To crack, or not to crack...ASA graded card...
 

Okay -

So I've owned this card for a while now. I was always nervous to hear what others thought of the card, whether it is legit or not. It is well documented (at least on this forum) that ASA graded cards are often times trimmed, but generally thought to be authentic.

So here's the question, should I crack it out before submitting to SGC, or should I leave it in the ASA holder? I'm leaning towards leaving it in, but w/ Zeenuts, there is always a very fine line between having it grade as SGC 10 vs. "A". In other words, will there be any bias by the card graders since it's being submitted in the ASA holder? And yes, I know it won't come back as a 20, 30, or 40...

Based on my untrained eye, it appears to have the right "un-couponed" dimensions to come back as a 10, but I just don't know...

Questions, comments, snide remarks?

I would totally agree with your assessment, overgraded but authentic and no further alterations - a perfect SGC 10.

personally...I'd keep it in the ASA holder as a historical trace of one of the earliest slabs in the hobby.

while I think Alan Hager was/is somewhat of a conman...I still like the remnant of a long past period in time.

And regarding the card's status...I'd say untrimmed...just rough!!!!!

Nice card!

It certainly looks authentic, but it also looks like it might have been torn in two at some point. Crack if you just don't like the ASA holder, but my guess is it wouldn't get a numerical grade from SGC.

Why not put your own mind to rest, submit it to SGC and see what happens. It should at least put your mind to rest about the issue, even if it comes back graded authentic, atleast you'll know the fact and not be questioning it anymore. Peace of mind can be a wonderful thing.

Very good point...enough said! I'm sorry to say but there will be one fewer ASA graded card in circulation soon enough, despite Peter's desire to save one of the few remaining relics of the Hager era.

I guess i just disagree! how will submitting this to SGC "put your mind at rest?" If it comes back A...you'll be pissed!

Just because a TPG'er says it's one thing or the other...why should that matter?

Why can't the card just be enjoyed for what it is...a tough, desirable "DeMaggio" rookie?!

Problem solved !?
 

Derek - Crack out, submit to SGC, then send Peter the ASA holder as a keepsake of yesteryear. There ya go, problem solved. :D

crack it.

keep it raw or re-submit to SGC

Sounds good to me...I'll take it!:)

Pete Ullman
917 Grand Ave
C/O Park Dental
saint paul mn 55105

The proverbial win-win!!

Leave it as it is
 

I agree with Peter. The card is creased, there is paper loss to the front and the coupon is torn off. I don't think it will receive a numeric grade. That's the Zeenut collector in me talking.

I also agree with Peter about keeping it in the original slab. There are many different versions of PSA slabs out there and to have a vintage card in an early slab is kind of cool. To have such a difficult and expensive card in an old ASA slab is very cool. There are probably so few left out there that (I feel) it adds to the collectibility of the card (not that your particular card would need any help).

It's only my 2-cents, but I say leave it alone.

Wow great card Derek! I agree with Peter... Keep it. Slab collecting has taken over and isn't going anywhere. Who knows, maybe rare slabs will be 'where it's at' in the future :). Anyway, you may have the only asa graded Joe DiMaggio Zeenut out there

Crack! It has that PRO feel to it in that holder based on the below examples. Not all of your, or your family's, potential buyers will know the history of card authentication and will be hesitant. An SGC 10 or authentic will be great for that fantastic card.

I have mentioned in a recent previous thread that I like the ASA holder as a nostalgic sort of piece, so I also understand where Peter is coming from.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-MICKEY-...item35bc509c93

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-TOPPS-B...item3cc583d57c

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...vip=true&rt=nc

a "one of one"
 

Sweet, maybe I'll market it as a POP 1, "one of one" ASA graded DeMaggio ERROR card - - honestly, I'm keeping it regardless...if I ever decide to sell, I guarantee I'll be putting it in a new holder (SGC, most likely).

I have never cracked a card out of a holder, and don't feel comfortable with trying it out on this one... so Peter, if I ever do change my mind and submit it to SGC, I'll have to get a tutorial on cracking out cards and promise to send you the ASA holder as a keepsake!

Cheers, Derek

good choice!!!

+1. I've got one ASA graded card, a 1960 Leaf Duke Snider, in very nice shape. From what I can see of the edges under magnification, mine appears to be non-trimmed also. Hager did make some real contributions to the hobby, including his 1993 hardcover book, which was really well done for the time. Unless you want to sell it, I'd keep it in the ASA holder for the reasons stated above.

Larry

If the issue is that you would be happy with an SGC 10, but don't want to wind up with an "A", then send it to SGC in the ASA slab with an express Minimum Grade requirement of SGC 10.

If SGC thinks "A", they'll send it back to you in the slab, and it is still an ASA 3 (FWIW). If they think it is a 10 or better (unlikely better), they'll crack it and cross it.

Cheers,
Blair

Send it in as is. Slab will protect the card. It will get either an A grade or SGC 10. Wouldn't expect much on the grade