When it comes to vintage trading cards, especially those from the mid-1970s or earlier, one factor stands out in determining their value: centering. This refers to how evenly the card’s borders are placed. If a card’s borders are equal, it can command a premium of 30-50% over an average card of the same grade. Cards that have close centering, like 60/40, are often regarded as top-tier.
So, why is centering so important? Simply put, it’s because it’s rare. Vintage cards typically have white borders, making any centering flaws easier to spot. On the other hand, modern cards tend to be borderless, and advancements in printing technology ensure more accurate cuts. Additionally, today’s cards are not seen as disposable like they were in the past—a factor that has led to better quality control in card production.
Collectors prize perfectly centered cards for their rarity. Many are willing to buy them even if the grade isn’t perfect because they know that a well-centered card holds lasting appeal.
Let’s dive into eight of the hardest-to-find well-centered cards from the vintage era of Topps, which spanned from 1951 to 1973. While not all cards are from Topps, opinions vary on which are the toughest to find centered. This list is not exhaustive, so feel free to share your thoughts on any others you think should be included!
Please note that this discussion focuses only on front centering. Grading companies are generally more lenient about back centering. Ideally, the back borders should also be even, but that’s often overlooked in official grading.
Here are some of the most notorious cards when it comes to centering:
- 1954 Bowman Ted Williams: This card had to be pulled quickly as Williams was signed to Topps that year. Finding this card well-centered is nearly impossible, and centered examples could go for up to 50% more than similar grades.
- 1954 Topps Ernie Banks: The Banks rookie card suffers from significant top-to-bottom centering issues, as the design lacks a top border. Finding a mid-grade version with good centering can be twice as hard. Around 25% of graded cards show good centering, but mid-grade centered ones can fetch around $2,000.
- 1958 Topps Bobby Hull: This is another sought-after rookie card. Fewer examples are well-centered; a recent year-long search found only one decent example among twenty attempts. Expect to pay about $1,700 for even a poorly graded centered card.
- 1959 Topps Bob Gibson: This rookie card is highly desirable, but right-to-left centering is common. Poorly centered variants still hold a premium, reaching up to 40% above average prices. Finding one with good centering is rare.
- 1961 Topps Jim Brown Highlights (#77): This highlights card features a horizontal design that usually leads to centering problems. Many are graded as off-center, and well-centered versions are sought after, making them valuable collectibles.
- 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain: As Chamberlain’s rookie card, it has only been graded a few thousand times, and well-centered examples are even rarer—perhaps only 15% have good centering. A centered version could reach prices between $2,500 and $3,000.
- 1971 Topps Thurman Munson: While not Munson’s rookie, this card is also tough to find centered due to its horizontal layout and black border, which shows wear easily. Many from this set are miscut.
- 1972 Topps Roger Staubach: This key card from the set can be tricky for collectors to find in good condition, especially well-centered. Recently a well-centered PSA 6 sold for $666, a whopping premium over a typical card in that grade.
This isn’t a complete list. There’s a slew of other cards from various years that are hard to find centered. Many collectors tend to hold on to well-centered pieces, making them even more difficult to acquire.
In summary, centering is a vital trait in vintage cards, affecting both their rarity and value. Keep an eye out for those elusive well-centered cards—they could be the gems you’ve been searching for!
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Memorabilia & Collectibles, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL
