Set collectors - flaws you are ok with

[Vintagevault13]

The last set I completed was 1975 Topps baseball. It was about five years ago and I drove myself crazy ensuring that I had no cards with print dots/fish eyes. I have taken a break from set building, but I’m about to start back. I will primarily focus on the 70s sets. I don’t know if I can be as picky this time around because so many of the 70s cards have these types of print imperfections. For you fellow set collectors, what types of print flaws are you OK having in your sets. I draw the line with imperfections that were not part of the production process (writing, creases, etc.). Thanks in advance for your thoughts.


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[GasHouseGang]

For me, it would have to be slightly off center. Some OCD types just can't take a card that's off center. But for me, if a card has really sharp corners and looks like new but is off center, I'm okay with it.

[Eric72]

Flaws I don't mind for set building:

• Off-centered cards, up to about 65/35
• Corner wear
• Print imperfections that aren't on the player's face
• Very minor wrinkles/bends (older sets only)

Flaws I can't tolerate:

• Undersized cards
• Any surface issues (scuffs, snow, fisheyes, etc.) on the player's face
• Miscut cards (as in, the cardboard is not rectangular)

[Harliduck]

Same as others...off center with some border still showing...ok, and really accepted with sharp corners. Not accepted post 56, creases of any kind. I'd say 95% of my 57 to 80 would grade 4 to 6...I'm constantly looking for upgrades.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

Same as others...off center with some border still showing...ok, and really accepted with sharp corners.

Off center cards didn't bother me as a kid. Therefore they still don't bother me now even up to 90/10.

Printing fish-eyes I hardly notice either. It's after market wear such as soft corners and creases that I find totally unacceptable.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Eric72

Flaws I don't mind for set building:

• Off-centered cards, up to about 65/35
• Corner wear
• Print imperfections that aren't on the player's face
• Very minor wrinkles/bends (older sets only)

Flaws I can't tolerate:

• Undersized cards
• Any surface issues (scuffs, snow, fisheyes, etc.) on the player's face
• Miscut cards (as in, the cardboard is not rectangular)

This is a great summary. I would say I am a little stricter on centering…maybe accepting 60/40 on a bad day for something I have been looking for. But the rest are bang on.

[mortimer brewster]

Creases are a No-No. 80 20 centering is acceptable. I don't mind gum stains as long as they're on the back of the card. I don't want any paper loss. Slightly touched corners are okay.

[UKCardGuy]

I'm old school... For me condition starts with the corners and no wrinkles/creases.

• For 1950s and up I'm really looking for sharp corners and straight edges.
• I don't mind a card that's a little off center. But if it's 90/10, I'm gonna pass.
• Like others, I don't mind d price issues like fisheyes if the don't take away from key parts of the image.

For Pre-war, I have a lot more flexibility. I don't mind a T205 with some rounded corners. In fact, I think it makes the card attractive. But for my post-war... No thank you.

[Vintagevault13]

Thanks for all of the thoughts and opinions. They helped and I really appreciate reading how so many of you build your sets. Super excited to be back into set building. I’m definitely going to now focus more on having fun and less about little imperfections that really don’t matter. I guess we all have to find what we are willing to accept and then just go for it and have fun!


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[Bigdaddy]

I've built sets from the '50s to the '80s and I guess I'm really on a sliding scale being a bit more lenient with the older/more expensive cards. I realize that may be opposite of some folks that might want the major cards in a given set to be the shinning stars.

In general, I:

• Look for cards with good eye appeal, particularly on the front;
• Centering should be at least 70/30 and definitely don't want any card without a border showing;
• No diamond cuts
• Don't mind wrinkles or even small creases that are hard to see with the naked eye;
• Generally don't mind small marks on the backs of cards;
• Always look for good registration. The TPGs don't seem to take this into account as much as other flaws, but I can't stand a blurry photo;
• I'm OK with EX corners; especially on older cards. Like wrinkles on an older person's face - they just belong there. No dog ears though;
• No trimmed cards;
• Print marks are OK, if not too large/distracting and not on a players face;
• Centering on the reverse is not so important unless it is really bad.

Fortunately, for most Topps sets, there are plenty of cards out there. It may just take some time to find one that fits your liking and price point.

[sthoemke]

I like mis-cuts/off-centered cards that show a part of another card.

[Kevin]

T206 - I have half cards and paper loss on the face in the collection. Those are noted and upgraded.

C46 - Same

1950 Bowman Baseball - I buy anything and upgrade

1950 Bowman Football - I buy anything and upgrade

1955 Bowman Baseball - I buy anything and upgrade

So...anything and everything is in my collection. When I get around to organizing, I'll through some of my dupes on the BST. At least that is the plan...

[Zach Wheat]

I might be the exception but for 1952 Topps, I place a premium on buying cards from an original owner. Therefore cards with flaws, almost any type, are acceptable.