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How much does back of card affect grade?

billkardbillkard Posts: 1
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I'm just getting back into collecting after decades of being away. I've been trading with some people who are mostly very nice and so far my description of the cards' conditions have been fairly accurate. I recently had an issue with another collector - the front of the card was very nicely centered and glossy, corners sharp. The back was probably 99% intact and in nice condition other than 2 small areas that were worn, or some of the paper was gone, I'm not sure which. And I did describe the condition of the back as accurately as I could. Considering the card was 47 years old I didn't think that was too bad.

But this other party almost tore me a new one, claiming these small defects were enough to lower the card about 3 grades. I doubt that is correct, but considering my newness to this whole grading thing (yes I'm old enough to have stuck those Mickey Mantle or Ted Williams cards between the spokes of my bike tires - hey it sounded cool) I figured I would get the opinion of those more knowledgable than myself. Please educate me.

Comments

  • MorgothMorgoth Posts: 3,950 ✭✭✭
    Paper loss and damage on the back of the card will affect the grade just like it was the front. Paper loss knocks the grade down to a max grade of PSA 3 in most cases. If you sold these as EX-MT it would be deceptive.
    Currently completing the following registry sets: Cardinal HOF's, 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1980 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, Bill Mazeroski Master & Basic Sets, Roberto Clemente Master & Basic Sets, Willie Stargell Master & Basic Sets and Terry Bradshaw Basic Set
  • Ladder7Ladder7 Posts: 1,221 ✭
    Light PL on back = 2. If I'm lucky, a 3.
    some cards
  • nightcrawlernightcrawler Posts: 5,110 ✭✭
    Yep, that paper loss is brutal on the grades.


    That's why I like collecting certain cards with paper loss. They make great display cards, if you're normally worried about displaying expensive cards.
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,219 ✭✭
    Bill,

    I agree with the other posters. Paper loss, whether on the front or the back, will knock the hell out of the grade.

    Stay Healthy!

    Doug

    PS I too remember THE MICK making my bike sound like a motorcycle! LOL
    STAY HEALTHY!

    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.
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