Donnie Baseball, Mints and Gem 10s

doog71

So I have a problem where I buy way too many centered PSA 9 1984 Topps Mattinglys.

For the life of me I can't figure out what the difference between a 9 and 10 of this card is. I'm not saying the grading is arbitrary or anything, or that my eye is trained enough to see the differences.

But when I look closely at surface, corners, back, centering etc. I just cannot see any difference most times. If I could, I'd go after more "10"s...but I've had enough 9s and 10s of this card to like most of 'em the same.

I know, nothing new here, but wondering if there's something I'm not noticing that someone more experienced could shed some light on...

UnwoundSage

Most 9s, especially modern, are 10s on any given day. If the corners are good, usually the only thing on an 84 Topps Mattingly that will prevent it from being a 10 is the L/R centering.

doog71

<< <i>Most 9s, especially modern, are 10s on any given day. If the corners are good, usually the only thing on an 84 Topps Mattingly that will prevent it from being a 10 is the L/R centering. >>



It seems that way, but are there maybe tiny condition things that make the difference?

UnwoundSage

Maybe the fading of the blue borders on back.