'55 Aaron - where does this grade?

[Oscar_Stanage]

I'd really appreciate your expert views on where this might grade...
I am pretty certain it is real, but if you think otherwise don't be shy...

Thank you !

[swarmee]

4.5 or 5 if real. Looks so clean I'm not sure. Back looks right. Do you have it in hand to zoom in to the print pattern on the red name section on the front? I think it should be a solid block, and if it is, can likely be authenticated as real.

[Oscar_Stanage]

thank you John. That is the grade i would assume as well..
under magnification, the red is solid...
I zoomed on the pic here:

I do not have another '55 with me, but the cardboard seems right in terms of thickness and weight, the edges look like cut-cardboard in terms of color and also rigidness. the size of the card is spot on....

[cardsagain74]

Plus I've never seen fake '55s with that typical L/R centering shift for that year which measure correctly.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong (as I'm the furthest thing from an expert on this matter!)

[Oscar_Stanage]

bump... hope to see some more comments on this one.

[stlcardsfan]

I was thinking 4.5 before I saw John’s estimate.

[JollyElm]

Looks real nice!! I would go in the 5 range (and would hope for even higher). Granted, my focus is usually on corners, and Hammerin' Hank's look to easily be above the usual PSA 5 level (I just randomly searched ebay for PSA 5 cards from the 1950's and all of them seemingly had worse corners). Am I wrong in assuming there are no wrinkles or other hidden problems? One possible worry is the back centering. It is a hair away from being miscut, which may or may not fit within the standards for PSA mid-grade cards...but it is probably AOK.

Good luck!!

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Looks real nice!! I would go in the 5 range (and would hope for even higher). Granted, my focus is usually on corners, and Hammerin' Hank's look to easily be above the usual PSA 5 level (I just randomly searched ebay for PSA 5 cards from the 1950's and all of them seemingly had worse corners). Am I wrong in assuming there are no wrinkles or other hidden problems? One possible worry is the back centering. It is a hair away from being miscut, which may or may not fit within the standards for PSA mid-grade cards...but it is probably AOK.

Good luck!!

thanks, Elm. the face is pretty clean. Above the tip of his cap there is a very subtle spot where the yellow color is off. it might possibly be a stain of some sort. That could cost it a 5, and also as you mentioned the back is close to miscut. We will see. when I buy cards like this, i try to assume the worst possible grade and be happy to own it for that price... After all, we are collectors..

[hcv123]

and the card definitely looks real.

[Neal]

Originally Posted by hcv123

and the card definitely looks real.

because is is .... PSA 3.5 to 4

[Oscar_Stanage]

the Aaron came back a 4.5.... and a bit more valuable than when I sent it out...

All of armchair graders were pretty spot on..

[jb67]

CONGRATS. Nice looking Aaron.

[jchcollins]

Nice. I would have guessed a PSA 5. There are midgrade range discrepancies all over the place due to surface issues that many times cannot be seen in a scan. Fair grade and I would be happy with it; congrats.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Nice. I would have guessed a PSA 5. There are midgrade range discrepancies all over the place due to surface issues that many times cannot be seen in a scan. Fair grade and I would be happy with it; congrats.

Agree with you on mid-grades... I think this range has been graded down in the recent year or 2... I see some really nice 3 and 4s... I am super happy with a 4.5, had my expectations set at 4.

[Rookiemonster]

Psa 5 but the top border looks like it was trimmed.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Rookiemonster

Psa 5 but the top border looks like it was trimmed.

don't see that, are you talking top border when the card is horizontal? or top border in the slab? it measures spot on to standard sizing.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Rookiemonster

Psa 5 but the top border looks like it was trimmed.

if you are looking at the raw scan, I see what you mean. it looks curved, but that is just the curvature from the card not being perfectly flat... I see that effect in a lot of unprofessional raw pics...

[Rookiemonster]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

if you are looking at the raw scan, I see what you mean. it looks curved, but that is just the curvature from the card not being perfectly flat... I see that effect in a lot of unprofessional raw pics...

Yeah scan of the top back you can see a curve. I guess it could be a weird effect of the scan.