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1st try at box bottoms. Anyone else try cutting them? POPPAGE!!!!

Just cracked a 1986 opc baseball case. I have 24 box bottoms here and starting to cut some up.
What does PSA look for on the cuts? Do I need to show a little black border?
How do these look that I just did...
image
image
image
opcbaseball.com

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    Not sure what they look for but your cuts look nice. What is your weapon of choice when cutting those?
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Not sure what they look for but your cuts look nice. What is your weapon of choice when cutting those? >>



    I have a real good cutting board that im using
    opcbaseball.com
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    divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,714 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice job cutting the box bottoms...image

    Donato
    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
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    totally much better than i would do, i havn't tried to cut a box bottom card for years
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    gameusedhoopgameusedhoop Posts: 3,669 ✭✭✭✭
    frozencaribou (Natan) has some PSA 10's on hockey, you may want to PM him for some tips
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>frozencaribou (Natan) has some PSA 10's on hockey, you may want to PM him for some tips >>



    Great, I will check his out.

    Most of these out of a sealed case come ruined
    I would think 10's and maybe even 9's would go for some good coin
    opcbaseball.com
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    gameusedhoopgameusedhoop Posts: 3,669 ✭✭✭✭
    Here's a link to his cut-outs thread:

    Caribou's 10's
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    Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,733 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    Mike
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    FrozencaribouFrozencaribou Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am an expert on something? I'm very flattered, gameusedhoops.


    After destroying box bottoms for years by using inadequate methods (scissors, exacto knives) and by using logic instead of strict PSA guidelines for box bottoms, I have finally found some sort of system that PSA does not usually reject. I use a fiskars rotary wheel using a fabric mat as a base. I use a arcylic ruler to situate the card for cutting, and usually I get a straight cut with minimal concern for error. These tools are all associated with fabric cutting, which translates nicely for cutting cardboard.

    Even if cards are cut to PSA specs, there is a 25% chance they will still come back "NO: Authentic". A major reason for this is the actual size of the OPC and Topps box bottoms on the panels. In 1986 OPC hockey box bottom cards, you have to destroy all other cards on the panel to get one gradable card because the cards were smaller than normal and PSA will not give numerical grades for "undersized" box bottoms. I will post examples later today.

    Make sure that your end product meets all the silly PSA guidelines for cutting outside the lines, but also be sure to measure the cards carefully so as not to end up with a smaller card than can be graded.

    I hope this helps.

    -Nathanael
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nathanael,

    I have noticed some cards are smaller after being cut and some are very close to standard size.
    I look foward to your examples

    Thank you

    Tom
    opcbaseball.com
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    gameusedhoopgameusedhoop Posts: 3,669 ✭✭✭✭
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Those are great pics but what throws me off is the only card there that has black edges from
    what I can see is the PSA 10. So maybe PSA is more concerned with correct size and doesnt
    mind if the black edge shows?
    opcbaseball.com
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    mexpo75mexpo75 Posts: 1,938 ✭✭✭✭
    I don't think a plastic surgeon has better cuts.
    PackManInNC
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    tunahead08tunahead08 Posts: 1,063 ✭✭✭
    I want to take a knife to this someday:

    image
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    RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,296 ✭✭✭


    << <i>So maybe PSA is more concerned with correct size and doesnt mind if the black edge shows? >>



    Having some black show probably guarantees the card will be enough of a minimum size to grade.
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    FrozencaribouFrozencaribou Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some of the box bottoms issued by OPC and Topps had no defined borders, which makes it easier to create a hand cut card that falls within the size requirements and is perfectly centered. 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1990 all did not have defined internal borders in hockey.

    The problem I spoke of earlier with size standards comes from trying to adhere to the PSA grading standards:

    The Grading of Hand-Cut Cards

    "In order for PSA to actually assign a grade to any of the cards that possess visible/defined borders on all four sides, evidence of that border must be present. If the cut exceeds the visible border for the card in question, PSA will encapsulate the card as "Authentic" only. If the card is severely undersized and suffers in overall eye appeal, the graders may deem the card not suitable for authentication or reject the card as minimum-sized altogether.

    Keep in mind that, for cards that do not possess visible/defined borders, the cards must still fall within a certain size requirement for that particular issue in order to qualify for an actual grade. In other words, the borders must be virtually full in order for a grade to be rendered. Otherwise, as stated above, a label of "Authentic" will be assigned or, in some cases, the cards may fall short of the size requirement altogether. This is not an exact science. PSA will do its best to provide consistent guidelines for these types of cards."

    image

    As you can see, this Lemieux has all defined borders present and was not cut larger than the card dimensions on the box. The problem was the card is smaller than a standard OPC card, and therefore PSA won't grade it.

    image

    And as you can see with the Gretzky, I compensated for the small top border by cutting it larger than it should be. It is a 10 and the Lemieux is Authentic. Even though by the grading standards it should not be given a grade and the Lemieux should be given a grade.

    So the lesson is comply with the standard size of the regular card, not the size of the card as presented on the box bottom.

    Hope this helps and is understandable.

    Nathanael
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    image
    opcbaseball.com
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    These were the only 2 I sent in and they popped today.
    53 total cards graded now and this is the 2nd PSA 10 in the set to grade a 10 (Mattingly is the other)
    The Rose is a pop 1 in PSA 10 out of 16 GRADED. The majority are PSA 6 and 7's with only 1 PSA 8 and 1 PSA 9!
    Boggs is a pop 1 and the highest graded

    13 1 18920112 MINT 9 1986 O-PEE-CHEE BOX PANELS-HAND CUT B WADE BOGGS Card US
    14 1 18920113 GEM MINT 10 1986 O-PEE-CHEE BOX PANELS-HAND CUT N PETE ROSE Card US
    opcbaseball.com
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    ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    VERY nice!
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
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    digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭
    You're gonna make a lot of money with that Rose.
    My Giants collection want list

    WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
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    OAKESY25OAKESY25 Posts: 4,726 ✭✭✭
    are those scratches on the card?
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>are those scratches on the card? >>



    No idea if thats the card or scanner. Not even sure thats the same Rose and Boggs (I dont remember).
    I cut up 2 cases worth of box bottoms and sent 1 Rose and 1 Boggs.
    I have more of these cards but most come damaged. I have some nice George Bretts which will be sent in
    opcbaseball.com
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    ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    how was the case rip itself?
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
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    FrozencaribouFrozencaribou Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great news!! I hope I helped in some small way.

    Also in the great news category, I received a few cards from tsalams1 yesterday. I now own a lifetime supply of Doc Gooden's from 1986 OPC. Much appreciated.

    -Nathanael

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    divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,714 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great job on the box bottoms...image

    Congrats...Donato
    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>how was the case rip itself? >>


    Case rip went well. There were a couple cards I was looking for to submit.
    I found a couple Sandbergs that have a shot at 10s which is a pop 0.
    I bought the cases more for the fresh box bottoms though. Most of the box bottom
    Cards come damaged and stained from the tape I found out. Think I got lucky
    with the Rose image
    opcbaseball.com
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    YogiBerraFanYogiBerraFan Posts: 2,390 ✭✭
    Congrats on the Rose! image
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    ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>how was the case rip itself? >>


    Case rip went well. There were a couple cards I was looking for to submit.
    I found a couple Sandbergs that have a shot at 10s which is a pop 0.
    I bought the cases more for the fresh box bottoms though. Most of the box bottom
    Cards come damaged and stained from the tape I found out. Think I got lucky
    with the Rose image >>



    thats a great point about the box bottoms, with them being stacked on top of each other for the last 25 years
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Great news!! I hope I helped in some small way.

    Also in the great news category, I received a few cards from tsalams1 yesterday. I now own a lifetime supply of Doc Gooden's from 1986 OPC. Much appreciated.

    -Nathanael >>



    Nathanael...
    Yes, thank you for your help. This was the part that helped me the most..."but also be sure to measure the cards carefully so as not to end up with a smaller card than can be graded. "

    I noticed after cutting my 1st couple of boxes that cards were smaller
    opcbaseball.com
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    gameusedhoopgameusedhoop Posts: 3,669 ✭✭✭✭
    And who hooked you up with the "frosty meat" guy? image

    Just kidding of course. Congrats on the grades, we wanna see them when they come back.
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    frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,205 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How much will a case of 86 Topps be these days?

    Shane

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    CNoteCNote Posts: 2,070
    those Gretzky bottoms are amazing!!!!!

    I wanna see the Rose when it comes back. Nice work!
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    opcbaseball.com
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    FrozencaribouFrozencaribou Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great looking cards. Thanks for posting pictures.

    Nathanael
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    CNoteCNote Posts: 2,070
    Gonna list it on the 'bay? Or is it for your personal collection?
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Gonna list it on the 'bay? Or is it for your personal collection? >>



    Trying to avoid Ebay for now. I have contacted most of the Master Set Registry guys
    trying to field offers.

    Not sure what to ask for it. I may have to list it with a buy it now or best offer...

    I would think with the amount of Rose registry people (look at all the sets that have been updated recently),
    that this card would go for a prety penny.
    The #1 guy had a PSA 8 listed at $249 or best offer. Didnt sell but that tells me he knows how hard this
    is to get in high grade. Again, most of the boxes come damaged even in sealed cases.

    Im in no hurry to sell, so we'll see what happens...
    opcbaseball.com
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    CNoteCNote Posts: 2,070
    Weird how you have it in hand, but it still shows an 8 is the highest graded- at least when you look at the #1 registry, and his 8. The pop report is accurate though. I hate it when that kind of stuff happens...
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Card showed up this morning at my front door
    opcbaseball.com
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I just listed the card incase anyone was interested...

    opcbaseball.com
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    gameusedhoopgameusedhoop Posts: 3,669 ✭✭✭✭
    Gem Mint Flower

    Already has a bid @ $200. Nice job!
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    ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭


    << <i>Gem Mint Flower

    Already has a bid @ $200. Nice job! >>



    Excellent! Already paid for the case.
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    After talking with a few Rose registry guys, I have a gut feeling this will go much higher image
    opcbaseball.com
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    ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭


    << <i>After talking with a few Rose registry guys, I have a gut feeling this will go much higher image >>



    i hope it tops $500

    will you be busting more cases?
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>After talking with a few Rose registry guys, I have a gut feeling this will go much higher image >>



    i hope it tops $500

    will you be busting more cases? >>


    Wish I could find more...

    I do have a good amount of stars from my break that will hit PSA that have a shot at 10's
    opcbaseball.com
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    tsalems1tsalems1 Posts: 3,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would love to get a Brett Psa 10. I have 1 that I think has a shot at it...
    opcbaseball.com
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    well played
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