Grade or Authenticate this 86 Fleer MJ rc? UPDATE 9/1/17: GRADE POPPED

erikthredd

I plan on submitting this MJ Fleer rc to PSA at some point and haven't decided if I should get the grade or just authenticate,any opinions? I've had this since 86 when i pulled it from a pack and it spent over 20 years in a penny sleeve inside a non-recessed 4 screwdown holder. The most noticeable flaws are a slight scratch near his knees on the front which isn't really noticeable unless i take it out of the penny sleeve and then there are 2 small impressions near the top left corner on the back and you can see the some yellowing around the edges & some corner wear. Recommendations?

bbcemporium

Absolutely go for the numerical grade

erikthredd

What do you think i'd be looking at grade wise?

bbcemporium

I'd guess a 4. If you just authenticate it, I'm guessing a lot of people will think it has been altered in some fashion.

erikthredd

I honestly have no plans on selling it so i wouldn't worry about the altered opinions. I just never sent it in because I didn't want to have it come back a 1 or 2 thats why I mentioned authenticating it. Maybe I'll send it and see how it goes. Thanks

Time4aGansett

For many reasons it makes sense to get the card graded. Number grade should not play a factor in deciding whether or not to get it graded.

divecchia

I would grade it and I don't see that card coming back a 1 or 2. I'm thinking more in the 5 range.

Good luck.

Donato

erikthredd

Time4aGansett,I'm gonna go with the grading. I just needed a more informed opinion and this is the best place to get it.

Donato,i've been looking at PSA & BGS copies if this card for years on ebay and thought between the scratch,the 2 marks and the yellowing not to mention the corner wear would have kept the grade low. Thanks

Dand522612

Any Mantle and any 86 Jordan always grade

Bcookie

go for the number grade, when I see AUTH it equals TRIMMED in my mind

secretstash

PSA always for these. Back is pretty sharp beyond the common fisheye along with no tilt.

I say PSA 4.5 and could sneak into a 5, but I think bottom right corner holds it back due to the crease.

*Strong recommendation--never put it back in that 4 screw down holder again.

JBrules

Agree with the numerical grade. Also looks like a PSA 4 to me at best. I don't see it getting a 1 or 2. Good luck with the grading and let us know how it turns out.

erikthredd

thanks and will do.

erikthredd

I finally got around to sending this MJ rookie for grading last week and the grade just popped. Pretty happy overall and can't wait to see it in a lighthouse label slab (my 1st one)
VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1986 Fleer 57 Michael Jordan

Jimmy_Commonpants

I see that posters predicted a 4 or 5. I would have graded that a 5 given that it has very good centering. I guess those stains on the back and the bottom right corner were too much for the grader that got it.

Cakes

@erikthredd said:
I finally got around to sending this MJ rookie for grading last week and the grade just popped. Pretty happy overall and can't wait to see it in a lighthouse label slab (my 1st one)
VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1986 Fleer 57 Michael Jordan

That's a card that I would crack and re sub every year for the next 3 or 4 years to see if it could get to a 5.

erikthredd

@Jimmy_Commonpant i was expecting a lower grade so i'm good with getting a 4.

@Cakes I'll probably go the Review route before cracking. I wouldn't want to crack it then have it come back lower than it is now.

JBrules

Congrats on landing a PSA 4. Be sure to post a picture of it when it arrives.

erikthredd

Just got this back in the mail. I love that the scratch by his knees is hardly noticeable now through the slab.

divecchia

She's a beautiful looking PSA 4.

I still think this has a good shot at a PSA 5.

Congrats.

Donato

erikthredd

@divecchia said:
She's a beautiful looking PSA 4.

I still think this has a good shot at a PSA 5.

Congrats.

Donato

thanks,I'm gonna wait a bit then send it for Review.

rounding3rd

I am strictly a baseball card guy...what is the value difference between a 4 and a 5?
-Michael

rcmb3220

@rounding3rd said:
I am strictly a baseball card guy...what is the value difference between a 4 and a 5?
-Michael

The price drops from 8 on down are pretty gentle. 5s are 600 to 700 and 4s are 500-600. Probably not worth reviewing even if it's going to be sold.

Jimmy_Commonpants

I think it comes down to that bottom right corner. The grader probably calls that a "crease" while I have always referred to that as a "dog ear" or a "ding". Without that being called a "crease", that falls squarely within the PSA 5 language.

I saw one recently with two creases through the middle of the card bring $275 or $300, so I bet this one would be at least $600 currently if the owner was interested in selling.

erikthredd

@rounding3rd I won't be selling this card no matter what the grade was. i pulled this from a .65 cent pack in 86 when i was 12 and my entire lifetime of collecting cards has revolved around this card & player. I'll give it a shot at review in the near future,maybe even a couple tries.