamageIncDamageInc Posts: 150 ✭✭
    Thanks for the reply, I am still on the fence as to return it or not. Is it common for 71's to vary in size and what are the chances of a 71 Rose this sharp to be a teensy bit short. I just have a weird feeling about the card.
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  • lbcoach20lbcoach20 Posts: 883 ✭✭✭
    I've had my fair share of '71's and they vary. I know PSA takes it into account, but they won't holder it if it doesn't meet the minimum size requirement. I don't remember what the allowance is. 1/32 may be ok. But with a high dollar card like you are talking about, they will give it a closer look to make sure. I think it is quite a gamble. Hence, if you decide to keep it I would not crack it and put a minimum grade requirement. That will also lower your chances of the crossover. Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

    Scott
  • hammeredhammered Posts: 2,671 ✭✭✭
    I agree with the above.
    71's do have size variance, both skinny and short. More than most years, even.
    If it's short it doesn't mean it's trimmed.
    BUT couple the shortness with the unfortunate fact it's in a GAI holder and I bet PSA calls it EOT. I'd put money on it.
    Give it a shot, though. A PSA 8 is better than a GAI 8.5.
    If it comes back EOT, I'd crack and resub - give PSA a better look at it second time around.
    If it is still EOT, you're screwed, but I'd at least try. I wouldn't be comfortable with it sitting in a GAI holder.
  • DamageIncDamageInc Posts: 150 ✭✭
    Yeah, there is no way I send it to PSA in the GAI holder, they would most likely give it EOT. I am certain this card is not trimmed, UNLESS there is a device that mimics a factory cut and tones the cardboard. I may keep it, it's a great looking card. I will just have to play the crack and sub game and hope for the best.
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  • Bosox1976Bosox1976 Posts: 8,568 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If it wasn't a big name (Rose) your odds of it getting PSA graded would be better. Plan on 2 or 3 submissions to get it into the holder. Good luck.
    Mike
    Bosox1976
  • DamageIncDamageInc Posts: 150 ✭✭
    This card is really for my personal collection, and not to turn a buck so I would prefer to have this card slabbed by SGC because I have my other Rose cards in their holders and I like their holder better. I am leaning towards submitting it to SGC on a review and requesting a minimum grade of 88 and if it gets kicked back either crack and sub or sell it. I really like the card and I think it's legit, but I do not want to get screwed. I don't have a scanner and I only use a digital camera, so is there any way that I could take a picture of the card that would be actual size and upload it here so I could get some experts here to measure it?
    image
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