1909 T206 White Border Christy Mathewson #portrait

Rounded on all corners but only the upper left bugs me. Colors fly off the card and the registration is solid.

Backs do not bother me much when talking eye appeal - even t206s. This one has beautiful print, image, clarity, color and all it combines for a beautiful pop that jumps off the page. A beautiful example of how a card can survive in low grade with tremendous eye appeal - a true survivor!

This Matty portrait possesses many of the qualities that make it so enduringly admired. The color combination is especially striking here. The yellow and red background tone is warm and luminous. They give the card a richness and depth that immediately draws the eye. The registration is good. Mathewson’s facial features present with excellent clarity, allowing the calm, dignified expression to come through naturally. The “NY” on the chest is sharp and fully defined. The nameplate is equally clean and readable, helping anchor the lower portion without distraction. The borders feel balanced overall. There are a couple detractors, most notably some wear at the top left corner and a slight disturbance visible on the cheek area. Yet, the eye continues to return to the color, clarity, and poise of the portrait itself. You can feel Mathewson's mind at work.

My reviews are based on imagining the card is 18” to 20” away. That’s what eye appeal is to me. B Centering A+ Color & registration C- Surface & Cut

Dinged corners and a bit too much registration bleed for my taste, but the colors draw the eye and the image is good.

Good second tier eye appeal because the image and surface have no distractions. Corner wear is the one flaw that could be improved. Centering is good with a little room for side to side improvement.

good mid level card. normally backs do not bother me unless dramatic and with all that paper loss it effects my enjoyment of the card. the front image and colors are solid but the upper damage to the card also hurts it The borders are nice size and bright but off center.

Very strong image and color. L/R centering could be better. I don't mind even corner wear but the top left corner stands out from the others. Overall, still presents well with a beautiful image of Matty.

Eye appeal remains strong despite what appears to be damage up top.

The flawless interior of the card, led by the great portrait and background, really surprisingly and happily mitigates the impact of the top left damage, corner wear, and centering.