How did this 1953 Topps Mantle PSA 4 not get a ST qualifier?
Grimster
Posts: 286 ✭✭✭
Im in the market for a low/mid grade 53 Topps Mantle and this one really caught my eye. Centering is pretty good and I think it looks great on the front for a PSA 4. But when I see the back and how it has that wax stain it really makes me not want to bid on it. How did it not get an "ST" qualifier?
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Im in the market for a low/mid grade 53 Topps Mantle and this one really caught my eye. Centering is pretty good and I think it looks great on the front for a PSA 4. But when I see the back and how it has that wax stain it really makes me not want to bid on it. How did it not get an "ST" qualifier?
Ebay link
I think because it is a psa 4. I have found that in the lower grades they are willing to let a stain go as it is inline with the grade of vg/ex
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
I'm responding from my phone so its hard to get a good look at the card. However, from what I can see, the card, but for the stain, looks like it might qualify as a "6". Maybe the submitter requested NO QUALIFIERS?
Going to agree that the front looks better than a 4. Probably more of a 5, possibly a 6.
Being that the wax stain is on the back and that the card is of low/mid grade, the stain doesn't detract from the eye appeal/grade that much. If the front looked like an 8, then this would probably be dropped the two full grades into a 6. Being that pushing this down two full grades would probably put it in a PSA 3, it would be unfair to put this card up against a creased card, which is typical of the 3 VG grade. I think it's correctly in a 4 holder, but that's just my opinion.
Grades are simple opinionated assessments; different between TPG and individuals themselves. Some may look at the card and think that they can live without ever caring about the back of the card, and are getting a card with the eye appeal of a 5 or 6. Others, like you, may not be able to get past the fact that there's a huge wax stain on the back.
If it doesn't appeal to you, definitely don't buy it. You will probably be looking for a new one not soon after. (But then again, how the Mantle market is going, who knows what it would be worth in a few months or years).
LaJoie Portrait 3+, Cy Young Bare Hand 3+
Ty Cobb Bat Off 4+, ANY Red & Green Portrait