Buying my first Old Judge (OJ) card - advice?

[BioCRN]

They're small. Get one that looks good to you.

Even if the centering is awesome (if you're a centering person) a faded out one can be a bit of a letdown. Image sharpness can be all over the place, even on ones that are technically in good condition.

If you go for a slabbed one, you can find really nice ones for relative deals if they have back damage. There's nothing on the backs on OJ's. This is a dealbreaker for some and for someone like me, if the front looks sharp and there's paper loss on the back I'm picking it up.

[oldjudge]

Buy a copy of the Old Judge book from Kevin in the BST and read it before you spend any money. It will help you appreciate what you are buying and may help you avoid a costly mistake in the future. Good luck!,

[boneheadandrube]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Buy a copy of the Old Judge book from Kevin in the BST and read it before you spend any money. It will help you appreciate what you are buying and may help you avoid a costly mistake in the future. Good luck!,

I would second this, it will give you perspective on what's actually out there to chase.

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Buy a copy of the Old Judge book from Kevin in the BST and read it before you spend any money. It will help you appreciate what you are buying and may help you avoid a costly mistake in the future. Good luck!,

what a great idea... I will do that.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

don't buy from Dean's Cards?

[BobbyStrawberry]

Keep in mind that not all HOFers are created equal in the OJ set. Your budget could get you a fraction of an Ed Delahanty or several Tommy McCarthys.

[shoreball51]

I agree with Jay. Researching what you put may put your capital towards will make you more aware of why you make your decisions. Hoping you enjoy the journey.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Buy a copy of the Old Judge book from Kevin in the BST and read it before you spend any money. It will help you appreciate what you are buying and may help you avoid a costly mistake in the future. Good luck!,

That book is the OJ Bible. Probably one of the best books, if not the best when considering a single card issue. The price that Kevin is selling it for is a BARGAIN.

[Tomi]

Originally Posted by Fred

That book is the OJ Bible. Probably one of the best books, if not the best when considering a single card issue. The price that Kevin is selling it for is a BARGAIN.

100%. Got mine last week and can't put it down.

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Buy a copy of the Old Judge book from Kevin in the BST and read it before you spend any money. It will help you appreciate what you are buying and may help you avoid a costly mistake in the future. Good luck!,

This is sound advice. It's a beautify produced book and one of the top three in my hobby library. Every time I crack mine open I learn something new.

Advice from myself: Focus on image quality over technical grade. I promise you'll be happier with the card while in your collection, and it will be easier to sell when that time comes.

[Angyale]

know your wantlist. It could end up costing you a ton of money down the road…..

Angyale

[JollyElm]

478. “Loose lips sink flips.”
The time honored maxim that it is best not to be too forthcoming in letting people know what hard-to-find cards you’re actively pursuing, because anyone having one of those cards will know they now have you over a barrel.

[oldjudge]

The hard to find cards are listed in the book. There are very few mysteries associated with the set for those who care to look. I suggest you be forthcoming with friends who might help you find cards you are looking for.

[ejharrington]

Image quality trumps all on OJ.

[Fred]

Image quality is #1. Assuming that alterations (reback, trimmed) are already precluded.

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by Fred

Image quality is #1. Assuming that alterations (reback, trimmed) are already precluded.

I agree 100%. TPGs don’t take the image quality into account. I would guess it is because it would add yet another layer of subjectivity. In the case of OJs, they are not really card graders, merely paper graders.