One of each Topps Cubs card ever produced, starting with base from 77-present - I've got a LONG way to go;-)
IN TRADES: I prefer to trade my dupes for cards I need from the same set or within a few years each way, but I do make trades all the time that violate that preference. Generally speaking, my cards are in pack fresh condition. I pack and ship carefully, and expect that we all do in this community. If a particular card of mine is NOT in pack fresh condition, I try very hard to note that with a condition indicator, and when possible, a note about what the defect(s) is(are). In these cases, comparable condition in return is of course acceptable. When making trades without those exceptions, I am looking for cards in the following conditions.
Pre 1975 - Probably would be ok with VG. Dinged corners acceptable, but not rips, tears, completely rounded corners, creases, or significant wax/gum stains. Centering no worse than 85/15.
1975-1981 - OK with EX or better. No rounded corners, No creases, No gum/wax stains, no worse than 75/25 centering.
1982-1991 - Has to be at least EX-MT. Centering 80/20 minimum.
1992-present - Looking for NrMt or better.
I'm aware that we all judge our cards a bit differently, but I subscribe to the general notion that a card's "grade" should be based on the entire package, e.g. a 75/25 off center card could have scalpel sharp corners and great color, so might suffice as better than the off-center defect would hurt it. I own fewer than 10 slabbed/graded cards, so more interested in the card's aesthetic appeal than the grade it might receive.
Finally, trade value does not have to be even to the penny. I'd like to move my cards in which I am less interested into the hands of fellow collectors who would value tham more than I do, and I hope that those I trade with feel the same. As much as my heart wants Beckett to be the guide it was when I grew up in the early 80s, I tend to use sold comps from the prior 90 days on eBay where those comps exist to come up with value when necessary, but when trading commons, 1 for 1 generally works for me.
This is a hobby, and I am in it for the joy of collecting. It doesn't mean I wouldn't take some cash for a card that someone else will love more than I do, but "breaking even" is the ideal. When in doubt, shoot me a message and let's see what we can work out.
