Why did these topps sheets go for such big $$$??

[Volod]

Could be mistaken, but I believe that graders have means to identify cutting techniques by examining cut edges under magnification, but would they bother in this case?

[jhs5120]

You can easily tell whether or not a 1971 Topps card is hand cut if you have it in hand. These will more than likely end up in BVG slabs where they accept hand-cut cards.

[D. Bergin]

Did Topps employ some sort of unique printing press that cut cards differently then any printing press set up with the proper dimensions can't do today?

[japhi]

Originally Posted by jhs5120

You can easily tell whether or not a 1971 Topps card is hand cut if you have it in hand. These will more than likely end up in BVG slabs where they accept hand-cut cards.

There are lots of sheet cut cards in PSA slabs. Guys smarter than me have tracked a sellers buying and selling history on Ebay and can show a seller buying a vintage sheet, buying a paper cutter and then having a large number of high grade slabs for sale.

A few threads if you re bored:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=162447

http://net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=161482