That is a strong 8 on the Billy Martin! How is that not an 8.5 or even a 9?
Great example of how the bar has been raised on at least high end cards. Early graded cards with serial # beginning with 0, 1 or 3 were subjected to an easier standard than today’s cards with serial # beginning with 4, 5, 6 or 7. IMO…the change began with cards starting with serial # 2…and only has progressively become more difficult to receive an 8.5 or 9.
Of course…there are early graded cards which would pass the “grader of death” standards today…but again more difficult today to receive that 8.5 or 9.
I have to say, PSA is being ridiculously strict on your cards.
On the Unitas, yes, it is not perfectly centered, but the edges and corners are probably near perfect. Thus, in hand, is the snow really bad enough for a 6 vs a 7?
@georgebailey2 said:
I have to say, PSA is being ridiculously strict on your cards.
On the Unitas, yes, it is not perfectly centered, but the edges and corners are probably near perfect. Thus, in hand, is the snow really bad enough for a 6 vs a 7?
And some of those 72 9s look like reasonable 10s.
Love this thread. Thank you for posting.
I think they quickly go from 10 to 6/7 these days with very narrow guidelines to get a deduction. VERY narrow.
@georgebailey2 said:
I have to say, PSA is being ridiculously strict on your cards.
On the Unitas, yes, it is not perfectly centered, but the edges and corners are probably near perfect. Thus, in hand, is the snow really bad enough for a 6 vs a 7?
And some of those 72 9s look like reasonable 10s.
Love this thread. Thank you for posting.
Doesn't matter if the corners are a 10. The worst flaw defines the grade. (at least that's how it should be).
Problem is, PSA is not adhering to it's defined grading standards when it comes to vintage.
In the past, a card with several PSA6 defined flaws, still got a 6.
Today, the flaws are cumulative, and every flaw drops the grade a point. (soft corners-->6, edge wear-->5, surface wear-->4)
That PSA6 is now a PSA4 today, despite the worst flaw falling under PSA6 defined standards.
PSA6 standard says "...may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal"
Forget that it's Unitas. You don't feel the snow, as you call it, detracts from its appeal?
I have PSA4's that got hammered for surface issues which are NOT visible without magnification AND only under certain lighting conditions. That doesn't follow the current PSA defined standards.
Those corners on Johnny U. are razor sharp for sure. Tough grade but card still looks great with the bright white borders and sharp corners. The snow must be the what brought down the grade to a 6.
Beautiful Johnny U. Lots of snow which I would have to guess is why it is a 6. Snow, print flaws and surface seem to be the thing that is penalized more today than in the past from what I have seen although I would think that would have been marked down at most points in PSA's history. some years it is so painful
Love the Hank , I have one of the 7 8's. I need card #1 to wrap up the run
@JBrules said:
Those corners on Johnny U. are razor sharp for sure. Tough grade but card still looks great with the bright white borders and sharp corners. The snow must be the what brought down the grade to a 6.
As a lifelong Cardinal and Ozzie fan I always thought that card was pretty funny. It shows him swinging and missing which reflected his rep as a hitter in the 80s. Even his eyes seem to be closed.
During Shark Week I ripped a 1978 Jaws 2 pack I purchased 30 years back for 25cents. I reckon today the pack might go for nearly a buck, then again perhaps not.
@UFFDAH seeking your approval to post my results to this thread. No worries if you'd rather not have it here.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972) Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)
Comments
Love the Hank!
Bosox1976
Those 59's are gorgeous!!!!
Liberty Seated Half Dollars (lower circulated grades)
I'm pretty sure if I sent that Henderson it would come back a 6.
A few more 62's coming back...
That is a strong 8 on the Billy Martin! How is that not an 8.5 or even a 9?
Great example of how the bar has been raised on at least high end cards. Early graded cards with serial # beginning with 0, 1 or 3 were subjected to an easier standard than today’s cards with serial # beginning with 4, 5, 6 or 7. IMO…the change began with cards starting with serial # 2…and only has progressively become more difficult to receive an 8.5 or 9.
Of course…there are early graded cards which would pass the “grader of death” standards today…but again more difficult today to receive that 8.5 or 9.
Did Billy Martin ever take a photo where it didn’t look like he was ready to fight someone?
Freshly Graded - check out the corners - SHARP
I have to say, PSA is being ridiculously strict on your cards.
On the Unitas, yes, it is not perfectly centered, but the edges and corners are probably near perfect. Thus, in hand, is the snow really bad enough for a 6 vs a 7?
And some of those 72 9s look like reasonable 10s.
Love this thread. Thank you for posting.
Another example of how high the bar is on grading standards today…by-gone days that is a PSA-7 all day
A card I would cherish and never sell.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars (lower circulated grades)
I think they quickly go from 10 to 6/7 these days with very narrow guidelines to get a deduction. VERY narrow.
Doesn't matter if the corners are a 10. The worst flaw defines the grade. (at least that's how it should be).
Problem is, PSA is not adhering to it's defined grading standards when it comes to vintage.
In the past, a card with several PSA6 defined flaws, still got a 6.
Today, the flaws are cumulative, and every flaw drops the grade a point. (soft corners-->6, edge wear-->5, surface wear-->4)
That PSA6 is now a PSA4 today, despite the worst flaw falling under PSA6 defined standards.
PSA6 standard says "...may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal"
Forget that it's Unitas. You don't feel the snow, as you call it, detracts from its appeal?
I have PSA4's that got hammered for surface issues which are NOT visible without magnification AND only under certain lighting conditions. That doesn't follow the current PSA defined standards.
I agree with all. PSA is NOT adhering to their own grading standard
@Copyboy1 - that's a great looking Unitas you have!!
Those corners on Johnny U. are razor sharp for sure. Tough grade but card still looks great with the bright white borders and sharp corners. The snow must be the what brought down the grade to a 6.
Beautiful Johnny U. Lots of snow which I would have to guess is why it is a 6. Snow, print flaws and surface seem to be the thing that is penalized more today than in the past from what I have seen although I would think that would have been marked down at most points in PSA's history. some years it is so painful
Love the Hank , I have one of the 7 8's. I need card #1 to wrap up the run
How about an 8 PD then?
From National;
No Pujols, no Ichiro other than that one.😩
Ridiculous.
Late 60's and early to mid 70's non-sports
2nd Year Ozzie
But how was the gum?
As a lifelong Cardinal and Ozzie fan I always thought that card was pretty funny. It shows him swinging and missing which reflected his rep as a hitter in the 80s. Even his eyes seem to be closed.
Thats a super nice 8.... I'd consider it mint but that's just me.
A friend visited this weekend. We grew up together and collected/traded as kids.
We opened up some fun stuff!! I still need to take more pics.
Here are a few to get started.
Show me the Gibby!
Topps Super cello gum is awesome!
I am floored to watch the 75 vending rip. Yount and Brett have shots for 9's? Brett small diamond cut?
Some nice bookends on that 75 vending box. Should have some high grade HOF'ers from the rip. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Without seeing the back:
Yount : PSA 7
Brett: PSA 5
chaz
I have learned that including penny sleeves and top loaders in the posted pic prior to actually ripping is a BAD LUCK !!
THAT, or I just suck. heh
i agree with the yount but maybe the brett might have a good shot at a psa 6 color looks great a little chipping on the bottom right edge.
Hoping you find 1 more of each.....
That right corner is not good....best I can do is:
PSA 5.5
chaz
2 Bretts and 1 Yount in total from the box.
Here you go. Unfortunately that Gibson on the end has a ding. Bad location to be.
During Shark Week I ripped a 1978 Jaws 2 pack I purchased 30 years back for 25cents. I reckon today the pack might go for nearly a buck, then again perhaps not.
@UFFDAH seeking your approval to post my results to this thread. No worries if you'd rather not have it here.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)
@82FootballWaxMemorys - not a problem.
I've got more 75 to share and will keep on sprinkling them in.
Considering it's a 75 set the centering isn't terrible on the Yount/Bretts. Could have been a lot worse.
Those Brook Robinsons are sweet though. Beautiful cards.
Beautiful cards. I remember flipping 75’s in the school yard during recess. Heads or tails.😊
Forum members on ignore
Erba - coolstanley-dallasactuary-SDsportsfan
daltex
I'm personally rooting for a nicely centered Chief Noc-A-Homa rookie card. > @UFFDAH said:
That's rough. Should have been 3 of each. Definitely unlucky.
Some really nice ones. Love the Thurmans.