Is an "oc" qualifier always such a bad thing?
Steve1124
Posts: 198 ✭
If we're comparing a vintage card (1948 Leaf. short print) that's graded PSA 8 oc, vs. a PSA 6 with no qualifiers, which would you rather have? In my scenario, let's say the 'oc' card is centered 80/20 L-R, and 20/80 T-B. Seems to me that a card that is only that much off, could actually be a real bargain. For example, i saw a card of this issue, in PSA 8 with no qualifiers, sell for over $20k in a major auction. The same issue, with the 'oc' qualifier, as described, sold for a little over $2700. I know that as far as the Registry is concerned, an '8 oc' is "equivalent" to a 6 with no qualifiers. But VALUE-wise, does this still hold true? Seems you could make a pretty good argument that the '8 oc' is preferable, given it's OTHER attributes: sharper corners, better clarity, and overall appearance EXCEPT for the centering, which caused it the qualifier. I have to wonder if the 'oc' qualifier really deserves the stigma it carries. Perhaps for cards that are WAY off-center, like 90/10 or worse, but i still marvel at the difference in price of two 8's, when one of them is just not centered as well! What do YOU think?
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Comments
Late 60's and early to mid 70's non-sports
This really depends upon the person. Many would rather have a nice 7 or a solid centered 6 for less money.
I'm from the era where OC didn't mean 'as' much - and there wasn't as much disparity between an 8 and 8OC.
My memory says that there's more of a difference is price between the two today compared to 20 yrs ago.
I picked up these two cards cheap back in the early 90s - I like them - but if I were to resell them? That would be a different story.
Further, I think the Perry could easily be a 'slider' 8 - but that's just semantics - if ya check the prices on commons in a set - you'll find a centered 8 will bring more money than an OK centered 8 - maybe with the exception of a very low pop card.
So, in the end - I'm fine with OC cards.
mike
Dave D.
That Perry rookie is very very close in my opinion. I've seen straight 8s with worse centering that that card.
Snorto~
On 1954 Wilson Weiners, the borders are so razor-thin anyway, centering is much less of an issue, as compared to picture quality and corners. 1948 Leaf -- big borders. The SPs are pretty darn tough whichever way you collect them, so it comes down to a budget question. Are you a corner/tone man, or a centering man?
M
There is never an easy answer. An 8 never sells for the same amount twice. A 50/50 Mantle PSA 8 will sell for a HUGE premium over an unqualified PSA 8 that has inferior centering. I think, as a rule of thumb, the general price drop is equivalent to two grade points -- e.g. a PSA 8 o/c will sell for ~ what a PSA 6 typically goes for.
But each card must be evaluated independently. The most egregious examples of price disparity tends to be those on the borderline -- e.g. when a 69/31 card get a high grade and thus sells for a huge premium, whereas a 71/29 example gets a qualifier and sells for a huge discount.
I dont mind them O/c, gives em character!
<< <i>In general terms I do not mind OC cards top to bottom, but clearly horiztonally off-centered cards suffer far more in terms of eye appeal for me. >>
That's true for me, too.
I agree about the Perry. That's a straight 7, at least.
Aw, heck; i've tried for half an hour now, and i can't figure out how to load the picture here! If anyone wants to see it, check out the Bob Feller basic set (#2 best) for the 1948 Leaf.
Jeff
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