Real or Fake - 1949 Bowman

[rob80]

Guy just called me up and said he wanted to sell some cards, one of which is a 1949 Bowman Yogi Berra. He had a stack of 1948 Leaf and 1949 Bowman cards, all in assorted condition. He also had some old newspapers and documents dating back to the 20s that he found with the cards. Not being familiar with the era I was hoping you guys could maybe shine some light. Is the Yogi real or fake? Thanks for your help in advance.

[zimp]

Looks real to me

[rob80]

Originally Posted by zimp

Looks real to me

Thanks for the reply. I should have also asked what people thought it would grade as well.

[pokerplyr80]

Looks fine, 3-4 range on the grade.

[the 'stache]

Hard to be absolutely certain with the card scanned inside a penny sleeve, but I'm guessing somewhere around good + to very good, so a PSA 2.5 to 3. As to its authenticity, I don't see anything disqualifying, but I'm not as familiar with the '49 set. The typography looks correct to me, and I see no evidence that anything has been erased on the back where the word reprint might have been.

The main issues with the condition are the surface crease in the upper left corner, and what appears to be another smaller wrinkle along the lower left edge. All four corners are quite soft, and the one in the upper left might include a touch of paper loss. Again, I'd need to look at it in person under a loupe to be certain. I also see a chip on the top right edge of the reverse. Centering is pretty good, down and to the left. Color and registration are good. Border soiling is consistent with a card 65 years old.

A nice low-grade example you've got here.

[Neal]

solid PSA 3.5 - 4 imo

[the 'stache]

I would have said a solid 3, maybe slightly higher before, but I'm trying to look at the card the way PSA is grading now. Cards I think deserve 6.5 to 7s are coming back with 5s. I see no way a card with a crease like that in the upper left corner, and a possible second one on the lower border, is coming back with a 4 with how strict they're being now. I would hope I'm wrong, but I think you guys are being a bit too forgiving.

It's a shame, because I think that's a real nice card. It's worth sending in because I think Yogi's cards are experiencing a bit of a bump with his recent passing. The eye appeal will beat out the technical grade, and might sell like a 4.

Let us know what you decide to do with it.

[the 'stache]

Rob80, you might take a second scan without the sleeve. I'd like to get a better look at the surfaces. Thanks!

[vthobby]

100% real, PSA 3 on bad day, PSA 4 on a graders good day!

Nice eye appeal!

Peace, Mike

PS VCP on the card in that condition is from a range of $75 to $200. I would value it at $125 retail if I were to buy that card and would like to be into it for around $60 in case of worst case grading scenario. Pretty sad for such a cool looking card!

[swarmee]

I'd think 2-2.5 due to the additional paper loss on the back right edge, coupled with the crease on front top left. Presents nicely, but does have damage that knocks it down.

[clamendo]

4


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[rob80]

Thanks for the feedback. I will get some scans next week with out the penny sleeve and card saver. Will also get some scans of the 1948 Leaf cards as well. Will be sending the cards to PSA soon as well to see what the grade ends up.

[rob80]

Finally got around to getting some scans of the card with out penny sleeve, also scanned a 1948 Leaf Musial. Any thoughts on the authenticity of the Musial?

Thanks