How much does the grade matter - T206 discussion

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. I like the graded cards like these to help know if the card has been altered in any way and is authentic. The number is secondary to me. After I know it hasn't been altered and is authentic, I just look at how much I like the look of the card for these older cards especially. As we all know, a grade doesn't tell the whole story and what the value is of the card. Many factors go into that. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts, thanks for sharing.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@Hodges1455 thank you for sharing! I agree, the number is a start and gives some reassurances on the issues you mentioned. Pre-war cards, in particular, have less sensitivity to the number on the case.

[@SammyThunder]

I appreciate your input on this Aaron. I believe you were the one in the chat that mentioned that HOF's with more common backs will always retain their value. Correct me if I am wrong on that.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@SammyThunder yes, sir. I know there are always exceptions, but as a rule an HOF player from an iconic pre war set feels like a safe addition to the collection. If you go rare back it makes it more reasonable with a common for the collection. Just my 2 cents.

[@jamesmcferran4938]

My philosophy is exactly the same as yours! Unbelievable!

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@jamesmcferran4938 great minds think alike!

[@Redneckclector]

Beautiful cards Aaron! I don’t own a single t206 yet, but when I do buy one, my purchases will be right in line with these. I’ll take a 2 with eye appeal on a century old card any day. In fact that Rube Waddell portrait has been a card I’ve been eyeing for a while in a 1 or 2 grade. I think his story is fascinating and he was a hell of a pitcher. Thanks for doing this topic!

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@@Redneckclector thank you, my friend! Yeah, Rube is a heck of a character and amazing player. T206 is not my favorite set, but it is definitely one of the most iconic!

[@51ringside3]

Totally agree with your philosophy on cards and grading. Great discussion and as usual great showing…..was curious what you thought about the “minimum size not met” designation. Pretty sure it rules out the possibility of the card being trimmed but not entirely certain. Keeping up the great work!

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@51ringside3 that is a great question. My friend and I were just discussing. I think that determination depends on the grading company and when the grade was given. Still has some room for error for sure too.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Love the Waddell portrait! A card I really want to pick up.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@thedetroitcollector yes, sir! The T206 set is such a classic. Rube is such a vibrant image and colors are perfect.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Your Vic Willis PSA 2 looks better than my George Davis SGC 3. This grading thing can make your head spin! Thankfully the number is just that, a number. I love all my cards regardless of that 3rd party opinion.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@EverydayCardCollector-Jason yeah, love them all. Just goes to show, no "2" cards are the same!

[@Jimmycardcollector]

I agree with u on the backs. I would consider the condition of the back for sure. This may be sacrilegious to say in the hobby, but I would not pay the premium for rare advertising on the back. I’m not spending my money on some hard to find cigar advertising on the back. I’m more collecting players and the front, I’m not collecting advertising. I’ll leave that to others.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@Jimmycardcollector I agree in almost all cases. Sales samples or stamped backs can be fun, but various brands advertising doesn't make me want to spend a huge premium. Thanks for sharing!

[@Bostnfn]

I see the grading similar to as you see it. It's basically a guide that steers us toward what he card is like, but shouldn't mean we focus our money on the grade. I think for those of us that care mostly to own the card, you can get great deals because of grading if you find a card at a lower grade that looks nice but was dinged for thinks you don't care about. For instance, I picked up a '55 Ted Williams a few weeks ago for $165 that was graded a 1.5. The front and back look great, centering is decent, no discernible creases, but the corners are rounded. It looks like a card from 1955 should look. If it weren't for those imperfect corners, it'd be a $300 card.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@Bostnfn awesome grab! Yes, 100% agree. I love a good low grade card that looks loved bit not abused. If it's the right card, abused might be okay too!

[@OC-MC_Joe]

That's why I now love collecting low or lettered graded cards, just great having a copy and is liberating to not care as much about the flip, just not a reprint. Been thinking alot about AA cards this year. Whole can of worms for another day. But isn't 99.9% of vintage altered anyway if its not in the condition it was out of the factory or pack? And you definitely can't say the difference with AA cards is because it was intentional, so is not caring if a card gets dinged up and dirty over 80+ years, nor can you say because it was always done to deceive. Its all alterations and all done different ways for different reasons. Also another topic for discussion, I find it interesting how we both really don't care about T206 backs but yet care more or some about backs on other prewar sets that are much rarer to begin with vs T206.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@OC-MC_Joe I agree on the grading and the flip aspect for sure. The altered aspect, I believe it is typically with the intent to improve appearance. I do think that is why so many of us like the "well loved" copies of vintage and particularly pre-war cards. My typical card is probably graded a 1 (if graded) with a few outliers mixed in. Always fun to chat hobby, Joe!

[@stuke1976]

Awesome cards! Thanks for sharing your views.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@stuke1976 thank you, my friend!

[@peterb4871]

Wow, what an eye opener to the range of condition looks within that grade. My only concern when buying is that it’s not a counterfeit so any grade including authentic works for me. But I’d love to have any 2 I own look like that Willis.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@peterb4871 I 100% agree Peter! If we can't see it and touch it, we hope that it's legit. The screening of grading isn't a perfect science, but hopefully it gives us some assurance. And yes, the range is downright crazy!

[@ACollectorsDream]

Great stuff and thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@@ACollectorsDream thanks, Orlando!

[@Vintage_Dave_T]

I love those low grade cards. Stretches the hobby $$. I’m even fine with A or 1 if it looks acceptable. Thx for sharing your opinion.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

@Vintage_Dave_T thank you, Dave. Congrats on the channel milestone, too!